4 Tips for Decorating the Mantel

Hello fabulous people! Today I’m talking about 4 easy peasy tips that will make decorating your mantel a breeze. If you’re like me, you probably struggle with decorating this teeny, tiny space. I know it’s always been a challenge for me. So today I’m sharing a few simple guidelines that I’ve found to be really helpful when it comes to mantel decor. Plus I’m excited to show you one of my latest vintage goodies–an antique lunchbox that is full of history and perfect for the mantel!

Now let me first clarify that I’m no mantel decorating guru. Not even close. However, through a lot of trial and error, I’ve found 4 simple things that help make the process a little easier:

1. balance

2. layers

3. complimentary colors

4. texture

Balance

Instead of creating a perfectly symmetrical look, my goal is to simply aim for balance. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Here I chose the vintage lunch box and an old scale to help balance things out. Both items are “heavier” to the eye, so putting one on either side of the mantel helps to even out the overall look. It’s not perfect, but it’s balanced and that’s the goal.

How cool is this old lunchbox? It belonged to my great uncle. He worked on the railroad in the 1940’s and carried this lunchbox to work with him every day. It has little dents, scratches and markings all over it. It’s definitely lived a full life. And honestly, it reminds me of simpler times. Slower days and less distractions. I’m just so happy it has stayed in our family over the years and now it’s on our mantel. He passed away long ago, but I can still remember visiting him in the nursing home when I was young. He sure was a sweet soul.

Layers

Layers are a great way to add interest to your mantel. Since you don’t have much room to work with on the mantel, look for something thin and flat to put in the back. That wooden piece from an old crate in the back there is a great example. I laid it horizontally and it’s an awesome backdrop for the rest of the display. Plus it’s unexpected and vintage, so that’s a win in my book. You could also do this with an old window, picture frames, or even old washboards.

{the live simply sign is from The Painted Nest Etsy shop}

Complimentary Colors

You guys know I’m a big fan of neutrals. But for this mantel look I went with a black vintage lunchbox and a green scale. Not exactly neutral, but they do compliment each other in this look. If I had gone with a red vase instead of the white one, or bright orange lunch box, it probably wouldn’t have worked quite as well. I like to think of the mantel as a collage or puzzle, so I try combine pieces that seem to fit together naturally.

Texture

This is an easy one. And I personally think vintage items add great texture and dimension to any look. The tattered and worn book covers, the chippy white spindles, even the little green plant–it all adds texture and dimension. And I love the contrasting texture of the rusty scale and the smooth white vase. The combination of textures are what make it interesting and visually appealing.

Can we talk about these baskets for a hot minute? I’ve had sooooo many questions about these on Instagram and here on the blog over the past few months. I found these at Hobby Lobby, but there’s a ton of very similar options on Amazon. {two great choices here and here} I love them in this spot by the fireplace, they fill this little section of the wall perfectly.

So there are 4 simple and easy tips for decorating your mantel. I hope this was helpful if you struggle in this area like I do. Like I said earlier, I’m no expert, but these are the guidelines I try to keep in mind and it really does make the process easier. And I love having my great uncle’s lunchbox in our home and displayed in such a prominent spot. It has so much history and it’s really so special to me. If you have a old lunchbox like this in your family, maybe it belonged to your dad or your grandfather, pull it out and try it on the mantel. It’s the perfect size and I bet you’ll love it.

Let me know what you think and if you have any tips of your own to share, I’d love to hear it. Thanks so much for stopping by my friends! xoxo

Another mantel look you might like…