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Five Rules for Staging a Mantel

Five Rules for Staging a Mantel

Its that time of year when a fireplace mantel needs an autumnal dress-up. Whats yours wearing? Make it easy to do by following my rules.

I am going to call them rules, even though we hear so much about follow your heart and break the rules when it comes to decorating.

Unlike home decorating, home staging goes by a set of rules.

Some people struggle with arranging vignettes like seasonal mantel displays and table vignettes. If thats you, this posts for you.

Rule 1. Start Big

Just like the Christmas mantel I blogged about last year, having one large item gets you off to a great start.

My favorite big starter is a piece of art, or even an empty frame or two.

Center the big thing or else place it off-center. Once you get more accessories on the mantel, youll probably be re-arranging it to experiment and fine tune.

Other initial decor pieces that work well when staging a mantel are a good-sized mirror, a large platter, or a jumbo wreath. Ive also used a sculpture, wall hangings, ships models, and floral arrangements. Use what you have.

Rule 2. Find a Wreath 

Wreaths are home stagers and decorators go-to prop. They come in all sizes, styles and shapes. They are easy to DIY and can always be counted on to designate the season.

When a home is on the market, a little seasonal decor goes a long way to let buyers know the home is loved and well-managed. Just make sure your Christmas wreath isnt still hanging around in April.

The wreath might be your one large item, like the one I used to stage another autumn mantel. The chimney breast is a natural for the wreath, but anywhere on or even under the mantel works as well. The burlap and rafia wreath I made would need to be removed if there were a fire in the fireplace.

Would you believe I made this wreath from two new feed sacks I spotted at my local Tractor Supply Company? And the best part was the price -- one dollar each! I just wrapped them around a  foam wreath and tied it all with rafia.

Rule 3. Count on Books

Although they arent essential to mantel staging, what could be more accessible and economical than books? Find a stack that fits on the mantel and lay them vertical or horizontal. I like older books for the character they add to a grouping.

When youre staging your home, you can use books in your favor, as supporting members of your cast of props. Books telegraph a message to people viewing your home. Think about what you want the message to be. Vintage childrens books are safe, and so are botanical, travel and wildlife books. How about books that emphasize whats unique about your locale?

Of course, people shopping for a home wont read your books, but many people read spines, out of habit or curiosity. Peak their interest. But avoid anything racy, political, religious or controversial. People like to do business with people who think and look like them, only better. Because, you know, they are buying your lifestyle when they buy your home.

My autumn mantel revolved around a green color scheme. Frankly, I tire of the orange and black routine, and this arrangement can stay put past Halloween. A little stack of green books to the rescue! Notice how Ive propped up the framed art on a glass box to give it height.

Rule 4. Shop Mother Nature

I liked the way the white urn, the green crockery, and the faux gourds all repeat the motif of vertical ridges. They share a pattern, but they arent identical.

Five Rules for Staging a Mantel