This post is part of a series – “31 days of Fall Inspiration” You can read all the posts in this series here. And to make sure you don’t miss anything you can sign up to have every post sent to your email or follow me on facebook.
Let’s kick off this series by sharing my fall mantel. Decorating my mantel is one of my favorite things to do when I decorate my home for each season.
I use non-seasonal items such as windows, candlesticks, lanterns and then add seasonal accents or items to pull it all together.
I recently found this wood crate (which was on my “look for at yard sales list”) at Value Village for $2. I love the rustic nature of it and especially the stamp on the side that says Farmer’s Market.
And of course my yard sale white stool is still there with some fall pillows. Some mums and a lantern grace the hearth. Just a note on my fall mums… I buy a few each year – usually the smaller ones, maybe one large one. When the season is over, I plant them outside in my flower gardens and most of them come back year after year! Some bloom in the summer and some bloom in the fall. So I get to enjoy them and make wise use of my purchases each year.
Now the mantel…
I was actually inspired by Molly’s fall mantel to do more of layered/non-centered mantel display this year.
I don’t have a cool sign like hers (she made hers out of half of an old door and then painted the words on it), so I used this white gate/barn door looking thing instead.
I picked up that big white gate/screen thing at Value Village this summer. It actually spreads all the way out the opposite side has a floral scene painted on it. I am guessing it was a homemade fireplace screen. But I live it because it looks like a barn door or gate. I hung a fall wreath on it – also picked up at a yard sale this past year.
The other side has an old window with a shutter layered on top and my burlap fall banner I made a few years ago. A few accessories – BHG mercury glass Give Thanks candle holders, a white vase filled with dried wheat, some ceramic pumpkins (can’t find small real ones for sale here yet), and a vase filled with a stem of fall leaves.
Last year I went very neutral with my fall and Christmas decorating and this year I think I am going to go very colorful! Lots of oranges and reds for fall!
You can see the other side of my living room and all the new pillows I got from Pier 1 in my fall living room post.
So there is my fall mantel for 2013! I am really loving it.
And for some more inspiration… here’s my past 2 years of fall mantels.
You can get more details on the 2011 fall mantel here and the 2012 fall mantel here.
Do you like to decorate your mantel for fall? If you have pictures of your fall mantel be sure to share in the comments!
Linking this post up with Nester for her annual 31 days series in October. I have several other blog friends that are joining me writing for 31 days too – check out their blogs and topics by clicking on the buttons below.
the cape on the corner says
I love how this year you used the whole spread of the mantle as the focal point, not just one piece in the middle . and the wood from the crate makes it so warm and cozy. gorgeous!
Cassie says
I love everything fall, so I’m totally excited about your 31 days of fall!! Your mantle is beautiful. I love the garden gate thing, and who doesn’t love a basket of mums? You are so talented.
Stacey says
Everything looks so pretty! Love the layering on your mantel. That’s such a fun look to me.
Jennifer @ Decorated Chaos says
OH I love the wood screen thingy! And I noticed on your past Fall mantel you had a barn wood backdrop on it too. I love it and want to make one for myself. Your Fall mantel looks great!
Christine says
So cozy and pretty …..Christine from Little Brags
Ashley @ 3littlegreenwoods says
I love how you take your blank slate of a fireplace and liven it up with awesome color! I used my grandmother’s paintings of red barns for inspiration of my fall mantel. I would love for you to hog over and check it out.
http://www.3littlegreenwoods.com/2013/09/20/red-barn-inspired-fall-mantel/
I can’t wait to see your 31 days of fall!
Ashley @ 3littlegreenwoods
Miss Charming says
It looks as though Autumn is having a party in your living room! Love all the orange and red pops! It looks great, Christina.
Stacey says
Your mamtel is beautiful – so full of color, texture and so rich! Thanks for the inspiration!
Stacey
Sherri S says
Love it! ALL OF IT!
Jerralea says
Your mantel is gorgeous! Your room just speaks fall.
Nikki says
So lovely!! I absolutely love all your lanterns! They are on my “must find” list for decorating! I saw some in Pinterest filled with leaves and little pumpkins for fall, and tree ornaments for Christmas! Love your ideas and how you turned your inspiration into a cozy fallish place to enjoy !! : )
Cynthia says
I just discovered your blog and your mantel and fireplace are just gorgeous dressed for fall. I am going to start following your blog and I would love for you to follow Cloches and Lavender back. New adventures are beginning.
Cynthia
Sandy Manning says
Such a beautiful job! I love the real mums in the baskets too. I’ve never tried having them in the house. Do they do well for quite a while? Do you then plant them outside?
The only thing I would change (and this is my “eye” you may see it differently and not agree with me) is that I would use a larger, real pumpkin on the candlestick on the left. Like a pie pumpkin. I think it would balance better. However, that’s me, you might prefer it the way you have it.
I enjoy your blog a lot! You are very clever.
Brandi - Nest of Bliss says
Oh my! It looks straight out of a Pottery Barn catalogue! BEAUTIFUL!
Leslie says
I need this! I am so glad to find your blog and follow along! The mantel is gorgeous, btw!
Teresa says
Gorgeous! 🙂
I’m going to steal your leaves & lantern creation when I host my first Fall Lunch with the inlaws next weekend.
You have a precious home and a lovely way with it.
Congratulations,
Teresa
Holly says
Where did you find the curtains? Love all of your fall decor, too!
Christina says
I made them 🙂 you can find the tutorial here – https://thefrugalhomemaker.com/2012/11/26/diy-painted-striped-curtains-yes-i-painted-my-curtains/
Michelle Lepak @ Dandelion Patina says
Love your Fall mantel and how you used re-purposed salvage pieces. Very pretty. ~Michelle
Christina says
thank you!
Vanessa says
I am in love with you fall decor. Love
Christina says
Oh thank you!
melanie says
I really like the paint color of the walls in your 31 days of fall mantle. Do you happen to know the brand, color and the finish?
Thanks,
Melanie
Christina says
Yes it is Classic Taupe – in flat.
Christina says
Sorry – BEHR Classic Taupe in flat. Would help you to know the brand 🙂
Angela says
Love all of these ideas for fall!!
Could you tell me where you found the round basket tray on your coffee table? I love this idea but would like to find a basket/tray like this one:)
Thanks so much!
Nikki says
I used to follow you a few years ago and then I got a Mac and lost all the people I followed. I found this post on Pinterest and thought I absolutely love this, pinned and found out it was you.
Tracy says
What is the wall color in your fall mantel photos? Absolutely love it!
Carolyn says
Love it..where did you get the candle holder in the fireplace??
Marti Covell says
I can’t believe how old this post is, and yet, I love the mantel for even today. 🙂