Farmhouse Fireplace Mantel Decor Ideas

10 Farmhouse Fireplace Mantel Decor Ideas

Looking for farmhouse fireplace mantel decor ideas? Check out these ten farmhouse fireplace ideas, sure to fuel your inspiration fire!

They say all you need to light a fire is for a spark to catch, and as we welcome in a fresh new season, many of us feel that interior designer itch to change things up. Therefore we find ourselves searching for that “creative spark” to inspire us.

I don’t know about you, but now that all my holiday decor is put back in boxes, I keep staring at my fireplace mantel with an itch to transform it. 

For some of us, myself included, decorating the center display of the house (aka the mantel) can be a real challenge!

Maybe you’ve bought two items that you know would look great on your mantel, but haven’t thought about how they would go together. Or maybe you haven’t found any free time yet to sit down and plan it.

Well, the good news is,

whether you’re in need of a “mantel makeover” or you’re just looking for references for your next decoration challenge, these ten farmhouse fireplace mantel decor ideas are sure to fuel your inspiration fire!

This post contains some affiliate links. Thank you for your support; please read the full disclosure policy.

2 fireplace mantel displays with various decor items, such as candle pillars, eucalyptus, wood slice wreath, and vintage photographs

How do you decorate a mantel?

Decorating a mantel is like painting a blank canvas; there’s a myriad of distinct ways that you could decorate a mantel, the choice is entirely up to you, and while there is no set “textbook” method to have a flawless mantel display, that’s what makes it so fun!

Your mantel display is unique to you and your tastes. 

Try taking a look at certain styles that interest you and let your imagination run wild. It doesn’t have to be complex; maybe you start with a single framed picture on your mantle, and you let your creative side take over from that point on. 

There’s almost nothing better than just going with the flow of decorating!

Just remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect on the first try. You may find after completing a design that you don’t love it as much as you originally imagined you would. The great thing about that is it teaches you more about your personal style, and you get to try again. 

Lucky for us, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to decorating a fireplace.

What looks good on a fireplace mantel?

As they say, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” so what looks good to someone else may not to you. It’s a case of personal preference. What you love is what you love.

You are the one who’s going to be looking at the mantel the most after all, so my recommendation is simply to have something you enjoy seeing every day. 

If you’re struggling with where to start your design, start with an inspiration piece – for example, a colorful candle in a candle holder or a wreath. Then just work the rest of it from there! Or scroll down for ten farmhouse fireplace mantel ideas that have inspired me. 

Related To: 15 Votive Candle Holder Ideas

How do you style a long mantel?

There are various ways you can approach this matter. But, I think the best way is to start by making measurements so you know how much space you have to work with. Once you know that, use your space wisely, depending on your desired look.

Framed artwork is a great way to style a long mantel, but that can get both pricey and repetitive. Try going with a mixture of items and use differing height and sized items to your advantage. 

For example, maybe you love the idea of putting a beloved family photo on your mantel. You could put it with some small signs or mix in some flora. It isn’t easy to style a long mantel, but the more you practice it by switching things up and seeing what works for you, the better tuned you’ll be to your own taste in furnishings and aesthetics.

You’ll find a myriad of ideas below to help you fill the space of a long mantel!

10 Farmhouse Fireplace Mantel Decor Ideas To Get You Thinking

rustic fireplace mantel with a centered, large window frame with chipping white paint

1. Rustic Farmhouse Fireplace Mantel 

If you’re searching for a more rustic farmhouse look, with some chipped white decor pieces and a hint of fresh green to liven it up, then this rustic farmhouse fireplace idea is just what you need!

What I love most about this fireplace display is the ability to hang different wreaths each season without the need for nail in the wall. By leaning a large window frame above the fireplace you can tie a wreath onto with ribbon.

room looking clean and open while still keeping that countryside feeling.  

2. Farmhouse Vignette Mantel Decor   

Layering various objects on a mantel is a great way to create an interesting farmhouse style vignette.  Kyla writes, choosing items that work together is like a puzzle you are trying to solve. Arranging and rearranging is all a part of the process. 

And she’s right! Balancing larger objects first before adding in small filler items such as votive candles, vintage books, or framed photos is great way to go about it.

This cozy spring look displays warm brown and deep green tones that are easy on the eyes. The cursive sign is also a great way to add a touch of elegance to the rural farmhouse aesthetic.

3. Cozy Spring Farmhouse Fireplace Decor

This cozy spring look displays warm brown and deep green tones that are easy on the eyes. The cursive sign flanked by tall topiaries is a great way to add a touch of elegance to the rural farmhouse aesthetic.

Also to note is Liz’s use of glass cloches. You place a simple potted plant, as she did or with other times. An old family photo, dried bouquet, candle or seasonal decor items also look elegant when showcased under a glass cloche!

If you’re on the hunt for an easy-to-achieve look, check out this simple farmhouse mantel that uses wheat as a subtle but perfect accent to a big center statement piece.

4. Simple Farmhouse Window Box Fireplace Display

If you’re on the hunt for an easy-to-achieve look, check out this simple farmhouse mantel that uses a window box to display seasonal decor.

The window box itself is a subtle but perfect accent to create a big center statement piece. You could start with simple wooden window box or go all out for an antique copper window box!

One of the best compliments to any size mantel is a garland and this decor idea adds just that! The pale green tones of the leaves on the garland blend in perfectly with the light wood furnishings that are brimming with a welcoming aura.

5. Farmhouse Mantel Decor Using Garland

One of the best compliments to any size mantel is a garland, and this decor idea adds just that! The pale green tones of the leaves on the garland blend in perfectly with the light wood furnishings that are brimming with a welcoming aura.

Centered by a another large rustic window frame decorated with DIY wreath it’s a design you can use all year by swapping out the wreath and garland with seasonal options. Think snowy evergreen garland at Christmas or a floral garland during spring.

For anyone who doesn’t always have the time to do a full design and decorating session on their mantel, this effortless 10-minute farmhouse mantel primarily uses items that are either easy to get or you already have in your home. 

6. Effortless Farmhouse Mantel with Candles

For anyone who doesn’t always have the time to do a full design and decorating session on their mantel, this effortless 10-minute farmhouse mantel primarily uses items that are either easy to get, or you already have in your home. 

So, if you’re looking for a time-saver, this is the one for you!

A large sign flanked by tall wooden candle pillars is an easy go-to. When you use battery operated pillar candles with a remote you can enjoy candle on your fireplace with the push of a button! If you want to make your own candles to display on your fireplace, versus battery operated, don’t miss our DIY candle making guide

Whether you stick with this easy minimalist farmhouse idea or use a mirror in a completely different way, your mantel is essentially an empty canvas to paint.

7. Easy Minimalist Farmhouse Fireplace Mantel

Mirrors are a great mantel statement piece as they can go with just about any holiday or season based on your accent pieces. The right mirror even looks grand all on it’s on with is both super-efficient and cost-friendly.

Choose a simple round wooden mirror or something bold like this beaded Madison Park mirror or this stunning Martha Stewart mirror surrounded by golden ginkgo leaves.

Whether you stick with this easy minimalist farmhouse idea or use a mirror in a completely different way, your mantel is essentially an empty canvas to paint. See how I decorated my mantel for fall around a large round mirror in this video on Instagram.

From using antique images to your favorite family photographs there is no end to what you can create in a farmhouse mantel display with framed photos. 

8. Farmhouse Mantel Decor with Framed Vintage Photos

If you’re a sucker for those sweet family photos, I assure you, you’re not alone. If you’re wondering if it’s possible to work family portraits or framed photos into a mantel decor design, I’m here to tell you the answer is a resounding yes! 

From using antique images to your favorite family photographs, there is no end to what you can create in a farmhouse mantel display with framed photos

So, spend the weekend at Grandmas sorting through family photos to display in your home!

Does that pique your interest? Check out how to work unique pottery art into a chic farmhouse fireplace mantel design!

9. Chic Farmhouse Fireplace Mantel Decor Idea with Pottery

Using pottery pieces in your design is a great way to switch up the usual farmhouse decor items and add your own personal touch. Pottery comes in all shapes and sizes, and you can even DIY it by adding a piece to your mantel that has your unique stamp on it, unlike anyone else’s! 

You can’t go wrong with antique milk jug, farmhouse pitcher, or urn. Check out how Carissa worked unique pottery art into this chic farmhouse fireplace mantel design!

This modern farmhouse mantel idea is keeping it trendy and simple by adding in darker colors, such as navy blue, on the centerpiece and choosing to keep the rest natural tones.

10. Modern Farmhouse Fireplace Mantel

This modern farmhouse mantel idea keeps it trendy and simple by adding contrasting colors, such as black or navy blue, on the centerpiece and choosing to keep the rest natural tones.

Doing so gives the centerpiece much more of an impact on the space. It’s a simple and easy-to-follow design while keeping that farmhouse charm.

find this helpful?

Share It On Pinterest

While there, follow Our Farmhouse Chic Living for more inspired ideas.

Did you give one of these fireplace mantel decor ideas a try? Tag #farmhousechicliving on Instagram to share!

So there you have it!

It’s easier and way more fun than you may think to decorate your farmhouse mantel! Whether you’re in a brand new house or have been staring at the same fireplace mantel for years, it’s never too late to try something new!

MORE FARMHOUSE IDEAS:

Don’t forget to pin your favorite fireplace mantel photos!