In this guide, you’ll learn how to easily decorate a mantel with a TV above it. Listed below are several ideas to help you utilize the space under and around your TV well, without having it look cluttered.
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My mantel is pretty unique, as we had an off center fireplace to work around when designing and building the built ins. We ended up making a double fireplace mantel, if you will, to make the room look centered.
That being said, you can still easily apply the below techniques to your mantel, which is most likely a regular, centered mantel!
HERE’S HOW TO EASILY DECORATE A MANTEL WITH A TV ABOVE
Step 1: Consider the five spaces
Compartmentalize the spaces you have surrounding your mantel.
There are five main spaces you have to decorate: the space between your mantel and TV, the spaces on either side of your TV, and the spaces at the bottom your mantel (on the floor or hearth).
Step 2: Decorate space #1 – the space between your TV and Mantel
The space between your TV and mantel is usually a pretty small space. Two great choices for decor for this spot are either a strand of garland or a skinny, elongated dough bowl.
Here’s an example of when I used a dough bowl:
I added two antlers and a few greenery stems in the dough bowl.
Here’s an example of when I used garland:
For the garland, I used a strand of faux boxwood garland and added in a few faux eucalyptus stems as well as some faux light pink flower stems.
The other option is to leave the space between your mantel and TV untouched. Depending on how much space you have and what types of decor you want to add to the rest of your mantel, it may make sense to forgo the decor in this space.
Step 3: Decorate space #2 and #3 – the spaces on either side of your TV
There are lots of great decor options for these two areas because they offer some empty area with height! As you can see on my mantel, I like to place taper candlesticks there. I have three different-sized taper candlesticks with white taper candles, on each side.
I like to keep these two spaces symmetrical because it gives it a really clean look. You could definitely mix it up though and put different types of decor on each side.
Some other great decor options for these areas include:
- potted topiary plants or other types of potted plants
- lanterns
- sconces
- chunky, baluster-style candlesticks
- pillar candles
- flowers in vases
Step 4: Decorate space #4 and #5 – the spaces on either side of your fireplace
I have an atypical fireplace so my hearth space is a bit odd to work with. I usually go with the option of “filling” my empty fireplace area with flowers. As you can see, I alternate my beloved faux pink peonies and berry stems between the coffee table and the empty fireplace area.
In the winter, I plan to put a firewood basket there!
If you have a typical fireplace that is directly under your TV, you’ll have a bit of a different space to work with.
Some good decor options for your hearth/floor are:
- a basket with a pillow and throw blanket
- large, statement lanterns
- a large plant
- a basket with firewood
General Tips
Overall, I prefer to keep a clean, simple look on my mantel.
I find that the best way to keep a clean look is:
- to keep a consistent color scheme
- use decorative symmetry on either side of the TV
- and don’t overwhelm the space with tons of small decorative trinkets
- use less decor pieces that are larger and more statement-making
- consider how much decor you have in the room and use less on your mantel if the room seems crowded/chaotic
