15 Fireplace Mantel Decorations to Swap Out This Year

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A fireplace mantel is often the focal point of a room. It draws the eye and creates a feeling of inviting warmth. But then it’s so easy to let same old decorations just stay there collecting more dust than they do admiration year after year. Swapping out mantel decor does more than refresh your space; it can also set the tone for the entire season or even holiday.

Look at it this way, your mantel is a blank canvas, and can take your living room from drab to fab. The good news is you don’t have to break the bank or do an HGTV level makeover. A few meaningful tweaks can bring new life to your mantel and by extension, your house. Ready to mix things up? Let’s go!

Vintage Books and Candlelight

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Place a stack or two of vintage books onto one side of the mantel, and for interest, stack them at different heights. Place around them a mix of candles, taper, pillar or tea lights. With old books and soft candle light, this becomes a light warm, cozy place perfect for winter evening. And you might even get to curl up with one of the books with a mug of cocoa in hand.

Statement Mirror

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The space can be instantly lifted by a large mirror above the mantel. Choose an antique gold frame for that classic look or drift to the other side and opt for a modern style frameless look. Mirrors are not only great for reflecting light so your room feels bigger, they also add a bit of class. A mirror above a mantel can completely transform a room, interior designer Emily Henderson once said.

Seasonal Garland

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Try out some seasonal garlands instead of traditional ones. Eucalyptus and dried oranges in the fall — pine branches with twinkly lights in the winter. Fresh flowers are called for in spring, seashells and driftwood in summer. A garland is just one of many things that can tie a mantel theme together without overdoing it.

Family Photos With a Twist

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Print family photos in black and white and hang them instead from the usual frames in small easels or wooden blocks. The monochromatic style not only adds to the elegance, but the unique setup creates a gallery feel for your mantel. Keep things fresh by rotating the photos, too.

Modern Art

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Get rid of traditional decor and go with bold, modern artwork instead. It can be a single large piece or a handful of smaller ones which will serve as an artistic focal point and are sure to be conversation starters. Placing art in home spaces can increase creativity and decrease stress.

Ceramic Vases

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Ceramic vases in three different shapes and sizes will bring dimension and texture to your mantel. If you fill them with seasonal foliage, they are beautiful; if you leave them empty, they look minimalist. Terracotta and beige, earthy tones, are very in right now.

Minimalist Clocks

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Replace decorative items with a minimalist sleek clock. This is a functional piece as well as an understated design element. If you decide to go with a clock for a mantel, pick one with a metal or wood frame that can instantly warm up and bring some character to your mantle.

Fresh Florals

Fresh flowers in a vase never goes out of style. Rotate your selection with the seasons—sunflowers in summer, tulips in spring; poinsettias for the holidays. Fresh blooms will help you brighten up your space and bring life to your space with a burst of color.

Woven Textures

Add a cozy, rustic feel by layering textures above or on your mantel — like baskets, woven lanterns or macramé wall hangings. They’re great for breaking up hard lines and creating that lived in look on your mantel.

Metallic Accents

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Use metallic element like brass candle sticks, gold framed photo, silver ornaments and so on. A little sparkle catches the eye and it is what gives it that festive feel without feeling like we’ve gone overboard. And, of course, mix metals to create a modern, eclectic look.

Nature-Inspired Accents

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If you can, bring in the outdoors with natural elements like driftwood, smooth stones, or dried flowers. These items give you a whimsical touch to your mantel and are easy to switch out for whatever mood or season that you’re in.

Oversized Clock

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An oversized clock above your mantel would do it, if you are looking for a big impact. It’s practical and stylish at the same time, and is a statement piece that’s not dependent on much else to make it stand out.

Layered Frames

Use layering of picture frames of many different sizes and styles for a very casual but carefully curated look. Add other bits, such as a small sculpture or decorative plate for more depth. If you like to mix and match styles, this approach is great.

Seasonal Lanterns

Not only are lanterns for your porch— they can be a stunning addition to your mantel too. Pour in fairy lights, wee ornaments, or sometimes even wee pumpkins in a mason jar for a seasonal twist. They are versatile and great for year round.

Color-Coordinated Decor

Pick a color palette and stay with it. For example, a mantel painted in shades of blue and white will give you the serene feel of the coast, while red and gold scream holiday cheer. Using coordinated colors in your home decor lets your mantel look intentional and polished without any real effort.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.