Arranging an attractive, eye-catching fireplace mantel isn’t as easy as it may look. In fact, if my own personal experience is any indication, achieving the right mix of balance and beauty requires time, patience, and a critical eye.
When working with clients, as well as in her own home, stylist Becky McFarland-Cox begins by gathering the desired elements–glass bowls, candlesticks, figurines, what have you–and setting them out on the dining room table. Then, she shops from what her clients already own. “Sometimes just removing [the objects] from where you’re used to seeing them helps you see them in a new light,” she says.
Get a weekly dose of home and style inspiration
Subscribe to the St. Louis Design+Home newsletter to explore the latest stories from the local interior design, fashion, and retail scene.
Once everything is out, you’ll want to ask yourself What story do I want to tell? Is it about color? A specific genre or era? Keep in mind that it’s OK to periodically rearrange your mantel. If you grow tired of one set up, it’s totally fine, even encouraged, to change a piece or two here and there.
Achieving scale is often the trickiest part of getting it right. “It’s a hard thing to teach but I do think that when you stand back and look at your hearth, it doesn’t have to be symmetrical, but the weight of what’s happening on the left should balance the weight of what’s happening on the right.”
To that end, McFarland-Cox likes to work in groups of trees. She creates height by stacking items on top of books or using plants in vases or containers. Most importantly, aim to achieve a tableau that draws the eye in a series of waves. “If everything’s on the same level, it’s just not very interesting.”
Just as designers take into account the whole room to achieve a cohesive look, you’ll want to think similarly. Don’t let your mantel compete with a patterned wallpaper, the curtains, or tile work. And don’t forget the hearth. “It’s not just about the mantel itself. Think about what’s down below,” says our expert. That could be a grouping of candles, a basket with wood logs and the like. And, while a mantel is certainly desirable real estate in a home—McFarland-Cox calls it a cornerstone of a house—that doesn’t mean that everything you own needs to be displayed all at once.
As with all-things design related, too much stuff can become a distraction. “I think you need a little air. I think you need a visual stopping point, a resting spot for your eye,” says McFarland-Cox. “You can build a little heavier and taller on the sides and let the middle be a little more quiet.”
And, while our stylist is a big fan of Pinterest for gaining inspiration and ideas, even better, she says, are local home décor shops. “Go see how they’re doing their mantel display,” she says. “Pinterest is my go-to. I love it because I can get a lot of information quickly. But, sometimes, seeing things in person is really helpful. It sounds so obvious, but most people are putting a lot of work into their shop.”
