When in Doubt, Layer Graphic background produces a bold backdrop for this particular vignette where layered accessories are more visually appealing than if the exact same set of items had been only lined up. To achieve the look, start with tall artwork from the trunk, topped by smaller framed pieces facing. Add a pile of books, accessories along with a little greenery to bring life (literally) to your screen.
Vintage Meets Contemporary Antique books paired with sleek white vases full of blossoms weave together old and new. Use a stack of books to elevate an item so there's a selection of heights in your own design.
Create a Focal Point Consider the room as a complete when decorating your mantel. This living room is full of color and layout so the mantel features clean, simple decorations. A big octagonal mirror not only centers on the fireplace, but also serves as an anchor for the entire living space. Straightforward vases and flowers complete the appearance.
Take a Casual Strategy Art draws your eye to the mantel and takes up more visual property compared to a lot of smaller items. Additionally, by leaning the art against the walls, you produce a relaxed, lived-in look. Long stalks of cut flowers take advantage of the room's tall ceilings and add elevation to the screen.
Display Off a Set Mantels are a great spot to showcase favorite objects, such as a set of dishware. Hang vintage plates on the walls, then arrange smaller bits on the mantel, using a variety of sizes and shapes. To add additional color to this mantel, green liquid is added to apothecary jars.
Make It Personal Family photos are an ideal way to personalize any room. Here, designer Joanna Gaines added a black-and-white family photograph to keep with the area's neutral theme. A few brilliant vases add a little bit of pop.
Be Bold Designer Sarah Richardson livens up the place above this mantel with a kicky tone-on-tone striped turquoise background. Art wrapped asymmetrically, balanced by a grouping of colorful pottery, adds more visual appeal and a more contemporary feel.
Light It Up Lighting is such an significant part any living space and needs to serve both task and ambient needs. Here, lantern-style sconces add beautiful accent lighting to the reclaimed barn wood overmantel. If the area above your mantel is not already wired, call in an electrician, or just put lanterns fitted using battery-operated votives on either side of the mantel to get a similar impact.
Branch Out Adding a pure element to your mantel creates a more inviting display and adds that spark of life. Best of Cut branches are free -- just head outdoors with clippers in hand to create a stunning statement that will endure longer than fresh-cut flowers.
Improve Your Design Look to the kind of your fireplace for inspiration. To complement this fireplace's rustic design, designer Joanna Gaines added a collection of old books, a classic botanical print and vases Full of fresh-cut flowers.
Use Framed Artwork Rather than a single big framed piece of art, make the same impact with a collection of smaller pieces Here, four bits are framed exactly the same and hung as one big piece of art. Pretty vases and candlesticks finish out the appearance.
Incorporate Shelves Create a new addition seem as an always-been-there architectural element by encircling it with built-in shelves. Designer Mary Jo Fiorella tops this modern gas fireplace with a lengthy, rustic wood mantel and flanks it using floating shelves to Give plenty of display space.
Keep It Simple A gorgeous mantel doesn't have to comprise tons and tons of accessories; sometimes, simple is best. Designer Ana Donohue adds just a couple of elements to this floating wooden mantel for a look that is effortless and chic.
Consider the Box Rather than an arrangement of accessories, then create an unexpected design on the wall above the mantel. Designer Darlene Molnar makes a large clock working with an eclectic mix of numbers within this modern living space.
Put Treasures on Display Scour your cabinets for beautiful yet meaningful pieces. Here, the homeowner is able to produce a striking display whilst showcasing his polo accomplishments.
Scale is Essential Take your living room's height into account -- in a vaulted room, small items might get dropped, while big objects will overpower a little space. Here, an antique window frame and magnolia wreath sits along with painted white shiplap wood siding. Tall distressed blue candlesticks help balance and add height to the display.
Have Fun With Colour Within this living room, a rainbow of colours is used to draw the attention into the mantel. The lively touches of striped art and a row of colorful pom poms adds just the right amount of pop.
Pick a Palette Limit your color choices to create a cohesive appearance. A color scheme of white, sand and gray allows a mixture of accessories to look unified. Add a mirror to assist the space appear larger and bounce light around the space.
Celebrate the Seasons Empty antique frames produce a flexible background that is simple to switch out for every season. Trade the pumpkins and small wreath to get a fresh herb wreath and vibrant flowers for spring, seashells and driftwood for summer and greenery and twinkle lights for the winter.
