Your mantel is often the focal point of your living room or family room. It’s a place to display cherished photos, favorite decor pieces and objects with sentimental value. Even though you love your mantel decor, it can start to feel stale after a while. If you feel like your mantel could use an update but don’t want to fully redecorate, try these 10 easy ways to give it a fresh new look for any season.
Remove Clutter and Start Fresh
The first step in updating your mantel is clearing everything off and giving yourself a blank slate. Take down all photos, decor and knick-knacks so you can see the mantel itself. This will help you approach the space with fresh eyes. Once the mantel is cleared, do a deep clean by dusting, wiping down and making any needed repairs. Now you have a clean foundation to build upon.
Change Up the Layout
Most mantel displays follow a symmetrical layout, with items lined up neatly in the center. Break out of that tired look by playing with an asymmetrical or geometric design. Place items in unusual spots like the far left or right edges to create visual interest. You can also bunch items together in vignettes rather than spreading them out evenly.
Say Goodbye to Seasonal Decor
Pack up any seasonal decor like Christmas stockings or Easter bunnies that have overstayed their welcome. These types of items can make your mantel feel dated. Stow them away and replace with year-round accents that you can enjoy regardless of the season.
Try New Styling Themes
Give your mantel a fresh theme or style you’ve never tried before. For example, go modern with sleek metallic accents and geometric art. Or create a nature-inspired look with woven baskets, driftwood and faux plants. If you always decorate traditionally, get playful with bright colors and funky patterns. Stepping outside your comfort zone breathes new life into your space.
Update Photos and Art
Photo frames and art are common mantel decor. If you’ve had the same pieces displayed for ages, switch them out for something new. Rotate in different photos from recent vacations or milestones. Seek out new affordable art prints, or frame pages from old books or sheet music. Updating photos and art is an easy way to quickly change up your look.
Add Unexpected Texture
Incorporate tactile textures you don’t typically use to make your mantel display more dynamic. Try natural touches like stone vases, linen or burlap fabrics, or woven baskets. Or add sleeker modern textures like acrylic, concrete, metal or marble accents. Unexpected textures add visual and tactile interest.
Showcase Meaningful Treasures
Your mantel is a great place to showcase sentimental items that make your house feel like home. Display special items like your grandparents’ wedding photo, seashells from family trips, or your kids’ artwork. Adding personal mementos and heirlooms makes your mantel feel warm, welcoming and uniquely you.
Adjust the Height
Raising or lowering your decor impacts your mantel’s look and feel. Place larger decor on the floor in front of the mantel to give a grounded, earthy look. Or stack books and boxes under accent pieces to boost them higher. You can also mount floating shelves above the mantel for more display space. Play with height and watch your mantel take on a new dimension.
Repaint If Needed
Sometimes a fresh coat of paint is all your mantel needs to feel brand new. Go bold with a saturated hue like navy or emerald. Or opt for a light, neutral color like beige if you prefer a calmer backdrop. Painting the mantel wall a different color than the rest of the room also makes it pop. Add decorative trim for extra flair.
Add Soft Lighting
Proper lighting can transform the look and feel of your mantel. Install sconces or pendant lights to cast a warm glow over your mantel contents. Place table lamps or reading nooks nearby to provide ambiance. You can also line the mantel with fairy lights for a twinkly accent. Lighting adds style while also making your display more visible.
Updating your mantel decor doesn’t require a total style overhaul or expensive new pieces. A few simple tweaks like changing up your layout, displaying meaningful items or adding lighting can make your mantel look and feel fresh again. Use these inspired ideas to give new life to your mantel any time it feels lackluster or dated. With a little creativity, you can easily breathe new energy into this focal point of your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some quick ways to update a mantel?
Some quick mantel updates include:
- Changing up the layout and placement of items
- Swapping out old photos for new prints and family pics
- Adding unexpected textures and materials
- Painting the mantel or surrounding wall a new color
- Adjusting the height and scale of decor
- Adding lighting like sconces or string lights
How often should you update mantel decor?
It’s best to update mantel decor at least once or twice a year. Switch it up seasonally or anytime it starts feeling stale. Some pieces like sentimental items can stay, but rotate other accents. For major holidays, do a more thorough styling update.
What can I display on my mantel?
Great mantel display options include:
- Framed photos and art
- Sentimental keepsakes and heirlooms
- Candles and lanterns
- Greenery, flowers or seasonal botanicals
- Books or decorative boxes
- Sculptures or busts
- Baskets, vases or bowls
Mix in personal mementos with other decorative accents.
How do you style a mantel?
When styling a mantel, create visual interest by varying heights, textures and colors. Build vignettes or clusters of items rather than spreading things out evenly. Mix sentimental objects and art. Make sure items are stable and secure. Properly style items so they don’t block architecture details. Lighting also helps create an inviting look.
What colors work best on a mantel?
Classic mantel colors like whites, blacks and natural wood tones never go out of style. More bold hues like navy, green, gray and brick red also work beautifully. For accents, any colors you love will stand out against a neutral backdrop. Metallics add modern flair.
Conclusion
Refreshing your mantel is one of the easiest ways to revive your living space. Follow these inspired ideas to clear clutter, introduce creative styling and display personal treasures. Little updates like new lighting or a fresh coat of paint can make a big visual impact. Use these mantel decor tips to easily give this focal feature the revival it deserves. Get ready to impress guests and enjoy your newly updated mantel yourself.
