25 Cozy Ideas for Fireplace Mantels

By Southern Living

This collection of fireplace mantels will keep you warm, cozy, and inspired—even on the chilliest days.

In the South, we love a well-styled and accessorized fireplace mantle. The more layers, the prettier the finished product. One of our favorite mantel decorating ideas is to layer varying sizes of framed or unframed art decoratively on the mantle. You don't always have to hang. If you do, don't hang frames too high. Just a few inches above the mantel is the ideal height. Another fireplace mantel decorating tip is to hang numerous sizes and shapes of mirrors instead of just one. There are so many seasonal and festive fireplace mantel ideas that you can try out too. We have mantel decorating ideas for Christmas while many of our fall decorating ideas also involve the mantel. Whatever you do, don’t neglect your outdoor fireplace. Your outdoor porch mantel deserves some love too.

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Does Your Fireplace Mantel Need an Update? Get Inspired:

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Comforting Fireplace Mantels

Photo: Erica George Dines

When there's a chill in the air, nothing beats the warm and comforting glow of a blazing fireplace. These cozy mantels will keep you warm all season long.

Local artwork is a meaningful accessory. A locally painted scene of Florida live oaks hangs above this family room’s cast-stone fireplace.

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Antique Fireplace Mantel

Photo: Helen Norman

The distressed finish on this 19th-century relic lends historic character to the new wood burning fireplace.

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Dogtrot Hallway Fireplace

Photo: Helen Norman, Styling: Rebecca Omweg

This fireplace is located in the central hall of a dogtrot home. A painting by South Carolina artist Linda Rorer sits atop the reclaimed cherry mantel.

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Elegant Fireplace

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Comfortable and formal collide in this vibrant living room. A traditional mantel juxtaposes the whimsical decor.

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Balanced Fireplace

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Asymmetrical arrangements can be intimidating, but formal symmetry is easy to pull off and adds a calm balance to a room. The simple arrangement above this fireplace is clean and elegant.

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Family Room Fireplace

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Nestled in the center of bright white walls, the dark fireplace surround draws the eye. A thin coffee table ensures the view to the fireplace is unobstructed.

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Focal Point Fireplace

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn, Styling: Matthew Gleason

A white brick fireplace provides the perfect backdrop for cheery pops of color. Though the seating faces away from the fireplace, it still commands attention as the focal point of the space.

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Lake House Fireplace

Photo: Helen Norman

Richly hued walls complement the stone fireplace. Comfortable seating makes for an inviting spot to enjoy the fire.

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Symmetrical Fireplace

Photo: Van Chaplin, Charles Walton IV; Styling: Buffy Hargett

A neutral fireplace plays well with bold-patterned upholstery. Sconces above the mantel provide elegant symmetry.

 

 

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Accommodating Fireplace

Photo: Lisa Romerein, Styling: Rebecca Omweg

When not in use, this fireplace provides additional seating to accommodate a crowd. The deep fireplace hearth is outfitted with custom cushions for seating in a pinch.

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Light Flooded Fireplace

Photo: Tria Giovan, Styling: Matthew Gleason

A large clerestory window above the dark fireplace floods the room with natural light.

 

 

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Keeping Room Fireplace

Photo: Tria Giovan, Styling: Olga Naiman

This fireplace is located off the kitchen in the keeping room. It provides a comfortable place for guests to gather out of the hustle and bustle of the kitchen.

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Authentic Gas Fireplace

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

A ventless gas fireplace has an authentic feel with an Eldorado fireplace surround and a wood mantel. Instead of one large painting above the mantel, a grouping of framed and unframed pieces creates an eclectic display.

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Guest Suite Fireplace

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

This unimposing fireplace creates a cozy spot for guests to unwind. Rich brown walls and a combination of neutral fabrics further the retreat's appeal.

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Neutral Fireplace

Photo: William Waldron

A neutral fireplace allows bright accessories to really pop when placed on the mantel.

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Stylish Fireplace

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn, Styling: Heather Chadduck,

An inexpensive honeycomb mirror hung over the mantle dresses up this fireplace with unique style.

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Rustic & Simple Fireplace

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Matthew Gleason

A rustic mantel gives weight to the simple, white fireplace. A TV is mounted above, making this a popular spot.

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Fireplace with Unexpectecd Materials

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn, Styling: Scott Martin

A stone chimney is beautiful, but it’s also expected. The natural horizontal wood paneling around this fireplace ties it together with the built-ins flanking the hearth.

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Great Room Fireplace

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

This living area contains leather swivel chairs that can be rotated to face the kitchen or the fireplace. A TV is mounted above the mantel giving this room laid-back appeal.

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Fireplace Collectible Display

Photo: Alexandra Rowley

Above the mantel, this homeowner displays an ever-changing arrangement of artwork and accessories. An avid flea market and antique store shopper, as he finds new collectibles, he likes to bring them in as a quick way to change up the look.

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European-Inspired Fireplace

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Deep archways and book niches lend a European-inspired design. Niches on either side of the mantel add character and unique storage.

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Neutral Elegant Mantel

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

A stately mantel is crowned with a commanding landscape that adds additional warmth to the space. 

 

See more of this classic Birmingham home. 

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Raised Fireplace

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
This raised fireplace allows for wood storage beneath. The brick hearth meets the coffered ceiling and creates a striking structural feature.
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Fieldstone Fireplace

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
A stacked fieldstone fireplace takes center stage in this family room. Rather than just a sheer wall of stone, the exposed chimney is designed with a central recess for artwork, along with tapered edges on either side, to keep it from appearing too overpowering. Sconces mounted directly to the stone are an attractive way to shed plenty of light on the antique timber mantel.

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Lodge Fireplace

Photo: Jean Allsopp
A rustic wood mantel gives a lodge look to this room. Candles and lanterns add to the atmosphere.
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