Put the “Man” in Mantle
Image: Apartment Therapy
Fireplace mantles have become more and more streamlined over the years, and that’s fine with me. Smart editing of décor is always a good thing, I think, and that goes for mantles as well. But—having said that—I am always on the lookout for great mantles that work well in a masculine design environment. Here are a few stellar examples.
Keep it simple by hanging a framed image collection in a structured grid shape, as can be seen above in the NYC rooftop water tower photos. This is easy on the eye because it’s so uniform, and does a great job of filling the space above the mantle, without overpowering the room.
Bare Bones
Image: Remodelista
Much like the previous example, there’s really no mantle to speak of on this fireplace – but that’s just fine when the materials are as well selected and refined as these. The grass cloth wallpaper and marble surround make enough of a masculine statement without needing additional decoration.
Art
Hanging art above the mantle (or, as shown here, simply above the fireplace itself) is a time-honored tradition. Making a decision about what kind of art to place can make all the difference when it comes to making your environment masculine-friendly. The stylized skull is a great choice.
Paint
Image: Planete Deco
Making a statement with paint is a terrific way to style your mantle. It’s also a way to differentiate your space from almost anyone else’s. Then, to flesh things out, just add your art, or other items, to the mantle.
Collections
Image: The Cavender Diary
Another tried and true mantle decoration technique is to display a collection; or, as is the case here, multiple collections. The key here, and the ongoing theme of all of this information, is to be very mindful of what and how much gets selected for display. An X-ray print, a tiny skull, John Lennon and Jesus: why not?
How do you style your mantle?
