Simple & Stylish Fall Mantel Decor in Easy Steps

Fall is the perfect time to cozy up your home with warm, inviting decor. This year, I decided to create a simple yet stylish fall mantel that adds a touch of elegance and charm to my family room without overwhelming the space. Here’s how I did it in just four easy steps, using items I already had on hand!

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Step 1: Start with a Blank Slate

I began with a completely blank mantel—no decorations, nothing to distract from the vision I had in mind. I wanted to create something simple and elegant, so I started by spreading out a faux olive leaf garland across the mantel. This provided a lush, green base, but I quickly realized it didn’t have that classic fall feel I was looking for.

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Step 2: Add Fall Foliage and Texture

To bring in those cozy fall vibes, I layered on a fall garland I had left over from last year. This garland is full of rich fall-colored leaves, small faux orange pumpkins, and curly stems that make it look like it was freshly picked from a garden. It instantly warmed up the mantel and added the perfect amount of texture and color. The mix of earthy tones and natural elements really helped set the stage for a welcoming fall look.

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Step 3: Incorporate Metallic Accents

Now that I had the fall foliage in place, it was time to add a little sparkle! I brought out my favorite collection of silver pumpkins. These little pumpkins have been a staple in my fall decor for years, and I love how their metallic sheen catches the light. To give one of the pumpkins extra height,

I placed it on a small white urn and set that on top of two stacked books.

The varying heights of the pumpkins added dimension, making the mantel visually interesting without feeling cluttered.

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Step 4: Add Elegant Candlesticks

For the finishing touch, I added some lovely candlesticks to the mix. I’ve had these silver spiral candlesticks for years, originally from a Crate & Barrel outlet when I lived in Texas!

Their sleek design brings a modern twist to the more traditional fall elements on the mantel. To balance out the silver, I also added two skinny gold candlesticks. The combination of metallics gives the mantel a stylish, layered look—simple, yet elegant.

I tried adding in some faux greens that would drape off the edge of the mantel but it just didn’t work for me. Plus I figured the grandkids would pull them off.

It was worth a try. Do you like draping greens?

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Final Thoughts

My family room isn’t very large, so I didn’t want to overcrowd the mantel with too many items. This minimalist approach allows the key pieces—fall foliage, pumpkins, and candlesticks—to really shine. I’ve decorated this mantel for fall in a few different ways over the years. You can see a more Halloween-inspired look I did here, and a neutral fall mantel with silver pumpkins here.

I’m thinking about adding some dried white hydrangeas for a soft, natural touch. Or maybe I’ll hang a wreath on the window above the fireplace. What do you think? Let me know in the comments!

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With just a few easy steps, you can transform your mantel into a simple and stylish fall focal point that makes your home feel warm and inviting all season long. Happy decorating!