The fireplace is usually the focal point of a living room and if you want to make the most of the space to create a decorative look, take a browse through these stylish display ideas for your mantelpiece.
Arrange shapely vases along the top of your mantelpiece for a striking look. Choose vases in different sizes and arrange them with the tallest at the centre.
For a traditional look, pick out an eyecatching colour such as pink from your wallpaper design and display fresh or silk flowers in the same shade, then arrange them in a row on the shelf. Alternatively, if you have artwork above the fireplace you can choose colours and ideas in the image and continue the theme with decorative objects on the mantelpiece.
For another elegant way with flowers, place delicate white roses in a glass vase. Add a little foliage at the along the back of the mantelshelf and then add pretty mercury glass silvered tealights for extra shimmer. Or for a fresh and minimal feel, collect original vintage bottles in interesting shapes and use them as single-stem vases for foliage such as eucalyptus.
If you have a more country-style living room with a rustic fireplace, continue the natural look with wooden candlesticks and botanical themed art, or pretty vintage postcards.
A beautifully simple way to add interest to your fireplace is with a display of books perhaps a few vintage hardbacks propped up with decorative bookends. Or add personality with vintage dolly pegs on string to hang black-and-white family photos alongside trinkets and pretty accessories.
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Wooden mantelpiece
For a rustic display, choose wooden candlesticks and natural themed wall art to continue the theme. Keep the display informal and relaxed with different sized objects, and a few vintage style postcards or old photographs casually propped up. An arrangement of country flowers in a simple glass jar will also keep it feeling laid back.
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Traditional mantelpiece
Pick out a bright colour from a wallpaper design, and choose similar coloured blooms to create a striking line along the mantelpiece that will draw the eye to the centre of the room and to the alcoves. Frame the strong line of colour with pale pictures above that won't distract from the mantelpiece display.
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Elegant mantelpiece
For an elegant look, display pretty white roses in a glass vase in the centre of the mantelpiece, and place silver and glass votives either side of it. Tealights add shimmer, and extra foliage along the back will tie all the items together.
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Book end mantelpiece
A mantelpiece can be useful as a book shelf. Decorative books ends will keep the books neat and tidy and will also add interest. Choose books that are a similar size and colour for a balanced effect.
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Vintage mantelpiece
Use a mantelpiece to create a personal display of old photographs and interesting trinkets. Vintage-style pegs on a piece of string will add to the nostalgic feel, while postcards leant behind the photographs will keep the display relaxed and informal.
For more display ideas, check out our guide to creating the perfect mantelpiece.
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Eclectic accessories
Be inspired by a traditional artwork, and display matching accessories along the mantelpiece below to accentuate the bright colours. Don't be afraid to mix the size and style of the decorative objects, as this will add to the confident, eclectic feel.
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Floral mantelpiece
Symmetry creates a harmonious and calming effect. A bright floral display at each end will carry the eye along the width of the mantelpiece.
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Framed print mantelpiece
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Bold mantelpiece
Create a balanced look by displaying objects, like vases, in order of height from the centre outwards. Keep the tone of the objects similar to the wall colour for a subtle, yet eye-catching effect, and mix up the styles and shapes for added interest.
Have you been tempted to turn your mantelpiece into a stylish focal point? Share your ideas with us!
