Tricks for Decorating a Mantel, with or without TV

The mantel is easily one of the main focal points in your living room. It may be over a fireplace or be the prime location for your TV. No matter what the circumstance, here are my tips for decorating your mantel.

Without TV:

If the mantel is not your TV’s home, then check out these tips:

Have an anchor - This should be a large item that will be the main focal point. This can be a mirror, a large picture frame or a special decor item you picked up.
Use different heights - While you want the anchor to be the largest single item, make sure there are different heights throughout. This provides depth and variety.
Arrange in a triangle shape - Placing the anchor in the middle, organize the remaining items in a large triangle. It doesn’t have to be exact but with a general triangle shape in mind.
Use different weights - Don’t use the same dimension for all items. Use some frames but also incorporate lanterns, vases or items that have more depth.
Add fillers - Stack smaller items throughout the mantel. Add small decor pieces to fill in empty spaces or in front of flatter items. This can be candles, books or small flower vases.
Choose color scheme - Choosing a cohesive color palette for your home is a must. Decor, walls and furniture should marry with similar colors and tones. This deserves its own post but for now, continue that scheme in your mantel. For mine, I’ve used teal/aqua color to add a pop of color but also matches an arm chair in the same room.
Something personal - It can be a family picture or a print with family names, your initials or even your own artwork. It’s your home, make it feel “home”y.
Change for the season - This is an easy way to freshen up your space from time to time. Grab a few decor items for each season to change it up! Add pops of color based on the season, think pastels for spring or yellow for summer. Obviously, some seasons have their own decor like Christmas. Breathe new life into your living room with changes for the seasons.

Here are some examples from other blogs:

Classic Casual Home

Joyful Derivatives

With TV:

I prefer to not have a TV over the mantel but not everyone’s space allows for this. Many of the above tips can still apply. Check out these tips for decorating around a TV.

Use different heights - You can still use different heights throughout the decor while the anchor of the mantel will be the TV. This provides depth and variety.
Use textures - Since the TV is a large, dark screen, use different textures to warm up the space. Think greenery or natural textures.
Arrange in a triangle shape - Even with the TV in the middle, you can still use the triangle tip from above by placing items in height order on the edges.

Other tips from above that still apply with a TV: