10 Ideas for Decorating a Mantel for Fall

Whether you're going for cozy or kooky—we've got the inspo for you.

Sprucing up your home with festive fall decor is one of the best ways to lean into the season. Even a few carved pumpkins at your doorstep, seasonal pillows on your couch, or strategically placed spooky skeletons can help get you and your family into the spirit.

If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace in your home, this focal point is the perfect place to concentrate some of that autumnal energy. For inspiration on decorating a mantel for fall, keep scrolling.

Related: The Fall Home Decor Pieces Interior Designers Always Buy on Amazon—All Under $55

Fluttering Bat Colony

Dabble in Halloween vibes by scattering black bat cutouts across your fireplace mantel. Here, Hilary McLeod of At Home With Hilary also added a festive garland, a couple black bird figures, and some dried wheat in a matte black vase.

Autumn Leaves, Pumpkins, & Brass Candlesticks

For a classic fall mantel, opt for vibrant leaves and a smattering of pumpkins. “I really like to layer decor items on my mantles to give it depth,” says Kate Drew of Pretty and Printed Shop. “Varying heights, materials, and textures keeps it interesting. I have been collecting brass candlesticks for quite some time and putting the little pumpkins on top of them lets me use them in a new and whimsical way.”

Cheerful Ghosts

This rustic fall mantel decor by Sarah Gordon combines both country charm and a bit of spooky fun. A cornucopia of gourds, greenery, and garlands are draped over the mantel, while a duo of cheerful ghosts painted onto an old window pane perches above. The broomstick adds the perfect finishing touch if you ask us!

Cream and Brass

Keep your fireplace mantel extra chic this autumn by taking your decorating cue from interior designer Jenny Brooks. A trio of vintage brass mirrors serves as the backdrop for a gorgeous garland of autumn leaves, gourds, and candles in a creamy, monochromatic color scheme.

Colorful Pumpkins and Tassels

For a simple fall mantel decorating idea, try this setup by Michele Conti of Crafting Culture. “I used the pumpkins and gourds that I let my three kids pick out at the pumpkin patch,” she says. “They loved seeing their choices displayed on the mantel, and I didn’t need to find storage space for more faux pumpkins!” The layered tassels hung below add more cheer.

Spooky Spiders

If you’re not too squeamish about spiders, lean into the Halloween spirit by tacking a few above your fireplace mantel like interior expert Cara Mills of Gin and Interiors did here. To bring it home, she added a trio of paper fans in autumn colors and matching candlesticks at either end.

Simple Florals

Looking for a one and done fall decor idea for your mantel? Find yourself a gorgeous vase—ideally one in an autumn shade—and place some seasonal florals or branches inside. Here, Christine of Home and Petals added some stacked vintage books, a pair of vintage children’s clogs, and a golden-brass mirror.

Oil Painting, Pinecone Garland, & Brass Candles

Layers of texture and color make this fireplace mantel pure magic. Designer and content creator Stephanie Leleux of Returning Grace hung an oil painting rich in autumnal hues above the mantel, then pulled the colors into the rest of the decor. A combination of brass candlesticks, creamy gourds, velvety leaves, and pinecone garland lend a sense of elevated sophistication.

Kitschy Halloween Mantel

Get a little Halloween-cheeky with your fireplace mantel by taking your inspiration from interior designer Lisa Looker of Bunny and Bear Studio. The ghost illustration is the primary focal point, and she built off of it by adding black, pink, and gold pumpkins, a skeleton, bat, and celestial garland.

Colorful Candlesticks

For something a bit unexpected that still plays into the autumn theme, consider a fall mantel like this one, also created by Gordon. The bright green foliage that cascades from above, paired with pastel-hued leaves, gourds, and candles, feels super fresh. This approach is also a great way to transition from summer to fall.

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