Here are Fall Mantel Decorating Ideas for inspiration. This is our mantel in San Francisco from last year decorated two ways. I’d love to hear which one you like best!
The two items that remained the same are the gilded mirror from Anthropologie and the fireplace screen that I got at an antique shop in Provence. The fireplace is original to our 100-year-old apartment in San Francisco. You can see more of our S.F. apartment here.
A. Vintage Style Mantel
To start, I recommend taking everything off your mantel and putting it on the floor or table. Then start to layer accessories. I like symmetry but to some asymmetry is more intriguing.
Accessories
I used vintage crocks from France with books, flowers, and newer candlesticks.
These are antique engravings that I bought in Paris years ago. Check out the view of Alcatraz Island (similar to our vantage point from our apartment)…sure has built up since then!
B. More Modern Style Mantel
Accessories
Using this black and white print inspired a black and white theme (except for the sunflowers from Trader Joe’s).
Along with Serena and Lily candlesticks and black candles from Pottery Barn (but I don’t recommend them as they dripped a lot).
Which way do you like best? I like them both and had fun doing this. 🙂
Check out these ladies’ Fall Mantel Decorating Ideas! I can’t wait!
Crazy Wonderful
I will be showing you our new fall mantel in Florida soon…more of a challenge since there is a television on it!
Mary Ann, I love your fall mantels. I hope to share your post on my Saturday Meanderings this week. You have such a great sense of style!
Sure! Thanks, Mary.
Your mantlescapes are always so fresh and creative. Inspiring me to get my act together here!!
Both mantels look great, especially love the vintage mantel, so pretty. Where did you purchase the dark candlesticks from?
Thanks! They were from World Market…no longer available but Pottery Barn has similar ones.
Could you please tell me where you got that gorgeous fireplace screen. I want one for my Victorian fireplace and I cannot find it anywhere. Thank you !!!
Thank you! Sorry but I got it years ago at an antique shop in Provence.
What size is the mirror?
First one…candlesticks…prints…so lovely. Fun to compare and vote.
FIRST ONE!
I like the color of the candles you used the black candles remind me of HALLOWEEN!The first Vignette is MORE UP LIFTING TO ME!
Love that old print of San Francisco!Is there a date on it?
XX
Good morning, Contessa! There is no date on the print. I got it 20 years ago in Paris. It was from a French book. I’m guessing that it’s mid-1800’s, Have a great weekend.
Beautiful, Mary Ann. I like the warm colors of the vintage arrangement best, but the modern is nice, too, very fresh.
I like the second one, love the first one! Just beautiful!
Thanks, Patti.
Mary Ann,
I like them both. The traditional mantle with the vintage crocks and roses is probably my first choice, but I love the black and white mantle too! You always have such great ideas.
Karen
In love with the mirror and the vintage crocks !
Thanks!!
The vintage style mantel is most elegant.
And it sort of goes with this old apartment.
I find the Vintage Style the most interesting and handsome!
Thanks, Judie!
I think I like the vintage styled mantel the most. It suits your lovely mirror.
I find the white blends with your white mantel, surround and light walls. Or…perhaps it’s the clear vase throwing it off. A white vase to bookend the white candlesticks might make a difference.
Which is your favourite?
That’s funny, Joanna, as the original look for summer was with the white candles on one side and a white vase and branches on the other.
I love both styles so much, Mary Ann!! I like how you mixed in some vintage pieces too. So excited to be doing this share with you!
Thanks, Shelley. Love getting to know you.
As usual you make everything look so great. My vote is for the first design
You are the one who turned me on to the place with the crocks! Thanks, Dana.
LOVE that mirror! I actually have 5 fireplaces in my home so this post is so inspirational and helpful to me. Beautiful!