20 Summer Mantel Decor Ideas That Capture the Season’s Energy
Fireplace Styling for Summer | Bright Mantel Makeover | Seasonal Centerpiece Designs
The mantel is the focal point. In winter, it holds garlands. In spring, it holds pastels. In summer, it needs something new.
Summer mantels are about energy. Bright colors. Natural textures. A sense of the outdoors. The fireplace is not lit. The mantel is the fire.
This guide delivers 20 summer mantel decor ideas that capture the season’s energy.
1. Drape a Strand of White Lights
White lights are not just for Christmas. They are for summer evenings.
Drape a strand of white lights across the mantel. Let the cord hang down. The glow will be soft.
Pro Tip: Use battery-operated lights. No cord to hide.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not use colored lights. White is more elegant.
2. Place a Pair of Bright Coral Candlesticks
Coral is bright. It is warm. It is summer.
Use two candlesticks in bright coral. Place them at opposite ends of the mantel. The symmetry is calming.
Pro Tip: Use taper candles in a matching coral color.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not use candles that are too tall. Tall candles block the mirror.
3. Arrange a Cluster of Seashells
Seashells are summer. They remind you of the beach. They are free.
Arrange a cluster of seashells on the mantel. Use a variety of sizes. The shells should overlap.
Pro Tip: Use shells collected from a trip. The memory adds meaning.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not use plastic shells. Plastic looks fake.
4. Add a Woven Grass Bird’s Nest
A nest is spring. A nest on a summer mantel is a reminder of the season past.
Place a woven grass nest on the mantel. Add a few speckled eggs. No bird needed.
Pro Tip: Use a nest with a flat bottom. It will sit securely.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not use a real nest. Real nests may contain mites.
5. Hang a Large Woven Fan
A fan is functional. A large woven fan is art.
Hang a woven fan on the wall above the mantel. The fan should be light in color. The weave should be visible.
Pro Tip: Use a fan with a bamboo frame. The natural wood is warm.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not hang the fan too high. The center should be at eye level.
6. Place a Bowl of Bright Citrus
Citrus is bright. It is cool. It smells fresh.
Fill a shallow bowl with lemons, limes, and oranges. The colors will pop. The scent will be subtle.
Pro Tip: Use faux citrus for a permanent display. Real fruit rots.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not use a plastic bowl. Ceramic or glass is better.
7. Add a Set of Turquoise Pillar Candles
Turquoise is cool. It evokes the ocean. It pairs with white.
Use three pillar candles in turquoise. Arrange them in a row. Light them for dinner.
Pro Tip: Use candle holders. Wax dripping on the mantel is hard to clean.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not leave candles burning unattended.
8. Place a Potted Succulent Garden
Succulents are sculptural. They are low-maintenance. They thrive indoors.
Arrange a collection of small succulents in a shallow tray. Place the tray on the mantel.
Pro Tip: Use a tray with drainage holes. Succulents need dry roots.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not overwater. Succulents need water only when the soil is dry.
9. Hang a String of Glass Beads
Glass beads catch light. They sparkle. They add summer to any mantel.
Drape a strand of glass beads across the mantel. Let the ends hang down. The beads will glint in the sun.
Pro Tip: Use beads in ocean colors. Blue, green, turquoise.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not use plastic beads. Plastic looks cheap.
10. Add a Large Piece of Driftwood
Driftwood is weathered. It is organic. It is free.
Place a large piece of driftwood on the mantel. The wood should have interesting curves. No other decor needed.
Pro Tip: Clean the driftwood with a brush. Sand off any splinters.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not use driftwood that is rotting. Rotting wood attracts insects.
11. Place a Ceramic Starfish
A starfish is summer. A ceramic starfish is tasteful summer.
Place a single starfish on the mantel. The starfish should be white or cream. No bright colors.
Pro Tip: Pair the starfish with a small shell. The combination tells a story.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not use a real starfish. Real starfish smell.
12. Hang a Macrame Wall Hanging
Macrame is texture. It is boho. It suits summer.
Hang a macrame wall hanging above the mantel. The knots should be intricate. The color should be natural.
Pro Tip: Use a macrame piece with wooden beads. The beads add interest.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not use a macrame piece that is too wide. The mantel should be visible on both sides.
13. Add a Set of Stacked Coffee Table Books
Books add height. They also add color. Summer books should have bright covers.
Stack three books on one end of the mantel. The largest at the bottom. The smallest at the top. Choose books about beaches or travel.
Pro Tip: Remove the dust jackets. The cloth covers are often brighter.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not stack books too high. The stack should be stable.
14. Place a Glass Cloche Over a Dried Starfish
A cloche is a dome. Under it, a single object becomes precious.
Place a dried starfish on a stand. Cover it with a glass cloche. The starfish will be preserved.
Pro Tip: Use a cloche with a wooden base. The base grounds the display.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not use a cloche that is too small. The starfish needs breathing room.
15. Hang a Bright Coral Wreath
Wreaths are not just for winter. A coral wreath is summer.
Choose a wreath made of fabric or dried flowers in bright coral. Hang it on the wall above the mantel.
Pro Tip: Use a wreath with a large center hole. The hole should not be too small.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not use a Christmas wreath. The holly gives it away.
16. Add a Small Potted Palm
A palm is tropical. It suggests vacation. It thrives indoors.
Place a small potted palm on one end of the mantel. The fronds will arch. The green will cool the room.
Pro Tip: Use a pot with a saucer. Water will drain into the saucer.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not place the palm in direct sun. The leaves will burn.
17. Place a Bowl of Sand and Shells
Sand is texture. Shells are memory. Together, they evoke the beach.
Fill a shallow bowl with sand. Arrange shells on top. The bowl should be clear glass.
Pro Tip: Use sand from a favorite beach. The memory adds meaning.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not use wet sand. Wet sand will mold.
18. Add a Set of Bright Pillows to the Mantel
Pillows are not just for sofas. A few small pillows on the mantel add color.
Place two small pillows on the mantel. One at each end. The colors should be bright. Coral and turquoise.
Pro Tip: Use pillows with different textures. Velvet and linen.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not use pillows that are too large. Small pillows are more charming.
19. Hang a Single Large Print of a Palm Frond
Art is essential. A single large print of a palm frond is summer.
Choose a black and white print of a palm frond. Frame it in a light wood frame. Hang it above the mantel.
Pro Tip: Use a print with high contrast. The black and white will pop.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not use a color print. Black and white is more graphic.
20. Keep It Simple with One Large Piece of Coral
Sometimes one piece is enough. A large piece of coral is dramatic.
Place a large piece of coral in the center of the mantel. No other decor. The coral is the statement.
Pro Tip: Use faux coral. Real coral is protected.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not use coral that is too small. Large coral has more impact.
