Styling Your Mantel
The Base: A Textured, Neutral Backdrop
A well-styled mantel starts with the right foundation. Ashley uses a textured wallpaper featuring butterflies fluttering through meadow flowers. The neutral color palette of the wallpaper provides versatility, allowing for a mix of decor styles while still adding richness and depth to the space. If wallpaper isn't your style, consider a woven textile, a painted accent wall, or even a large-scale piece of art as a backdrop to bring in texture and interest.
The Focal Point: A Statement Mirror
To ground the arrangement, Ashley incorporates a large black tile mirror as the focal point. This bold yet classic piece anchors the styling, providing a sense of structure and elegance to the mantel. If a mirror isn't your preference, you can swap it for an oversized art print, a sculptural wall piece, or even a decorative clock to create a similar sense of balance and grounding.
Achieving Balance: Candles & Florals
Balance is key in mantel styling. On the left side, a cluster of taper candles adds height and warmth, while on the right, a large tinted glass vase filled with fresh florals introduces softness and movement. The contrast between these elements ensures visual harmony. If candles aren't your go-to, try a decorative lantern, a small ceramic sculpture, or stacked books for a similar effect. Instead of florals, consider using dried grasses, sculptural branches, or even a stylish bowl filled with seasonal elements like moss balls or woven rattan spheres.
Creating Depth: Layered Artwork & Frames
To enhance dimension, Ashley layers a large square print behind a smaller rectangular photo frame. This layering technique prevents the display from feeling flat and adds a curated, collected-over-time look. If you're looking for alternatives, framed textiles, vintage postcards, or a mix of mirrors in different shapes can also add interest and depth while keeping the arrangement visually dynamic.
Varying Heights for Visual Interest
One of the most important aspects of a well-designed mantel is avoiding a stagnant, linear look. The combination of tall candle sticks, the central mirror, and the florals at varying heights creates a dynamic, visually appealing composition. If you want to experiment, try swapping in a stack of books with a decorative object on top, using a tall sculptural vase, or even incorporating a small table lamp for extra height and ambiance.
