Decorating
Styling: Marvellous Makeovers for Your Mantelpiece
Forget the usual ho-hum display of photos and vases and turn your mantelpiece into a striking display space, brimming with interest
Many of us have a fireplace in our homes. Properties dating from the Edwardian period and before were typically equipped with a fireplace in every room to provide warmth in the days before central heating. While the fires may have long gone out, the mantelpiece remains, and can be pressed into service as a wonderful display space. So rather than topping it with a messy mix of pieces, spend a few moments styling your mantelpiece and see how it can enhance your room.
Supersize it
Whatever the size of your mantelpiece, treat it to some large, striking pieces. Tall vases and oversized sculptures make a big statement. You can further boost their impact by painting the fireplace the same shade as the wall, so it blends in and lets the display stand out.
Discover 8 ways to supersize in style
Whatever the size of your mantelpiece, treat it to some large, striking pieces. Tall vases and oversized sculptures make a big statement. You can further boost their impact by painting the fireplace the same shade as the wall, so it blends in and lets the display stand out.
Discover 8 ways to supersize in style
Treat it to a TV
The space above a mantelpiece is often the perfect size and shape for a flatscreen TV. Painting the surround a dark shade helps the set to blend in when not in use, too. It’s a good idea to then keep the mantelpiece itself almost clear of decorative pieces, so you are able to concentrate on the screen.
The space above a mantelpiece is often the perfect size and shape for a flatscreen TV. Painting the surround a dark shade helps the set to blend in when not in use, too. It’s a good idea to then keep the mantelpiece itself almost clear of decorative pieces, so you are able to concentrate on the screen.
Surround with a dark shade
Make the whole fireplace the main feature by painting the walls around it in a contrasting shade. This allows all the detailing on the fireplace to really sing out, and means the mantel shelf itself need only play host to a few well-chosen items.
Make the whole fireplace the main feature by painting the walls around it in a contrasting shade. This allows all the detailing on the fireplace to really sing out, and means the mantel shelf itself need only play host to a few well-chosen items.
Create a low-key display
Choose small, simple items in muted colours for the mantelpiece to create an unobtrusive, but pretty display. Treat it as an ever-changing installation, rotating pieces, adding new finds and keeping the look fresh and personal all the time.
Choose small, simple items in muted colours for the mantelpiece to create an unobtrusive, but pretty display. Treat it as an ever-changing installation, rotating pieces, adding new finds and keeping the look fresh and personal all the time.
Prop art on it
Rather than hanging a picture above the fireplace, prop it on the mantelpiece and let that become the only adornment in the space. This simple idea has one key advantage – it’s easy to change the art you display here, swapping it for another painting, poster or mirror at will.
Rather than hanging a picture above the fireplace, prop it on the mantelpiece and let that become the only adornment in the space. This simple idea has one key advantage – it’s easy to change the art you display here, swapping it for another painting, poster or mirror at will.
Rethink the trad overmantel mirror
Hanging a mirror above a fireplace is a tried and trusted approach, but why not twist tradition and hang a mirror that reaches right up to the ceiling and packs a more contemporary punch. This fireplace mirror is very different to the traditional overmantel designs and looks effortlessly glamorous.
Hanging a mirror above a fireplace is a tried and trusted approach, but why not twist tradition and hang a mirror that reaches right up to the ceiling and packs a more contemporary punch. This fireplace mirror is very different to the traditional overmantel designs and looks effortlessly glamorous.
Create a mantel effect
You can still create the feel of a mantelpiece, even when it has been removed. This simple, modern fireplace has a wood-burner installed in the hearth, and the addition of a dark piece of art above creates a horizontal line, reminiscent of a mantelpiece.
Explore 12 ways to decorate your mantelpiece
You can still create the feel of a mantelpiece, even when it has been removed. This simple, modern fireplace has a wood-burner installed in the hearth, and the addition of a dark piece of art above creates a horizontal line, reminiscent of a mantelpiece.
Explore 12 ways to decorate your mantelpiece
Theme your display
This simple technique is a great way to bring a sense of style and order to your mantelpiece. Decide that you will only display one style or material: glass, or white china, or wooden pieces or candlesticks, as here. Keep to this theme for an ordered, styled look.
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How do you style your mantlepiece? Share your tips in the Comments below.
This simple technique is a great way to bring a sense of style and order to your mantelpiece. Decide that you will only display one style or material: glass, or white china, or wooden pieces or candlesticks, as here. Keep to this theme for an ordered, styled look.
TELL US...
How do you style your mantlepiece? Share your tips in the Comments below.
We often overlook our sense of smell when designing a room, concentrating mainly on visuals, but fragrance can really improve the enjoyment of a space. In fact, detecting a subtle fragrance in a room when you enter it is like a nice surprise. In a bedroom, use a mantelpiece as a location for subtly scented candles and flowers to boost the room’s sensual appeal. Picking a scent that’s associated with relaxation, such as lavender, can also improve your ability to unwind.