It's time to glow up your fireplace with spring mantel decor. This is a central focus point in any room it's in, so it's smart to give it the love it deserves.
We've quizzed designers to find out what they do to make this space shine with seasonal touches. From pretty pastel candles to cute vintage ceramics, they have given us lots of fabulous inspiration.
If you're looking for a quick way to bring spring home decor ideas into your home, the mantel is a brilliant place to start.
Spring mantel decor styles that are so dreamy
Whether you want to follow spring decorating trends or your own heart, we've got you covered with a variety of spring mantel tips.
If you are in a shopping mood, we have also scouted out matching buys from our expert recommendations.
The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article.
1. Choose vintage pottery
Go down the Alice in Wonderland route with quirky, whimsical spring ceramics with seasonal motifs.
“You can display a collection of vintage china teacups, plates, and vases on the mantel,” explains Michael-Chase Strollo, principal designer at Strollo Interiors and director of Dash Fine Arts.
Michael-Chase Strollo is principal designer at Strollo Interiors and director of Dash Fine Arts. Having worked for a major global interior design company, he's an expert in design, home interiors, and decor for various areas of the home.
“Choose pieces with delicate floral patterns or pastel hues to evoke the spirit of spring,” he adds.
Michael also suggests arranging them in clusters or groupings for a curated and eclectic look. If you don’t have any already, head to vintage and secondhand furniture stores to scoop up treasure.
2. Place wall art
Wall art can easily be added as spring mantel decor, as you can either hang it up above it or lean it on.
“Display a collection of framed prints or watercolors with spring designs to introduce artworks depicting the season,” suggests Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight.
Artem Kropovinsky is an interior design expert and founder of Arsight, which has twice been honored as finalists in the international SBID Awards and acknowledged in the NYCxDESIGN Awards. He has a decade of extensive and global residential and commercial interior design experience, and is always on top of seasonal trends and decor.
Michael-Chase adds, “Look for pieces featuring blossoming flowers, fruits, or landscapes bursting with spring colors.”
He also recommends not being afraid to layer them up, to add even more vibrancy to the area.
Watercolor print
Size (in.): H16 x W12
Made from: Paper
Price: $29.95
This fun print is making us want a cool cup of lemonade and a seat outside immediately.
Scenic
Size (in.): H12 x W8
Made from: Paper
Price: $16.95
Turn your mantel into a masterpiece by bringing in this print by one of the most famous artists of all time.
Originally handpainted
Size (in.): H16 x W12
Made from: Paper
Price: $29.95
If real blooms are too much maintenance for you, swap them out with these instead.
3. Add bird motifs
Seeing beautiful birds flit about is a sign spring has arrived, so pay tribute to its sweetness with themed mantel decor ideas.
“Add a few ornamental bird nests (these The Bridge Collection Egg Nests from Amazon would be perfect) into the arrangement for a whimsical, seasonal finish,” Artem suggests.
You could also make something yourself, as easy spring DIY ideas. “Design a whimsical display by filling vintage birdcages with faux birds, nests, and blooming branches, and hang them above the mantel,” Michael-Chase adds.
Either of these will create the feeling of a European spring backyard and add a touch of vintage elegance.
4. Opt for pastel shades
For those who are able to paint their mantels, you can give it a fresh look for the season by brushing pastel shades on it (which are also small space color trends for the year, FYI).
“Light, pastel colors can complement floral pieces and further enhance the spring mantel decor vibe, making the mantlepiece a focal point of renewal in the home,” says Ricky Allen, interior designer and director of Ever Wallpaper.
Ricky Allen is the interior designer and director of Ever Wallpaper, experts in high-quality wallpapers and murals, using non-toxic, odorless, and environmentally friendly materials. As the director of a wallpaper brand, he's always on top of the latest seasonal colors and aesthetics.
If you can’t paint your mantle, you could always add color with pastel vases or the best candles (this Opalhouse Peony Candle from Target is pretty) in sugary shades.
Even a good clean of your fireplace will leave the area looking fresh and aesthetically more pleasing. Learn how to clean fireplace glass with these budget-friendly and effective methods.
Muted
Shape: Square
Made from: Paper
Price: $2
Pink doesn't need to be bright and Barbiecore in order to have an impact on your space.
Giftable
Size (in.): H7 x W4 x L4
Made from: Glass
Price: $19.99
Colorful tulips and roses would look stunning in this Danish pastel style vase.
4.6/5 stars
Capacity (oz.): 14.5
Burn time: 30-40 hours
Price: $24.99
The notes of rose petals, saguaro cactus, and sage will all bring the outside in.
5. Think beyond flowers
Flowers? As spring mantle decor? Groundbreaking. If you’re bored of blooms, go for the best indoor plants on your mantel instead.
Ricky explains, “I like to add small potted herbs or succulents to add texture and interest.”
Succulents fit especially snugly on mantels, which is why we’re eyeing up this Shop Succulents Plant Pack on Amazon.
Having them in a place you often see will help you remember to give them water, too (learn how often to water succulents, in case you go for these).
6. Try Easter decor
The best day of the year this season is arguably Easter. You can enjoy the festive hallmarks of cutie animals, chocolates, and colorful eggs to the top of your fireplace easily.
Artem says, “Choose adorable animals such as bunnies and bring in eggs reminiscent of chocolate ones to add subtle nods to this holiday.”
We're loving this Large Wooden Decorative Bunny from Target, as it's a classic enough style to bring out year after year. Target Easter buys are well worth a look for decorating for this event.
Top-rated
Size (in.): H7.3 x W3.3 x L4.25
Made from: Stoneware
Price: $30
This would look so eye-catching as spring mantle decor, and can be filled with fresh flowers, dried blooms, or even pampas grass.
Indoor use only
Size (in): H14 x W14 x L3.35
Made from: Textured material
Price: $15
You can hang this up or prop it against the wall for a cheerful finish.
Loops at each end
Size (in): H2.83 x W5.74 x L6.53
Made from: Textured material
Price: $15
Drape these along the edges of your mantel to add a pop of color to it.
7. Finish with lighting
Even if your small living room fireplace is only ornamental, you can still add spring mantel decor lighting into it to give it a glow.
“Decorate with the best string lights in flower or egg shapes for a fun spring touch, or even dot around pink and yellow electric candles for low-maintenance brightness,” Artem suggests.
We like these Furora Lighting Flameless Candles from Amazon, not just because of their pretty dusky pink color, but because of the handy remote they come with.
We advise just going for a few of these spring mantel decor ideas, for a spring nod in your place which isn’t too overwhelming. We’re all about personality, but we’re also into making places look chic and curated.
If you’re on the hunt for more pieces for the season, these Anthropologie spring homewares are a total green dream.
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Hi there! I’m the former content editor at Real Homes and I'm now a freelance journalist.. I've been a lifestyle journalist for over five years, previously working as an editor across regional magazines. Before this, I graduated from Nottingham Trent University a degree in journalism, along with an NCTJ gold diploma. For Real Homes, I specialized in interior design, trends and finding the best viral buys.