Warm and Cozy Fireplace Mantel Ideas for Your Home
Warm and Cozy Fireplace Mantel Ideas for Your Home
Adding décor to your fireplace mantel is a great way to add warmth and character to your space. It can be the focal point or blend in seamlessly with your home. Whether you're looking for Christmas or winter ideas, fall designs, or unique aesthetics, the fireplace mantel ideas in this guide can help spruce up your space!
Natural fireplace mantel décor ideas
Using natural materials like wood or stone can help bring a uniquely cozy atmosphere, especially during the winter months. Here are a few traditional options that are sure to add some warmth and comfort!
Natural stone
If your fireplace has a natural rock surround, you can emphasize the rustic vibes by decorating your mantel with things found in nature: local flora, a wreath, taxidermy, a beautiful landscape painting, or a lantern.
Wood mantel
A wood mantel adds a traditional, effortless charm that you can customize depending on your individual style—from farmhouse to contemporary. Accent your wood mantel with your favorite art and pottery for a simple style or amp it up with a dark stain and a mirror for a sleeker look.
Fall foliage
To bring out seasonal warmth during the autumn months, add a garland of multi-colored leaves to your mantel. You can also use pumpkins, multicolored corn, pinecones, or brown-toned plants like pampas grass.
Brick fireplace
Brick is a timeless favorite, not only because of how durable it is, but because it's so versatile. If you leave the bricks red, you can add a rustic touch to your home. If you paint the bricks or lime wash them, you can add a sophisticated look or match the rest of your décor.
Modern fireplace mantel ideas
If you're looking for a more modern vibe, look no further! These mantel ideas can add a sleek and stylish finish to your mantel, whether you're hosting a party or want to elevate your space every day.
Minimalist marble
Marble has been popular a choice for countertops and bathroom tile for years, but marble fireplaces and mantels are not far behind. Marble adds a feeling of elegance and luxury and makes for a stunning focal point. Marble is also easier to clean and maintain than wood or stone.
TV focal point
If you love to host watch parties or use your living space mostly to binge your favorite shows, your TV should be the star of the show! You can mount it above your mantel using a collapsible mount and even give it a frame to make it look like a painting.
Symmetrical décor
Emphasizing symmetry in your space is a great way to give your home a more cohesive look! You can do this by adding matching candlesticks on the mantel, matching potted plants on the floor, or even identical bookshelves surrounding the fireplace.
Gorgeous greenery
If you want your space to feel more lively, add plants! You can brighten your fireplace mantel with a well-placed snake plant, flowers, or succulents. You could also add a large horizontal vase with a rambling plant that stretches across the mantel.
Unique fireplace mantel decorating ideas
If you're looking to make a statement with your décor, keep reading for some unique ideas that will help bring more personality to your home!
Coastal mantel ideas
If your living room has a coastal aesthetic, you can lean into the ocean theme by adding similar elements on your mantel: seashells, tropical plants, driftwood, sea glass, or a painting of an ocean wave. You can also use decorations with sea-like blues, greens, or tans.
Dark-toned surround
Painting or staining your mantel and the fireplace surround can lend a sophisticated air to your space. Dark green or blue tones, deep burgundies, and black or gray shades are popular in modern households as well as spaces with an academic feel.
Vintage mantel decorations
To give a retro or eclectic look to your space, add a mix of your favorite art pieces on the mantel. You can pair bright designs or deep rich hues with vintage books, plates, candlesticks, a mirror, or a floral arrangement. Don't be afraid to let your personality shine!
Wallpaper accent
If you're feeling underwhelmed by the space above your mantel, try adding wallpaper! A wallpaper accent wall can act as a focal point or add color and design to customize your space. If the wallpapered space isn't already defined or set into the wall, frame it with some trim to create a cohesive look.
Remember not to over- or under-decorate. Keep your décor proportional to your mantel size, fireplace surround size, and ceiling height.
Christmas fireplace mantel ideas
If you're looking to spruce up your fireplace mantel for the holiday season, keep reading for some ideas that are sure to kindle joy during the most wonderful time of the year.
Garlands galore
Get into the holiday spirit by draping a garland across your mantel! You can go with a traditional green pine or spruce (real or fake), or more colorful options made with tinsel, ribbons, ornaments, poinsettias, or beads. Add string lights to your garland for an extra-festive kick.
Ho-ho-holiday cheer
If you have kids at home or want to experience some nostalgia, decorate your mantel by hanging your Christmas stockings above the hearth! You can also use decorative Santas or reindeer, snowmen, faux presents, or a mini lighted village set to enhance the holiday vibe.
Understated holiday elegance
You can create a more low-key holiday vibe by using neutral colors or a minimalist color scheme. Add candles on your mantel for an elegant touch.
Fireplace mantel cost
Now that you've had a chance to browse some ideas for decorating a mantel, we can talk about the cost of a mantel. You can add or replace your mantel while remodeling a fireplace for a fee, as described in the table below:
| Mantel type | Average installed cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional wood, stone, or metal | $500 – $5,000 | Permanent shelf connected to the fireplace or surround |
| Separate mantel shelf | $100 – $1,100 | "Floating" shelf not connected to the fireplace or surround |
Getting estimates from fireplace remodel contractors
Follow these steps to find a qualified fireplace remodeler near you that can work with your needs and budget:
Research local fireplace contractors and read reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Compare prices and services from at least 3 companies.
Ask about their experience installing the specific type of mantel you want.
Request a detailed estimate that includes materials and labor.
Make sure the installer is licensed and insured.
Ask about any warranties on the labor and materials.
Questions to ask a fireplace remodeler
Ask these questions to make sure you choose the right person for your mantel installation or replacement:
Is your business licensed and insured?
Do you have experience installing or replacing fireplace mantels?
Will you be the one installing it?
Can you show me reviews or testimonials from previous customers?
How long will the mantel installation take?
Do you include labor and materials in your estimate?
Will I need any permits for installing a mantel?
What type of material do you recommend based on my existing fireplace?
What do you normally do if there's damage on the job?
What kind of warranty do you offer?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.