Mantels provide great display opportunities within the living room, and objects chosen for the mantel can add decorative detail and personalize the design of the room. But designers warn that if not managed carefully, it can become cluttered and detract from the style of your space.
With so many mantel decorating ideas out there, filling the space with too much space is an easy trap to fall into and ruin your fireplace idea. However, if you edit what’s on your mantel, the display can enhance the ambience of the room and provide a great focal point.
So what are the no-nos for the area? We asked interior designers what you should never put on your mantel, and what you can put there for a stylish effect.
5 things you should never put on your mantelpiece
The mantel is too good to be ignored as a display space within the living room. “A home’s mantel can serve as a beautiful focal point that showcases your interests and decorating sense,” says Olma Fuentes, principal and founder of Deni + Dove Interiors. “However, since the depth of a mantel is usually small, you should be careful not to overcrowd the area with too many objects or accent pieces.”
These are the items design experts suggest editing to make your mantel display chic.
1. Family photo
(Image courtesy of Studio McGee)
Mantels are a popular place to display family photos, but designers say they can detract from their appearance.
“We all love displaying family photos, but when your mantel becomes a gallery of mismatched frames, it quickly goes from personal to chaotic,” says Abundant Home Design advises interior designer Nancy Swanton, CEO of and creator of A Guide to Rich Living. ‘.
“A cluttered mantel packed with frames of different sizes, shapes, and styles disrupts the visual flow and makes it difficult to create a consistent, balanced look. Focus on the eyes. Instead of hitting the spot, the mantel becomes a clutter of distractions.”
Don’t want to take everything off your mantel? “Choose one or two photos that stand out and place them in frames that blend with each other for harmony,” suggests Nancy. “These carefully chosen pieces can add a personal touch without overwhelming the space.
“If you can’t bear to part with your photos anymore, consider building a gallery wall somewhere in your home,” she suggests. “This way, you can keep your mantel clean and tidy while displaying your cherished memories in a way that complements your decor.”
2. Tips
(Image credit: Lark Interiors Photo: Nathan Schroder Photography)
For Janelle Patton, lead designer at Lark Interiors, ditching knick-knacks from the mantel is a must.
“Keep small items off the mantel, as they can quickly look cluttered,” she advises. “Keep it as a console table or side table.”
So what should you replace them with? “I recommend one large-scale piece of art,” she says. “Televisions were previously prohibited above the mantelpiece, but with the advent of great-looking TVs like the Samsung Frame TV, you can go beyond the mantelpiece entirely and recreate the look of a large-scale work of art. Now.”
3. Books
(Image credit: Deni + Dove Interiors Photo: Raquel Langworthy)
Stacks of books are popular for styling coffee tables or placing them on side tables, but since mantels are often narrow, stacking them there can feel overwhelming.
“It’s better to use the mantel for small decorations, so save the pile of books for a bookshelf or cabinet,” says Olma Fuentes.
Still can’t resist using books there? Adjust the size to your mantel and limit the height of your stacks so it doesn’t look like you simply don’t have enough book storage. “We don’t recommend using more than three,” Orma says.
4. Candle
(Image credit: Carina Skrobecki/Jessica Nelson Design)
It may come as a surprise to hear that candles are a no-no on the mantelpiece, but designers are very particular about candle display.
In fact, the problem is that there are a lot of candles in different colors. “Too much can look cluttered, especially if they’re all different sizes and colors,” says Alice Moszyznski, an interior designer with New York-based Planner 5D.
Of course, it’s true that all that light can create a great ambience in a room, so why not follow Alice’s recommendation of choosing a striking candle holder or a few matching or complementary candles? please.
5. Random objects
(Image credit: SIMON BEVAN LTD)
There is a strong desire to display items that you like individually on the mantelpiece. But that may be something you should counteract.
Colleen Bennett of CBB Designs explains that it’s a mistake to stuff your mantel with too many random pieces. “While these items may have sentimental value, too many can make your mantel look cluttered and visually cluttered,” she says.
Focus on both the number and size of items you display, as simply saying you like them won’t create a sophisticated aesthetic. “Stay balanced by using fewer statement pieces and larger ones,” Colleen advises.
Thoughtful curation is essential when styling a mantel. “Even if you’re a maximalist and believe that more is more, you still want to be intentional with your displays,” says Nancy Swanton. Store your collection elsewhere. “If you have a large collection of one item, it is better to display it in an étagère or antiques cabinet,” adds Orma Fuentes.
