I recently asked our Rose Buds what they would like to see in this blog, and one of the top requests was how to style a mantel when it’s not the holiday season. Aha! Good question. You can use a similar approach to mantel styling as you might for Christmas.
Here are a couple of can’t-go-wrong tips: Know your focal point and don’t overdo it.
It’s common to see a lovely, large piece of wall art above a mantel, be it an enlarged photo, painting, or repurposed farmhouse window (love those!). If you don’t have a focal point above the mantel, the mantel itself may be the focal point, such as vintage brick in a variety of shades.
In either case, choose items to style a mantel that compliment the focal point and don’t compete with or overwhelm it. I like a mix and match approach where I can change out a piece or two depending on the time of year or my mood. Below are some suggestions that offer some versatility and promise not to hog the focal point status. However, if you have specific questions about a piece that may or may not be ideal for your mantel styling, ask away!
Ember Black Stain Woodfire Tray 2 Sizes
Mango woodfire trays, stained with deep black, can provide some stark contrast to creamy walls, light-colored brick or traditional bricks in the red family. There are two sizes and the contrast of sizing actually makes them stand out when placed on the mantel side by side. They don’t necessarily need to be placed in the center of the mantel, either. Perched on either end works, too.
When not placed on the mantel, consider the functionality of these trays, too, as you can place them on counters, shelves or a breakfast bar, where they can hold pieces of fruit or pinecones. Wood gifts are also a pleasant surprise for loved ones, so keep it in mind as friends’ birthdays sneak up.
Decorative Faux Green Magnolia Garland
Faux greenery and/or florals can provide a welcome pop of color and vitality to a mantel space. We’re always looking for the most-realistic faux greenery we can find, be it stems, sprays, bouquets or garlands. Greenery is always in season, and we love the faux kind since it doesn’t need any watering or care.
Check out the big, bold magnolia leaves on this garland strand. Add instant charm to your modern farmhouse décor while draping this garland across a fireplace mantel. This soft, green faux garland also has a matching stem, in case you want to place one or more in a vase nearby on the shelf or the coffee table.
Speaking of stems, I adore the subtle tones of green and hints of yellow that shade the tips of the faux baby ivy leaves on this large and ample decorative stem. If garland isn’t part of your dream mantel scape, how about a couple stems laid across the mantel OR delicately showcased in a favorite vase?
Kramer Terracotta Vase with Wrapped Handles
Coastal, modern and cool are the words that come to mind when looking at this textured vase. It provides a laid-back California vibe for desert decor or beach-themed decor. This year is all about a natural feel and comforting accessories. Raffia wraps each handle of this terracotta vase. It’s a pleasing choice and partners well with a variety of neutral stems and bushes.
Hilda Mango Wood Taper Candle Holder
Frame the ends of your mantel with some candle holders to add some height. These pretty, white-washed candle holders are made from sturdy mango wood. The small and large sizes are sold individually but really make the perfect pair - coordinated but not too matchy matchy. Add your favorite taper candles for each season and one-inch candle rings will finish the look. You can also add a three-inch candle ring on the ledge of the large holder.
Long Stem Petite White Berry Spray
Need one more little item to bring the mantel to life? Add this hint of spring! This heavenly spray is popping with little white berries. I get asked a lot about long sprays that will show well inside a tall vase or even for a floor vessel or barrel. Here you go! I love the subtle green of the stem on this faux spray.
Most of us will continue to spend a lot of our time in our modern farmhouse spaces in the coming months, so it’s important to have things around that make you smile. A bare mantel does not equal smiles. However, as you’ve seen in this post, it doesn’t take a lot to move on from the holidays and still rock a festive mantel. Don’t forget to pop any questions my way. Thanks, Rose Buds.
