Bamboo planter stands $49.99 & $59.99 | Wicker wall art $79.99
I don’t know about you, but these past few rainy days have kept me inside and forced me to have a good look around at our interior. In doing so, I’ve noticed that I’m long overdue for a refresh inside of our house. We’ve been spending so much time outdoors that I honestly haven’t really paid much attention to the state of what’s inside. So today I’m going to shake off the rainy-day blues with some good music, tasty snacks, and decorating. Three of my favourite things! I love the opportunity for a good makeover, so I’m going to give our mantle a much-needed overhaul. And I’ll show you some tips and tricks on how to get a beautifully decorated mantle in whichever style best suites your home.
Often times, styling seems easy peasy – just throw some of your favourite things up on display and viola! If only it was that simple, right?? Fact of the matter is, styling a large surface in your home can be quite daunting. Especially if it’s a focal point, such as a mantle. But a mantle is a great place to showcase your personal style, and if you don’t take it too seriously, playing around with it can prove to be a lot of fun!
26" pampas grass bundle $14.99 | 3 & 4" birch logs $7.99
Check out this short reel to see the mantle makeover come together
Before we get into different styles, let’s go over the fundamantles...I mean fundamentals 😆. Believe it or not, there is a formula when it comes to decorating a mantle, or any large horizontal space for that matter. If you don’t have a fireplace, this could easily work on a shelf or a side table such as a narrow entry table.
Let's tackle this mantle together! I'm going to give it a breezy, beachy vibe with natural wood, rattan and accents in sea glass green! To begin with, you’ll need a large piece to anchor everything. This is usually a substantial piece of artwork or an oversized mirror. I like to keep this centered and work everything else around it. But if you’re feeling like spicing things up, you could certainly break the 'rules' and have it off-centre to go for a more asymmetrical look. This anchor piece should, ideally, be the tallest and largest object on the mantle.
Wicker mirror $149.99 (currently on sale for additional 30% off)
Secondly, you’ll add the ‘weight’ pieces. These are items that can go beside your anchor piece. They should be a little shorter than the anchor, but still carry decent height and take up more outward space on the shelf. Some good examples are a cluster of large candles, a vase with flowers or grass, lanterns, or maybe a stack of books with a cute object or air plant on top.
Green glass vase $49.99 & $69.99 | Suncut Palm leaves $7.99 (3 pk) | Palm spears (5 pk) $7.99
Then lastly, add the filler. This is commonly a smaller piece of artwork or picture frame which can be layered in front of your anchor, and a little off to the side. Or perhaps a small plant or decorative box to go in front. Basically, you just want to layer a couple things in front to give a little depth.
Wooden bird statue $39.99 | Large Driftwood $24.99 | Artificial succulents - prices vary | Bead garland $12.99 | Natural wood candle holders $24.99 & $29.99 | Flameless candles $9.99
When choosing items to go on the mantle, be sure to keep height in mind. You will want the items you cluster to vary in height to keep the eye moving. The center should be the highest point. It may help to think of a triangle shape on the wall and go from there. This picture will help to visualize what I mean:
I spent some time switching things up to showcase some of the gorgeous décor at Anna’s. Keep in mind that this is all on my very modest and neutral fireplace. While I would love to redo the entire thing one day (so it's actually usable) that just isn’t in the cards right now. Here are some different styles that are all very seasonally appropriate. Keep in mind, this is using mostly décor from the store, you could certainly shop your home and find items that work with your personal style!
For all of my fellow nature loving friends. This look is focused on greenery and natural elements. It's a little more full, giving off some serious bohemian vibes. I absolutely love it!
Flower pot $29.99 | 43" Hoya leaf hanging spray $19.99 | Stone mushrooms $24.99 | Metal taper candleholders $19.99 & $29.99
Moss & driftwood art piece $199.99 | 10" Raven ZZ plant $59.99 | 8" Silver Satin Pothos $39.99
Another important factor that shouldn't be overlooked is the hearth. You'll notice here that if you draw a diagonal line from the hearth and to the mantle, it is balanced. The side that carries most weight on the mantle, is more bare below, and vice versa.
Now, by keeping the same anchor and swapping out the filler and weight pieces I can achieve a completely different look. This eclectic style is not for everyone, but I quite enjoy its quirky factor.
3 & 4" birch logs $7.99 | Bamboo planter stands $49.99 & $59.99 | Throw blanket $39.99
Creating something that best suites YOUR taste is the ultimate goal. If it makes you happy, then you've done a good job!
Black wooden bust $39.99 | Sandstone taper candle holders $14.99 & $19.99 | Sandstone vase $19.99 | Artificial succulents - prices vary
I just love creating little vignettes and playing with different kinds of textures. These sandstone taper candle holders are so cute and can be utilized in so many different styles. I think I'll be hanging on to these ones 😉.
Boho bubble ceramic vase $29.99 | 26" pampas grass bundle $14.99 | Bronze Yoga frog $19.99 | Sandstone taper candle holders $14.99 & $19.99
For a more traditional look here I tried to keep things more symmetrical and neutral. You can't go wrong with large candle holders and orchids. I love how the natural wood gives this traditional style a more modern twist.
