A mirror above the fireplace is a classic mantel decor choice that adds elegance and creates the illusion of a larger space. Hanging a large mirror above your fireplace is a classic way to decorate your mantel. Not only do mirrors add a touch of glamour, but they also create the illusion of a more open space. A traditional rectangular mirror in an ornate frame conveys luxury and elegance while a circular mirror with a minimal frame makes a more contemporary statement. For best results, choose a mirror that is approximately two-thirds the width of your mantel. Decide what works with your style and then supplement your mirror of choice with complementary items such as candles and vases.

Designer tip: Mirrors work beautifully year-round—swap out surrounding accessories seasonally to refresh the look without replacing the mirror itself.

Art above the mantel is a stylish way to showcase your personality and tie together your room's color palette. You don't have to be a fine art connoisseur to feature art you love in your home, and above your mantel is the perfect place to show off your artistic taste. Whether you hang a large piece of canvas art or stagger smaller framed pieces, decorating with art is a fun way to inject some personality and flavor into your fireplace setup. Make sure the color in the pieces you choose matches the palette of your living room. Leave 4–6 inches between the mantel and the bottom of your artwork for visual balance. Black and white photo art is one popular choice that goes with a variety of décor styles and color schemes.

Designer tip: Match art colors to your room's palette for a cohesive look, and consider rotating pieces seasonally for a fresh feel.

Family photos on the mantel create a warm, personal display that celebrates cherished memories. Your fireplace is the focal point for gatherings with family and friends, so it makes sense to display memories of those dearest to you. Family portraits or candid photos can be easily framed and hung above your mantel for all to see. Another method is having your pictures rest on the mantel, leaning against your fireplace. You can layer staggered photos this way to add some depth to your décor and include even more cherished moments in your display. Use odd-numbered groupings (3 or 5 frames) for visual balance.

Designer tip: Update your photo display seasonally with vacation snapshots in summer or holiday portraits in winter.

A television above the fireplace combines style and function when sized and installed correctly. For some, a TV over the fireplace may seem more practical than style-conscious, but when done right, a television can be a sleek and functional addition. The newer the TV, the better – slim TVs with minimal bezels are the current trend. You'll also want to make sure your television is the right size. Your screen should be at least partially framed by the fireplace backsplash, but not dwarfed by it—aim for a TV width that is roughly two-thirds the width of your fireplace opening. Consolidate cords as much as possible for a clean look that will allow you to place a few accompanying décor accents on your mantel.

A decorative wall clock makes a stylish and practical centerpiece above your fireplace mantel. It's always useful to have a clock in your main room, and decorative clocks are typically oversized, making it easier to tell the time from any angle or distance. They also come in a variety of décor styles, so you can browse a host of different materials and faces until you find the perfect one for your space.

Designer tip: Choose a clock that complements your room's style—rustic wood for farmhouse, sleek metal for modern spaces.

A decorative wreath brings natural beauty and seasonal charm to your mantel display. Bring a touch of the outdoors inside with a festive decorative wreath. You can find an array of year-round wreath options online or get creative and make your own as a fun DIY project. Wreaths can be made from natural materials such as flexible twigs, olive branches, or lavender, or from manmade craft supplies such as twine or tulle. Center your wreath over your fireplace and complement it with beautiful lanterns, plants, and your favorite décor accents.

Designer tip: Swap wreaths seasonally—eucalyptus for spring, sunflowers for summer, dried leaves for fall, and evergreen for winter.

A chalkboard above the mantel adds farmhouse charm and a customizable surface for quotes or seasonal messages. The distressed surface of a chalkboard is the perfect complement to a Farmhouse or Shabby Chic fireplace. It's also a reusable surface that you can fill with cute sketches, the family motto, or your favorite quotes. Your chalkboard can be hung above the mantel or rest on top of it. Dress up the rest of your mantel with other antique-like items to keep your look consistent. You can also bring in ivy or other plant life to help balance the black-and-white focus.

A vintage windowpane creates a charming farmhouse focal point above your fireplace. A worn wooden windowpane is another centerpiece that can give your fireplace mantel some Farmhouse flair. You can dress it up with ribbon or paint it to have it better match your room's style. One unique take is to place photos in each framed piece of glass in the window. Pair this antique piece with other Farmhouse elements, such as small tins or other metal accents, for an adorably homey mantelscape.

Plants and flowers bring natural beauty and life to your mantel, creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere. Fill the area above your fireplace with the natural beauty of flowers and plants. You can use a large floral arrangement as your centerpiece and supplement it with smaller vases and standalone branches. Ivy is one great filler that you can place directly on your mantel.

Designer tip: Rotate greenery seasonally—fresh tulips in spring, sunflowers in summer, dried wheat in fall, and evergreen branches in winter.

Driftwood decor brings coastal character and natural texture to your fireplace display. Creating a Coastal fireplace is a breeze when you use the right materials. A gnarled piece of natural driftwood brings the weathered appearance and outdoor appeal your mantel needs. You can also use sculptures made from either real or synthetic driftwood. Other nautical accents, such as seashells, will pair well with your petrified centerpiece.

Decorative lettering adds a personalized touch to your mantel with initials, names, or meaningful words. You can incorporate letters into your mantel decorating in a few different ways. Industrial-style metal lettering is large and attention-grabbing, which makes it a natural centerpiece for your mantel. Wooden lettering is more traditional, and printed letters on wooden blocks is another alphabetical option. Some ideas are to feature your initials, surname, or a simple word that describes your family or home.

Ceramic pieces add timeless elegance and versatility to your mantel decor. Ceramic jars, plates, and urns are all great ways to make your hearth feel like home. Ceramics are versatile enough to work with a variety of decorating styles and come in every color imaginable. Whether you use ceramic vases filled with flowers as weight or use a large ceramic plate as an anchor, you won't regret bringing this material into your fireplace décor.

Lanterns and candles create warm ambiance and serve as versatile mantel accents. Unlit candles can be weight or filler, depending on their size. Use pillar candles for a display that's sure to be noticed and tealight or votive candles if you prefer a subtle setup. Lanterns are larger and can either take center stage or stay on the sides as supporting décor. Bronze lanterns give a contemporary feel to your mantel while distressed or worn wooden lanterns lend a perfectly shabby influence.

Designer tip: Group candles in odd numbers (3 or 5) at varying heights for visual interest.

Antler decor creates a striking rustic centerpiece for cabin-inspired or bohemian spaces. If you really want to commit to a rustic feel for your fireplace or aim to create the quintessential country cabin, antler décor is the perfect decorative centerpiece. Antler décor can be useful to many design styles, whether you're creating a chic Scandinavian space or a Bohemian bungalow. You may also want to look for natural wood carvings and other outdoors-inspired accents to add some variety to your mantel.

Metal wall decor makes a bold, durable statement piece above your fireplace. Metal wall décor is bold, durable, and it makes a statement wherever you use it, especially if that space is above your fireplace mantel. Metallic décor comes in a variety of polishes and colors. Even a popular piece, such as a large metal star, can have multiple looks based on the type of metal used, the finish, and the amount of polish. Whether you need something bright and brassy or aged and rusted, metal wall hangings will inject some personality into your fireplace décor.

• Match art and decor colors to your room's palette
• Use odd-numbered groupings
• Leave 4–6 inches between the mantel and artwork
• Rotate decor seasonally
• Style the fireplace decor last

What is the best decor for above a fireplace? The best decor depends on your style, but popular choices include mirrors, art, and decorative clocks. Mirrors add elegance and make rooms feel larger, while art showcases personality and ties together your color scheme.

How do I style a fireplace mantel for different seasons? Swap out accessories seasonally—use fresh florals and pastels in spring, coastal accents in summer, warm tones and dried botanicals in fall, and evergreens or candles in winter. Keep your main centerpiece consistent and rotate smaller accents for easy updates.