How to style the most dependable shelfie of all.
The Trick to Creating a Memorable Mantelscape
How to style the most dependable shelfie of all.
Hands up if you’ve mastered the art of tablescaping and preened your pillowcases for a bedscape. You might have gone one step further and curated a bathscape with some toiletries artfully arranged on a rack. Now there’s another surface to ‘scape’: the mantel.
This one is hard to get wrong because, by design, fireplaces often have good bones. Whether they’re stone or tiled, painted or metal, they provide a handsome backdrop to whatever it is you’re keen to display. And that choice is where the fun starts: a little shuffle of plants, candles and art can be as impactful as moving actual furniture around in a room. We’ve rounded up some of the most artfully arranged fireplaces on the ‘gram to inspire your next mantelscape. Happy faffing.
The lush one
Not only do plants naturally bring a variety of textures, levels and tones to a shelf, but grouping them together makes maintaining them a breeze. They’re also a clever choice for distracting from a defunct hearth. Allow any trailers to hang down and embrace a mix of terracotta and stone pots, as well as plant stands for added height.
The glowing one
Line up your collection of candle holders and make them pop with contrasting taper candles. Again, a mix of heights and metals is what makes this arrangement sing. Invest in a box of long matches and a snuffer for a professional approach to ‘cadmin’ (that’s candle-admin).
The symmetrical one
Do embrace a matchy-matchy moment with co-ordinating lampshades and porcelain trinkets. A vase of freshly cut stems makes an ideal central feature, and clusters of dried flower heads, such as hydrangeas, are also a good choice for filling out a mantel that is erring on the naked side.
The nostalgic one
Show off some personality by displaying whatever treasures you like to collect on your mantel. Foraged stems bring these wooden dolls to life. And if you’re looking for a wide vase to keep your flower arrangements low as opposed to tall, look up vintage styles by Constance Spry.
The revolving one
Not sure about committing to a mirror or artwork above your mantel? The good news is you don’t have to. Like an open shelfie, simply lean posters, canvases and frames, and switch them up as the seasons or mood takes you.
The sophisticated one
There was never a bud vase that a dahlia didn’t like. These small votives provide plenty of bang for your buck when it comes to fresh flowers, and you don’t have to worry about arranging them like a pro. For extra style points, match your candles to the petals.
The kid-friendly one
As any parent will attest, kids' rooms can be chaotic. But a thoughtfully curated mantel, with ornaments and miniature keepsakes, will bring a sense of calm to even the most ransacked of scenes.
The abundant one
No need to wait until Christmas to style up an OTT garland of dried flowers. This marvel does away with symmetry and snakes up and over the mirror for a fantastical woodland theme. Get foraging and break out that chicken wire…