Average But Inspired

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Summer Mantel Decorating Ideas

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Memorial Day is this weekend, friends!  I am shocked.  Mainly shocked because my kids are almost finished with school and I’m getting a little nervous about how we’re all going to handle so much “together time!”  (Don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about!)

Well anyway, because Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer, I thought it would be fun to join in on a Summer Mantel Decorating Ideas Blog Hop hosted by my friend Amy at My Life From Home.

For my summer mantel, I went with an understated approach.

Instead of using decor pieces that scream summer, I chose to use elements inspired by summertime nature – summery plants, galvanized buckets you find in the garden, and a collection of mismatched glass vases – with my new-to-you $24 clearance mirror as a backdrop.

Check out this post to see beautiful summer mantel decorating ideas in shades of green and pulling elements from nature. Botanical prints, galvanized metal buckets, and a glass vase collection are some of the elements included.

I’ll keep this post light on the narration and let the pictures speak for themselves.  (“But pictures can’t speak, Bre.”)

Check out this post to see beautiful summer mantel decorating ideas in shades of green and pulling elements from nature. Botanical prints, galvanized metal buckets, and a glass vase collection are some of the elements included.

I found this framed print at Hobby Lobby and fell in love the second I saw it.

Check out this post to see beautiful summer mantel decorating ideas in shades of green and pulling elements from nature. Botanical prints, galvanized metal buckets, and a glass vase collection are some of the elements included.

It has a nice vintage look to it, and it set the tone for the whole mantel theme.  This was the only thing that I bought for my summer mantel; everything else I already had!  Check out this post to see beautiful summer mantel decorating ideas in shades of green and pulling elements from nature. Botanical prints, galvanized metal buckets, and a glass vase collection are some of the elements included.

The galvanized buckets were Goodwill finds from a couple of years ago.  Total scores!

Check out this post to see beautiful summer mantel decorating ideas in shades of green and pulling elements from nature. Botanical prints, galvanized metal buckets, and a glass vase collection are some of the elements included.

Check out this post to see beautiful summer mantel decorating ideas in shades of green and pulling elements from nature. Botanical prints, galvanized metal buckets, and a glass vase collection are some of the elements included.

You might remember this wooden box from my Spring Mantel Decorating Ideas post.  I kept it up for the summer but swapped out its contents for my collection of small glass vases.

I may add some fresh flowers throughout the season, but for now I like them empty.  They’re interesting but understated and don’t add a lot of weight to the vignette.

Check out this post to see beautiful summer mantel decorating ideas in shades of green and pulling elements from nature. Botanical prints, galvanized metal buckets, and a glass vase collection are some of the elements included.

Check out this post to see beautiful summer mantel decorating ideas in shades of green and pulling elements from nature. Botanical prints, galvanized metal buckets, and a glass vase collection are some of the elements included.

Everything came together so quickly for my summertime mantel, which never happens for me!  Check out this post to see beautiful summer mantel decorating ideas in shades of green and pulling elements from nature. Botanical prints, galvanized metal buckets, and a glass vase collection are some of the elements included.

I’m really pleased with how it is updated for the season, but blends with the rest of my living room decor. Check out this post to see beautiful summer mantel decorating ideas in shades of green and pulling elements from nature. Botanical prints, galvanized metal buckets, and a glass vase collection are some of the elements included.

Check out this post to see beautiful summer mantel decorating ideas in shades of green and pulling elements from nature. Botanical prints, galvanized metal buckets, and a glass vase collection are some of the elements included.

I hope you enjoyed seeing how I transitioned from my spring mantel to summer!  By using some of the same basic pieces and updating a few other key items, I have a whole new look!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kendra Bower says

    I love the crate with the plant inside your fireplace! Where did you find both of those items? And is the plant fake or real?

    Reply

  6. Emily says

    Your mantel looks so pretty, Bre! I really like the combination of that vintage style print with your galvanized buckets – they’re perfect together!

    Reply

  7. Kim Carter-Young says

    Bre, that mantel is amazing and your home is beautiful! I love the casual feel of all of the natural elements, especially the fern in the firebox. I’m so excited for summer! Great score on the reproduction print – you’d never know it was anything other than vintage!

    Reply

  8. Amy @ mylifefromhome says

    I just love your fireplace without even anything on it, but your summer mantel is beautiful! I love all the greenery. It reminds me of summer gardening. Thanks for being a part of this hop!

    Reply

    • Bre says

      Thank you, Tee! I was pumped that the mirror worked above the mantel. $24 cannot be beat! 🙂

    • Bre says

      Hahaha that mirror was SO lucky!! I was so excited to find it! 🙂 Thanks for your sweet comment, ladies!

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