How to decorate your mantel each season

Mantels are the perfect place to indulge in a little seasonal decorating. From garden-cut flowers to festive twinkle lights, I’ll teach you how to decorate your mantel throughout the year in an act of seasonal celebration!

The hearth has always been a focal point of the home. Traditionally an integral aspect of both cooking and warming, a hearth is a natural gathering place. It only makes sense then, that we show it the love it deserves by decorating it for the changing seasons.

Decorating your mantel is a simple and inexpensive way to transform your space throughout the year. While I love home decor, constant redecorating becomes pricey and unsustainable – fast.

These classic seasonal ideas, however, can be used year after year so nothing goes to waste.

In this post, I’ll show you how to decorate your mantel to evoke seasonal festivities and build harmony between the greater world and your home.

How to decorate your mantel for winter

Because of the holidays, some say winter is the most magical time of year. Others can’t wait for it to be over.

Whether you’re a winter lover or a certified hibernator, decorate your mantel to add more joy to the season.

Fresh greenery

For the perfect evergreen garland, look no further than the great outdoors!

You can forage for beautiful boughs of evergreen, blue spruce, holly, and white pine to place on your mantel. This decor is both seasonal and natural, bringing fresh outdoor scents into your space.

Holiday trinkets

Many of us have holidays on our minds during early winter. Play this up with sweet holiday trinkets like hanging ornaments, star accents, and sparkly tinsel.

Twinkle lights

A bit of sparkle is a cheerful way to light the dark winter nights. Twinkle lights look pretty, day and night, throughout the season.

Snow omens

Whether you get snow or not, you can create a snowy scene on your mantel.

Include snowglobes, a white runner, or tufts of cotton amongst your other decor.

Antique keepsakes

Cold weather and a crackling fire remind me of older days and classic homesteading scenes.

Display antique heirlooms or thrifted treasures on your mantel to evoke these times.

Orange garlands

For a cute DIY project, string garlands of dehydrated orange slices along your mantel. The bright colors provide a cheerful glow to the gloomiest of winter days.

Want to get super Christmassy with your winter mantel? Check out my post on Christmas Mantel Decor Inspiration You’ll Love.

How to decorate your mantel for spring

Spring is a time of new beginnings, a return to the outdoors, and all things blossoming. Create your very own ode to spring with a beautifully decorated mantel.

Garden cut flowers

Flowers and spring are natural partners. Bring fresh-cut flowers to your mantel for sweet floral aromas and beautiful blooms.

Floral garlands

For florals that last a lifetime, invest in artificial floral garlands you can string up year after year.

This touch is dreamy and pastoral and can fit any color scheme.

If you’re extra crafty and have a garden bursting with flowers, you can make your own floral garland. Dry them first for decor that withstands the test of time.

Neutrals & pastels

Beautiful pastels contrasted with soft neutrals are synonymous with spring. Add these touches through linens, candles, and more.

Wood and wicker accents

Because spring is our return to the great outdoors after a long winter, you’ll probably want to bring a little bit of it inside.

Wood and wicker accents remind us of picnics, neighborhood wanders, and the overarching natural world.

Farmers market chalkboard

I don’t know about you, but I’m at the farmer’s market on the opening weekend each spring. Pay homage to this spring tradition with a customizable farmer’s market chalkboard.

Floral prints

You can never have enough flowers! Hang floral prints or framed, pressed florals above your mantel for extra spring beauty.

Hanging air plants

Air plants are easy to care for and make for really cute decor. Hang these houseplants in glass bulbs above your mantel for a touch of greenery.

Seasonal wreath

Who said wreaths are just for winter? Choose a bright and airy spring wreath with pastel florals on a woven grapevine.

How to decorate your mantel for summer

Summer is a representation of sunny days, relaxation, and bright outlooks.

Whether you’re envisioning a calm beach with a good book and sunhat propped against your face, or you’re ready to run full-steam ahead into seasonal fun, there’s a mantel that fits your summer personality.

Sunshiney features

Play on sunny days with bright yellow features that pop when under natural sunlight.

Sunflowers

Perhaps the most joyful of all flowers, sunflowers make for gorgeous summer decor.

Include some fresh-cut sunflowers in a vase on your mantel, or try out sunflower-themed decor pieces like a runner or garland.

Hints of blue

Some prefer a calmer summer aesthetic over a bright and joyful one. If this is more your scene, include bits of gentle blue accents to an overall natural-looking mantel.

This can look like little bits of decorative sea glass in a glass jar or thin and gauzy linens.

Seasonal fruit

The season of bountiful harvests – it only makes sense that we play a bit with summer fruits. Include a glass jar filled with fruits like plums or peaches.

I love using fruit for decor, but it serves double duty as pretty decor and a tasty snack!

Beach grass

For a touch of beachy bohemian, use beach grass on your mantel.

You can purchase boughs of beach grass for an inventive draped piece or include stalks in a simplistic vase.

Best of all, beach grass is neutral enough to take you into fall time!

How to decorate your mantel for fall

Fall time inspires home decorators everywhere with seasonal colors, warm accents, and compliments to the natural world.

Create a cozy autumnal scene with fall mantel decor.

Candles galore

Lit candles against a dark fall night look equally cozy and vaguely spectral.

Include beeswax or soy candles of varying heights for a stunning and functional display.

Pumpkin accents

Many of us go a little pumpkin crazy when the temperatures begin to drop (guilty!).

Include pumpkin decors like felted pumpkins, crocheted versions, or mini versions of the real thing on your mantel.

Leaf inspiration

The colors of fall leaves are super inspirational decor-wise. Play with reds, yellows, and oranges for the ultimate autumnal mantel.

An ode to the spooky

We can’t ignore the spooky presence of Halloween during fall time!

If you’re a fan of all things witchy, include a few festive elements like rod-iron candle holders, decorative bats, or some simple Halloween signage.

Metallic coppers

Include a bit of glamour with metallic copper accents. Whether they be candle holders or decorative dishes, this will contrast well with natural fall elements.

Funky gourds

Pumpkins are great, but fun-shaped gourds? Even better! Throw some in a bowl for instant fall decoration!

Want more fall mantel inspiration? Take a peek at my post on Fall Mantel Decor Ideas that are Charming and Simple.

How to decorate your mantel seasonally: Final thoughts

There you have it! Seasonal ideas on how to decorate mantels throughout the year.

I hope you use this inspiration to make the most of your home’s hearth and use it for the gathering place it was always meant to be.

Let me know how you decorate for the season in the comments down below.

How to decorate your mantel each season