How to Decorate A Mantel

September 4, 2025

When it comes to decorating your mantel, have fun with it! Try layering items of various heights and textures for a lively look. Mix in both functional and decorative pieces, and don’t forget to choose elements that match your personal style and the vibe of the room. Happy decorating!

 

1. Begin with a Base:

  • Mirrors: A large mirror placed in the center can work wonders! It adds depth and reflects light, making your space feel more open and inviting.
  • Artwork: Consider hanging some artwork or leaning it against the mantel for a lovely touch, whether you’re going for a classic or casual vibe.
  • Statement Piece: Anchor your display with an oversized decorative item, like a trendy sculpture or a unique vase, to make it stand out.

 

2. Layer and Build:

  • Mix Heights and Textures: Play around with various heights! Tall candlesticks, stacks of books, and smaller decorative items can create fun visual interest. –
  • Collections:  If you have a collection of similar items, like vases or framed photos, showcase them together for a cohesive and stylish look.
  • Layering: Don’t be afraid to overlap and layer your pieces! This will draw the eye in and add wonderful depth.

 

3. Add Functionality:

  • Candles: Lighting some candles can add warmth and a cozy ambiance, especially on chilly evenings when the fire is crackling!
  • Books: Stack some books on your mantel or include them in your display to introduce texture and a touch of sophistication.
  • Vases: Vases aren’t just for flowers! Use them to hold greenery or other decorative items to brighten up your space.

 

4. Incorporate Personal Touches:

  • Family Photos: Frame and display your favorite family photos to add a personal touch and make the space feel warm and inviting.
  • Decorative Objects: Bring in decorative objects or figurines that reflect your personality and style—they add character!
  • Seasonal Decor: Have fun switching your mantel décor with seasonal items like garlands, pumpkins in the fall, or festive Christmas decorations.

 

5. Tips for a Cohesive Look:

  • Color Scheme: Choose colors that complement your room’s decor for a harmonious look.
  • Balance: Mix your larger and smaller items to create a balanced display that feels just right.
  • Keep it Simple: Remember, less is often more! A curated display will have more impact than a cluttered one.
  • Consider the Size: Make sure your decorations match the size of your mantel; the correct scale can make all the difference! Embrace your creativity, and enjoy decorating your mantel!

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Rules Of Placements

April 24, 2025

1. The perfect viewing height for art is 60″ center above the floor.

2. The perfect space between the wall art/mirror and the top of the mantle is 7″.

3. The ideal height to hang your flat-screen TV is eye level when you’re in the viewing position. The ideal viewing distance is 1  1/2 times the size of your flat screen.

4. A bench at the foot of the bed should be at least 2″ shorter than the mattress width.

5. Keep a minimum of 15″ between coffee tables and sofa.

6. Don’t use end tables lower than 30″. The lamps will be much better, and the proportions will be better.

7. To allow better flow and use, there should be a minimum of 36″ of space around your dining table.

8. Light switches should be 36″ above the floor and 1  1/2″ to 2″ off the side. This  way, they are out of the way of your wall art and door casing.

9. The optimal height for a coffee table is 18″ to 20″

10. The typical sconce height for a bathroom is 66” above the finish floor to the center  of the fixture.

11.  A 36’ rectangular table is ideal width. It allows for conversation to the right, left, and, most importantly, across.

12. Typically, an Island should be no more than 8’ long by 5’ wide. Anything more significant will make it harder to clean and will look too massive.

13. Keep your sofa at 6’6” to 7’ long. Any smaller and it looks dwarfish, and any larger and it looks like an airport lounge.

14. Lighting formula: Multiply length x width, then multiply 1.5 = amount of wattage

15. Kitchen lighting. Multiply length x width, then multiply 2.5 = amount of wattage

16. Chandelier for rooms. Add the length plus width to get the width of the chandelier. For example, a 16’x20′ room would use a 36” chandelier width.

17. The chandelier over the table should be 30”-34” from the tabletop, or 60” to 66” above the floor, and half the table’s width. For a 48” table, use a 24” width chandelier.

18. To determine the wattage for a space, multiply LxW to get sq ft. Then multiply that by 1.5 to get the wattage. 

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abella home staging

Updating my Coffee Table

August 11, 2022
I’ve had my coffee table for a few years. There’s nothing wrong with it, I still liked it, but I wanted to update it. I’ve seen those beautiful mirrored tables, and I decided to redo my coffee table. As a designer, I like to change things up a bit. One of the drawbacks of being a designer, we want to change things constantly.

It was a process redoing the table but worth it. The results are stunning.

This was what it looked like before I redid the table. It’s a traditional coffee table. 

The first thing I had to do was sand it down. I took off the legs to better sand them. It was a process!! I used Krylon spray paint.

The result was not too bad! I love the small vertical mirror. It adds so much more to the design. 

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