Decorating A Fall Mantel With A TV Or Artwork
Learn how to decorate a fall mantel around a TV or large artwork with balance, symmetry, and simple seasonal touches.
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Learn how to style a beautiful fall mantel around a TV or large painting with these simple tips. Create balance, add seasonal decor, and make your mantel feel cozy and inviting.
One of the first things I love to do at the start of a new season is decorate my mantel. It sets the tone for the rest of my home’s seasonal decor. Many of us, like me, now have a TV or artwork above the mantel, which naturally becomes the focal point of the room because of its size and presence.
The good news is you can still have a beautiful fall mantel even with something large hanging above it. With a few simple design principles, you can add warmth, texture, and a seasonal style to your mantel without overwhelming the space.
This guide breaks everything down into simple, repeatable steps you can follow to create a mantel that looks thoughtful and pulled together for fall.
Things To Keep In Mind When Decorting Around A TV
TVs above the mantel have become a common feature in many homes, and most of us have a bit of a love/hate relationship with them. We love the convenience of watching TV from this spot and appreciate that it saves us from needing an extra piece of furniture to house it. But let’s be honest—having a big black rectangle as the focal point of your room, especially above a fireplace, can feel less than ideal when trying to create a cozy, stylish fall space.
That being said, the TV-above-the-mantel trend isn’t going anywhere soon, so instead of letting it frustrate us, let’s embrace it! With a little creativity, you can still create a beautiful and inviting fall mantel that accommodates your TV. By keeping a few key design principles in mind, you can transform your mantel into a lovely seasonal focal point while still keeping the TV functionality and part of the overall aesthetic. Here are a few important things to remember when decorating your fall mantel around a TV…
- Keep functionality in mind: Choose low-profile decor that doesn’t block the screen or remote signal.
- Use symmetry: Create balance by styling both sides of the TV, while varying texture and height for interest.
- Stay clutter-free: Keep remotes and TV essentials nearby but organized so the mantel feels tidy.
Things To Keep In Mind When Decorating Around Artwork
A painting or large decorative piece above your mantel can instantly elevate the room’s aesthetic, creating a striking focal point that commands attention. It adds an artistic touch and sets the tone for the entire space.
Here are a few important things to keep in mind…
- Find balance: Ensure your fall decor enhances the artwork rather than overwhelming it.
- Complement, don’t compete: Choose decor that complements the colors and style of the painting or decorative object.
- Thoughtful layering: Layer smaller seasonal items in front of or around the painting to add depth without distracting from the focal piece.
- Coordinate colors: Select fall decor that complements the hues in the artwork, creating a cohesive and unified look.
- Maintain visual flow: Ensure the decor flows naturally around the artwork, directing attention to both the painting and the seasonal elements in harmony.
Enhance Your Space with Fall Decor Without Competing For Attention
When decorating a fall mantel around a TV or artwork, we want to focus on enhancing the space rather than overwhelming it. The TV or artwork should remain the primary focal point, while the fall decor adds warmth and seasonal charm without drawing too much attention away from it.
Too much clutter or oversized decor can compete with the TV or art, making the mantel feel busy and cluttered instead of balanced and inviting.
Keeping the space uncluttered and visually clean makes it more open and harmonious. Opting for fewer, well-placed items with a mix of textures and heights helps create a sense of flow while still allowing the focal point to shine.
Balance Is The Buzzword When Decorating A Mantel For Fall
Decorating a fall mantel around a TV or artwork is all about balance, highlighting your fall decor in a way that complements and enhances the overall look without overwhelming it.
Consider creating and maintaining balance in two ways…
- Balance The Overall Look: Make sure that the fall decor complements the artwork and existing elements of the room.
- Balance Decor On Either Side Of A TV Or Artwork: Place matching or similar items on either side of the TV or artwork to frame it without distraction.
Why Balance Is So Important When You Decorate is a helpful post full of solid decorating advice and tips about tried and true balance principles to create a home you love.
You may also like to read Simple Decorting: How To Decorate With Less. This post will help you learn how to filter what you have to decorate with your best.
Choose A Color Palette That Works With Your Artwork And Room
One of the most important steps in styling your fall mantel display is selecting a fall color palette that not only complements the existing colors on your mantel but also works with the colors in your room. This ensures that your fall decor feels cohesive and intentional, rather than out of place or overwhelming.
It’s essential to consider how the colors of your fall touches, such as small pumpkins, foliage, and candles, will work alongside your mantel’s focal point, whether it’s a TV or a piece of artwork.
It’s important that your fall accents show off the warm colors of the season. Carefully choose a fall hue that would work as an interesting pop of color and use it in small doses. By choosing a well-coordinated color palette, your mantel will pay homage to the season and look beautiful in the rest of your space.
Symmetry Will Elevate Your Mantel
A symmetrically decorated mantel is such an easy way to create a beautiful, balanced look that feels effortless! Symmetry works especially well on a fireplace mantel, where it accentuates the room’s focal point. Our eyes are naturally drawn to symmetry because it creates a sense of order and harmony, making the space feel more inviting and cozy.
Whether you’re arranging matching candlesticks, vases, or your favorite fall decor, symmetry helps pull everything together and gives your mantel a polished, intentional look. Adding a bit of symmetry to your fall mantel can instantly elevate the space and make it feel stylish yet welcoming for the season. It’s a simple design trick that makes a big difference!
Choose Different Textures
Texture is your fall mantel’s best friend! It brings warmth, coziness, and interest to your display, making a fall mantel feel inviting and perfect for the season.
When decorating your fall mantel, try mixing different textures—like leaves, rough wood accents, organics, smooth ceramics, and woven baskets. Layering these different textures will add depth and richness to your mantel, giving it that cozy fall look we all love.
Vary Heights
Varying heights on a fall mantel is key to creating a visually interesting look. Using decor items of different heights draws the eye up and down, adding movement and flow to the arrangement. This prevents the mantel from feeling flat or one-dimensional, making the overall look more engaging and balanced. By varying the heights, you create depth, which helps each piece stand out while still contributing to the cohesive design.
This is important, especially if you have a large flat object on the wall behind your mantel.
Incorporating items like tall candlesticks, medium-sized vases, and smaller pumpkins or decorative accessories helps establish a fall-layered look that feels intentional and thoughtfully arranged. Remember, a mantel with varied heights looks far more polished and balanced, making your fall decor pop in the best way possible!
Fall Items To Choose
Use beautiful seasonal decor and other accents from your home to create a cozy fall mantel. Here are ideas for using seasonal decor to enhance your mantel.
- Real or faux pumpkins: To add seasonal charm without overwhelming the space, place a trio of small pumpkins along the mantel.
- Candlesticks and candles: Place tall candlesticks or chunky candle holders on either side of the mantel to add height, while lower candles can be scattered to create a cozy, warm glow.
- Garland: Drape a fall-themed garland, such as one made from faux leaves or berries, along the length of the mantel to bring texture and a seasonal touch.
- Fall stems and branches: Use tall vases to display faux or real branches with fall leaves or berries. They add height and natural texture without obstructing the TV or artwork.
- Natural elements: To give the arrangement an organic, earthy feel, incorporate pinecones, acorns, or dried corn husks in small bowls or scattered along the mantel.
- Magnolia leaves: Arrange magnolia leaves in a vase or weave them into the garland for a touch of greenery that adds richness and elegance to the display.
- Lanterns: Place one or two lanterns at the edges of the mantel to bring a rustic, cozy vibe and additional lighting.
- Vases or jars: Fill vases with dried flowers, wheat, or fall-colored florals to add pops of color and texture without overwhelming the space.
- Books: Stack a few neutral-colored books horizontally to add height and create levels for smaller decorative pieces, such as pumpkins or candles.
- Small framed artwork or prints: Layer a few small framed autumn prints or inspirational quotes in front of the TV or art to personalize the mantel without distracting from the main focal point.
These Designer Concepts Will Work On Other Flat Surfaces
The same concepts in today’s posts can also be used for any flat surface in your home that has a mirror or artwork hanging on the wall behind it.
Decorating a fall mantel around a TV or artwork doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few key design principles—like balance, symmetry, and varying heights—you can create a beautiful, cohesive look that enhances both the focal point and the seasonal decor. Whether layering textures, adding pumpkins, or incorporating natural elements, your mantel can be a stunning centerpiece for your home this fall.
So, get creative, have fun, and let your mantel reflect the warmth and beauty of the season. With these fall mantel ideas, you’ll have a fall mantel that feels inviting, cozy, and perfectly in tune with the rest of your decor!
What To Remember
When you decorate a mantel around a TV or artwork, think in layers. Start with one tall element, add medium pieces to support it, and finish with smaller accents to fill in the gaps. This creates balance without overwhelming the focal point.
Shopping
Here are the items in our living room shown in this post. When the exact product is no longer available, a close item is chosen.
More Fall Decorating
Discover ideas and inspiration to decorate your fall home.
Happy Fall Decorating
Yvonne your mantel is gorgeous. My problem is having a TV above the mantel, over the fireplace. The mantel is long on one side and shorter on the side next to a door. Below the mantel is stone all the way across around the fireplace and a raised granite hearth with long cabinets under the granite. It is very difficult for me to find the right mantel balance. Should I only decorate the long side?
I think you can use a lot of the ideas here. Choose the longer side and try to get a grouping of three items. So many homes have tv’s over their fireplaces. My gather sign can give you some perimeters for decorating around your tv. Just make sure the decor stays off the tv. But you already knew all of this! YAY!
Great post! I love the “default” mantle idea…easing into Fall is a great concept especially since it’s 95 degrees where I live! Always love your posts.
I’ve used default decorating for years! I think I’ll do a default series for the blog.
If the back of my fireplace is brick, how should I anchor the background pieces? I’ve been just leaning them on the mantle. I also thought I’d ask hubby (let the procrastination begin…) to drill a few masonry screws in and just paint them white so that they may or may not be less visible as seasons/decor change. I’ve also used leaning background pieces off to the side (not centered). I have an issue of overdecorating. This year, I purchased bigger pieces and stopped using little things, Unless I use them in a vignette. Baby steps…
Baby steps are amazing. You are adding a background in a very clever way and one that looks great! Leaning a background piece against the wall is perfect!
For Carolbin – guess what? No need to rely on husband to attach something to your brick wall. Just get masonry nails and a hammer. Hammer them into the mortar very easily. Good luck!
Yay!
Love this post today! I have been trying to figure out how to decorate a console table. Thank you Yvonne!
I’m so glad this helps. I’ve said for so long that mantel decor works on any long flat surface. I bet you will never look at a mantel post the same again. Thanks for letting me know. I’m so encouraged!
Your mantle looks lovely.I’m all about symmetry.Love the gold lanterns for a little sparkle.
I love symmetry too! It is easy and almost always brings beauty along with it!
Beautifully done mantel, Yvonne. It makes me relaxed just looking at it!
Also appreciate the “Get the Look” section. I have found some new websites for shopping! Always a good thing!
Thank you for sharing your recipes, decorating ideas and words of inspiration over the years.You are a gift that keeps on giving!
This post literally took me two days just to write and that is not counting styling images, taking pics, editing images. I added the shopping category at 2:00 this morning. Not complaining just letting you know I’m trying! Thanks for your encouraging words.
Can always use mantle decorating ideas. Never thought of applying those same ideas to the buffet. Thanks
I know! So easy, right? Give it a try!
Looks lovely as always! Your making me want to start my fall decorating!
It’s never to early to start!
Good morning Yvonne … I just wanted to say thank you once again for all the time and effort you put into gracing my life as I read this lovely blog, and for all of the wonderful ideas and suggestions that you share daily. I very much enjoy trying out your ideas (and recipes, yum) in my own home. Have yourself a lovely day !
Jayne
Jayne, you made my day! Thank you for saying so!
Fabrics for a cat household? Your pieces on updating and transitioning are so interesting! I got great ideas from your mantle recommendations. Furniture wise, we have very traditional cherry and mahogany and I am constantly striving to reduce the accessories and make it visually cleaner, and mixing in a few contemporary touches. We soon will be reupholstering our classic camel back sofa, but your suggestion to simply purchase updated occasional chairs resonated with me. Makes sense! We have 2 young cats who have not been declawed and have to be sure our next upholstered items will be more durable. Your cat is adorable (I also have a spunky orange male). Do you have any advice on fabric selection that is more durable when they decide to claw at the chairs?
Love all the decor…love the mantel ideas.
Thank you for all the great mantel ideas. I’m a summer girl, so I tend to be a bit in denial when Fall comes around. Lol. But from a decorating point of view, I embrace each season as another opportunity to decorate beautiful and creative spaces. I did not see a link to your living room rug. May I ask where you purchased? It’s so pretty! I love anything with a trellis or lattice pattern.
Thank you for the great info on styling a mantel! While reading Your post, I found I really love your rug too. Would you let me know where you found it?
I’m holding onto the month of August. Summers seem so short. I’ll file these hints for mid September though.
Yvonne, how many stems did you use in each ginger jar? Lovely!
I used three stems in each ginger jar.
LOVE your symmetry and for showing how it can be achieved. I really enjoy the calm of the spaces but must admit that I miss seeing a more contrast and contrasting textures. I actually miss the beautiful wood color of your tobacco basket. I’m guessing we WILL be seeing more color contrast in the Fall. Perhaps I am more ready for that season than I think! Thanks for your wonderful blog and posts. 🙂
You have such elegant style! I’ve been following but no time to comment. The mantle decor is lovely.
Wondering about height of ginger jar, candlesticks, and the shorter candles? Love the simplicity of this mantle decor!
I love your mantel decorating ideas. I can’t wait to start decorating for Fall – my favorite season.
Me too Barb!
Fall is my favorite time of year! I love putting out the fall decor & finding new ideas!
I love the advice you give to “give a nod to the season”, and then create a visual balance that feels peaceful in our photos, while keeping things new and fresh.
I love the idea of default mantel – thank you
Thank you for your tips on “less being better” and default mantel without a nod to the season! So great for a busy mom to still feel successful!
Yvonne, I just love your home décor! It is always so pretty and tasteful. Thank you for sharing these useful tips.
Walking into a room with lovely design speaks volumes. This room says, “Come on in. We’ve been waiting for you!”
Hello – I love all these mantle decorating ideas and am trying to help my daughter with hers. Is your fireplace mantle the same white color as the brick fireplace? Can you please share what paint colors you used on each of them?
Hi Shawn, the mantel and the walls are the same color, Benjamin Moore Simply White. I’m not sure about the brick color as they came already painted.
The mantel is beautiful and I LOVE the rug! Do you know where it is from?
This really is such a pretty and well made rug. See it here:https://rstyle.me/+hu3rWsVZtbqK_gl1j73K8w
Where did you find your rust colored preserved boxwood?
Hi Marla, I found it locally and can’t find an online source for it. So sorry!
Hi Yvonne, I love your Blog and your decorating style is similar to mine, so I find much inspiration from you. The photos you share on your Blog are so very beautiful and I love seeing the close-up details. Having said that, would you be able to add more photos of the overall room or area decorated. I love the close-ups but would love to see photos that are panning out to view a completed finished space, such as the entire fireplace or wall or an entire side table. Just a hopeful desire. 🙂
Thanks for your suggestion, Nancy. Happy Fall.
Thank you so much Yvonne for sharing this! I love your elegant uncluttered mantel and the whole room setup as well!! I actually have a very similar setup and have 2 spindle chairs in my living room. I have been struggling for years in how to layout my furniture in here with my open concept. Is there any way you could post a picture with the other side of your room layout to help me. You have the best style!
Hi Louanna, You can see my whole room in this post:https://stonegableblog.com/how-to-layer-decor-in-a-room/. I will take a few pictures from my stairs for a future post so you can see the whole living room.
Thank you so much! I love simplicity. I’m interested in the Pottery Barn art (it’s understated and classic— no orange!) , but the link indicates that it’s no longer available. Do you have any ideas for something similar? Thanks.
It seems that this piece of art is out of stock. I did a search for it on other sites, but did not find anything. Sorry!
I didn’t hang my artwork but sit it on the mantel. I can easily switch out my artwork with the seasons. Right now I have a summer bouquet picture with a white mat. I decorate with a lot of white in the summer. It feels lighter. Come fall, I sit a piece of art of an old stone building with warm, autumnal colors so adding fall colors works well. Come winter, I have a winter scene that goes up. I love changing out my decor, decorator cushions and throws with the seasons. That way I don’t get bored with my home.
I’m itching to change to fall but it’s still too warm and still summer so I will wait until two weeks.
Thank you for the great tip, Joanna! Happy almost fall.
I have been enjoying your posts for years! These were especially fun to study… and incorporate into my home.
Yay! Thank for for being part of the StoneGable family.