With the weather cooling and the leaves turning, it’s the perfect time to enjoy your fireplace. Your mantel plays a big role in enhancing the decor around your fireplace, transforming a simple setup into a cozy autumn focal point. Decorating your mantel for fall is easier than you might think, and with the right inspiration, you can create a mantel that adds warmth and style.
Whether you love rustic farmhouse style or prefer a more refined look with florals and candles, we’ve got you covered. These 20+ mantel ideas will help you create a warm atmosphere that brings relaxation, comfort, and ease to your living room. So grab your pumpkin spice drink as we explore a range of ideas (plus a few DIY favorites).
1. Blankets and Beauty
What says warmth more than a cozy blanket? Use them to add softness and texture to your mantel. Think chunky knit throws draped over the mantel’s edge or placed on the side of the fireplace (like in a cute wicker basket). Using blankets as a simple addition can help balance out the look of hard edges and soften up the decor – neutral tones work best here and let textures shine.
2. Go Garland
Garland is a fall mantel staple! Try one made of natural elements featuring fall leaves in a variety of colors, pinecones, and twine. Be sure to add small seasonal touches like pumpkins or candles to offer a unique twist while also boosting the cozy feels. We recommend draping the garland loosely across the mantel and letting excess pieces hang on the side for a casual, yet elegant look.
3. Farmhouse Fan
The farmhouse aesthetic is all about simplicity and balance – but that doesn’t mean boring. If you’re looking to achieve this decor style consider a few elements like a rustic wooden sign, pumpkins, and other vintage elements like candle holders or vases. This array offers the perfect balance for your fall decor and the farmhouse vibe exudes warmth and comfort.
4. Pumpkins Galore
We can’t think about this season without one of our fall favorites – pumpkins! And your mantel is the perfect place to showcase some of your favorites. There are many options to choose from including traditional orange, creamy whites, and even metallics for a modern touch. Try arranging them in a row or clustering them together. You can also elevate a few on pedestals or candle holders to add height and depth.
5. Gorgeous Pampas Grass
Pampas grass is a trendy decor element that blends beautifully with fall vibes. Not only is it soft and feathery, but the texture also works with almost any color palette and it brings an organic, airy feel to your mantel. We suggest using tall, narrow vases to let the pampas grass stand out (but shorter vases are total okay for the top of the mantel).
6. Chic with Wheat
Wheat stalks are a classic fall element that has “harvest season” written all over it. Place stalks in ceramic or woven vases to bring a natural, simple beauty to your mantel. The golden hues of wheat are understated yet elegant, so they’re perfect if you’re going for a subtle but chic harvest-inspired display.
7. Candle Cozy
Candles are a must-have for mantel decor, and they’re especially beautiful in the fall. Their soft glow instantly adds ambiance to your space, and they require little effort to set up. Choose a variety of heights to create dimension, and consider using brass or wood candle holders to enhance the autumnal vibe. If you don’t have a working fireplace, even better — you can place candles inside to elevate the elegance.
8. Gourds of Gratitude
Fall offers us a time for is a gathering and gratitude, and what better way to symbolize that than with gourds? Arrange a variety of them along your mantel, mixing in mini pumpkins for extra texture. Their unusual shapes and muted colors create add interest and a festive touch, which is great for those by-the-fire Thanksgiving conversations. Gourds can be left as is for a rustic feel or paired with twinkling lights for a more playful touch.
9. Wreath Whimsy
Use tall ceilings to your advantage! A large wreath above your mantel can make a big statement. You can choose a wreath made from colorful autumn leaves or dried flowers to add warmth and draw the eyes above the mantel. Do you prefer a modern design style? Opt for a more modern wreath, like a half-moon or asymmetrical design, to complement your home design.
10. Wonderful White Pumpkins
For a more refined and modern fall mantel try white pumpkins. They offer a clean and classic look that looks beautiful with a variety of accents from brass, to silver or more white (it’s like fall meets winter wonderland!). Add a few florals to soften the arrangement. This decor is perfect if you want to embrace fall without the traditional bright colors.
11. DIY Wreath
It’s time to get crafty! A DIY wreath lets you use real or faux elements — string twigs or wire together, add leaves, and use extra foliage on your mantel, either in a vase or sprinkled across. A handmade wreath adds a personal touch that feels warm and inviting. You can even add fairy lights to make your wreath glow in the evening.
12. Pops of Color
Fall decor is a great opportunity to add color to your home. The best part? You don’t have to stick to typical fall hues—you can incorporate your favorite colors! Think white pumpkins paired with pink flowers and gold accents, like in the example below. Vibrant colors pop against neutral decor pieces and bring an energetic autumn feel to the room.
13. Art Does it All
Art is another great way to introduce fall colors into your mantel decor. It’s simple and doesn’t require buying additional decorative pieces — you can always swap artwork from another room for the piece above your mantel. Opt for art that features autumnal tones like burnt orange, deep reds, and earthy browns, depicting fall landscapes or natural countryside scenes.
14. Fall Foliage
Consider letting fall foliage take center stage in your mantel decor. Placing colorful leaves, whether faux or real, across your mantel adds a natural touch. The leaves offer depth and beauty on their own, but you can also enhance the look by adding pumpkins and candles. This affordable approach easily integrates with your existing mantel pieces.
15. Curate a Centerpiece
It’s not fully DIY, but close enough. Curate your own centerpiece by combining pinecones, acorns, and small branches. This arrangement can be placed on the mantel itself or in a tray as the main focal point. To enhance the cozy feel, surround the centerpiece with candles (or more pumpkins!).
16. Petite Pumpkins
Mini pumpkins may be small, but they’re mighty. They add subtle detail without overwhelming your decor, offering a charming “OMG, these are so cute” vibe. Pair them with sleek candle holders or tall candlesticks to create a mix of seasonal charm and elegance. For an extra glow, choose candle holders in warm metallic tones.
17. Hydrangea Hideaway
Hydrangeas, especially in their dried form, are a beautiful feature for fall mantels. Pair them with pumpkins for a mix of textures. You can arrange them in a vase or simply place them around the pumpkins to bring a floral touch to the overall look.
18. So Spooky
If you love Halloween, this is for you. Give your mantel a spooky upgrade with pieces that are dark and moody like black candlesticks, bats, and spider webs. These decorations can easily be added to your fall theme by mixing them with traditional autumn items like pumpkins and fall leaves. The result is a fun, seasonal mantel that builds on your existing fall decor.
19. High and Dry
Dried flowers and leaves aren’t just for potpourri—they’re a beautiful, trendy way to decorate your fall mantel. Eucalyptus, lavender, or wheat bring an organic vibe, but you can use any of your fall favorites. This simple arrangement pairs perfectly with traditional fall décor like pumpkins and candles.
20. Lovely Lanterns
Nothing says fall like cozy candles and lanterns. Place them along your mantel in clusters or as a solo statement piece. The flickering light adds warmth to your living room and helps the space feel more inviting.
21. DIY Creative Crafts
Calling all DIYers! Personalize your mantel with handmade crafts — it’s the perfect chance to gather family or friends for some fun. Get creative with garlands, painted pumpkins, wreaths, or other whimsical pieces (like the witch featured below). Use it as a budget-friendly way to refresh your fall decor.
Your mantel can serve as the perfect canvas to display your favorite fall decor while creating a cozy space to enjoy your warm fireplace. Whether you’re drawn to classic pumpkins or seeking something spooky, we hope you found inspiration to make your mantel uniquely yours this season.
