Updated: February 18, 2024 I HOME DECORATING
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Decorating a fireplace mantel (or the shelf above your fireplace) can transform an ordinary fireplace into a beautiful focal point in the living room. In this post, we’ll focus on decorating a neutral fireplace mantel in both dark neutral and light neutral colors. You can recreate any of these ideas as they’re easy to do and don’t need a lot of décor. Whether you have a neutral rustic, traditional, or farmhouse mantel, you’re sure to find great ideas along the way.
Just a note: Before you go and buy anything for your mantel, mix and match old items (candlesticks, frames, vases, boxes) to use as decorative ornaments. Believe me, simple brass candle holders already make nice pieces for your mantel.
Go ahead and check out these 7 neutral mantel ideas.
1. Install an overhead shiplap wall
In this farmhouse-style living room, the whitewashed brick fireplace is complemented by a wooden shiplap in the background of the mantel. Having the shiplap as part of the wall breaks the monotony of the white wall but still maintains the neutral tone of the room. A wreath and two window panes are overlapped to complete the winter look.
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2. Place a large artwork at the center
Here, a big beautiful artwork is placed at the center of the mantel to serve as the centerpiece and to draw attention to the mantel against the dramatic walls. Colors of the painting are drawn from the colors of the leather furniture, rugs, and pillows, which are tan and gray. Minimal accents are put on each side to avoid overshadowing the mantel. Try placing an artwork at least 3/4 of the mantel to create impact.
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A pair of sconce is also a great addition to the large artwork in your mantel.
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3. Use a mirror to reflect light then add other décor pieces
A mirror can make a space appear larger and reflects light to the rest of the room. That’s why a mirror is a great option to include in your mantel.
For instance, in this mantel, a round mirror is mounted on the wall. On each side, you can include other items to add variety. To give an example, place two or three candle holders and vases in different heights and shapes. The gold details seen in the mirror and candle holders make for a more classic look. Pops of green from plants along with the white ensemble of other decorative pieces make the mantel look fresher.
A masculine but cozy vibe is evoked by the gorgeous dark color that dominates the wall. Since the white fireplace with checkered floor already makes a beautiful contrast, other accessories were toned down to avoid over-accessorizing the entire mantel.
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4. Warm it up with wooden accents
Sometimes, white and gray can feel cold, but adding organic elements can evoke warmth and make the place cozier and more welcoming. In this living room, the shelves and fireplace contrast varying shades of gray with the white brick walls, so it’s definitely a smart idea to add some dried branches, wooden candle holders, and a wooden arch to soften the look. In addition, wicker baskets, wooden photo frames, and wooden boxes placed in the shelf match the wooden elements in the mantel.
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5. Go rustic with a wooden beam
A distressed beam mounted on top of the fireplace makes an awesome mantel. Not only is it a less expensive option but also it gives character and texture to the room. Here are some nice ideas.
The rustic mantel here fits perfectly with the wooden beams in the ceiling. So gorgeous!
On top of the rustic beam are overlapping photo artwork and black and white décor.
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6. Be creative with your barn door
Barn doors are often used as bed headboards or doors in farmhouse homes, but they can also be used as a mantel backdrop. Melly of Cozy Little Cape strategically placed these thrifted brass candlestick holders that are slender enough to fit behind the barn doors when they’re opened.
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7. Make a bold animal statement
This stone fireplace perfectly defines the designer’s vision of a “rustic yet refined lakeside home”. To top it all, the mantel looks stunning with the deer head statement on the wall, some neutral lanterns, and minimal décor.
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Which mantel décor idea did you like the most?
Published: January 17, 2022 | Updated: February 18, 2024
