Spring mantel decor ideas – 10 ways to elevate your architecture and welcome the new season

As winter draws to a close, we couldn't be more excited for the new season. Spring is all about fresh starts, so it couldn't be a better time to uplift your home with inspiring, vibrant decor.

When it comes to spring decor ideas, there are plenty to choose from but the best place to start is always the mantel. Found above the fireplace, the mantel is the living room's main focal point, making it the ideal area to showcase a statement spring display.

With the help of interior designers, we've put together our favorite spring mantel ideas that are bound to cheer up any space no matter the style.

1. Decorate a mantel with a spring garland

A garland is a classic accessory that's long been used on the mantel of a fireplace. Although often associated with Christmas, garlands, with their leafy branches, can provide a mantel with some much-needed freshness.

Spring garlands are the perfect way to frame the architecture of your fireplace while bringing a touch of natural vibrancy. You can create drama through drapery, opting for a long, full garland that will hang around the area and serve as a base for spring decor. Or, uplift the fireplace area with an accent by opting for a more delicate branch, giving the mantel some elegance while allowing the architecture to shine.

Whether you're going for a garland made of fresh eucalyptus or decorating with a strand of cheerful blooms, decorating with foliage (faux or real) is one of the best ways to invite the outside in and uplift your space.

2. Create an Easter inspired display

Easter is an important part of the spring season and often serves as a time of inspiration for home decorating. Filled with inspiring motifs, Easter decorations are the perfect nod to tradition and come in handy when creating a seasonal mantel display.

There are plenty of easy ways to decorate for Easter. 'If the wonderful whimsy of the Easter season captivates you, let your imagination lead you into a world filled with chicks, rabbits, mini flowerpots, chocolate eggs, and pastel flowers.' says Gisela Graham. To incorporate nature and allow for lots of Easter decor, opt for a mini tree to hang baubles and bows, creating the perfect mantel centerpiece.

The fireplace is the focal point of most rooms, so to create a true statement Easter display, dig out some of your favorite floral ceramics and use the wall space above your mantel to pin up bunting or hang an Easter wreath.

3. Create a textured display inspired by nature

With fresh blooms sprouting everywhere, spring is when nature changes its course, transforming landscapes with color and vibrancy. To create a mantel display that aligns with the natural scenery of the season, follow an organic theme.

'For spring, I love creating a mantel that feels both playful and polished, using symmetry and natural textures to bring it all together,' says Roshan Adam-Holslag, founder of Ro's Table. 'I start with a focal point, like a whole daffodil plant in a wicker vase, adding height and a burst of color. To create a layered look, I mix varying heights and widths: rattan lanterns for warmth and texture, paired with slender, twisted candles in iridescent holders that catch the light beautifully.'

'I like to keep the mantel symmetrical, mirroring elements on both sides for a balanced, cohesive feel. Wicker bunnies in soft pastel shades add a whimsical touch, while sprigs of baby’s breath in delicate vases bring in that light, airy vibe. It’s a setup that feels fresh and inviting, perfect for welcoming the season.'

4. Keep to one statement arrangement for an easy high impact look

Sometimes the most impressive displays are achieved by nailing one key component. For an unfussy, classic look, focus on one main element that will best represent your mantel and serve as the main spring decoration.

Even if you're creating a minimalist mantel, it wouldn't be complete without some foliage. To achieve a polished look, focus on the central decor piece by carefully arranging an array of stems, creating an easy Easter flower arrangement. This will showcase the beauty of spring through botanicals.

'It’s easy to think of mantels as being mostly suited to Christmas decorations, but they’re a wonderful location for fresh, bright spring accessories too', says Gisela. 'Their height and dominance in a room make them a natural focal point so all eyes will inevitably be drawn in their direction.'

'With this in mind, make a conscious decision about the impression you want to create. Are you going for something classy, fresh, and quite grown-up? Think of tall vases, a crisp wreath, and plenty of springtime greenery, either faux or real.'

5. Embrace a rustic farmhouse style

The eclectic interior trend is in full swing with designers creating spaces filled with vintage-style pieces. To harness the popular characterful look, style your mantel with rustic farmhouse spring decor for a collection of charming, vintage pieces.

There are plenty of ways to decorate your mantel with farmhouse pieces. Whether you're opting for a rustic vase paired with dainty florals or decorating with art by featuring a vintage landscape, the rustic style is the perfect choice as it allows spring decor to sing.

The key to a traditional, cozy mantel is decorating with antiques. Nodding to the past, vintage pieces bring a charm that blends beautifully with spring decor. It's important to scatter your vintage elements, like a brass candleholder paired with a pastel candle or a garland draped around an antique mirror.

6. Try a more minimalist spring mantel arrangement

The best thing about spring decor is its versatility, pairing well against almost all styles. Minimal interiors often feel carefully curated, so sparingly scattering fresh foliage or spring ornaments can elevate the look of a more contemporary fireplace.

There are plenty of minimal decor ideas. A quirky-shaped vase would stand out on a minimal mantel and would look even better paired with a few striking stems. A sculptural ornament would provide the area with interest and serve as a reminder of the spring season, be it an Easter rabbit or a delicate flower.

7. Go for an artisanal look with easy paper decorations

For a paired-back, elegant look, opt for handmade paper decorations that will bring a charm to your spring mantel.

There are plenty of paper decorations to choose from, whether it's a folded flower decoration or a selection of honeycomb baubles, these delicate ornaments softly nod to spring without overdoing it. And the beauty of paper decorations is they can be reused next year.

If you want an even more artisanal look, channel Easter craft ideas at home and paint an egg or create your own folded paper decorations.

8. Mix and match vases

We all know that spring and florals go hand in hand and a classic way of showing off foliage is by decorating with vases.

Create a layered display using vases of different heights and widths that will sit proudly on the mantel. Fill each vase with a different bud (such as daffodils, tulips, or mimosa) and place them side-by-side for a pop of unexpected color and playfulness. It's a simple yet effective way of using what you have and showing an appreciation for the new season and all its bountiful fresh blooms.

For a more contemporary look position empty pastel vases in different shapes and sizes along your mantel. While this look (pictured above) strays from tradition, the spring hues still nod to the season.

9. Hang a spring wreath

Wreaths are typically hung on the front door every season to welcome guests but have recently become a staple decor item for interiors.

They're the perfect way to welcome the outside in. A spring wreath provides a mantel with a fresh, earthy feel while framing the area. Whether propping a wreath against a mirror on your mantel or hanging it from the ledge, there are plenty of ways to make a statement using this classic decor item. Or you could make a DIY spring wreath using fresh or dried foliage, flowers, and seasonal produce.

10. Let spring inspire a fresh color scheme

While many of us instantly think of pastels, plenty of spring colors stray from convention while still providing a room with cheer and joy. To create a truly inspiring mantel display, consider decorating with spring shades that uplift the area while still tying in with your overall scheme.

For the ultimate display, incorporate a selection of spring shades by following a color palette. Deciding your main shades will still allow you to create vibrancy yet will ensure the area feels coordinated and considered.

The beauty of spring decor is that you don't need to make any permanent changes, however, if you want to revamp your space for the new season, try painting the wall around your fireplace with your favorite spring hue. Opting for a soft yet brightening shade will highlight the area and give the room a refreshing dose of color.

With plenty of spring mantel decor ideas to choose from, decorating your fireplace for spring has never been more inspiring. Whether you're opting for a spring paint shade to frame your fireplace or going all out with the Easter decor, there's something for every home that's bound to welcome the arrival of the new season.