Mantel 101

Decorating a mantel with great tips from Willow House

A Mantel is a natural focal point in a room, but it's slim profile make it a challenge to decorate sometimes.

A few handy tricks can help you feel more comfortable decorating it with style.

#1) Start with a clean slate take everything off of it.

#2) Be inspired. "Shop" your home for a variety of items and place them on the floor in front of the mantel. Be sure the items you choose work with the look, color, and feel of the room. Experiment grouping them in different ways.

#3) Get Centered. Choose your center focal piece or pieces. It can be a picture, mirror, a large frame, clock, or large metal work. layering is good, like our window pane and clock.

#4) Work inside out. From your focal point work outward. With the item in the middle work outward. Use scale and proportion to gradually bring the eye down on each side. Try matching pieces or similar items to emphasize symmetry. 

#5)  Add Personality Introduce color texture and seasonal touches. Include your accent colors from your room too.

Don't be afraid to walk away for a bit and come back to it with a fresh perspective. You will know when it "feels" right.

For introducing great color, one of my favorite Mantel items is our 

Athena Crackle vase.

The thin footprint is a perfect fit for a windowsill, bookshelf or mantel. Reactive glaze will vary in color between pieces. (7 1/4” x 2 1/2” x 12 1/2” tall) $39.96 (buy one get one half off)