MANTLE STYLING IN 5 EASY STEPS

Made By Girl Via Apartment Therapy

Wow!  This summer has been insane.  Between the hubby’s new job, two moves, a new city, a new home, and new schools my head has been spinning.  Luckily we moved into our new house this last weekend and life will calm down so much.  With getting settled, I am going to be stopping by here to share projects and helpful tips much more regularly.  I am so excited.  Today I want to tackle a space that can sometimes prove tricky for homeowners.  I want to share with you my five easy tips for making your mantle a showpiece in your home.

MANTLE STYLING IN 5 EASY STEPS

1. Scale

This is such an important first step when starting to style your mantle.  As a general rule of thumb, I would suggest that whatever you choose as your anchor piece for your mantle be 3/4 the height between the mantle and the ceiling.  It can certainly be larger than that if you choose, but much smaller than and the anchor piece gets lost and the mantle looks cluttered.

Becki Owens Scale Picture - MANTLE STYLING IN 5 EASY STEPS featured by popular Home Interior Design blog, E. INTERIORS

Becki Owens

2.  Anchor Piece

This next step is tied directly to the step above.  The anchor piece will set the tone for the rest of the mantle.  Generally I recommend our clients use a large mirror or a piece of art to make the maximum amount of impact.  We absolutely love using this mirror and I think this piece of art would be divine above a fireplace.

Anchor Piece image - MANTLE STYLING IN 5 EASY STEPS featured by popular Home Interior Design blog, E. INTERIORSCentsational Girl

3.  Layering

The next two steps I am going to talk about are a matter of personal taste.  Some people prefer a very simple, clean mantle like the gorgeous example above by Becki Owens.  However, sometimes layering can help add depth and dimension to a mantle which is really helpful since mantle’s are so linear.  It’s important to remember to use layering sparingly because two many small objects on the mantle can create a cluttered look.  I love the way this mantle is layered with beautiful artwork, but it still remains simple and clean.

Layering image - MANTLE STYLING IN 5 EASY STEPS featured by popular Home Interior Design blog, E. INTERIORS

Mydomaine.com

4.  Symmetrical vs. Asymmetrical

Again this is more a matter of personal style and the look you are trying to achieve in your own home.  Symmetrical mantle designs are typically seen in more formal or traditional homes, while an asymmetrical mantle is usually associated with more modern, casual design.  I love this example from Shea McGee.

mantle - MANTLE STYLING IN 5 EASY STEPS featured by popular Home Interior Design blog, E. INTERIORS
Studio McGee

While the mantle is still balanced, she has added different types of accessories to each end and has slightly weighted one side of the mantle with heavier examples.  The House Beautiful example is a great use of symmetrical design with equal and matching accessories on both sides of the anchor piece.

5.  Varying Height

The last step is important because by varying height in your mantle, it creates movement and allows the eye to travel across the varying levels of the mantle.  Candlesticks and vases with greenery are a great way to create a height in your mantle design.  As a little side tip, if you have a Michael’s or Hobby Lobby in your city they are a great source for inexpensive, quality faux greenery.  It doesn’t hurt that you can usually find a coupon too.  I love this vase from West Elm.  Another great way to add height is to stack books and then place a decorative object on top.  We love using these gorgeous books when styling a mantle, but you can also use books you have around the house and cover them with decorative paper from stores like Paper Source.

Domino Movement - MANTLE STYLING IN 5 EASY STEPS featured by popular Home Interior Design blog, E. INTERIORSDomino Magazine Spring Issue

Shop Our Anchor Piece Picks
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Shop Our Choices for Adding Height to Your Mantle
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Shop Our Favorite Mantle Accessories

Hope you enjoyed this mantle styling tips and tricks post! Which featured accessories will you get for your own mantle and home?