Fall Mantel Decor: Embracing the Essence of Fall Slowly

Have you started decorating for Fall yet? The mantel shelf over the fireplace always begs to be decorated for the new season. Embrace the essence of Fall without jumping into the pumpkin patch and corn fields just yet. Today I’m walking you through my process to style the mantel for early fall feels, embracing the essence of the season slowly, deliberately and intentionally. Leaning into the colors, patterns and emotions of the season provides a timeless and calm fall mantel decor. My taste leans towards vintage and rustic, but you can adapt the techniques used here for any look.

Please come in and join me in the living room as we style the fireplace mantel for the upcoming season with a step by step guide. You can use this process for any decor aesthetic to fit your home.

Key Takeaways

*Affiliate links might be included for your convenience. These affiliate links mean a small commission is earned if you make a purchase using these links at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which support this website. For more information: Full Disclosure Policy.

Although Susan and I both like many of the same things, we both have unique styles of our own, and we want to share how the same idea can be expressed in different ways. Both ways are equally as fantastic, and appreciating other unique takes on the same idea expands our own personal style.

When you are done here, please hop over and check out Susan’s sweater inspired fall decor. If you are here visiting from Susan’s place, welcome, I am so happy you are here. Leave me a comment down below; I would love to get to know you. Come on in, have a seat and enjoy!

Entering the Fall Season Slowly and Deliberately

Embrace Autumn with whispers of the season…

This early fall mantle styling was inspired by a simple DIY project I crafted years ago. If you’re interested you can read all the details here:

The limelight hydrangeas from our backyard are used on repeat around here this time of year plus vintage books are a favorite of mine to use for decor – and here we are.

How to Decorate an Early Fall Mantel Slowly Step-by-Step Guide

Start with a Blank Slate

For most projects it’s preferable to start with a clean slate. It clears the mind, getting rid of any “noise” and provides a blank canvas to start creating. The entire mantle shelf is cleared and the clean mirror will reflect all the elements for added depth and movement. 

Place Anchors

The anchors stabilize the mantel display at each end. This is a symmetrical design with lanterns flanking each side of the gilded mirror. Symmetry is always pleasing to the eye and an easier display to put together in my opinion, since both sides mirror each other.

An asymmetrical display is another great option, which creates a bit more drama and interest.

Establish Center Focal Point

To maintain the full symmetry of the display a center focal point divides the mantel shelf into two halves. Traditional center mantel displays include clocks, floral arrangements or a planter. For this particular early fall essence styling I had two ideas:

To be honest neither of them were wowing me or giving me the “yes! that’s the look I’m going for” feeling. To help my decision making process, I added the inspirational items, the brown bottles with French labels DIY, to see if one looked better than the other.

And once again not really wowed by either option so I ended up combining the look with books and spools. This started to speak to me a little bit more so I forged ahead. Don’t be afraid to experiment and change things as you go along, ultimately achieving the look you are going for.

Place Items with Symmetrical Interest

Once I decided on the basic bones of the display, I started to add pieces and fill the space. Although this is a symmetrical styling it doesn’t mean it has to be an exact mirror image. Items should be placed with interest and dimension, which draws you in. I added more books as risers for the bottles to have a stage with presence.

Include Organics

At this point I headed outside and snipped some hydrangea stems. These limelight hydrangeas are my favorite variety, and I selected a couple of blooms which started to turn towards fall. The patina tips are everything and perfect to evoke the essence of the upcoming season.

Add Finishing Touches

The last finishing details provide subtle touches with a big impact. Feathers are tucked into the hydrangea blooms and velvet ribbons are placed on lanterns. The velvet ribbons are diagonally displayed with the lantern on the left side of mantel and the lantern on the right on the hearth. It’s a little touch of asymmetry in an otherwise symmetrical design.

Integrate the Hearth into the Display

Integrating the hearth into the mantel styling creates a cohesive display. Lanterns cluster around the fireplace box adds more light and magic and mirrors the mantel shelf above. Cozy velvet pillows provide a sitting spot on the raised hearth to enjoy the warmth of the fireplace with some literary options in a thrifted basket. It creates a place to land and slow down.

Tips & Recommendations for the Essence of Fall Mantel Decor

This is an early Fall mantel styling, which reflects the essence of the season with colors, textures and emotions without using the usual suspects. They’ll be time to use leaves and pumpkins and acorns and gourds and wheat and more later in the season when the air turns crisp and the days get darker. In the meantime this is a baby step towards the coziness and broodiness of the autumnal season.

More Fall Mantel Inspiration

More seasonal decor, crafts, recipes are scheduled on the blog. If you don’t want to miss any new content, you might enjoy following along. Sign up and receive all new posts directly into your in-box. We would love to welcome you to the Masterpiece community.

Closing Thoughts ~ Conclusion to the Fall Essence Mantel Decor

Have you started decorating for fall yet? It might feel like a tad bit early, but it’ll be here before you know it. I hope this helps inspire and prepare your home for fall in some way. This is my first official fall project at home, but I have so many ideas and projects scheduled. Stay tuned…

Please don’t forget to visit Susan. You can also find Susan in her other spaces; give her a follow: Instagram || Pinterest || Facebook

Thanks for stopping by today, and I hope to see you again soon. It’s always lovely having you here.

Au revoir!

Get the Fall Essence Decor Look

• 15 Inch Decorative Lanterns, Set of 2 Wooden Candle Lanterns
• Antique Gold Wall Mirror: 32″x24″ French Brass 
• Lot of 10 ANTIQUE Old Vintage Books Collection
• 3PCs Light Brown Color Wood Spool
• 10Pcs Wooden Spools 3.8×1 Inch Empty Wood Thread Spools
• Glass Bud Vases Set of 12, Small Dark Brown Flower Vases
• 16 Pack Amber Glass Bud Vases
• Set of 8 Amber Glass Vase, 17oz Boho Flower Vase
• 3PCS Flowers Cone Hydrangea Limelight Artificial 
• 5 Pcs Silk Green Hydrangea 
• 4 Pcs Khaki Velvet Christmas Bows 
• 6 Pcs Light Brown Large Velvet Bow 
• 12pcs Natural Feathers Pheasant

For more inspiration follow me on Pinterest.

Most Recent Posts

Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.” 

Lauren DeStefano, Wither

sharing @ between naps on the porch