Before we begin the post we interrupt for a small commercial break. Cue Christmas music. Mark your calendars and get those mantels ready peeps! Thursday, December 8th I’ll be hosting a Christmas Mantel Link party and you are all invited!
……………………………………………………………
Last week, I guest posted over at The Shabby Creek Cottage and shared this post with her readers. Today I thought I’d share it with you! The question I am most frequently asked is, “How do I decorate my mantel?” Well, I’m certainly not the best mantelscaper in the blogosphere, but I might be one of the most enthusiastic! Decorating your mantel can be fun, inexpensive, and rewarding. Below is a collection of several of my mantel creations from the past two years.
So where do you start? How do you begin?
If you’re completely at a loss and mantel decorating seems intimidating, then I recommend you follow either of these two “formulas”.
Formula #1: Create a Visual Triangle
- Use a large object in the center such as a mirror.
- Use two or three smaller objects on the left. Candlesticks work well.
- Use one large object on the right. A large vase or urn filled with sticks/flowering branches works nicely.
- Layer smaller objects such as picture frames in the empty spaces.
via Steven & Chris
The visual triangle formula is my standard go-to when I begin decorating my mantel. I always start with my main focal point which can be a piece of artwork, mirror, picture frame, wreath, window, pallet art, etc. Use your imagination, shop your house, and change it up. I steal mirrors, art, and wreaths from all over the house to place above my mantel to fit the season. Don’t be scared to experiment and make new nail holes! They are easily patched. Next, I gather a collection of objects that I think might work and I start playing. I move things around, walk across the room, squint at it, and then move things around again. Tweaking your mantel is all part of the fun! Enjoy the creative process
For me, the best way to glean some mantel inspiration is by following an example. Here are three more examples of mantels demonstrating the “Visual Triangle Formula”.
Formula #2: Make it Symmetrical
- You cannot go wrong with symmetry! Start with a mirror, frame, wreath, or identical grouping of frames in the center.
- Create balance on the left and right of your mantel by using groupings of items that mirror one another.
The only difference between this formula and the first is that you are simplifying things a bit. You are still creating a visual triangle, but this time you are creating a mirror image on each side of your mantel. So instead of grouping objects on the left and finding a large object for the right, you are grounding each end of your mantel with an identical object.
In the picture below, the mirror is placed in the center and the baby Christmas trees provide the symmetry. Visually, this mantel is creating an upside down triangle which is interesting and pleasing to the eye. Using simplicity in color, symmetry, and balance will produce a cute mantel 99% of the time. (The other 1% you ask? Well, if you chose to balance your mantel with large gaudy clowns or something of the sort it might fall into that 1% category.)
Tip: Notice that the groupings of objects in the middle are not identical but match each other in height. Placing meaningful objects on your mantel in the form of pictures or special treasures is always encouraged!
via
Need more examples of mantel symmetry in action? Here you go:
Once you become comfortable using these two formulas, you’ll begin to find your own style and enjoy breaking the rules! I hope you’ll get those mantels ready and join the party on December 8th!!
Now, if only I had a mantle, I think I could follow your great tips!
Perhaps in the next house!!
You don’t need a mantel to play along! A shelf, sideboard, buffet, piano top, console table, etc. all count in my book.
I love all of these pics! I can’t believe it’s time to get out the Christmas stuff next week. I’m wanting to change things up this year, but haven’t decided what I’m doing yet.
I’m not sure what I’m doing yet either! I think I’m going more kid-friendly this year though. Last year I went more Ballard Designs inspired and this year I’m thinking of going back to PBK inspired!
Great post Beth, very informative. I wrote a very similar post a few weeks ago and used examples of my past decorated mantels ~ http://www.sasinteriors.net/2011/10/how-to-decorate-a-mantel/
Great minds think alike…
~Jenna
This is a terrific post.
Love your great mantels! Thanks so much for the ideas. I love the paper stars!
I just moved three weeks ago into a 1934 house with a non-working fireplace. What I love is the lines of the molding and the mantel. I am having so much fun decorating it! Thanks for all the wonderful and inspiring ideas here!
Brenda
I always love and am inspired by your mantels! Thanks for sharing your secrets with us! Now I just need a mantel to decorate!! Right now I use the top of my antique pie safe but I am going to try to come up with some other “scapes” to beautify!
great tips! And I love being able to see several of your mantle-scapes. It is so interesting to see how each season’s decor changes the look of the same space.
~ Emily N. from “too Blessed to Stress”
Yay for mantle parties!! I’ll be there!
So inspiring! I really need to get my mantel built this year so that I can finally decorate one! Sheesh! Love, love, love all your examples. And it’s so cool to see all of your mantels all in one place! Very inspiring. Thanks!
Pinning…
~Angela~
OH, and I wanted to ask — where did that one photo of the white mantel with the symmetrical mini trees come from? It’s gorgeous!
Thanks,
~Angela~
I couldn’t track down the original source but if you click on the pic it will take you to where I found it. I always try to find the original but sometimes it’s impossible!
Great advise! I love the simple mantel you created with the pears! stunning:)
This was a great post, thanks! I struggle decorating my mantle, but your pictures have inspired me to be more creative with it. I haven’t joined a linky party before so maybe this one will be first
Would love to see some inspiration for mantels that have a television mounted above. It leaves such a narrow space to decorate under the base of the tv. Any ideas or pics out there? Gorgeous mantels!!
I told my sis to create a post like this because she has a tv over her mantel and always does a fabulous job with it. Check out her post: http://www.sandandsisal.com/2011/11/how-to-decorate-thanksgiving-mantel.html
Love this Beth!! It is so awesome that you have all the mantle pictures in collage form. Makes it so much easier for me to apply the tips you gave.
Oh good! I’m glad it’s helpful!
Can’t wait! Thanks! Laura
You sure have inspired me to try things with my mantel. I just have a hard time getting away from symmetry !
Those are great tips! I’ve got some ideas swirling in my head already! Just got some new stockings at Hob Lob!
Yay! I’ll be here with bells on!