Modern Fireplace Mantel Decorations: 36 Creative Ideas

You can update a worn brick fireplace by installing a white wood surround. Like interior designer Francesca Grace does here, fill it with fresh flowers and greenery, then layer in an antique-style painting.

EXAMINE MANUFACTURED FIREPLACE ACCESSORIES

Fill your fireplace with a warm color, like this dark blue. Then, choose an accent chair and wall paint that go together, and paint the walls a coordinating color. Make use of a nearby closet by stocking it with firewood and hanging a dried citrus garland from the ceiling to draw the eye.

Buy Some Blue Paint

Union of Art Interiors' Tamarra Younis fills a mantel with whimsical pieces, including a collection of vases in an antique style, an oversize mirror, and two wall sconces.

PRODUCT WALL CONVINCING

Stack firewood in a long, vertical area you create. Firewood serves a practical purpose, but it can also be used as a decorative accent, such as in this case, where it provides visual contrast in an otherwise all-blue built-in.

ACQUIRE WOOD FOR FIRES

A TV in this Mississippi home is hidden behind wooden doors when it's not being watched. The top is made out of repurposed paving bricks, and the owner painted the floral canvases herself.

SEARCH FOR TV BOOKCASES

Make your patio more inviting by highlighting an outdoor fireplace. Go for neutral, yet striking colors and patterns — like these metallic tiles inside the fireplace

BUY GOLDEN TILE

The large sprigs of greenery really brighten up the otherwise white living room. Simply by snipping some greenery from the backyard and placing it in a tall vase, you can add a splash of color and texture to any room.

SHOP VASES

Look for a lovely color and paint the walls, trim, and fireplace (including the bricks and surround) to make a stylish focal point. In this case, a green that evokes the outdoors is appropriate, but the palette is wide open.

Buy Eco-Friendly Paint

Create some life in your fireplace with a potted plant garden. Set out a collection of mismatched pots ranging in size and shape and filled with hardy (and low-maintenance) plants. or a fern or succulent

ACQUIRE SUCCULENTS

Switch from plain tiles to those with striking geometric patterns. This light space has a lot of texture and dimension thanks to the blue molding and the geometric fireplace tiles.

PURCHASE COOL BLUE TILES

Create visual interest by contrasting a glossy black wall with a white fireplace surround. Here, white armchair and cobalt blue ottoman by designer Anne Hepfer carry the look further.

Go Blue Paint Shopping

You can't go wrong with a vase full of fresh flowers, but you can make your bouquets last all year long by using dried or fake flowers instead. (Are you kidding me with those tiny pitchers? )

SHOP VASES

Fill a mantel with carefully selected pieces to maintain a theme, such as a nautical theme. There's a ship (and an identical painting over the mantel), some binoculars, and an old set of oars in this room.

SHOP OARS

Black paint highlights architectural details against white walls. The contrast is heightened by artwork rendered in the same color palette.

SHOP PAINT

You can still make a stylish centerpiece even if your fireplace isn't working. Herringbone tiles (pink is our favorite) and a modern candelabra will finish off your masterpiece.

ADVERTISE CANDLESTICKS

Read more at A Lovely Chaos ».

Even if you have no plans to burn the silvery bark, it can still serve as a decorative accent in your living room. The addition of a tobacco basket on top completes the country feel.

SELL BIRCH LOGS

Make use of the empty wall space above the mantel to display prized ceramics. Mismatched settings acquired from antique stores and garage sales over the years can stand on their own and look great.

PLATE HOLDER RETAILER

An assortment of prints and found objects in neutral tones of white, beige, and black create a visually pleasing whole. You don't have to have coordinating eyewear, right?

DO YOUR FRAME SHOPPING HERE

Modern white-painted wood and brick look great against the traditional touches of a solid-wood mantel and a gilded fireplace screen. Throw caution to the wind and prop a hefty mirror up against a wall to achieve a casual vibe.

Mirrors for Sale

Taking a cue from this cheerful house, I will now go and paint my dated brick in a creamy white. Howdy, quick lifter of spirits

SHOP PAINT

It serves dual purposes as a place to keep things and as an ornament. The mantel is decorated with a framed chalkboard message, tall branches sticking out of pitchers, and some candles.

RETAIL CASES