Who says mantel decorating is just for the cozy winter months? If you have a mantel, it typically takes center stage of the room. In the warmer months we tend to focus on perfecting our porches and outdoor spaces, but there’s something about a summertime mantel that makes the sofa feel extra inviting for movie, or game night to beat the heat. Follow these steps for an easy, bold and beautiful mantel that will last throughout the summer months until you’re ready to decorate for fall.
To make your space feel spacious or more open, you can put a large mirror on the mantel. The mirror will reflect any windows nearby to bring some outdoor color in and brighten up the space. You can play around with different shapes and sizes and choose a bold neutral color such as black or navy to make the mirror the centerpiece of the mantel.
What says summer more than floral and greenery? The mantel is a fabulous place to display some pops of color for the summer months, especially if you’ve chosen a neutral centerpiece such as a large mirror. To add interest, try using vases and greenery of varying height and width. Two taller vases with some faux branches or stems on either side of your mirror, paired with several smaller vases or containers holding more colorful flowers or leafy plants match up well together. Choose an odd number of vases to add interest and avoid making the mantel completely symmetrical. As a bonus, find different materials such as galvanized pots, wire baskets, or repurpose a glass pitcher to hold flowers.
Adding smaller details will bring your mantel together cohesively. You can drape wooden beaded garland over and between vases. Candles or fairy lights are a great way to warm up your space and create a glow, especially when it’s like that you won’t be using the fireplace for any actual fires in the summertime. Don’t forget a few cozy pillows propped up and a cozy throw draped over the hearth!
The summer months aren’t the mantel’s time to shine, but that doesn’t mean we should leave it bare! A few simple touches will leave your mantel looking dignified and ready for a rare night indoors to beat the summer heat!