If you’re looking to achieve a simple mantel decor makeover, this post might help you out.
Since the holidays, I’ve been in money-saving mode. In December I gave my kitchen an uber-affordable facelift and loved how it turned out, so I decided to challenge myself with a similar budget makeover on our fireplace mantel.
When we moved in, the blank wall above the mantel was driving me crazy, so I threw up a couple frames I already had on hand—these palm prints from Ikea.
I love those prints and they hung there for a few months, but the stark black frames didn’t fit with the airy look and feel I was going for in our compact living space. At the moment I didn’t have much money to spend (read: none) on decor, but I did have a couple gift cards from Christmas and a few decorative items that were still boxed up from our move.
With those things in mind, I set off in search of simple fireplace mantel decorating ideas. Here are a few of the inspo pics from my ‘Mantel’ Pinterest board:
As you can see, I was digging the round mirror, simple layout and neutral color scheme. One of my gift cards was to Home Depot, which is where I tracked down this mirror in gold and a set of distressed wood candle holders (now discontinued, similar here). I also had on hand two vases from this Crate & Barrel set and a few basic pillar candles. Using these pieces, here’s how I changed things up.
Much lighter looking and the mirror definitely makes the room feel bigger. Total money spent: $0.
I’m purposely not showing a full-length picture of the fireplace or living room yet because the tiling on the hearth is messed up and in need of repair. It shouldn’t be too expensive to fix, just messy and time consuming. It might be the next DIY project I tackle so our fireplace can finally feel finished!
In the meantime, anybody have any ideas about what I should do with the sconces that frame the mantel? They’re definitely not great, but I’ve decided to live with them until something comes along that’s worth the hassle of changing them out.
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