Are you currently debating updating your living room? Consider starting with your fireplace. Whether you're scouting simple mantel decor ideas to transform your space on a budget—or are open to fireplace ideas that require a total overhaul and hiring a contractor to boot—we cover the full gamut in this collection.
Of course, a mantel revamp via a coat of paint is one of the simplest ways to make a small but noticeable change. For a cohesive look, you might paint your mantel and fireplace surround the same living room paint color as the rest of your space. Or you can choose a contrast color to transform your mantel into an eye-catching focal point. Look to the sea blue, mustard yellow, and sage green fireplace mantels and surrounds in this list, as well as our editors' all-time favorite paint colors, for some painterly inspiration. It may be much less work, yet it will still deliver a big payoff. Plus, painting has never been easier, thanks to our handy guide on how to paint furniture.
You can also use decorative touches to highlight your mantel, with clever tips such as layering antique mirrors, hanging a vintage oil painting above it, or adorning it with lush plants. And, of course, you can change it up with the seasons, from scattered bud vases of spring and summer flowers to holiday swags (check out our fall mantel decor ideas and Christmas mantel decorations for more on that front).
As you dive into these fireplace and mantel decor ideas, let your heart (and hearth) guide you. Whether you want to hold true to your home's farmhouse style or aim to create a more modern, minimalist look, this list of beautiful fireplace mantel ideas is exactly what you need. PS—our easy tips for lighting your fireplace will help you make the most of your revamped hearth when your makeover is through.
1
An Eclectic Art Grouping
Add oomph to a low-profile fireplace with a gallery wall. Here, a collection of eclectic art and whimsical blue paisley wallpaper complement a light wood mantel. A few natural elements like flowers in vases and a handwoven basket add the finishing touch in this living room space.
2
Built-in Appeal
A luxe library/living room in the Dutch Colonial–style home of Victoria Ford and Marcus Ford was transformed with a coat of Endless Sea paint by Sherwin-Williams. The brick fireplace is framed with a wood surround, striking floor-to-ceiling firewood storage nooks, and open display shelves—all painted the same sophisticated blue as the walls. The mantel decor, including a model ship, a gold-framed ship painting, and a sea captain figurine, complements the water-themed palette.
3
Simple and Understated Hues
A coat of Simply White by Benjamin Moore provides a fresh canvas for a natural stone fireplace in Kathleen Hackett's cozy cabin in Camden, Maine. Above the mantel, an unframed vintage landscape, a tiny fish on a wood plaque, and a casual collection of stones add the finishing touches.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
4
Medley of Log and Stone
This pretty and rustic fireplace is built from stone sourced on the premises of a Boothbay Harbor, Maine, vacation home owned by Houston-based interior designer Lisa Dalton and her husband, Bill. The mantel is decorated with a grand model ship, an earthenware vase with flowers, and a wicker jug.
5
Pops of Black
Ebony accents anchor a space within singer-songwriter Holly Williams' Tennessee home. A brick fireplace is surrounded by a wood mantel painted Black Blue by Farrow & Ball. Minimalist art by Holly's husband, Chris Coleman, is showcased in gilded frames on the mantel along with a collective of petite treasures, adding a dramatic layer to the room.
6
Layered Antique Mirrors
Not only do the different sized vintage-style mirrors give depth to this room, but framing the fireplace with other pieces of art in various sizes makes it a real focal point.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
7
Budget Mantel
A thin piece of wood is used as the mantel on this all-white fireplace. The homeowners kept its natural edges to give it a more rustic style that complement elements like a checkered woven area rug.
8
Showcase the Brick
You can show off your original brick fireplace and still give it a unique look by surrounding it with antique wood and complementary art print.
9
Display Collectibles
Have collectibles of something? Displaying it on your mantel, dressed up in a colorful hue, is a great way to show off your beloved items while creating a unique and charming look.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
10
Antiques Everywhere
Looking for a place to put your favorite odds and ends? Look for inspiration in Kelley Motschenbacher's quaint abode, where collectables are placed all over the living room. "I really like antiques because they’re often weird, nontraditional sizes that are ideal for smaller rooms," she says.
11
Perfectly Pint-Sized
Jennifer Miller didn't let her 28-inch-wide hearth dissuade her from decorating. She chose scaled-down topiary planters and silver candlesticks to go along with an oil portrait.
12
A Bit of Blue Onion
Alison and Jim Luckman use their mantel above a rustic brick fireplace to display their beautiful blue and white porcelain dish collection.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
13
Mirror, Mirror, on the Mantel
The gilded mirror in this New York City townhouse subtly matches the gold and black accents on this grand fireplace adjacent to to a collection of pictures and books.
14
A Little Lighting
A pair of metal lamps help the stunning chandelier illuminate the living room in this antique-filled farmhouse.
15
Color Coordinate
Danny Seo used his hearth to show off a variety of beautiful black and white pieces.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
16
Stunning Stone
When your fireplace is this gorgeous, there's no need to go overboard with the decor. The owners of this Wyoming home added a pair of candlesticks and one piece of artwork.
17
A Bit of Brick
Hal Turner, the owner of this South Carolina smokehouse, actually salvaged brick pavers from his grandparents' old home for his fireplace. He then kept things nice and symmetrical up above with a couple of vases filled with wheat sheaves and a painting.
18
Bright and White
A white mantel offsets the brick fireplace in Holly Williams's Kentucky home. Plus, it offers a blank canvas to display just about anything.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
19
Pretty Plants
Instead of hanging indoor plants from the ceiling, simply display them around eye-level—like Chenault James—to freshen up your home for spring.
20
Unveil Artwork
The farm painting perfectly pairs with the cow figurines lounging in this Texas home.
Janece Maze
Janece Maze is Associate Editor at Country Living, where she covers DIY projects, gardening, and travel. When she’s not in the kitchen creating a new recipe with farm fresh ingredients, you can find her on the road heading to a music festival or browsing a local consignment shop.
