Although the mantel shelf is a great place to add fireplace décor, don’t forget about the space above it. Your fireplace can be the focal point of the room with the right decorative pieces.

For example, you can draw attention to your fireplace by hanging a mirror, clock or piece of artwork on the wall directly above the mantel. Keep in mind that you’ll need to know what size décor will work best for your space. If your décor is too small, it will draw more attention to the empty spots of the wall than the décor itself. Mounting large décor, on the other hand, will overwhelm the space and make the area feel too crowded.

Once you’ve settled on the right wall décor, decorate the shelf with pieces that complement your wall art to complete the look. We offer a wide range of fireplace accessories, vases, plants, and other decorative accessories.

No matter what fireplace style or size you have, show it off with soft ambient lighting. Mood lighting can give your fireplace an even cozier look. But with dozens of lighting choices to choose from, picking the right one can be challenging. We’ve put together some fireplace lighting options below to help get you started.

For example, tape lighting can accent your fireplace. It’s made up of hundreds of tiny lights with an adhesive backing. It is easy to conceal and install above the fireplace mantel. Wall sconces are another great option for fireplace décor. Consider hanging two sconce lights on the wall above the mantel for better symmetry.

If those don’t catch your attention, consider adding eyeball lights. These lights are recessed into the ceiling with an interior that has a swivel mechanism that moves like an eyeball. Eyeball lights are perfect for casting light directly onto mantel displays. For a simpler look, try decorating the mantel shelf with candles.

Adding artwork can boost a room’s overall aesthetic. You can hang up your favorite piece of art on the wall, or if it’s small enough, stand it on the shelf at an angle. For an eclectic look, place three or more smaller paintings on the shelf so they overlap.

Keep in mind that the artwork you choose to hang above your fireplace will be the focal point of the room. That’s why it’s important to consider scale and placement. Pick artwork that fills the space and pairs well with other décor.

Artwork above the fireplace often looks best when the width of the artwork is bigger than the opening of the fireplace, but smaller than the width of the mantle.

Using decorative items of varying heights is a great way to create more visual interest. We recommend using the triangle method, which combines layers of different heights in the shape of a triangle to create a balanced look.

First, place your tallest decorative item above the center of the mantel, then add smaller items to the left and right sides of your mantel shelf. This helps create proportionate and eye-pleasing décor.   

Lastly, consider adding stacked books, candlesticks, vases, or plants to create height and interest. There are no right or wrong decor choices. Play around with different arrangements and objects to get the look just right.

When it comes to fireplace décor ideas, creating a balanced look should be at the top of your list. Consider how your fireplace would look if it were split down the center. Would it look balanced? Your fireplace decor doesn’t have to be perfectly symmetrical but finding a balance will help your display look good.

Having fireplace décor that’s similar in height, width, and shape will give the space a more natural, organic feel. It’s also much more pleasing to the eye. This can be achieved by adding a central décor piece, then balancing each side with matching décor. Make sure to keep it simple to not overload your mantle or the space above it.

If you’re struggling to find the right decor for your fireplace, try coming up with a theme. For example, you could create a vintage theme by decorating only with antique items, or you could do something as simple as using the same color.

If you’re aiming for a modern look, keep things clean and simple with décor. If rustic charm is more your jam, display your collection of vintage or collectible items.

There are a lot of ways you can decorate your fireplace, and what works for you might depend on the room’s style.

First, decide whether your style is more traditional, contemporary, minimalist, or something in between. From there, you can pick décor that pairs well with your overall room aesthetic. If your living room, for example, follows a minimalist style, then a cluttered mantel shelf might look out of place.

A well-dressed fireplace will be the focal point of any room. What better way to accentuate it than with fireplace décor that reflects your personal style? Whatever you do, be confident in your style choices. How you decorate your fireplace will set the mood for the rest of the room.