Are you dreaming about decorating for fall and how to decorate your mantel? Or, are you holding on to Summer? I have a party planned on the 22nd so I am trying to get with it. Here are some of my favorite Simple Ways to Add Fall to Your Mantel from the past.
My advice is to try and use things you already own in new ways. Add some organics and call it good.
This was our “fall mantel” at the Salinas house. I used the old tool and dye panels that I found at Roundtop, old lawn bowling or exercise pins (also from roundtop), a basket from a favorite consignment shop that I miss dearly, a portrait we inherited from Steve’s parents, and a pumpkin. You might enjoy my post Natural Fall Collected Home Tour here for more fall decor ideas.
This mantel is from our former home (I miss that fireplace). I used one door panel from a corner cabinet, the tool and dye panel, fall leaves in an old Hungarian pickling jar, and the same vintage pins. You will notice I use these elements a lot. This iteration is one of many that I created for my post Collected fall mantle four ways which you can read here.
This arrangement is also from our former fireplace, the same tool and dye panel, an old vintage breadboard, an old house vent, and the same basket. The fern is faux (I don’t mind faux if it looks real!)
Some of these pictures aren’t that great because they are old. This is a wreath that I made back in 2018. I have had the manzanita base for years. I still do! You can read my post on how I made it in the post DIY wreath from Foraged Materials here.
I really loved incorporating my Native American baskets, with a Horchow mirror from years ago, and of course the fall leaves.
This is my outdoor fireplace mantle from my former home. Here I decorated it simply with a vintage breadboard and vintage wicker-covered bottles. The tablescape was busy enough that I didn’t think the fireplace needed much. The natural tones of the wicker and wood blend well without competing with the tablescape. Unfortunately this picture is not the greatest, but I think you can get the idea.
I created this mantle scape several years ago for a Project Design series. It was actually in theory a Spring mantel. However, the composition might help you. You can read that post, How to Style your Spring Mantle Four Ways here. It might give you some good ideas as well.
This is another version from that same post. All of the elements were things I already owned.
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Here is my mantel now. It is a bit more challenging just because I am not used to it. It is very tall and narrow and the mantel is not deep at all. I doubt that I will add much to it, perhaps some leaves. I know I don’t have time or the foliage for the wreath. We shall see. Any ideas?
I hope you enjoyed Simple Ways to Add Fall to Your Mantel. I would love to hear how you are planning to decorate your house for Fall. More ideas coming your way! I will be back on Sunday with Annie and Mary Ann on Sunday with our favorites.
Cindy, I love seeing your fireplaces through the years, and how you use/re-use the same elements from year to year, house to house. Proof that if you buy what you love you will always find a place for it. Cannot wait to see your party plans and ideas.
Hi Elizabeth
I think that is true for the most part …if you buy what you love you will use it. I do have a few things that I love that I will never be able to use in this house which makes me sad.
With something so narrow, I think that putting a picture, mirrored frame or some architectural piece that could be standard on the mantel but it needs to be hung I think vs stacked due to narrowness and also be dark in color for contrast. Large old dark wicker tray? then layer something narrow such as candlesticks, pictures or even a row of glass textures votives could be lovely. Layering is so wonderful mixed with texture like you do. When you find the right mix it will just sing and you will know it. Love your mantel but it is a challenge!
What is beside fire place Mantel on floor?
Cindy,
Using the wood door panels is a good way to warm up the mantle. . I have an old pickled pine outdated TV cabinet in storage. Before weeding it out, I have been wondering what creative way to repurpose it. I wish to be as creative as you. I love your work. Pat
I love the curves of the doors on your new mantle. Especially since the fireplace tapers up.
I’d like to see you try the manzanita wreath hanging on the shutters on your mantle!
Hi Kathe
That wreath is too wide but I have thought of doing a smaller one. Good thought. My husband might kill me though as we would have to then nail the doors to the wall….hmmmmmmm…thinking…
That white fireplace is just itching for some color. I’d be tempted to paint some leaves or vines on the mantal or going up the fireplace. Of course you could just add some seasonal plants or schrubs.
Hi Bonita
I once had a stencil border in a couple of places and I got tired of it. I am getting boring in my old age!!
Cindy…Thanks so much for all of your blogs…I read all of them, and save so many of them. I really enjoyed your blog on jackets…and I ordered a great one from Michael Stars…and 2 Lilly skirts from CP Shades that were on sale!
Love your fall dessign ideas…like the other reader…I wondered if you have a warehouse for storage! I was really impressed that in your rental house you could pull together so many items from your former house…and now you transition them into your new house. You are amazing!
Keep the ideas coming…I look forward to your design and fashion ideas!
Hi Beverly and Barbara
In our former home we had two garages and a barn. We now only have a three car garage, so we are gradually weeding things out. The cupboard doors that are on the mantel now actually belong on the corner cupboard that is in our bedroom. I like it better without the doors. I tend to just move things around with the seasons and change things up. We had to get rid of a lot of stuff when we moved to the Salinas house, but we still have more to get rid of.
Where do you store all the wonderful items you have at your disposal for creating these great vignettes? Seems you must have a warehouse. Love your design & your approach. Thanks for sharing with all of us!
Hi Barbara
My husband does have a warehouse but that is going away once he retires so we are weeding and weeding!!
Always outstanding “Cindy Touch” always nails it.
Thank you so much Kathy
Do you have space to put tall iron floor candleholders on each side of fireplace?
Hi Nancy I don’t think so. It is honestly one of the narrowest mantels I have ever seen. Great idea though!!
Cindy…gorgeous already…maybe a pop of orange on the mantle ledge…bittersweet,or some WILD and curly vine(grape) off to the right side? I know how much you love using natural elements on all your stunning designs.
Happy weekend!
Sharrie( GA is still summer HOT!)
Hi Sharrie
Yes I think something like that would be great if it will fit. It is so narrow that it is almost impossible. What I have up there now comes to the very edge.
As always, inspired by your organic Fall decor.
Ahhhh fall! Great ideas, as always,you bring the season in beautifully. I also think a garland might work on your fireplace. I decorate for fall (carries thru Thanksgiving).
As always enjoy your ideas…I might go with a garland to give the tall thin mantle place a more horizontal balanced feel.
Great ideas and I love what you have for the new mantle. No fireplace in the reset, so the buffet from our former dining room which is now in a fairly large foyer is the stand-in! This will be fun!
Love a great buffet!!
As always, a beautiful post! Great ideas.
Have a nice weekend.
Teresa
Hi Teresa
Thank you so much. You have a great one too!
Cindy,
I really like all the fall touches you add. Your shutters on your new mantle are a great start to the fall decor. Maybe some candlesticks and a jug (that fits) with autumn leaves? I’m still hoping for a break in the heat here. I have compiled ideas for decorating for fall once it shows up. 🙂
Karen B
Hi Karen
I will try the candlestick idea…if they fit…The ceilings are so high everything that will fit looks lost!