Memorial Day has come and gone – and that means all the red, white and blue. Americana decor is my favorite – and it just feels right in our farmhouse.
Today, I’m excited to be sharing our simple Americana mantel and some mantel-decorating tips as part of the Seasonal Simplicity Mantel Hop with The Happy Housie. This is a fun blog hop with tons of awesome decor inspiration – check out all the mantels and shelves at the bottom of this post. (If you missed it, check out last week’s easy patriotic burlap wreath.)
If you are stopping by from another blogger, thanks for stopping by and welcome.
A few tips for an interesting and eye-pleasing mantel
Our mantel is all about Americana – red, white and blue and some flags for good measure.
I love refreshing my home and mantel throughout the year – it gives me a chance to make it feel new and fresh. I didn’t purchase anything this year, but I have plenty of great red, white and blue decor from year’s past. (The pennants are actually from Henry’s nursery and first birthday party, and they get so much use every year.)
I was just talking to a friend a few weeks ago about how to add enough height to mantels with higher ceilings. It can be challenging to make the scale feel right when you have taller ceilings or big, open spaces.
It’s all about HEIGHT.
If you just add a large photo to the mantel, it may feel a little dwarfed. The I LOVE OUR LIFE sign is relatively large, but it would be too small without other things to round it out. I like to add something to draw your eye up. In this case, flags and pennants.
Our home only has 9 foot ceilings, but I think this can work for anyone – even those of you with super tall ceilings. Just hang items a few feet higher than your artwork or mirror from the wall. (Don’t go to the ceiling, but go to 9-10 feet, to draw your eye up.)
I use 3M command hooks to hang – which can be used on the ceiling or the walls and can easily be removed and repositioned, if needed.
And don’t overlook depth.
My other tip for an interesting mantel is creating depth. Our barn beam mantel is fairly narrow, so I can’t place lots of items on the mantel itself to create depth. I just add a few things to the mantel itself.
But I can create depth by varying the depth of the pennants above and below.
It adds a little interest and variety – especially when I’m mixing different textures and patterns.
Don’t forget what’s under the mantel
Finally, I think it’s easy to overlook what’s happening under the mantel. During the winter, this space has to remain clear for a wood-burning fireplace. But in the summer, I like to add pillows, baskets and throws for a little extra variety.
I also gave the actual firebox a good cleaning. (Not that you can really tell, but I can tell when I’m in the room.) I may also throw a couple of logs into the fire for a nicer look.
Thanks so much for stopping by and checking out our Americana mantel decor. I love the way our home feels in summertime, and I hope you enjoyed it, too.
Sources (some affiliate links): I LOVE OUR LIFE sign via Little Red Porch | Bosphorous Distressed Persian Rug via RugsUSA | Woven grey baskets via Houzz | Afghan handmade | Pillows via Marshalls | Natural burlap garland via Hobby Lobby | Red, white and blue pennants handmade | Flag pennants via Amazon (similar)
Today I’ve joined up with a talented group of bloggers to share our simple and beautiful summer mantel (or summer vignette) ideas with you! Enjoy the inspiration…
The Happy Housie // Home Made Lovely // House by Hoff // The DIY Mommy
Zevy Joy // Town and Country Living // A Pretty Life // Rooms for Rent // So Much Better With Age
Finding Silver Pennies // Vinyet Etc. // This is Our Bliss // Rambling Renovators
Paint Me Pink // Just a Girl and Her Blog // Jamie Costiglio // Newly Woodwards
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Kayla aka Kilo Bravo says
No one does Americana decor like you! Seriously, I think of you whenever I see it. I spy some of the blue fabric on the pennants from Henry’s old bedroom curtains I think?
Kim says
Awww thank you! I do love all the red,white and blue. And yep – then pennants were originally in Henry’s nursery. I made so many pennants! I have bags full of them!
Jamie says
This is so beautiful, Kim. I love the layered banners.
Hugs, Jamie
Jaime Costiglio says
Kim you sure know how to do red, white and blue, so pretty! Love all the touches and you have me missing the Midwest hard core.
Kim says
Thanks, Jaime! There’s something special about the Midwest in the summer.
Norma says
Kim, I just adore your Americana summer mantel! and your sign couldn’t be more perfect!
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
I love the way the pendents and flags overlap. It’s such a simple mantle but all the layers give you so much to look at!
Kim says
Thanks, Ashley! The mantel itself is fairly shallow so I have to get creative.
Abby at Just a Girl and Her Blog says
I love pennants and banners so much, and they are the perfect addition to your mantel! So beautifully done, Kim!
~Abby =)
Kim says
Thanks, Abby! It is feeling more like summer at our house.
Krista says
So festive and perfect for the holiday, Kim! Thanks for joining in on this hop!