Your fireplace mantel commands a substantial presence in your living room, offering an excellent canvas for infusing warmth, character, and charm into the space.

But while it’s often a breeze to decorate for the holidays, knowing what to do with it outside the season isn’t always quite as easy.

That doesn’t mean you have to leave it bare, though—with a few essential tips, you can make it marvelous year-round. So clear off your mantel, give it a good dusting or fresh coat of paint, and get ready to transform it into a captivating centerpiece you’ll love no matter the month.

Choose a focal point

Making over your mantel starts with selecting an anchoring piece that will set the tone for your other decorative elements. This could be a large mirror, a framed painting, or a unique sculpture, depending on your personal style and the overall design of the rest of the room. Set it in the center of your mantel, or hang it on the wall above; just make sure it’s only four to six inches from the surface so you won’t have to crane your neck to see it.

And don’t fret if you already have a TV mounted above your fireplace. You can turn it into a focal point simply by adding a gilded frame and displaying art on it when not in use. For an in-depth tutorial on how to achieve this, check out this step-by-step guide from Cass Makes Home.

Layer different elements

After deciding on your anchoring item, pick different decorative pieces to place around it. While your options are virtually limitless, a mix of the following elements will provide optimal variety to make your mantel feel dynamic and natural instead of stiff and formal.

• Plants and flowers: Add plants or faux greenery to your mantel for a fresh look you can easily update with the seasons.
• Personal items: Incorporate a personal touch by displaying a family photo, figurine, heirloom, or sentimental object such as your kid’s drawing or a cross-stitch of your favorite quote.
• Candles: Use an assortment of candles and candlesticks in your decor to infuse a cozy ambience and create height and dimension.
• Vases: With their many shapes and sizes, vases can add immense character to the area. Utilize them to display your natural elements, or leave them empty, allowing the vases themselves to make a statement.

The key when crafting your display is finding items that complement each other. This will ensure it still looks purposeful and put together no matter how eclectic and diverse your choices.

Create balance

Whichever pieces you select for your mantel, it’s important to arrange them in a way that’s visually balanced. The typical method for achieving this is to place the same objects on each side of your focal item, but don’t feel obligated to stick to tradition. Although this type of symmetry can produce a formal design, it can also make the space seem overly curated.

Instead, create balance through pairing objects based on a specific characteristic. For instance, put a large vase on the left and a collection of candlesticks on the right of your centerpiece, or set vases of different shapes and colors on either side for a cohesive yet unique look that’s more relaxed.

Also, be careful not to overcrowd the area. While you can have a maximalist design that covers every inch of available room on your mantel, your pieces should always be working together rather than competing. Make sure to keep taller objects like vases and candlesticks toward the back and smaller items toward the front, and stick to odd numbers—the rule of three is a must-have for designing spaces that are pleasing to the eye.

Consider seasonal swaps

By incorporating flowers, vases, and candles, you can easily adapt your decor to the different seasons. In spring, bring the changing landscape into your home by dropping fresh, in-season flowers into your vases. Summer is all about making your spaces feel light and breezy, so swap out a vase for a wicker basket and add fresh-cut wildflowers. During fall, introduce dried flowers or pumpkin-shaped items to your decor. And as winter approaches, deck your mantel with fresh or faux garlands while exchanging tall items like candlesticks for holiday stocking holders. With a thoughtfully curated decor collection, there’s no need for a complete makeover each season. Instead, you can implement small yet deliberate changes that still have a significant impact on your mantel’s visual appeal.

By following these tips, you can create a display that adds extra charm and character to your living space. Let your personal style shine through, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different ideas to find the perfect look for your home.