Photo: Jean Allsopp Stylist: Lisa Powell
Southern Accents
This one is more elaborate for Christmas, but a beautiful look too. 
Southern Accents Photo: Pieter Estersohn Designer: John Bobbitt
Here’s an idea for those of us who love seashells and plates. You can see the pretty arrangement of plates in the mirror used with another mirror in the center. Again, this mantel arrangement is simple but effective. 
Photo Laurey W. Glenn Stylist Mary Leigh Fitts
This room has lots of color and I also loved the arrangement on the side table with the two monogramed lamps and large artwork. Looks like a mirrored wall above the fireplace, along with a round mirror leaning with 2 side floral arrangements. 
Another traditional arrangement, this one has 2 large finials and 2 floral arrangements, along with a simple gold mirror. 
Coastal Living Photo: Rob Melnychuk Stylist: Nina Hamilton
Love this above room completely! Beautiful mantel with 2 striking sconces, one piece of art that’s hung on the wall and another one leaning. I love the leaning look, but haven’t quite got that mastered yet. Note most of the accessories are large pieces. 
Southern Living Photo: Jean Allsopp
Here’s one with a brick fireplace for those of you who have these. It’s neutral, so blends right in with the room and the mantel is stained dark. Very pretty room and the 2 light fixtures mounted right on the mantel is striking too. 
Southern Living Photo: Jean Allsopp Stylist: Lisa Powell
I love the asymetrical arrangment on this one, meaning it’s different on both sides. See how the tall finial on the right complements the tall sticks or maybe feathers on the left? And the gothic arch makes a nice statement as the centerpiece. A simple low wooden bowl completes the arrangement for the middle. Lots going on, but it’s not too busy. 
Southern Living Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Another symetrical look, the above mantel is very striking with the red brick and black surround. If this was my room, I’d paint out that brick a creamy color. Love the frames on those prints and the floral arrangements that flank them. Simple, but very pretty and effective. 
Southern Living Photo: Laurey W. Glenn Stylist: Mary Leigh Fitts
Another simple mantel of florals and a large mirror. I especially love this pic for the sofa table, with 2 lamps, large artwork and the plates surrounding it. Love it against the chocolate walls.
Hope this gave all of you with mantel dilemmas some fun new ideas that you can take home with you and try out on your mantel! Let me know if you try any of these so we can all take a peek.
I never know what to do with my mantel! I know I like things to be symmetrical. Great inspriation photos!
Manuela
My mantle is always a challenge for me, too. I like some of the ones you posted. Actually, a good friend of mine was a set stylist for Southern Living, so I was looking for her name. But, she has been home for the last year and a half, though.
Great ideas!
Brandi
Now I REEEEEALLLY want to get to work on my mantle….too much to decorate, too little time!
Layla
The Lettered Cottage
Once again, you are going to make decorators out of us yet! Such great inspirations and they don’t look all that expensive either…totally do-able…THANKS!
😉 Bo
That last picture is in my decorating files! I love the brown on that wall! : )
Such lovely mantels…and such fun to decorate for every season!
Alway a treat to stop by and see you!
Love,
Sue
I love all the mantel ideas, however I am very pleased to see the simple Christmas one, with the silver chalices. I’m planning to very simply decorated home this year since we plan to be away for the entire Christmas and New Year holiday. I want to decorate, so we can enjoy it for the month leading up to leaving though.
Thanks for this! I have ALWAYS struggled with the mantel. This gives some great ideas!!!
I wish I had a mantel to decorate. We did in the old house. It was fun to decorate for the holidays. It was the focal point of the room. 🙂
Hi Rhoda!
Boy, do I wish I had a mantel now…those pics were fabulous! And, it is much cooler here tonight..so a fire would be so lovely!
~Angie
What great inspiration photos. 🙂 My favorite is the one with one picture hung and the other leaning – I like that effect, too. I don’t know why, but mantels can be a challenge to decorate, can’t they!
Those are all great ideas, Rho. I still need to figure out what to do with mine. :-/
Thank you for the mantle inspiration! So many beautiful ideas and styles of rooms. Now I just need to take inventory of what I have and see where I can go with it! Right now mine is an empty canvas and needs desperate attnetion. It would help if I knew what my style is.
It does help that fall holidays and Christmas are right around the corner! 🙂
~Jen
I’ve been having a Mantle Breakdown, and your blog saved me.
I tend to have fun with the living room mantle, but the one in the den has a flat screen over it, and it’s been impossible. Great ideas here.
Ohhhh thank you for this! Being that I was one who had Qs on mantels! They are all so lovely. I especially love the 2nd one. Pretty!
~melody~
ooooh what a lovely post today, I enjoyed looking through these Rhoda, so wonderful
I have been looking out for an old mantel surround on ebay (or the side of the road) but not found anything that’s quite right, I’ve now decided I might make a faux one, idea from a blog involving a mirror, candles and a shelf!
great inspiration
Sarah
I’ve been stumped for almost 5 years with my mantel! Thanks for these examples!!
love love love the pics! coming back to study them more in depth later!
LOL! Rhonda, I bet you saw my pitiful looking mantle and said, “Man, that girl needs a reminder to learn how do fix that!” HA! Yes, I had visited and love the ideas… I need to get cooking on some for myself!…
Very cool!!!!
I dont have a mantel but could certainly use some ideas for the lowboy under my wall mounted TV.
I always thought I could TREAT it like a mantel.
Great picks & great topic!!
Thank you for your sweet comments about my post on modesty.
You have a beautiful blog with many wonderful ideas. I just wish I had a mantel to decorate. This is my first house without a fireplace and I don’t like it!
What is a PK?
My husband went to high school in Birmingham! That was a long time ago, though. 🙂
Blessings,
Elizabeth