Does your mantel look boring or bare? After the holidays, without the garland, stockings, and twinkle lights, all that’s left is the decor from before the holidays. Maybe it looked fine then, but now it feels lifeless.
The post-holiday lull is the perfect time to re-style your decor and try out a new look. It’s also the ideal time to embrace the simplicity of less.
The mantel is a great place to start because it’s usually the focal point of the room. But decorating the mantel is hard because it demands a big statement made on a shallow surface.
It took me years to figure out how to style a mantel properly. If you look back at my early mantel styling examples, you’ll see many mistakes. Now, I’m sharing these mantel decorating tips so that you can skip the frustrating years of trial and error.
The best cure for a boring mantel is a time-tested styling formula. I have four to share with you today.
These four formulas show you exactly how to style a mantel—making a big statement without overpowering a narrow ledge. I’ve illustrated each formula below and added detailed tips to get the look right. Whether your mantel feels too cluttered or too bare right now, these styling formulas will help.
You might also like my free video class: Home Styling 101. The free class includes 12 video lessons, plus cheat sheets and worksheets to help you style every surface in your home.
The Basics of How To Style a Mantel
Before we get to the formulas, every mantel needs these two things:
1. A Focal Piece
Some designers call this an anchor piece. It’s the large wall decor hanging above the mantel. For a more casual look, you can lean the focal piece on the mantel (see the Layered Casual formula below).
It’s important to get the size of this piece right. A good rule of thumb is to choose a piece that is one-half to two-thirds the width of the mantel shelf.
The height of the piece will depend on your ceiling height. If you have low ceilings and a wide mantel, the right piece will likely be a long horizontal rectangle or an oval. If you have vaulted ceilings or a two-story room, you can choose a taller piece, just make sure the width is right first.
2. Large, Interesting Decor
To keep the mantel from looking cluttered, it’s best to use large decorative items. You only need a few large items to fill a mantel. Small items lead to a cluttered look. You’ll notice in most of the formulas below there are only 3-5 objects resting directly on the mantel.
Now, the formulas for how to style a mantel. Be sure to read the tips on each formula, even if it’s not a look you like. Many of the tips are universal and will help you understand basic home styling concepts, which apply to other surfaces like bookshelves, the top of the piano, and picture ledges too.
Mantel Styling Formula #1: Classic Symmetry
The easiest way to create a stylish mantel is a symmetrical arrangement. Whatever you put on the left side of the mantel, you mirror exactly on the right side.
Symmetry works for any mantel and style, but it’s especially suited to symmetrical rooms and formal spaces.
Less is More
Simplicity is the key here. Otherwise, the symmetry looks forced. Again, a few larger pieces look better than lots of smaller items.
Start with a great focal piece, like a striking piece of art or a mirror with an interestingly shaped frame.
Flank your focal piece with matching decor, like a pair of vases, urns, stick lamps, sconces, topiaries, or lanterns.
Add a Living Element
To keep the symmetrical look from feeling too static and predictable, add a “living” element.
Add some faux (or real) floral stems or greenery to the vases. The stems on each side won’t match exactly, but make sure the arrangements are balanced—similar height and fullness on each side.
Other ways to add life to a mantel include flowers, potted plants, and candles. You’ll see examples of each of those in the other formulas.
Elevate Smaller Decor
To finish off the symmetrical look add some decor to the center of the mantel.
In this example, the decorative box elevates the small object, which gives it more prominence. With the added height, the smaller object layers nicely in front of the mirror.
Break the Symmetry
For the hearth, you could continue the symmetrical look, like flanking the firebox with matching topiaries. But most people, even those who love symmetry, also crave a house that feels comfortable and lived in.
So, take the opportunity to break the symmetry on the hearth. Instead of matching lanterns on each side, put a lantern on one side and a similarly sized basket—to hold blankets or kindling— to balance it on the other side. See more about creating visual balance below.
Mantel Styling Formula #2: Balanced Asymmetry
If the symmetrical look is too perfect and buttoned up for you, aim for balanced asymmetry instead.
This look still starts with a central focal piece hung above the mantel, but the decor on each side doesn’t match.
Balance Visual Weight
The most important thing to consider with an asymmetrical arrangement is the balance. You don’t want one side of the mantel to appear lighter or heavier or taller or shorter than the other side.
In this example, the trio of decor on the left side of the mantel balances the large 11″x 14” frame on the right side of the mantel. If the picture frame were smaller, say 5″x 7”, it wouldn’t have enough visual weight to create balance.
Group Objects in Odd Numbers
Decorative objects always look best when grouped in odd numbers, especially in threes.
Here, three objects are displayed together on one side of the mantel. The decorative sphere, tall vase, and bud vase work together because they are varying heights and dimensions.
Alternate Decor Groupings
Avoid having all your groupings or single items on one side of the fireplace. It’s important to alternate the groupings and single items to maintain balance.
In this example, I put a group of three objects on the right side of the hearth below the single item on the mantel. Then, to create balance, I used a single large basket on the left side of the hearth, below the decor grouping on the mantel.
For more home styling tips like these, check out my free video class: Home Styling 101. The free class includes 12 video lessons, plus cheat sheets and worksheets that show you how to arrange your home decor step by step.
Mantel Styling Formula #3: Clustered Collection
Another easy way to decorate a mantel is with a collection of similar items, like candlesticks and pillar candles.
Start with a large, interesting focal piece. Then, fill the mantel shelf with clusters of the same type of decor.
The clustered look is a fun style for holiday decorating—mini pumpkins for fall, bottle brush trees for Christmas, or bud vases or potted succulents in the spring.
Create Clusters, Not Lines
Don’t just line up the objects on the shelf. To add more dimension, cluster them together with some objects layering in front of others. To do this effectively, the diameter of your objects needs to be less than half the depth of the mantel. That will allow you to put some objects in the back and layer others in front.
See more about staggering decor in the Mistakes to Avoid section below.
Vary Heights
The key to keeping this look cozy, not cluttered is to vary the heights of the objects. In this example, there are several different height candlesticks scattered across the mantel. There are also some candles (of varying heights) sitting directly on the mantel.
If your collection of objects are all the same height, like figurines, you can use another type of object to create height variation. For example, use stacked books under some of the figurines to create different levels on the mantel.
Mantel Styling Formula #4: Layered Casual
Once you’ve mastered some of the tips above, you can try throwing symmetry out the window. Here, the focal piece isn’t even centered.
The trick is to maintain the balance of visual weight. In this example, the height of the flowering plant helps balance the height of the tallest off-center art piece. The tall, dark candlesticks help balance the visual weight of the black frame.
Create Layers
To keep the look casual and relaxed, use layering.
The frame and small mirror are layered in front of the large art piece, all of which are leaning on the mantel. This grouping serves as the focal piece for this mantel.
You can also create horizontal layers, like the decorative box under the candlesticks. The box creates a layered look in two ways; 1) it sits partly in front of the artwork, and 2) it elevates the candlesticks to give them more presence.
See more about the importance of layering in the Mistakes to Avoid section below.
Try Stacking
Another way to layer horizontally is with a stack of flat objects, like books. On the hearth, a small lantern punctuates a tall stack of books. This stack visually balances the larger houseplant on the other side of the hearth.
3 Mantel Styling Mistakes To Avoid
You should have no trouble styling your mantel following the formulas above, but there are a few common mistakes to avoid. I illustrated these with a top-down view of the mantel shelf.
1. Don’t Put Objects in a Line
Creating a line up is the most common mistake. Instead of arranging your decor in a straight line, cluster your objects and stagger them across the depth of the mantel. No, the mantel isn’t very deep, but if you choose decor with a depth or diameter less than half the depth of the mantel that will give you some wiggle room to move pieces backward or forward.
If you have a larger decor piece that fills the depth of the mantel, that’s fine, but group it with other objects you can stagger.
Whenever possible, vary the size and shape of objects grouped together to create more dimension, giving the illusion of more depth.
There’s one exception to this rule; if the objects are identical. You can put identical objects, like three votive candle holders or three bud vases, in a line. For the right style, it creates an eye-pleasing repetition.
2. Don’t Use Too Many Small Objects
This bears repeating. It’s tempting to use small objects because the mantel shelf is shallow. The problem is the mantel is very wide relative to its depth. So it will take a lot of small objects to fill it up, which leads to visual clutter. And, smaller objects tend to look too short on the mantel because they don’t help fill the vertical space above it (see Mistake #3).
Instead of many smaller objects, use a few larger objects. In most of the formulas above, there are only 3-5 objects sitting directly on the mantel. Any smaller objects are elevated on top of another larger object.
3. Don’t Ignore the Vertical Space
The most important space to fill isn’t the mantel itself; it’s the vertical space above it. Choosing an appropriately sized focal piece is the first step. Second, the decor sitting on the mantel needs to help bridge the gap between the wide horizontal shelf and the large focal piece hanging (or leaning) above it.
A few of your decor pieces need to be tall—reaching toward the top of the focal piece, but never taller than it.
If your mantel shelf is very shallow, use flat objects leaning against the focal piece to help fill the vertical space, like a picture frame, mirror, or tray. These flat objects can fill a lot of vertical space without taking up a lot of shelf space. Here’s a bird’s eye view of the Layered Casual look:
See how the mirror in the middle leans on the black frame which leans on the large art piece. Also, the decorative box is sitting in front of the art piece with candlesticks perched on top.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this illustrated guide on how to style a mantel. Which look do you want to try on your mantel?
For more home styling tutorials, check out my free video class: Home Styling 101. The free class includes 12 video lessons, plus cheat sheets and worksheets to help you style every surface in your home.
VERY helpful! Great suggestions! I’m not one who has the gift of visualization, so the pictures brought it all together for me. Thanks Jackie!
OOps scratch my comment I was responding based on the email I saw but now that iv seen it on the website it makes perfect sense. Its helpful keep at it Jackie great job.
I really liked this illustrated post. Great info. I wish in had a mantel. Great tips regardless.
Thank you, Sara. Hopefully you can apply these tips elsewhere. The principles of alternating, staggering, layering, stacking are all useful for bookshelves and wall shelves too.
Top of my piano is very balanced with repeated identical items.
Top of the tv cabinet is balanced symmetry but I’ve not been happy with it. Will use these tips to fix!
I like this kind of post!
I loved this post. I always struggle (especially this time of year) with what to do with my mantle. I like that now I have rules to use as guidelines. I can be more decisive and know WHY something is not working instead of “it just doesn’t feel right”. Thank you.
Suzie, me too! I am glad you found these tips helpful. Remember, as you try them out and get more comfortable with the guidelines, you can mix and match different elements of the formulas to create your own look.
Hi Jackie,
This is VERY helpful because it really gives you visuals to look at and I’m very visual. Thank you for showing all these different styles! I live in South Florida, and we don’t normally have mantels. In our family room, we have a big, heavy TV unit that holds our TV, some decor, and our movies. It was my husbands before we got married. Not a fan! Anyway, the top of it is big and broad. I like to decorate it, but feel sometimes it just looks cluttered. I think this is my problem that I try to put too much up there to fill it up. If I follow these rules, I feel it may look better. Thank you!
Yes! Babette, you can use these tips for styling a large media unit too. Think of the TV as the focal piece (although I know you wish it weren’t), then carefully consider the decor that flanks it. The one big difference with a TV as the focal piece is that you won’t want to layer anything in front of it. So, make sure the decor around it is staggered and layered nicely.
Yes!!! I love this post and the illustrations! Thank you for sharing!
I would love a similar post in styling a table that is NOT against a wall – not a coffee table (although that would be good too)- but a taller table that is seen from all sides. And how to style a sofa… I cannot figure out how many pillows, patters, and throws to use. Thanks so much Jackie!
Elizabeth, are you talking about a console table or sofa table, which is usually behind the sofa but visible from all sides?
Hi Jackie,
I love the illustrations!!! It’s amazing how the drawings help to explain the concept but aren’t tied to a particular colour or style that influences how we perceive it! I imagine these are a lot of work for you, but I really enjoyed them and found them helpful. Cute too!
Thank you Anne! I did take my time with these, but it was enjoyable work.
Jackie,
I love the illustrations in this post. You are right that it takes away the destractions from specific Colors and I imagine my color scheme with my preferred layout. It would also be fun if the illustrations were provided as a pdf so I could print and color in if I wanted too. Great post and I am saving this to Pinterest for sure. Thanks
Tonya, What a fun idea! I will look into making future illustrations printable.
What you posted was helpful. But I have a corner fireplace. I have a large picture to lean up in the corner, 2 candlesticks. I want to add some picture frames and perhaps a vase or plant. Don’t know what size picture frames I should use or what type of vase? I sure could use your help.
Thank you!
How do I arrange the picture frames?
With picture frames, less is more too. I don’t typically recommend putting a collection of picture frames on a mantel, because the typical 4” x 6” and 5” x 7” frames are too small and look crowded and cluttered. Instead choose 2-3 of your favorites and have them enlarged. One could be framed as your focal piece. The others in 11” x 14” and 8” x 10” size can lean on the mantel. Overall, you want the main pieces of your mantel to create a triangle – the top of the focal piece is the top point of the triangle and the mantel is the base of the triangle. The other decor should taper out to the sides, generally within this imaginary triangle (which could be symmetrical or asymmetrical).
This is a fun way to see your creativity, Jackie.
Although I don’t have a mantle (I wish!) I do have a problem area in my kitchen. One section of counter top is 111″ long. At one end, for 4′, it’s 36″ wide. I don’t like clutter, but I do like design. Any ideas for me?
This is a fun way to see your creativity, Jackie.
Although I don’t have a mantle (I wish!) I do have a problem area in my kitchen. One section of counter top is 111″ long. At one end, for 4′, it’s 36″ wide. I don’t like clutter, but I do like design. Any ideas for me?
Wow, one section of your counter is the size of a dinner table. Does this section of counter have upper cabinets above it? Or a window? Or just a blank wall? What do you typically use the counterspace for?
Hi, Jackie.
Yes, the countertop has glass door cabinets over it. I have my teapots and cups collection in the cabinets. I use the counter for baking, rolling out pie crust on a board and cooking, etc… Usually keep a fruit bowl on the counter, but would like other suggestions.
Well, I always like to think of function first for a kitchen. To Style your counter and keep it functional, you could add large jars that hold flour and sugar. Make the flour one large, the sugar one medium size, then add a decorative object to complete the grouping. I also think with such a long space you have an opportunity to do something on the backsplash/under the cabinets instead of on the countertop. For example, add some hooks to display your rolling pins on the backsplash. Or with your tea cup and mug collection in the cabinets, add a hook rail below the cabinets to hang everyday tea cups and mugs – decorative and easy access. With that you could add a pretty tray on the counter to hold tea, sweeteners, etc. Thinking about the space for cooking, you could use the idea of layering to lean various size cutting boards against the backsplash. Or add a stack of your favorite cookbooks.
I hope this Ideas give you some inspiration of how you can apply these styling concepts to your kitchen. (I’m adding kitchen counter styling to the list of future post ideas!)
I like your ideas. Problem is, there is no backsplash as the space under the cabinets is open to the breakfast nook. I will reply to your email and attach a photo or two. I can still see how some of your ideas can work, though. Thank you for taking the time for me. Thank you for being present int he comments for us.
Really enjoyed this article. I love to change out my mantel frequently, you opened my eyes to many options. Please keep them coming
This was very well done and I can fill in the colors that I enjoy in my mind’s eye without being distracted by colors I don’t care for in my decorating. Thank you, Jackie!
Awesome tutorial Love the illustrations Thank you Looking forward to more of this.
I would enjoy seeing one on layering bedding with pillows and mixed patterns like stripes and flowers Love the look but can’t figure out how to do this.
Thanks in advance
Laura, That’s a great idea.
Thank you Jackie! I enjoy the drawings very much, especially the way you compared the different style options. The PDF sounds like a good idea.
Ideas I wonder about when to use a grounding tray, placemat etc. & when not to. I have 6 tabletop surfaces in my living/dining room that are not bookcases, mantel or narrow surfaces. I find I am wanting to put grounding under all of them but maybe that’s too much,
I think it’s okay to have one grounding element on each surface without being too much. I wouldn’t layer my grounding on all the surfaces (like a tray on top of a table runner), I’d save that for a special surface like the dining table or coffee table. Also, remember, grounding is first and foremost functional – like a tray to help an ottoman act like a coffee table. Grounding is also great for grouping things together to create a less cluttered look. Don’t add grounding where it doesn’t serve a purpose.
This was super helpful. I wonder if possible could you show an example or two of fireplaces without a raised hearth? I know it seems the same principles would apply, but being lower I need objects that are much taller to balance the height of the fireplace and most things just aren’t that tall. I also love the look of the lantern on top of the stacked books, but while it looks adorable on a raised hearth, on the floor it just looks silly. It would also be fun to have readers send in a picture of their fireplaces and mock up some examples of real-life styling ideas. I’d be the first to volunteer!
Great idea, Jenelle. I decided to focus on a raised hearth, because I don’t normally recommend decorating the hearth otherwise. When the hearth is flush with the floor, you usually have to add accent furniture before decorating. If you like the stack of books and lantern, you could try placing them on a short stool, ceramic stool, or a small accent table to elevate them to the right height.
I love the idea of readers sending in pictures of there areas! I’d love to see you teach a concept (like styling a mantel, bookcase, etc.) and have a gallery of pics that readers can upload. As a visual learner, I love to see how others apply the styling “rules”.
That’s a fun idea! I’m not sure how to implement it but I’m going to look into it.
I like the illustrations alot!
LOVE this post, and I don’t even have a mantle! But the principles work well with my entertainment center, and even a tall armoir in the bedroom. Thanks for all the hard work that went into the drawings.
Dyan, Hooray! I’m love that you thought of other spots in your home where you could use these tips.
This post came at the perfect time! we are building a new mantel and I can’t wait to get it finished and start decorating it. My favorite is the “Balanced Asymmetry” I love the line drawings that helps me visualize what it could look like in my home without the distraction of color and style. The description were very clear and simple for my beginner mind.
Thanks Jackie!
Holly, I’m so glad this was helpful. Balanced Asymmetry is my personal favorite too.
I’d like to see an illustrated guide for decor placement above a bed with two bedside tables. I think the challenge is making sure the decor elements over the tables look balanced and harmonious with elements above the bed. How do you decorate three spaces that will be viewed as one? An additional challenge is if the two bedside tables significantly differ from one another in size and visual weight.
In addition to my above comment, a guide for decor above a bed and two bedside tables would probably also apply to a sofa with two end tables. In both cases, there is a wide piece of furniture flanked by two narrower and smaller pieces of furniture.
Great job on this. Very helpful indeed.
MORE! Something I’ve struggled with for years. I knew what result I wanted but without the “formula” I could rarely achieve it.
Illustrations are an ADDer’s best friend.
Struggling with a square coffee table in a small space right now. Would appreciate some guidance. Thank you!!!
Love your post. I have the same struggles with the mantel after the holiday decorations are packed up.
I would love to have some tips on how to style a sofa/sectional with pillows. I have a large dark leather sectional and have to keep it to seat all of us with 4 kids. I wonder if you have tips to liven up the room with pillows or throw without looking like just a whole bunch of them on the sofa. Keep the posts coming!
Thank you Jackie for this informative session on styling a mantel. I find myself referring back to all of your design advice at some point or another. It’s easy to understand and implement. Thank you Jackie, keep up the great work!
Rita (Canada)
Love this! And perfectly timed as I’m currently shopping around to dress my mantel!
Great post for the decorating impaired such as myself! The drawn visuals help much more than distracting pictures. With pictures I can not get past the objects and colors to see design elements. Thanks.
My fireplace is on a 14′ tall stone wall. We have a large tv just a few inches above mantle There is room for decor on each side of tv but not much between tv and mantel. We have a raised heart as well, which is rounded. Any suggestions?
Consider your TV the focal piece and don’t layer or lean anything in front of it. In most cases, I think it’s best not to worry about putting anything on the mantel directly under the TV either. Instead focus on decor that can flank the TV.
More, please! I love these! I would love them for a dresser, console table, side tables, dining room table, etc! I also second some of the ideas that others mentioned. I’m going to use this when decorating our bedroom mantel!
Oh, yes!! I loved this style of illustration! You were right, i DO get distracted by the colors/style of other illustrations! This was perfect! Based upon the sketches, i could mentally plug my decor in! And surprisingly, i am following all the rules and nailed an “ asymmetrical “ design! BUT….i have been following you religiously for a few years now, that probably accounts for any skill i have!
Thanks, and keep up the great work!!!!!!!
VERY helpful way to illustrate without me getting caught up in “the look and style” of the decor!
As always, thank you Jackie!!!! You are so helpful 😀
This post is amazing Jackie! Your illustrations are awesome! Thank you! Can’t wait to put it to use!
This concept is a great idea, Jackie! As Rev. Suzanne, I too have a lot of kitchen counter space, and would love to see styling ideas – especially now that all the Christmas decor is back in the attic. On my way to Home Goods to find a big clock for my fireplace :) Thanks!
WOO HOO!!! Perfect timing! Recently refurbished home & new mantel is BARE. Our 60″ flat screen is on wall right above mantel & I wasn’t sure how to decorate. After viewing this, I’ve finally figured out what to do. I think balances asymmetry will work out great. Let me know if you have a better idea. Thanks Jackie :)
I love this post! Did you do the drawings, girl? I am very drawn to the simplicity of them, and they complement the text greatly. However, I have to say your photos and color schemes are some of my most favorite of all the blogs I follow, so I hope you to see a mix of this style and photos. Follower for years, thanks for all you do.
Brooke, Don’t worry! The blog won’t turn black and white. I will Mix the illustrated posts in with regular posts. Right now I’m planning to do the styling tips with illustrations once a month.
I love the simple, clean line drawings you provided to help visualize these design principles! My mantel is only about 7 inches deep so it’s been challenging finding mantel decor large enough to cover wall area, but shallow enough to layer.
I hope the layering tips help you. Varying the depth/diameter of your objects is a good way to fool the eye.
Other then Christmas time, my mantel is always cluttered with various trinkets from ether the Dollar Store or Walmart. I love the idea of having a theme and a more organized layout. I will definitely take inspiration from your tips and drawings!
very helpful. thank you