Last Updated on October 17, 2024 by Rachel Granholm
Infuse the cozy essence of this season into your home through fall mantel styling with vintage decor!
As the leaves change color and the weather begins to cool, many look forward to the comforting moments of autumn. What better way to welcome the season than by sprucing up your mantel? With its unique charm and timeless appeal, incorporating vintage pieces into your fall mantel adds a touch of nostalgia and warmth to your home. Grab a warm beverage and cuddle up for this thrifty fall mantel styling with vintage decor!
Vintage Mantel, Fall Flair: Cozy Decorating Tips
Fall has many adjectives: cozy, welcoming, moody, nostalgic, crisp, and the list goes on. When decorating your space for fall, it’s helpful to keep in mind those words that make fall feel like fall for you. I hope that the ideas and tips below will give you some guidance on how to achieve that!
In this article, we’ll delve into the art of fall mantel styling with vintage decor, from selecting the perfect pieces to arranging them in a way that creates a stunning focal point for your space. Get ready to be inspired and learn how to create a picturesque fall mantel that will impress even the biggest home decor enthusiasts. Let’s dive in!
Thrifted Fall Mantel Styling Guide
As you know, I adore thrift shopping. It’s one of my very favorite hobbies that I carefully schedule into each week. When I thrift, I am looking for vintage decor to add to my collections, craft supplies, any needed household items, and seasonal decor.
One of the many beautiful things about thrifting is that you can find a plethora of things, especially seasonal decor items, for so cheap!
Styling your home is not linear nor is it one-size-fits-all, so it’s an amazing way to express your style and the most authentic way of making your home feel like you.
Here is a list of fall mantel items to look for at the thrift store:
- candlesticks
- fall-themed ribbon
- jars, vases, bottles, or crocks
- vintage books
- tureens or bowls
- vintage handkerchiefs, table runners, or dresser scarves
- faux or dried stems
- vintage art
- mirrors
- gold, brass, or wood picture frames
- wood risers, vintage cheese boxes, or cigar boxes
Shop the Fall Mantel Look
Fall Mantel Styling with Vintage Decor
Let me start this off by saying that my mantel is quite an unusual shape. Due to the way the chimney was built, it basically cuts the mantel right in half and, truly, has been a decorating nightmare trying to make it all feel cohesive instead of two separate sides.
It’s taken me years to learn how to style this space properly but, once I started working with it rather than fighting it, the whole game changed.
So, if you have an oddly-shaped mantel or space in your home that is giving you grief or if you are simply here for all the fall mantel decorating ideas, I’ve got you! From classic autumnal elements to fall-inspired color palettes, come along as I share how to create a cozy and inviting mantel display.
Below, in no particular order, you will find each element used on my mantel for the season as well as simple tips for styling.
Fall Mantel Element #1- Vintage Vases, Jugs, Crocks, or Jars.
To achieve enough height on the mantel, I started at the back with a vintage stoneware crock on the left. Then, for even more height as well as texture, I placed a tall stem of whispy, dried eucalyptus inside.
On the corresponding side of the mantel, I used a larger amber glass milk bottle with similar dried fall stems. Because the chimney itself is black, it’s difficult to see the amber jar.
So, to help break up the dark colors, I tied a plaid ribbon around the neck of the bottle.
Another design element that helped with the dark on dark was to place a milk glass vase just to the left of the amber bottle, on a just slightly shorter plane.
In my eyes, the white color makes the amber bottle ‘pop’ a little more and adds some dimension to the overall display.
Fall Mantel Element #2- Candlesticks.
Candlesticks, vintage or not, are a crucial element for creating a cozy fall mantel.
This season, I decided to use my hobnail milk glass candle holders. The beauty about milk glass is that you can style it for any season by tweaking it to fit the aesthetic.
So, to achieve a moody, fall vibe with the candlesticks, I placed a gold-hued taper candle in each.
Candlesticks are helpful for adding into a space where you don’t know what else to use or are out of decor pieces. You can also opt to use them for more height, as well.
Shop Fall Candle Sticks
Fall Mantel Element #3- Vintage Books.
Vintage books amp up the vintage fall look unlike anything else. With their faded colors, worn bindings and tattered pages, old books bring in that nostalgic and timeless character that every fall mantel needs.
Stacked, side by side, or placed here and there, any display option will give you that moody, old-world feel.
On my fall mantel, I selected seven books, that have been thrifted for just a few dollars a piece, and placed them side by side. I adore the dramatic look that vintage books bring to a mantel space, especially when paired with lighter colored decor such as ironstone or milk glass.
If your mantel is lacking depth or color or if you think it needs some more visual interest, reach for a few vintage books. I promise it will do the trick!
Fall Mantel Element #4- Tureens or Bowls.
When styling a mantel for fall, it’s helpful to have a few larger statement pieces. Such pieces can include tureens, platters, or bowls. These vintage pieces take up a lot of real estate on a mantel and, as such, I’m inclined to use some of my favorite thrifted and vintage finds.
The first larger-scale decor piece I chose is this incredible brown transferware tureen. It nestles in next to the row of books perfectly! To add a tad more interest, I tied a gold velvet ribbon to the handle.
For the right side of the mantel, I opted for a neutral ironstone tureen, sans lid. To bring in more of that fall feel, I placed a few fall-themed accessories inside such as faux pumpkins and thread spools.
For example, I used two ironstone tureens but they are different in size and pattern. I also used them in two completely different ways. You can do that with anything on a mantel!
Fall Mantel Element #5- Faux Pumpkins.
Personally, I don’t care to load down the inside of my home with fake pumpkins. But, a few here and there suits me just fine.
And, pumpkins are quintessentially fall, after all! Alas, I would be re-missed if pumpkins were not included on a fall mantel display. So, I selected three faux pumpkins for the right side of the mantel.
Like…the one above looks like it fell off the vine and landed right where it is. And, when using them in a vessel, mindfully place each one to make them look as ‘wild’ as possible.
Fall Mantel Element #6- Vintage Thread Spools.
I don’t know what it is about old thread but they make the most amazing fall decor accessory! Vintage thread or thread spools add texture and soften the edges of any fall display.
On a mantel, vintage thread spools can be used as fillers to fill in empty or open gaps. And, if you don’t care to use any pumpkins, thread spools mimic the look of pumpkins since they have a similar shape!
Fall Mantel Element #7- Dried Fall Florals.
Dried stems, such as any variety of eucalyptus, are my favorite stems to use for fall.
When styling a fall mantel, faux stems are so important!
Stick dried stems into vases, jugs, or jars. Lay them across or over things. Drape it like a garland. However you choose to use dried florals on a fall mantel, try to make it as natural looking as possible!
Fall Mantel Element #8- Vintage Linens.
Linens, such as handkerchiefs, table runners, doilies, or dresser scarves, bring a delicate, soft, and feminine vibe to a mantel vignette.
Look for varieties such as:
I like to use vintage handkerchiefs or smaller linens as a base for any mantel display. By placing linens down first, they act as an anchor for the rest of the decor to sit on, helping each piece feel grounded.
Fall Mantel Element #9- Fall-Themed Ribbon.
If you are looking for a super budget-friendly decor option, ribbon is your best friend.
I saw this decorating technique used a few years ago and fell in love with it. By simply tying a fall-themed ribbon around a jar, handle, vase, lamp, etc…you can totally change the whole look of a room, especially in a small space!
Some of my fall ribbon favorites include:
Fall Mantel Element #10- Vintage Art.
Art is special.
And, thrift stores carry an amazing selection of art so you can adorn your walls for just a few dollars!
I love to include art on my mantel, usually hanging on the wall on the left side. Because, then, instead of looking at a blank white wall and an empty space, your eye is drawn to that piece of art, which in turn draws your eyes down and across the entire mantel display.
It’s like the cherry on top of the sundae, rounding it all out with something super sweet.
Fall Mantel Element #11- Wooden Risers.
Last but not least of the fall mantel elements is one that I couldn’t be without…wood!
And, not just any kind of wood but vintage wooden risers.
As you can see, the amber bottle on my mantel was raised up using a vintage cheese box.
Wooden risers can take many forms but, for me, I love to use:
Cozy Up Your Mantel: Vintage Fall Decor Ideas
Circling back to the beginning of this post, I had stated some fall adjectives including cozy, welcoming, moody, nostalgic, and crisp. Looking at this fall mantel display with thrifted and vintage items, I feel like those words sum it up, don’t you think?!
It truly doesn’t take much, guys. Use what you have or go thrifting to find affordable fall decor.
By simply tweaking everyday decor items, adding ribbon, or switching out summer stems for fall ones, you can style a beautiful mantel for the season on a budget!
Closing Tidbits for Fall Mantel Styling with Vintage Decor
With that, this concludes our first official fall post of the season! I hope that, whatever you found helpful or useful here today, you have the courage to try it and make it your own. Because, after all, decorating your home is a gift.
Each new season is beautiful in its own right and full of everlasting change. This fall, be encouraged to evolve and allow yourself grace to start over.
Leave me a comment! How do you like to decorate your mantel for fall? I love hearing from you!
If you are new here, I’m Rachel, the writer and content creator here at The Antiqued Journey. I’m so happy to have you! I encourage you to stop by the ‘about me’ page to get to know me a little more.
Here on the blog, you will find loads of inspiration for decorating with vintage and antique decor, simple DIY crafts and many thrifting adventures. If that interests you, I invite you to sign up for my e-mail. You will receive a free digital download as a thank you!
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16 Comments. Leave new
I love it Rachel ! Looks great. You used so many favorites, brown transferware, milk glass, vintage books and so many other great pieces. Thanks for sharing; I really enjoyed all the details on your mantel. XO- MaryJo
Thanks so much, friend!
I really had a ton of fun styling this, experimenting with new things.
Hi Rachel! The shape of your mantle is a challenge, but you always make it look amazing! I adore that brown transferware tureen and the bow is the perfect touch! Thanks for the inspiration, I hope I find time to pull out the pumpkins next week!
Hello!
Thanks so much! Have a lovely weekend!
[…] first official fall post of the year where we jazzed up the mantel! In it, I share 11 elements for styling a fall mantel with thrifted and vintage […]
Such a fabulous post filled with so many helpful tips and tricks, Rachel. I love the combination of brown and white transferware you mixed with your milk glass collection. It’s dreamy. Plus you know I love the bows and ribbons. They’re perfection! Big hugs, CoCo
Thanks so much, CoCo!!
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Boy were we on the same wavelength this week! Great tips; your mantel looks awesome! I really love the mirror effect & how it gives depth with the tall foliage. I’m thinking mirrors for mine, too (although it hasn’t happened yet;) Happy Fall!
We totally were!
Thanks so much, Lora!! That means a lot coming from you. That mirror is there all the time…I just can’t seem to put it anywhere else because I just love how it bounces light from the windows 🙂 Hope you are enjoying the season!
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