A Short Guide to Decorating the Mantel

A mantel is a small shelf asked to carry a lot of attention. These few rules keep it from tipping into clutter.

Work in threes

Three groupings across the shelf, each with objects of different heights, reads better than a row of evenly spaced items. Odd numbers look relaxed; even numbers look formal.

Anchor one end

Something with visual weight at one side, a lantern or a tall vase, gives the arrangement a starting point and stops it drifting.

Let something hang over the edge

Greenery, a garland or a trailing stem softens the hard line of the shelf and makes the whole thing feel less arranged.

Leave gaps

Empty space is part of the arrangement. If every inch is filled, the eye has nowhere to rest.

Step back often

Mantels are seen from across the room, not from a foot away. Walk to the far wall every few minutes while you work and adjust from there.