5 Ways to Decorate a Fireplace Mantel for Fall

If you’re looking for a new way to decorate your home for fall, consider your fireplace mantel. There are many ways to dress up your interior using your mantel and make this cozy season even cozier. 

Here are five ways to decorate your mantel for fall. 

1. Candles

Candles are an excellent way to dress up your fireplace and make your room cozier. You can add a candle centerpiece in the center of your display or place them on either side of the mantle as an excellent framing device for other parts. 

You can choose neutral-colored candles that fit almost any decor, such as white or tan. You could also opt for orange or brown candles that match the rest of your fall decor. Don’t be afraid to get creative and use candles with checkered or fall-themed patterns. 

If you’re focusing on Halloween, you could get black or red candles to add to your spooky atmosphere. 

Some people prefer to use unscented candles for their decor, while others love to bring in autumn aromas, such as pumpkin spice, fresh leaves or apples and honey. Whether or not you choose a scent depends on how often you plan on lighting the candles and if there are any other scented items nearby. 

If you don’t intend to light them often, then splurging on the scent may not be worth it. The same goes if you have strongly scented items around your display, as you might not want to mix the fragrances. 

2. Leaf Garland

You may think of garland as a winter decoration, but autumn garland can add a pop of color and elegance to your mantel. 

You can purchase faux-leaf garland at many craft stores and use it for years. If no one in your household has fall allergies, you could also consider gathering some leaves to make your garland – just know it probably won’t last the whole season. 

Some faux garlands come with small pumpkins and gourds and others come with fairy lights. Choose whatever you think fits best with the rest of your mantel and fall decor. 

3. Pumpkins

Pumpkins symbolize the season and solid ones can last for months. Getting several small pumpkins to place in a miniature “pumpkin patch” can bring joy to your mantel. 

Even if orange isn’t in your decor color scheme, you can paint real pumpkins or purchase pre-painted artificial ones. For Halloween, you can place small jack-o-lanterns on your mantel and turn the room lights off for an eerie atmosphere. 

You can choose to decorate with however many pumpkins at whatever size is best for your mantel. The skies are the limit for these famous gourds. 

4. Signs

If you’ve been to a retail store during autumn, you’ve likely seen the “It’s Fall Y’all” or “Harvest Blessings” signs which serve as a cute way to celebrate the season. 

You don’t have to choose a saying that’s become a cliche, but making or purchasing signs that show your love for the season can make great accents for your mantle. 

It could be that you want a phrase or illustration that compliments the theme of your fall decor— you could take a more humorous route. The right sign can complement almost any autumn decor set-up. 

5. Family Photos 

Fall is a time for carving pumpkins, gathering leaves and drinking hot cider. For many, it’s also a time to reflect on all they have to be thankful for. 

Maybe you have old photos of you with family or friends during the fall. You might also have images of ancestors who worked hard to build a good life. These pictures are part of stories— a great way to tell them is by using your fireplace mantel. 

By decorating with old photos, you can stir up conversations of happy memories and exciting facts, helping you reflect on your loved ones all season long. 

Decorating Your Fireplace Mantel

If you choose to decorate your mantel for the fall season, there are many ways to make it festive. Whether you choose an elegant autumnal design or one filled with fall fun, your mantel is a great way to show your love for the season.