Top Mantel Design Ideas

From ornate woodworking to sleek stone, it's time to turn up the heat on your mantel design.

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November 25, 2014

By: Jen Jafarzadeh L'Italien

Related To:

Upbeat Appeal

With neon hues trending in fashion, why not try a bold color for your mantel? This vibrant fireplace makes the space feel modern and fresh. Design and photography by Alexis Garrett of Fern and Feather

Rustic Wow Factor

Reclaimed wood planks running up to the ceiling set a dramatic tone for this intimate family room. The rich wooden texture is further accentuated by iron and copper accents. Design by Sherry Hart; photography by Tina Rowden

Retro Reflections

Mirrors above the mantel make any space feel larger. The black wall contrasts with this white marble and brick fireplace for a vintage modern style. Design and photography by Anna Dorfman of Door Sixteen

Artistic Stature

With a modest mantel design, pump up the drama by displaying a large print or painting. This piece of art carries the eye to the ceiling, adding height to the room. Design by Cecilie Starin Interior Design; photography by David Duncan Livingston

Soft, Cozy and a Splash of Color

A colorful painting on top of this mantel adds a punch of personality to the white fireplace. Design and photography by Marisa Anne of Creative Thursday

Stacks and Style

Mixing neat piles of books with personal objects and frames is one designer trick for styling. Stack magazines inside a nonworking fireplace for extra storage. Photography by La Dolce Vita Studio

Hodge-Podge Display

A grouping of mirrors and a carefully curated collection of found objects — with a few pops of pink — make this mantel a standout. The fireplace's distressed exterior adds to the antique aesthetic. Design by Paula Mills; photography by Tigs Macallan

Luxe Blue Beauty

This classic mantel is painted to blend in with the backdrop. The color match makes the mantel visually recede for an understated, midcentury aesthetic. Design by Ana Donohue

Decorative and Grand

Ornate details carved into the wooden mantel create a commanding focal point in this Mediterranean-inspired space. The colorful vintage Barcelona poster highlights the grand stature of the vaulted ceiling. Design by Ashley Astleford

Instant Upgrade

Paint is an easy way to make over a boring brick fireplace. The black backdrop makes the art objects shine. Design and photography by Vanessa Dina of Chronicle Books

Simple Storage

Having trouble letting go of your favorite magazines? Use your mantel for displaying and storing your library — it makes a graphic statement. Design by Jill Malek; photography by Jami Saunders

Casual Arrangements

Stylist's tip: Play with the proportions of your props — use a mix of short and tall objects for a loose, collected style. Design and photography by colorTHEORY Boston

Think Inside the Box

Two sets of built-in bookcases create a graphic grid pattern that is ideal for displaying family memorabilia. Painting the back wall of the bookcases adds a touch of color to the neutral room. Design and photography by Julia Ryan

Reclaim Your Mantel

Here's some DIY inspiration — that's simply reclaimed wood mounted above the fireplace. The metal sconces and pottery accents add to the rustic cottage style. Design by Anisa Darnell

From: Milk and Honey Home

Asymmetry Theory

A reclaimed walnut mantel surrounds honed granite for this one-of-a-kind fireplace. Art is placed off-center to add to the asymmetric quality. Design by Hufft Projects; photography by Mike Sinclair

Shop This Look

Photo By: Sherry Hart

Photo By: Anna Dorfman

Photo By: Cecilie Starin Interior Design

Photo By: Marisa Anne of Creative Thursday

Photo By: La Dolce Vita Studio

Photo By: Michael J Lee

Photo By: Vanessa Dina

Photo By: Jill Malek

Photo By: Julia Ryan

Photo By: Mike Sinclair

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Top Mantel Design Ideas

Related To:

Upbeat Appeal

Rustic Wow Factor

Retro Reflections

Artistic Stature

Soft, Cozy and a Splash of Color

Stacks and Style

Hodge-Podge Display

Luxe Blue Beauty

Decorative and Grand

Instant Upgrade

Simple Storage

Casual Arrangements

Think Inside the Box

Reclaim Your Mantel

Asymmetry Theory

Shop This Look

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