Sunday, February 22, 2015

Adding Character with a Mantel

Bringing a mantel into a room has to be one of the easiest and most affordable ways to add character and warmth (or at least perceived warmth! :) to a space.

The fireplace pictured below is the only working fireplace in our home. 
(You may recognize the rusty antique headboard I found at a yard sale last spring!)


Along with adding architectural detail, I love that mantels provide a great place to decorate. So if you can't get over them not being attached to a functioning fireplace, just think of them as upcylced shelves. ;)

We found the vintage mantel below on Craigslist for $25! Stacking wood inside adds more texture and depth to the room. 



The antique mantel below, also purchased on Craigslist for $75, gave a whole new feel to our dining room. It definitely upped the "cozy factor." You can see the dining room before and after pictures here.


I made a simple drop cloth curtain for the inside of the mantel that is hung from a small tension rod. Since we don't have window treatments or a rug in this room, the mantel curtain softens the space.



We probably have enough mantels in our house now. But, if I found the perfect one for our master bedroom... I'd be okay with that. :)

Do you use mantels to decorate your home? Do you have a perfect place for one in mind? Or, are you a purist, sticking to true functioning fireplaces?

xo

Sharing with:
Dwellings - The Heart of Your Home
Thoughts from Alice
Cedar Hill Farmhouse
Cozy Little House
Coastal Charm
Savvy Southern Style
From My Front Porch To Yours

10 comments:

  1. Hi Cindy! Love it! Your home is adorable!

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  2. Hi there Julie! Day! I'm Cindy! ha! It's late and I'm on my way to bed! Again ! Your home is darling!

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  3. I love all of your fireplace mantels! I would love to have one in my kitchen in place of the computer cabinet that is in there. Maybe one day we can move it to another room and do that. That's probably the only place I could use one. I love how they make your home look more old fashioned having them in every room.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Kelly... I hope you find a great one for your kitchen ~ would be adorable!

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  4. Lobe the cozy feel to your euro chic Farmhouse. I also love the cut-out of the horse, I so need one of those, and a fire surround and mantel.... I have always wanted one, yet never finding the right price, size, and style.

    Looks really inviting to its space.

    Xoxo
    Dore

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    Replies
    1. Oh, I appreciate that Dore! It's fun to have something to look for - I bet you'll find just the right one at the right price. The old wood horse cutout I purchased from the farm chicks... it is a sweet and simple piece... I can just picture someone making it years ago. Hope you have a wonderful week!

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  5. Just found your lovely blog! Wow beautiful finds, and yes a mantel does give a room a different look and feel.I added one to my living room and I love it! Now I am on the hunt for one in our master suite.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Anne ~ so glad you're here! :) A mantel in your master will add so much charm! Hope you find the perfect one! Enjoy the weekend...

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