Fireplace Mantel Designs - Connecticut in Style

If you live in a home with a fireplace, the chances are that it is the focal point of the room. And if you are like us, during the fall and winter months our fireplace is filled with logs ready to be lit so we can have a fire whenever we want. During the colder months, my focus is more on the fireplace and I don’t concern myself too much with decorating the mantel. I usually have just a simple row of votive candles to light when we are entertaining. The only exception to my mostly minimalist approach to mantel decorating is during Christmas. Beginning on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, our mantel is completely adorned in holiday style. It can be a bit much, but I don’t care. For holidays my motto is “go big or go home.”

Even though summer is here and we have no plans to light any fires (except for a fire pit) the fireplace still remains the center of the room. One of my favorite ways to transform a fireplace is to put candles of various sizes and heights inside. It makes so much sense to do this because you get a similar effect of a fire but without the heat. Another great option is to use plants, such as ferns. Ferns are so easy to maintain and can tolerate indirect light. If you are having a party and in a pinch, collect vases of all shapes and sizes and head to the garden. You can fill the vases with a single flower (hydrangea works very well if you have them) or fern leaf. For more inspiration, below are some fabulous fireplace mantel designs that will elevate any living room.