5 Tips For Styling Your Fireplace
Fireplace mantels are one of those things that should be EASY & FUN to decorate, but sometimes it’s hard to get it just right! You end up moving the same 5 items around and around to see what looks good…..only to find it’s still missing something! Well maybe that’s just me. But, here’s some guidelines Sophia Fain Interiors uses to decorate client’s mantels!
Tip #1: Less is More!
Look at this Before and After of the fireplace we recently completed in our Boho Coastal project. By simplifying the decor, the updated fireplace (on the right) really takes center stage! Check out more pictures of this project here! Try to just put a few items on the mantle like art, mirror, candlesticks, or grouping of vases.
Tip #2: Go Cordless!
Getting rid of all those unwanted cords under the tv makes a HUGE difference! Check out this Before & After we did! If you look closely, you’ll see we actually used a stoneware pan to raise the satellite box off the mantle. Then, we used double sided Velcro to tie all the cords up and together behind the tv. It’s amazing what Velcro can do!
Tip #3: Add Textures
On any fireplace, you need to soften the harsh edges by adding texture. You can do this by adding a basket on the hearth like the fireplace we styled below. We added this adorable bench/ottoman as well from Studio McGee’s Threshold line at Target on the right side of the fireplace. And guys, all these fireplace makeovers are very BUDGET FRIENDLY!
Tip #4: Add something found or vintage to give the mantle character
In the Fain Home, we did a caststone fireplace with simple decor above. These are hand-made jugs from a local artisan and a vintage wood tray. I love how the warm wood tones from the tray and the brass candlesticks contrast with the cold stone fireplace. Remember, both sides of the mantle don’t have to be ‘even’. You can have one side with a tall vase and the other side with a low grouping of candlesticks.
Tip #5: Add a contrasting color to the fireplace mantle
In the Bartlett Coastal Farmhouse project, we added a lot of black accents and pops of blue to stand out against this large stone wall. Bold colors look great against stone. Interesting fact, this wasn’t even a fireplace! The family that bought it didn’t know what to do with this large stone wall built into their dining room. So we turned it into a working fireplace (with electric heater) and a bench seating area. You’d never know it wasn’t an actual fireplace, right?
Stay tuned to see our latest project coming up in our Rustic Italian client’s living room and entry! If you need any help on styling your fireplace, contact us!