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.

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.”

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
“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.

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!)

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?

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kristin Keyes / Native House Photography
Weave in some colorfultaper candlesto make the end result even more fun.

Diane Rath

Michelle Gage / Kyle Born

The Vintage Room

The Colorful Colonial

Molly in Maine

Courtney Fitzpatrick

Erin harman

Amanda Coakley

Sara Austin

Nina Watson

Lella Life Photography

At Home with Izzy

Little Mill Abergavenny

Sarah Caligiuri

Ruthie Jackson

Schitt to Shine

Sarah Lyon / Margaret Rose Larson

Our Victorian Place

Sarah Lyon

Leopard Print Stairs

Sarah Lyon

Erin Myers / Laura Visioni

Charlie Smith

Rare Corners

Linen and Twigs

Eclectic Avenue Styling

Sarah Lyon / Kyle Caldwell

Claire Champion

Burlap and Book Pages

Rare Corners

Sixty Seven Belmont

Ariel Okin / Read McKendree / JBSA

Erin Myers / Laura Visioni