These 4 Eye-Catching Mantel Design Ideas Will Get You Ready for Fall

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It’s time to warm your mantle up for fall. Image: Assyrian Star Construction Inc

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We’re big fans of seasonally inspired décor, especially where fall is concerned. After all, who wouldn’t want to incorporate the same cozy feeling that’s inspired by changing leaves and a slight chill in the air into their interiors?

If you’re looking for an easy way to bring fall into your home, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled some of our favorite modern and eye-catching mantel design ideas. These looks are perfect for the upcoming season.

Take a look at the suggestions below. With just a handful of items and our design advice, you’ll have all the tools you need to turn your home into an autumn oasis.

Go ahead and bring nature indoors. Image: Cameron Stewart Interior Design

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Try incorporating nature

While nature-inspired décor isn’t exactly the newest idea for shaking up fall interiors, we’re not talking about the cornucopias your grandma loved. These days, when natural elements play a role in design, less is definitely more.

In particular, decorative branches — like the ones shown in the picture above — are incredibly popular. Consider using two or three bunches, housed in decorative vases, spread across the mantel. They can either be used alone or as bookends to frame a painting.

Accessories based on leaves are another seasonal standard. However, instead of weaving a big, unruly garland across the top of the fireplace, try a more subtle touch. Wall art is an excellent way to do this. Consider choosing a few small pieces to lean on the mantle to re-create a gallery wall.

Put a new spin on traditional fall designs. Image: Cockfield Jackson Architects, APAC

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Rethink classic holiday items

Those of us who celebrate Halloween know the beginning of fall is a sign that spooky nights are just around the corner. Your holiday look doesn’t have to be fit for a costume party though. Instead, focus on sourcing items that can stay up all season long.

Use this picture as a guide. Rather than displaying a bold jack-o’-lantern or something similar, the pumpkins on this mantle are smaller and have a subdued feel to them. White pumpkins are especially on-trend, as are glass-blown options.

Remember that when incorporating smaller décor items, creating groupings is key. Whether you’ve chosen to concentrate your design on one side of the mantel or you want to have accessories on each end, try to arrange them in odd-numbered formations. These are typically considered more aesthetically pleasing than even-numbered configurations.

Give your fireplace a bit of vintage flair. Image: Becky Cunningham Home

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Embrace a rustic look

A wood-burning fireplace is an ideal spot try out a rustic aesthetic. Think about it: the smell of smoke and sound of logs crackling in the flames instantly conjures memories of mountain cabins and cool autumn nights.

With that in mind, almost any rustic accessory is fair game. Look for items such as wagon wheels, mason jars and mirrors in antique frames. If possible, find accessories made of traditionally rustic materials like iron, burlap and reclaimed woods.

With these mantels, your best bet is to create contrast. Arrange your dêcor elements so they include a variety of heights and are placed in varying directions. There is no hard-and-fast rule for how to find the perfect placement. Use your intuition — your internal eye for design — to help you make adjustments until you’re satisfied.

Indulge in contemporary trends like lanterns. Image: MTM Masonry and Chimney

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Consider antique-finished items

Fortunately for us, the vintage look back in style. If you want your fall-inspired mantel to look simultaneously comforting and in style, this is the way to go. This look is defined by pieces such as lanterns and antique picture frames.

Keep in mind the best vintage items come from their original era. Look for true antiques whenever possible. To do so, check out thrift stores and yard sales in your area.

That said, if finding accessories with history is not an option, you can always go the DIY route. Find similar items to those listed above and look for a weathering tutorial online. With a little bit of work and the right coat of paint — perhaps an off-white or tin gray — you should be able to easily re-create an antique look.

Don’t be afraid to give your mantel a seasonal spin. Image: Zak Johnson Architects

Shop a similar look: Candles | Willow Branches

The best designs are the ones that don’t stay stagnant all year round. Instead, they incorporate a few, small, aesthetic details that change with the seasons. If you’re ready to get your home ready for fall, keep these mantel design ideas in mind. By making a few changes to your fireplace, you’ll have the opportunity to infuse your interiors with autumn coziness.

In order to get you started on accessorizing your mantel for the fall we pulled a few of our favorite accessories together. Check out these great products below: