White fall mantel
I took my annual trek to Bilger’s Pumpkins yesterday and picked up the motherload I needed for all of this year’s decorating projects. First up? The fireplace mantel.
This year, I kept it pretty low key, mostly because I spent so much time on the DIY fall vignette and the burlap birdie wall art. But sometimes, I just really dig the simple elegance of a primarily monochromatic, natural look. This time, I was going for mostly white fall mantel decor.
Yes, you’ll notice the tobacco basket has made an appearance yet again. If you’re sick of seeing it, take heart! I have plans for a holiday mantel that will introduce a new, unique centerpiece, so keep an eye out for that.
Overall, I kept the look understated, so the white pumpkins stand out.
Next week, there will be an explosion of Bilger’s pumpkins (and color) in my outdoor porch decor. You won’t want to miss it.
Before I go, I need your help! I’m trying to decided whether I should paint the mantel or leave it with the mahogany stain. If I did paint it, I’m thinking white – as in the same color as my window/door trim and crown molding. We have a lot of dark furniture in the living room and all the stained wood seems overpowering. What do you think I should do?
I’m linking this up to Thrifty Decor Chick.
I love your tobacco basket. I have one also and it will go with me to my new house. My granddaddy was a tobacco farmer in Kentucky, so my basket has great memories.
Thanks for sharing, Candy. I love that basket!
The mahogany is so rich and adds a lovely contrast with the walls and the white marble fireplace face. Keep it the same.
I really like you fireplace, but I understand your concern about the dark furniture. I would not paint it white. It is an accent price, an a warm inviting piece of decor in the room. Also a feature piece. I think white would be too blendy and fight against the somewhat off white marble. Have you considered a faux finish or seeing the basket, you like different and a little rustic. Consider the crackeled paint treatment. You can somewhat control the amount of crackel effect you want if you practice a little on something else. Just a thought. Will tell you this is the first time I have ever sent a reply of this nature. Becca
Great ideas, Becca. Thanks so much for the feedback and for stopping by.
My vote is to definitely paint it white :0)
I think it is beautiful the way it is. It goes well with your wall color.
I say go for white–it might make the fireplace look bigger! Like an extension of the marble. Or a shade of gray between the marble and the wall. Good luck!
The funny thing is as I was reading this post I thought, “she should totally paint that mantel.” So I guess you know my vote! 🙂
I wanted to share something I had a builder do to our fireplace. I wasn’t happy with the depth of the mantle on one of our fireplaces. I asked him to make it bigger by simply adding another piece of wood on top. It comes out 2 inches in the front and on the ends from the original top. I am amazed at the difference!! The mantle and all the trim is white which made the project so easy. I’m not sure what type wood he used, but since it is painted I would think that pine would work. You could glue it down or use a nail gun and wood filler for the holes. Now the mantle top is wider, taller, and deeper which allows me so much more flexibility with the items I use on it. I would suggest painting yours..and… adding another piece to give you more sitting space. Just a suggestion 🙂
Thanks for the great ideas, Cindy.
Love the mantel — the tobacco basket is the perfect texture for fall! Yes to painting white… I’m currently thinking of painting our brick, but we do love our white woodwork!
xo Heidi
I’m a fan of white! Paint it 🙂
Keep the mantel mahogany. It’s rich and gorgeous!!
I say paint it white. I have wood shelves on each side of my fireplace and am trying to convince my husband that they need to be painted white!! Also, I love the basket – it’s a keeper. Thank you for your creative inspirations 🙂
I can see from the replies that you’re going to end with a tie when it comes to painting or not painting the mantel. I love the rich look it has now. It’s unique. If you paint it white then it will certainly lose a lot of character. Too many people want to paint all their wood white nowadays.
Yes, painted wood certainly is trending. It’s hard to resist the urge. 😉
My vote is to keep it the way it is. It adds contrast and character to the wall. If you are undecided, take a photo and “photoshop” it so the dark wood is white. then decide. But painting is what everyone is doing and you really don’t need to follow the herd!
Great idea, Laura. Thanks!
This looks so pretty. I think I’ll copy you! I have a tobacco basket in my den, which I love since my father was a Burley tobacco farmer.
Thanks for the kind words, Eva. My daughter’s name is Eva, so that makes you an extra special reader. 😉
I like to paint furniture, it’s my living. If you were to do it, I would go for an Annie Sloan old white as its not a bright white and gives you that lived in feeling. You could use some dark wax, but not everyone likes that finish. When painted give it a little distressing here and there. You could even paint the odd pumpkin with some silver or gold leaf on them.
Great ideas, Vicky! Thanks for the feedback.
Oh now I love this! You did an awesome job ! Thanks for sharing!