With the weather getting cooler and the leaves changing color, it’s the perfect time to enjoy your fireplace. Your mantel plays an important role in accenting the decor around your fireplace, transforming a simple setup into a cozy fall focal point. Decorating your mantel for fall is easier than you think, and with the right inspiration, you can create a mantel that adds warmth and style.
Whether you love rustic farmhouse style or prefer a more refined look with flowers and candles, we’ve got you covered. These 20+ fireplace mantel ideas will help you create a cozy atmosphere that brings relaxation, comfort, and ease to your living room. So grab your pumpkin spiced beverage as we explore a range of ideas (plus a few DIY favorites).
1. Covers and beauty
What’s warmer than a cozy blanket? Use them to add softness and texture to your mantel. Consider chunky knit throws draped over the edge of the mantel or placed on the side of the fireplace (like in a pretty wicker basket). Using blankets as a simple addition can help balance out the look of hard edges and soften the decor—neutral tones work best here and let the textures shine.
2. Go Garland
Garland is a fall mantel staple! Try one made with natural elements like colorful fall leaves, pinecones, and twine. Don’t forget to add seasonal touches like pumpkins or candles for a unique touch while still adding to the cozy atmosphere. We recommend draping the garland loosely over the mantel and letting the excess pieces hang over the side for a casual yet elegant look.
3. Farm fan
The farmhouse aesthetic is all about simplicity and balance, but that doesn’t mean boring. If you’re looking to achieve this decorating style, consider a few elements like a rustic wood sign, pumpkins, and other vintage elements like candle holders or vases. This lineup provides the perfect balance for your fall decorating, and the farmhouse vibe exudes warmth and comfort.
4. Pumpkins galore
You can’t think of this season without one of our fall favorites: pumpkins! And your mantel is the perfect place to showcase some of your favorites. There are so many options to choose from, including traditional orange, creamy whites, and even metallics for a modern touch. Try arranging them in a row or grouping them together. You can also elevate a few on pedestals or candle holders to add height and depth.
5. Beautiful pampas grass
Pampas grass is a trendy decor element that is perfectly suited to the fall mood. Not only is it soft and lightweight, but its texture also works with almost any color palette and brings an organic, airy feel to your mantel. We suggest using tall, narrow vases to showcase the pampas grass (but shorter vases are perfectly acceptable for the top of the mantel).
6. Chic with wheat
Wheat stalks are a classic fall element that evokes the “harvest season.” Place the stalks in ceramic or woven vases to bring a natural, simple beauty to your mantel. The golden hues of wheat are understated yet elegant, so they’re perfect if you’re looking for a subtle yet chic harvest-inspired decor.
7. Candle cover
Candles are a must-have for your mantel and look especially beautiful in the fall. Their soft glow instantly adds ambiance to your space, and they require little effort to set up. Choose a variety of heights to create dimension, and consider using brass or wood candlesticks to enhance the fall ambiance. If you don’t have a working fireplace, even better: you can place candles inside to add to the elegance.
8. Gratitude squashes
Fall brings us a time of gathering and gratitude, and what better way to symbolize that than with gourds? Arrange several along your mantel, adding mini pumpkins for added texture. Their unusual shapes and soft colors add interest and a festive touch, perfect for Thanksgiving conversations by the fire. Gourds can be left plain for a rustic touch or paired with twinkle lights for a more playful touch.
9. Fancy crown
Use high ceilings to your advantage! A large wreath above your mantel can make a big statement. You can choose a wreath made of colorful fall leaves or dried flowers to add warmth and draw attention above the mantel. Prefer a modern design style? Opt for a more modern wreath, such as a half-moon or asymmetrical design, to complement your home’s design.
10. Gorgeous white pumpkins
For a more refined and modern fall mantel, try white pumpkins. They offer a clean, classic look that pairs perfectly with a variety of accents from brass to silver to white (it’s like fall meets winter wonderland!). Add a few flowers to soften the arrangement. This decor is perfect if you want to embrace fall without the traditional bright colors.
11. DIY crown
It’s time to get creative! A DIY wreath allows you to use real or artificial elements: string twigs or wire together, add leaves, and use extra foliage on your mantel, either in a vase or scattered around. A handmade wreath adds a personal touch that feels warm and inviting. You can even add string lights to make your wreath sparkle at night.
12. Touches of color
Fall decorating is a great opportunity to add some color to your home. And the best part? You don’t have to stick to typical fall hues—you can incorporate your favorite colors! Think white pumpkins paired with pink flowers and gold accents, like in the example below. Bright colors pop against neutral decor pieces and bring a touch of fall energy to the room.
13. Art is everything
Art is another great way to bring fall colors into your mantel decor. It’s easy and doesn’t require purchasing additional decorative elements. You can always swap out artwork from another room for the ones above your mantel. Opt for artwork in fall tones like burnt orange, deep reds, and earthy browns, depicting fall landscapes or natural countryside scenes.
14. Fall foliage
Let fall foliage take center stage when decorating your mantel. Place colorful leaves, whether artificial or real, on your mantel to add a natural touch. The leaves alone provide depth and beauty, but you can also enhance the look by adding pumpkins and candles. This affordable approach easily integrates with your existing mantel pieces.
15. Choose a centerpiece
It’s not entirely DIY, but it’s pretty close. Create your own centerpiece by combining pinecones, acorns, and small branches. This arrangement can be placed on the mantel itself or in a tray as a main focal point. To add to the cozy vibe, surround the centerpiece with candles (or more pumpkins!).
16. Small pumpkins
Mini pumpkins may be small, but they pack a big punch. They add subtle details without overwhelming your decor, giving off a charming “Oh my gosh, they’re so cute” vibe. Pair them with elegant candle holders or large candlesticks for a mix of seasonal charm and elegance. For an extra glow, choose candle holders in warm metallic tones.
17. Hydrangea hiding place
Hydrangeas, especially in their dried form, are a beautiful accent for fall mantels. Pair them with pumpkins for a mix of textures. You can arrange them in a vase or simply place them around the pumpkins for a floral touch.
18. So scary
If you love Halloween, this is the decoration for you. Give your mantel a spooky touch with dark and moody pieces like black candlesticks, bats, and spider webs. These decorations can easily be added to your fall theme by mixing them with traditional fall items like pumpkins and fall leaves. The result is a fun and seasonal mantel that builds on your existing fall decor.
19. High and dry
Dried flowers and leaves aren’t just for potpourri—they’re a stylish and trendy way to decorate your fall mantel. Eucalyptus, lavender, or wheat add an organic touch, but you can use any of your favorite fall flowers. This simple arrangement pairs perfectly with traditional fall decor like pumpkins and candles.
20. Pretty lanterns
Nothing says fall like cozy candles and lanterns. Place them along your mantel in groups or solo. The flickering light adds warmth to your living room and makes the space feel more inviting.
21. Creative DIY
Calling all DIYers! Personalize your mantel with handmade crafts—it’s the perfect opportunity to bring family and friends together for some fun. Get creative with garlands, painted pumpkins, wreaths, or other whimsical pieces (like the witch pictured below). Use it as a budget-friendly way to freshen up your fall decor.
Your fireplace mantel can serve as the perfect backdrop to display your favorite fall decor while creating a cozy space to enjoy your warm fireplace. Whether you’re drawn to classic pumpkins or looking for something spooky, we hope you’ve found inspiration to make your fireplace mantel unique this season.
