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Early Fall Mantel

Create a stylish early fall mantel with time worn books and mixed leaves.

Early Fall Mantel

As I write this, it feels like fall but whilst I was decorating and photographing my mantel it felt like summer. I had the fire going and it was 94. The things us bloggers do for a good photo! Ha! Ha!

I’m excited to be taking part in week 3 of Krista’s Seasonal Simplicity Tour. Last week I shared a dried hydrangea wreath and the week before I shared some watercolor place card free printables. Thank you all for your kind comments on those posts. Today is all about mantels!

Warm and Inviting Fall Mantel

This is the first time I’m decorating our mantel for fall since we refaced it and added the gas fireplace last winter. You can see that makeover here. It really is a huge transformation.

This part of our living room wasn’t used much before but now that we have a flickering fire it’s become a favorite spot to read books or the paper, play boardgames, or just sit and meditate.

In my styling I wanted to play up the rich, dark woodwork. We fell in love with the woodwork in our home when we first saw it. To highlight this I used branches in greens and deep wines, old books, brass candlesticks and wooden fruit. Some people would say it isn’t okay to mix woods but I love mixing all tones to add more depth and texture.

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald

Burgundy Colored Branches and Wooden Fruit

Nature Inspired Mantel to celebrate early autumn

For some reason, I’m really attracted to the warmer colors this season. I usually love cool colors but right now I find myself gravitating towards wine, burgundy, and amber hues.

I bought the greenery bunches from the supermarket and used vases I had in the basement. I originally thought I was going to pile all the greenery across the mantel with some dried hydrangeas but when I started working on it, this spoke to me more. I also thought with the high heat and humidity that they greenery would last longer, if placed in water.

The mirror is from Home Depot and I love that it has an old world quality to it.

Dark woodwork, old books, leaves and a round mirror

The old books were found roadside when I was going to Matthew Mead’s Magazine Launch Party. You guys would have laughed. I was dressed up and pulled to the side of the road and filled my trunk with these amazing books. I can’t figure out why the family were throwing them out…

Decorating with old books

I love that some are missing spines and bits of the covers. Isn’t the gold writing so stunning?

Vintage books and brass candlesticks

The candlesticks were a find from a barn sale at Bent Nail Farm Antiques a few years ago, I shared them with you here.

wooden fruit is playful for fall

The wooden fruit was from Target a few years ago. I love how they add a little modern touch to the vintage pieces on the mantel.

Simple and Natural Fall Mantel

Oh, and it’s totally acceptable to mix real and faux. The leaves on the right are real but I mixed in some cascading faux greenery for a more romantic affect.

Mixing real and faux greenery

When styling I use books to add different shapes and heights, so your eye will be drawn to see the whole space. Our mantel is very long.

Classic Dark Wood Mantel

Oh, and you might notice the rusty cowbell. I bought it for my kids because we love the More Cowbell Skit from Saturday Night Live. It aired 18 years ago but is so brilliant. Click on over to it if you need a good laugh 😉

A rusty cowbell with great patina

Here’s a look at the full mantel, you can see our dining room in the background:

New England Living Room and Fall Mantel

The chair is usually buy the window but I dragged it over to give you an idea of the space. I’m loving our kilim pillows from last year mixed with this faux fur throw Conor needed at Target.

Fall in New England Living Room

Our oriental rugs are antiques.

Pretty branches and eucalyptus and books

I hope this gave you a few ideas for decorating your own mantels. I will include some sources below.

This post contains affiliate links, you can read my full disclosure policy here. If you purchase via one of my affiliate links I may receive a portion of the sale.

Shop the Look

 

Be sure to visit all my friends below:

The Happy Housie // Bless’er House // Rooms FOR Rent // House by Hoff // The Turquoise Home

The DIY Mommy // Sincerely Marie, Designs // Craftberry Bush // Amber Tysl // Just a Girl and Her Blog

Maison de Cinq // So Much Better With Age // Hallstrom Home // Shabbyfufu //
Town and Country Living

Summer Adams // Finding Silver Pennies // Paint Me Pink // Clean and Scentsible
Nina Hendrick Design

Jenna Kate at Home // Modern Glam // Place of My Taste // In My Own Style // Kelly Elko

Rambling Renovators // Just Destiny // Deeply Southern Home // Setting for Four
Willow Street Interiors // Stacy Risenmay

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Janet
5 years ago

Love it Danielle and that mirror is from Home Depot? No way….LOVE!

Kelly Elko
5 years ago

Love the warm colors and the fresh greens – definitely worth sweating through a photo session for!

Cindy
5 years ago

Your mantle looks wonderful. I’m into burgundy and copper votive holders this year. Wanting to add pink and burgundy for accent color in the great room made this decision easier. Around more this year.

Imagining you dressed up hauling boo in s. I really like them as welk.

Enjoy your day

Cindy

Ashley
5 years ago

Beautiful and timeless! I love the old books and fresh foliage!

Pat
Pat
5 years ago

The woods in your home are really pretty, and I love your oriental rugs too. Mantle looks nice with the bronze leaves, are they magnolia leaves?
Pat

Sheila Irwin
5 years ago

Love your warm and cozy colors for fall – and it all looks so perfect on your gorgeous mantel Danielle! And I can’t believe the mirror is Home Depot!!!

So nice to be “hopping” with you this fall!

Sheila
xo

Abby at Just a Girl and Her Blog

Such a gorgeous vignette, Danielle! Beautifully styled! Hope you are having a wonderful week!

~Abby =)

Laura
5 years ago

What a stunning, mantel, Danielle! I love the textures and warmth you’ve brought in! Just beautiful!!

Marlene Stephenson
Marlene Stephenson
5 years ago

I love your mantle and you have some beautiful wood in your home and i think you should be very proud of it.

Jamie
5 years ago

I love your ‘new’ fireplace and mantel, Danielle! The way you’ve styled it goes perfectly with the rich woodwork, so stunning! I love those books (can’t believe someone threw them out!) and those wooden fruit and that mirror. Gorgeous job!
Hugs, Jamie

Krista
5 years ago

What a very warm and inviting space with a gorgeous mantel. Thanks for taking part in this hop Danielle!