The fireplace mantel is one of our favourite spots to style — it's such a cinch to switch up with the seasons. Whether you're a daredevil with colour (hey, Tiffany Pratt!) or you're a clumped-candle type, you'll love these flaming-hot ideas.
Living Rooms
20 Gorgeous Fireplace Mantel Decorating Ideas That'll Keep You Cozy
November 9, 2018
The fireplace mantel is one of our favourite spots to style — it's such a cinch to switch up with the seasons. Whether you're a daredevil with colour (hey, Tiffany Pratt!) or you're a clumped-candle type, you'll love these flaming-hot ideas.
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Yes, You Should Paint It Black
1/20Yes, You Should Paint It Black
1/20Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: www.laurenkolyn.com
Luminous black paint transformed this once-dreary fireplace located in Ontario's cottage country. Capped with a warm wood mantel, the photographers who live in this <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/this-scandinavian-inspired-farmhouse-redefines-ontario-cottage-life-1919239/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Scandinavian-inspired space</a> finished the fireplace off with twin watercolours, a wooden deer head and wildflowers that are totally apropos.Living Rooms20 Gorgeous Fireplace Mantel Decorating Ideas That'll Keep You CozyYes, You Should Paint It Black
PHOTO 1 of 20READ LESS -Luminous black paint transformed this once-dreary fireplace located in Ontario's cottage country. Capped with a warm wood mantel, the photographers who live in this <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/this-scandinavian-inspired-farmhouse-redefines-ontario-cottage-life-1919239/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Scandinavian-inspired space</a> finished the fireplace off with twin watercolours, a wooden deer head and wildflowers that are totally apropos.Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: www.laurenkolyn.com
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Historic Haute
2/20Historic Haute
2/20Photo Credit: Lauren MillerSource: lauren-miller.com
Can we talk about the ubiquitous yet never boring gold French mirror? Whether in a foyer or over a fireplace, it is a huge hit. We love it in <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/colourful-toronto-character-home-1920908/#" rel="noopener" target="_blank">this colourful Toronto home</a> because it plays off the space's heritage features. Sort of. The fireplace and millwork are indeed original to the 1909-built home, but the stone facade is actually a DIY project that came together, incredibly enough, with marble adhesive.Living Rooms20 Gorgeous Fireplace Mantel Decorating Ideas That'll Keep You CozyHistoric Haute
PHOTO 2 of 20READ LESS -Can we talk about the ubiquitous yet never boring gold French mirror? Whether in a foyer or over a fireplace, it is a huge hit. We love it in <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/colourful-toronto-character-home-1920908/#" rel="noopener" target="_blank">this colourful Toronto home</a> because it plays off the space's heritage features. Sort of. The fireplace and millwork are indeed original to the 1909-built home, but the stone facade is actually a DIY project that came together, incredibly enough, with marble adhesive.Photo Credit: Lauren MillerSource: lauren-miller.com
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Comfort Zone
3/20Comfort Zone
3/20Photo Credit: HGTV.com
Designed by <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/fixer-upper/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><em>Fixer Upper</em>'s</a> Joanna Gaines, this ranch living room is instantly inviting. Varying heights of candles draw the eye to the mantel where books bring a warm, comforting feel — a signature Gaines move. <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/fixer-upper/photos/22-living-rooms-every-true-joanna-gaines-fan-will-recognize-1901344/#" rel="noopener" target="_blank">See here for more of the Magnolia maven's living room style</a>.Living Rooms20 Gorgeous Fireplace Mantel Decorating Ideas That'll Keep You CozyComfort Zone
PHOTO 3 of 20READ LESS -Designed by <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/fixer-upper/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><em>Fixer Upper</em>'s</a> Joanna Gaines, this ranch living room is instantly inviting. Varying heights of candles draw the eye to the mantel where books bring a warm, comforting feel — a signature Gaines move. <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/fixer-upper/photos/22-living-rooms-every-true-joanna-gaines-fan-will-recognize-1901344/#" rel="noopener" target="_blank">See here for more of the Magnolia maven's living room style</a>.Photo Credit: HGTV.com
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Heritage Smarts
4/20Heritage Smarts
4/20Photo Credit: Rachel Simpson Source: www.rachelsimpson.ca
This bungalow may only be 950 square feet but boy is it ever amazing. The heritage home in Toronto's Leslieville neighbourhood is <a href="http://www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/the-gorgeous-fireplace-in-this-tiny-heritage-bungalow-will-have-you-saying-wait-what-1911220/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">filled with glamorous touches</a>. A replica of an original mantel and hearth has architectural gravitas in the living room, where ethereal artwork has contemporary presence, too (head's up on that tin ceiling!)Living Rooms20 Gorgeous Fireplace Mantel Decorating Ideas That'll Keep You CozyHeritage Smarts
PHOTO 4 of 20READ LESS -This bungalow may only be 950 square feet but boy is it ever amazing. The heritage home in Toronto's Leslieville neighbourhood is <a href="http://www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/the-gorgeous-fireplace-in-this-tiny-heritage-bungalow-will-have-you-saying-wait-what-1911220/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">filled with glamorous touches</a>. A replica of an original mantel and hearth has architectural gravitas in the living room, where ethereal artwork has contemporary presence, too (head's up on that tin ceiling!)Photo Credit: Rachel Simpson Source: www.rachelsimpson.ca
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Teal Appeal
5/20Teal Appeal
5/20Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Just try to ignore this fireplace. Sarah Richardson outdoes herself juxtaposing stripes on top, squares on the bottom, and adding a cute clump of vases. <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/sarah-richardson/photos/16-of-sarah-richardsons-best-living-rooms-1901328/#" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Here's a look at more of the designer's living-room perfection</a>.Living Rooms20 Gorgeous Fireplace Mantel Decorating Ideas That'll Keep You CozyTeal Appeal
PHOTO 5 of 20READ LESS -Just try to ignore this fireplace. Sarah Richardson outdoes herself juxtaposing stripes on top, squares on the bottom, and adding a cute clump of vases. <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/sarah-richardson/photos/16-of-sarah-richardsons-best-living-rooms-1901328/#" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Here's a look at more of the designer's living-room perfection</a>.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Lean On Me
6/20Lean On Me
6/20Photo Credit: HGTV.com
In this atypical fireplace that stretches along one wall, Joanna Gaines took the opportunity to casually show off a collection of artwork. Scattered potted plants bring life and dimension to the zone.Living Rooms20 Gorgeous Fireplace Mantel Decorating Ideas That'll Keep You CozyLean On Me
PHOTO 6 of 20READ LESS -In this atypical fireplace that stretches along one wall, Joanna Gaines took the opportunity to casually show off a collection of artwork. Scattered potted plants bring life and dimension to the zone.Photo Credit: HGTV.com
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Paris Calling
7/20Paris Calling
7/20Photo Credit: Lauren MillerSource: lauren-miller.com
Putting a new photograph in an old-world frame lends interest to <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/designer-parisian-inspired-family-home-make-you-swoon-1915162/#" rel="noopener" target="_blank">this chic living room</a> in Guelph, ON, that's inspired by Paris. Other glamorous touches include a gold sconce to illuminate the artwork and a tall vase to stand up to it. A faceted light fixture is a scene stealer.Living Rooms20 Gorgeous Fireplace Mantel Decorating Ideas That'll Keep You CozyParis Calling
PHOTO 7 of 20READ LESS -Putting a new photograph in an old-world frame lends interest to <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/designer-parisian-inspired-family-home-make-you-swoon-1915162/#" rel="noopener" target="_blank">this chic living room</a> in Guelph, ON, that's inspired by Paris. Other glamorous touches include a gold sconce to illuminate the artwork and a tall vase to stand up to it. A faceted light fixture is a scene stealer.Photo Credit: Lauren MillerSource: lauren-miller.com
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Natural Selection
8/20Natural Selection
8/20Photo Credit: Lauren MillerSource: lauren-miller.com
Floppy plants are exactly what you should be shopping for if you want to imitate the look of this cottage-y fireplace located <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/anna-church-toronto-artist-124-year-old-house-1915086/#" rel="noopener" target="_blank">in a century Toronto home</a>. (Droopy leaves are eye-catching.) Be sure to layer in large-scale vintage pieces — a tubby green glass bottle, a boat buoy. You get the drift.Living Rooms20 Gorgeous Fireplace Mantel Decorating Ideas That'll Keep You CozyNatural Selection
PHOTO 8 of 20READ LESS -Floppy plants are exactly what you should be shopping for if you want to imitate the look of this cottage-y fireplace located <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/anna-church-toronto-artist-124-year-old-house-1915086/#" rel="noopener" target="_blank">in a century Toronto home</a>. (Droopy leaves are eye-catching.) Be sure to layer in large-scale vintage pieces — a tubby green glass bottle, a boat buoy. You get the drift.Photo Credit: Lauren MillerSource: lauren-miller.com
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Simplicity Rules
9/20Simplicity Rules
9/20Photo Credit: Lauren MillerSource: lauren-miller.com
After a fuss-free aesthetic? Keep the clutter at bay and select pieces judiciously. A black-and-white photograph and small quirky pieces — the face plant pot, the shell vase — <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/historic-pec-building-turned-vacation-rental-1919139/#" rel="noopener" target="_blank">lend serenity to this living room</a> in Ontario's Prince Edward County. Note the white space over the mantel.Living Rooms20 Gorgeous Fireplace Mantel Decorating Ideas That'll Keep You CozySimplicity Rules
PHOTO 9 of 20READ LESS -After a fuss-free aesthetic? Keep the clutter at bay and select pieces judiciously. A black-and-white photograph and small quirky pieces — the face plant pot, the shell vase — <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/historic-pec-building-turned-vacation-rental-1919139/#" rel="noopener" target="_blank">lend serenity to this living room</a> in Ontario's Prince Edward County. Note the white space over the mantel.Photo Credit: Lauren MillerSource: lauren-miller.com
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Spanish Fly
10/20Spanish Fly
10/20Photo Credit: Lauren MillerSource: lauren-miller.com
Designer Orsi Panos created this <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/rustic-modern-toronto-home-tour-1912973/#" rel="noopener" target="_blank">beautiful character-filled home</a> for a Toronto couple. The graphic artwork is a snap the homeowners took of the Spanish steps in Rome — and blowing it up was budget-friendly. The stunning patchwork Spanish tile in the cavity is from Mettro Source and jugs and bowls along the mantel prove that these items should not only live in the kitchen.Living Rooms20 Gorgeous Fireplace Mantel Decorating Ideas That'll Keep You CozySpanish Fly
PHOTO 10 of 20READ LESS -Designer Orsi Panos created this <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/rustic-modern-toronto-home-tour-1912973/#" rel="noopener" target="_blank">beautiful character-filled home</a> for a Toronto couple. The graphic artwork is a snap the homeowners took of the Spanish steps in Rome — and blowing it up was budget-friendly. The stunning patchwork Spanish tile in the cavity is from Mettro Source and jugs and bowls along the mantel prove that these items should not only live in the kitchen.Photo Credit: Lauren MillerSource: lauren-miller.com
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Built-in Beauty
11/20Built-in Beauty
11/20Photo Credit: Tracey AytonSource: www.traceyaytonphotography.com
Putting the television over the fireplace is polarizing, but we're leaning towards doing it if it'll look as good as it does in <a href="http://www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/glam-coastal-west-coast-home-1905597/#1" rel="noopener" target="_blank">this glam B.C. home</a>. The mantel is an architectural feature that hides a mess of AV components, while matching artwork has a pleasing symmetry.Living Rooms20 Gorgeous Fireplace Mantel Decorating Ideas That'll Keep You CozyBuilt-in Beauty
PHOTO 11 of 20READ LESS -Putting the television over the fireplace is polarizing, but we're leaning towards doing it if it'll look as good as it does in <a href="http://www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/glam-coastal-west-coast-home-1905597/#1" rel="noopener" target="_blank">this glam B.C. home</a>. The mantel is an architectural feature that hides a mess of AV components, while matching artwork has a pleasing symmetry.Photo Credit: Tracey AytonSource: www.traceyaytonphotography.com
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No-Nonsense Rustic
12/20No-Nonsense Rustic
12/20Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: www.laurenkolyn.com
A wooden mantel, beachy snapshot and smattering of subdued tiles give this charming living room a serene feel. The vibe is <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/a-159-year-old-prince-edward-county-house-gets-a-modern-facelift-1921011/#">carried throughout the century-old home</a>, because sometimes less really is more.Living Rooms20 Gorgeous Fireplace Mantel Decorating Ideas That'll Keep You CozyNo-Nonsense Rustic
PHOTO 12 of 20READ LESS -A wooden mantel, beachy snapshot and smattering of subdued tiles give this charming living room a serene feel. The vibe is <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/a-159-year-old-prince-edward-county-house-gets-a-modern-facelift-1921011/#">carried throughout the century-old home</a>, because sometimes less really is more.Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: www.laurenkolyn.com
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Homey Style
13/20Homey Style
13/20Photo Credit: HGTV.com
Design duo Ben and Erin Napier of <em><a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/home-town/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Home Town</a></em> knew exactly how to modernize a lacklustre fireplace: clad it with vintage-y tiles. On top, the mantel gets the homespun treatment. Cohesive natural elements, from the greenery to the woodsy mirror, offer a down-to-earth charm.Living Rooms20 Gorgeous Fireplace Mantel Decorating Ideas That'll Keep You CozyHomey Style
PHOTO 13 of 20READ LESS -Design duo Ben and Erin Napier of <em><a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/home-town/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Home Town</a></em> knew exactly how to modernize a lacklustre fireplace: clad it with vintage-y tiles. On top, the mantel gets the homespun treatment. Cohesive natural elements, from the greenery to the woodsy mirror, offer a down-to-earth charm.Photo Credit: HGTV.com
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Provincial Pluck
14/20Provincial Pluck
14/20Photo Credit: Lauren MillerSource: lauren-miller.com
Toronto stager Romina Tina Fontana's <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/this-chic-apartment-will-make-you-want-a-bachelorette-pad-of-your-own-1919171/#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bachelorette pad</a> is so pretty. The fireplace decor was pulled together with that style staple — a Parisian gold mirror — set against the home's original brick. An authentic Saarinen Tulip table in front is a nice way to cozy up to the flames.Living Rooms20 Gorgeous Fireplace Mantel Decorating Ideas That'll Keep You CozyProvincial Pluck
PHOTO 14 of 20READ LESS -Toronto stager Romina Tina Fontana's <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/this-chic-apartment-will-make-you-want-a-bachelorette-pad-of-your-own-1919171/#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bachelorette pad</a> is so pretty. The fireplace decor was pulled together with that style staple — a Parisian gold mirror — set against the home's original brick. An authentic Saarinen Tulip table in front is a nice way to cozy up to the flames.Photo Credit: Lauren MillerSource: lauren-miller.com
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Photo Finish
15/20Photo Finish
15/20Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
A quartet of photos is a welcome change from a mirror in <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/love-it-or-list-it-vancouver/photos/jillian-harris-t%E2%80%A6tertaining-haven-1899478/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">this gorgeous Vancouver home</a> beautified by Jillian Harris of <em><a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/love-it-or-list-it-vancouver" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Love It Or List It Vancouver</a></em>. Copy the look with personalized pics of your own. This is the second seating area showing a fireplace. This one has storage galore and plush furniture made for lazing.Living Rooms20 Gorgeous Fireplace Mantel Decorating Ideas That'll Keep You CozyPhoto Finish
PHOTO 15 of 20READ LESS -A quartet of photos is a welcome change from a mirror in <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/love-it-or-list-it-vancouver/photos/jillian-harris-t%E2%80%A6tertaining-haven-1899478/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">this gorgeous Vancouver home</a> beautified by Jillian Harris of <em><a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/love-it-or-list-it-vancouver" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Love It Or List It Vancouver</a></em>. Copy the look with personalized pics of your own. This is the second seating area showing a fireplace. This one has storage galore and plush furniture made for lazing.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Penny Power
16/20Penny Power
16/20Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Jillian Harris brought coastal-chic flair to <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/love-it-or-list-it-vancouver/photos/inside-a-bright-white-home-filled-with-coastal-character-1899924/#" rel="noopener" target="_blank">this home in Vancouver</a>. A shiplap treatment in the living room is the backdrop to a plethora of penny tiles on the fireplace. Jillian brought drama above it with leaning artwork and sculptural branches.Living Rooms20 Gorgeous Fireplace Mantel Decorating Ideas That'll Keep You CozyPenny Power
PHOTO 16 of 20READ LESS -Jillian Harris brought coastal-chic flair to <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/love-it-or-list-it-vancouver/photos/inside-a-bright-white-home-filled-with-coastal-character-1899924/#" rel="noopener" target="_blank">this home in Vancouver</a>. A shiplap treatment in the living room is the backdrop to a plethora of penny tiles on the fireplace. Jillian brought drama above it with leaning artwork and sculptural branches.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Framed!
17/20Framed!
17/20Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG PhotoSource: www.dsgphoto.com
Talk about instant drama. The Property Brothers gave <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers/photos/toronto-home-renovation-1920779/#" rel="noopener" target="_blank">this homeowner the formal living room</a> of her dreams by framing the fireplace and adding elegant accessories, including brass sconces, splashy artwork and pillar candles. And that herringbone marble!Living Rooms20 Gorgeous Fireplace Mantel Decorating Ideas That'll Keep You CozyFramed!
PHOTO 17 of 20READ LESS -Talk about instant drama. The Property Brothers gave <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers/photos/toronto-home-renovation-1920779/#" rel="noopener" target="_blank">this homeowner the formal living room</a> of her dreams by framing the fireplace and adding elegant accessories, including brass sconces, splashy artwork and pillar candles. And that herringbone marble!Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG PhotoSource: www.dsgphoto.com
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Refined Angle
18/20Refined Angle
18/20Photo Credit: Tracey AytonSource: www.traceyaytonphotography.com
This <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/vancouver-house-maximalism-minimalism-1918308/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">amazing Craftsman-style house</a> in Vancouver has a cultured feel to it. Filled with art and books, the homage to refinery continues on this mantel where two mirrors feel magnificently eccentric. Ditto the fern-in-the-head planter.Living Rooms20 Gorgeous Fireplace Mantel Decorating Ideas That'll Keep You CozyRefined Angle
PHOTO 18 of 20READ LESS -This <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/vancouver-house-maximalism-minimalism-1918308/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">amazing Craftsman-style house</a> in Vancouver has a cultured feel to it. Filled with art and books, the homage to refinery continues on this mantel where two mirrors feel magnificently eccentric. Ditto the fern-in-the-head planter.Photo Credit: Tracey AytonSource: www.traceyaytonphotography.com
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Pinkies Out
19/20Pinkies Out
19/20Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn Source: www.laurenkolyn.com
Queen of craft <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/tiffany-pratt/photos/how-to-decorate-a-room-with-pink-from-the-princess-of-pink-herself-tiffany-pratt-1912196/#" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Tiffany Pratt's living room</a> is sweet but not saccharine sweet — it's elegant and edgy. The idiosyncratic space is brought together with pop art, fun stripes, white wicker, a pink velvet sofa and who can overlook that blush fireplace surround?Living Rooms20 Gorgeous Fireplace Mantel Decorating Ideas That'll Keep You CozyPinkies Out
PHOTO 19 of 20READ LESS -Queen of craft <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/tiffany-pratt/photos/how-to-decorate-a-room-with-pink-from-the-princess-of-pink-herself-tiffany-pratt-1912196/#" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Tiffany Pratt's living room</a> is sweet but not saccharine sweet — it's elegant and edgy. The idiosyncratic space is brought together with pop art, fun stripes, white wicker, a pink velvet sofa and who can overlook that blush fireplace surround?Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn Source: www.laurenkolyn.com
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Radiating Decor
20/20Radiating Decor
20/20Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: www.laurenkolyn.com
When decorating a fireplace mantel, a rule of thumb is to create a focal point. Which is the case with this retro set-up that starts with that vintage sunburst mirror. (The blue brick is also eye-catching.) Then build around the focal point — play around with all those fab knickknacks you've collected over the years. <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/montreal-home-opposite-of-minimalism-1905048/#" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Tour this maximalist Montreal home here</a>.Living Rooms20 Gorgeous Fireplace Mantel Decorating Ideas That'll Keep You CozyRadiating Decor
PHOTO 20 of 20READ LESS -When decorating a fireplace mantel, a rule of thumb is to create a focal point. Which is the case with this retro set-up that starts with that vintage sunburst mirror. (The blue brick is also eye-catching.) Then build around the focal point — play around with all those fab knickknacks you've collected over the years. <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/montreal-home-opposite-of-minimalism-1905048/#" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Tour this maximalist Montreal home here</a>.Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: www.laurenkolyn.com
