If you are lucky enough to have a mantel, we highly recommend decorating it for fall to achieve maximum fall coziness. Even if it can’t be lit, there’s something about fall and fireplaces that are just right together. So without further ado, we present 17 of the best fall mantel decor ideas we could find (this year, at least).
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1. Figurines
When people think of figurines in fall mantel decor, usually knick knacks and clutter come to mind. But figurines don’t have to be kitschy! Choose a subject that relates to your aesthetic, choose a scale that works for your space, and go for a material that works with your room’s palette. Here brass pheasants lend this mantel a warm, established (dare we say rich?) feel. Wood, bronze, copper, glass, and porcelain are other great options to consider!
2. Candles
Something about the glow of candles feels so fall. If you don’t want a fire in your fireplace, consider lighting individual candles instead. An oversized arrangement of brown foliage sets the autumnal tone of this vignette, with the pumpkin tilting the scales over into a true seasonal look. Pillar candles liven up this design and add the final touch to make this a subtle but inviting fall look.
3. Greenery
This take on fall mantel decor feels light and airy, partially due to the white painted brick of the fireplace. A collection of white pumpkins of all shapes and sizes leans into this clean look, with the white keeping everything cohesive. Though the pumpkins play off the white brick, they contrast well with the wood mantle. Clear glass vases are perfect as they don’t distract our eye and the eucalyptus they hold (and the foliage garland) are vital to softening this scene.
4. Pumpkins
This look may be familiar to you, at least we hope so! We featured this look in our post about white pumpkin decor, so if you haven’t seen it you should check it out! We love the ease and simplicity of this set up. The eclectic candlesticks anchor the left, while a carelessly chic pile of heritage pumpkins and greenery sit on the right. The mirror above the mantel fills the visual space above and keeps this from feeling sparse. The greenery also goes a long way towards softening the look, otherwise it’s at risk of feeling stark and cold. Keep this balance of materials and forms in mind when putting together your design.
5. Brown foliage
An unruly garland of large brown leaves takes centerstage of this mantel design, bringing an old, worn in feel that is highlighted by the stack of vintage baskets in front of the fireplace. The volume of the garland fills the mantel well and does most of the heavy lifting. The embellished gold mirror embraces the vintage look and is perfect to use year-round as mantel decor. Two vintage candlesticks emerge from the riot of leaves on either side, their symmetry bringing a hint of formality to keeps this look from feeling unkempt.
6. Plum foliage
Fall mantel decor can be as elaborate or as subtle as you like. A plum foliage garland is a great way to bring a hint of fall into your apartment without going all out. The plum looks exceptional here as it contrasts beautifully against the expanse of white in the room and softens the hard edges of the wooden fireplace. Tall candles in a warm gold are perfect to draw the eye up and add an accent color into the mix.
7. Old books
Displaying old books is a tried and true method of dressing up your mantel. They make the space feel lived in and can speak to your personality. The addition of amber bottles and sprigs of brown leaves lends this look an autumn air. With a set up like this, it will be critical to fill some space above your mantel. Here a painting in muted colors ties in to the color palette and vibe, a mirror, photograph, or tapestry could also work. Consider what works best for you.
8. Informal chic
Magnolia leaves and eucalyptus come together for a pretty blend of green and brown, filling the mantel and setting the stage for the vintage-inspired mirror and brass candlesticks. Though this is the same mantel as #5 and features some of the same elements, notice how different it feels. The greens add more verve, the texture of the eucalyptus is more wild, and the candles set up asymmetrically make this feel more informal. The embellishments of the mirror and the blush candles also give this a more feminine edge. Also notice the pheasant figurine, while we do like it, the scale is at odds with the foliage and it’s hard to see. Scale is important to think about when styling your mantle.
9. Bucket o’ branches
Speaking of scale, if you have room to play, play with it! Instead of opting for art or photography, the designer filled the space above this mantel with a spray of rich burgundy branches in a copper pot. The leaves create a moody cloud above the fireplace and the glow of nearby candles glint off the copper. Bright oak leaves soften the marble fireplace and the pumpkins almost go unnoticed next to the branches. Birch logs and candles brighten up the cavity below and help keep this vignette from looking too dark. If you have tall ceilings, maybe your fall mantel decor needs a bucket o’ branches.
10. Mirrors
With an all white canvas, the world is your oyster. This look goes in a neutral direction and leans on browns and golds to warm the space up. Pinecones and decorative twigs break up the mass of brown magnolia leaves while two mirrors of different sizes grace the middle of the mantel. We like that they coordinate in color and style without matching, this gives the mantel a chic look. These are flanked by pairs of candlesticks, which provide a nice transition between the mirrors and the garland.
11. Symmetry
Maybe subtlety is not your bag. Maybe it’s overrated. If you wan to put the capital F in fall mantel decor try making a bright orange pumpkin your centerpiece. Double down by getting two imposing brass candlesticks and popping bright orange candles in there, these will play nicely off the brass vessel you’re going to place your pumpkin in. Then you’re going to add cascading greenery and berries to create movement and frame the whole thing with a circular mirror that feels oddly reminiscent of a full moon. Maybe subtlety is for losers.
12. Wreath
Okay so this one is really all about the composition, the WHOLE. You can’t go halfway on this or else it’s going to feel empty and underwhelming. Start with a low key garland, something to add texture and soften the mantle but isn’t overwhelming. Add some mini pumpkins in if you’re really feeling the fall spirit. Then you’ll need some vertical elements that won’t challenge the main event, candlesticks work perfectly for this. Finally it’s time for the Beyonce of this mantel: the wreath (ahem, if you’d like to make your own find some great ideas here). Here it’s hung on a white board trimmed with wood to frame it up and take more space. The materials coordinate the garland and all together everything is perfectly balanced and is wonderfully festive.
13. Pop of color
We have another all white canvas here, but this time instead of leaning into neutrals the designer has chosen to embrace red. We love this potent approach as this is the only color in the ensemble, so it needs to hold its own. A white mirror absorbs wall space, and pumpkins and candles round out the look. If your garland is going to be your only color, we recommend going for something voluminous so it really packs a punch.
14. Branch
So we showed you Ye Olde Bucket o’ Branches, but what if there was just one, really impactful branch? We’ve decided we like it. An extra large, ornate mirror breaks up the expansive black wall beyond and takes up the majority of the mantel but is in need of accompaniment. A small stoneware jug and wooden beads helps, but it’s too small not enough. At least not alone. This is where our Impactful Branch comes in. It arches over the mantel from the left and creates a wonderful informal balance that feels natural and interesting due to its form and texture. If you want to try this, don’t let your neighbor catch you hacking at their tree!
15. DIY art
Same space, but with a higher fall factor. This fall mantel decor reads more October, with a deeper darker look we love. The same mirror is at its post, but this time the stoneware jug has a wee friend and is sporting a candle, an array of candlesticks sit opposite of it. Though we love the candles, the art catches our attention most. Creating an art piece for your mantel is the perfect way to reflect your style and welcome fall. The subject of this piece is a moody pumpkin, but the options are only limited by your imagination.
16. French greens
A distressed wood fireplace sets the tone for this space, demanding a French countryside take on fall. Green heritage pumpkins play off of fake moss balls and faux boxwoods, carrying a soothing green throughout the ensemble. A traditional landscape framed in gold furthers the rustic greens but with a fun twist: ghosts have been painted in. Wall sconces on either side add another traditional element and are the perfect finishing touch.
17. Wood fruit
Greenery, books, and figurines come together in this simple and easygoing mantel design. Instead of a garland, jars of harvested leaves are perched throughout. Books are placed here and there, making them appear relaxed and as if they just happened to be set down in a stylish composition. The wooden fruit figurines are what gives this set up its only hint of fall. The warmth of the wood combined with the figurines being of fall fruits lean this whole ensemble towards autumn but in the subtlest of ways.
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