Here’s how to style your mantel like a pro.

That’s definitely the case for the primary bedroom in the2024 Real Simple Home.

According to Welch, the items on your mantel should tell a story and vary in materials and textures.

Fireplace mantel decor

Photo:Design by Mikel Welch

On the mantel in his space, he mixed antique candle holders, ceramic vases, and wooden sculptures.

Each contributed to theEnglish countryside vibeof the room.

“The inclusion of natural elements like dried flowers or branches enhances the rustic ambiance.”

Living room with mirror over mantel

Getty/ Andreas von Einsiedel

And the best part?

putting nails in your wall) leaning art is just as pretty.

In this home, designerCrystal Sinclairexpertly layered pieces above the mantel.

Crystal Sinclair Living Room

Crystal Sinclair

“Layering art creates good depth and softens a room,” she says.

“About 1/3 of one piece should overlap another.”

Just confirm you pay attention to actual artwork and you aren’t covering up anything important.

Jason Saft Living Room

Hayley Ellen Day for Jason Saft

“You have to be strategic in the placement,” she says.

He found this incredible piece (called Pink Cloud by Ulas & Merv) on Artstar.

Curate Cool Objects

For fireplace mantel decor that is as classic (and seasonless!)

Floral patterned wall behind fireplace mantel

Bethany Sy, Reality Daydream

An assortment of brass candlesticks add some height and visual interest.

This geometric one adds funky flair to this already eclectic space thatNatalie Papierdesigned.

Display a Disco Ball

Kristin Keyes / Native House Photography

Who’s ready to party?

Fireplace Mantel Decor, Pink Art and Ferns around white fireplace

Paige Minear, The Pink Clutch

Here,Diane Rathadded books into this simple white fireplace located in a kid’s room.

Keeping books on the floor will allow young ones to access their reads on their own as they like.

Why not displaya gallery wallfeaturing some of your favorite prints from over the years?

pink neon heart light on teal fireplace mantel

Audenza

This stately portrait is sure to be an instant conversation starter.

Weaving a clock into your mantel decor will remind you of simpler times in the best way possible.

This antique looking design is brought to life with pieces of traditional decor and a textural fabric remnant.

Fireplace Mantel Decor Idea with Plants

Sarah Symonds, Grace in My Space

Examples include candlesticks, vases, sconces, and more, as seen here inRuthie Jackson’shome.

Keep Things Neutral

Our Victorian Place

There’s nothing wrong with neutrals!

Adding texture to the mix is key for prevent the mantel area from falling flat.

Dark paint and plant on fireplace mantel

Lucy Akins, Craftberry Bush

This mirror is on the smaller side but will still work to make yourroom appear larger.

Fill the Firebox with Art

Fill an empty firebox with a few favorite framed pieces of art.

Place a mirror above the mantel and then add a decorative item on each side for a classic display.

fireplace mantel with face shaped planter

Sunday House / Kaitlin Green

A colorful flower border above the mantel adds even more whimsy.

Sculptural decor (again, arranged in groups of three) is one smart way to do so.

Vases filled with branches are another go to solution.

blue fireplace mantel with unique vase

Natalie Papier

A wicker stool, pulled up close to the hearth, makes for a fitting finishing touch.

Here, various urns in a range of sizes add an artful touch to this space inRare Corners’home.

Line Candlesticks in a Row

Sixty Seven Belmont

The more candles, the merrier.

fireplace mantel with disco ball

Kristin Keyes / Native House Photography

Weave in some colorfultaper candlesto make the end result even more fun.

fireplace with books in inside

Diane Rath

gallery wall built around fireplace

Michelle Gage / Kyle Born

rechargeable lamp on fireplace mantel

The Vintage Room

quirky decor on mantel

The Colorful Colonial

nautical fireplace mantel

Molly in Maine

rustic mantel decor

Courtney Fitzpatrick

nature-inspired mantel

Erin harman

books as fireplace mantel decor

Amanda Coakley

antique-inspired art on mantel

Sara Austin

decorative antique looking clock on mantel

Nina Watson

mantel with layered floral and landscape artwork

Lella Life Photography

mantel and hearth decorated

At Home with Izzy

antique looking fireplace mantel

Little Mill Abergavenny

colorful fireplace mantel

Sarah Caligiuri

black fireplace mantel with brass accents

Ruthie Jackson

layered fireplace mantel

Schitt to Shine

fireplace mantel with fake branches

Sarah Lyon / Margaret Rose Larson

neutral fireplace mantel design

Our Victorian Place

greek bust on mantel

Sarah Lyon

mirror hanging above mantel to allow room for decor

Leopard Print Stairs

art in base of mantel

Sarah Lyon

symmetrical mantel decor

Erin Myers / Laura Visioni

peppy fireplace mantel decor

Charlie Smith

mix of clear vases on mantel

Rare Corners

layered mirrors on fireplace mantel

Linen and Twigs

sculptural objects on fireplace mantel

Eclectic Avenue Styling

oversized vessel styled on mantel

Sarah Lyon / Kyle Caldwell

fireplace mantel with greenery above it

Claire Champion

boho style fireplace mantel

Burlap and Book Pages

small assortment of urns on mantel

Rare Corners

brass candlesticks on mantel

Sixty Seven Belmont

topiaries on fireplace mantel

Ariel Okin / Read McKendree / JBSA

ginger jar placed on top of mantel

Erin Myers / Laura Visioni