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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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October 15, 2014

When You Don’t Have a White Mantel

Do you remember that episode of Seinfeld when George Costanza finally has to come to terms with his Holiday heritage?

It all comes to a head with his father proudly revealing that while other families celebrated Christmas or Hanukkah, the Costanza family celebrated their own unique holiday. Festivus.

Fall mantel details atthepicketfence.com

And out comes the ‘Festivus’ pole! The person holding the pole gets the opportunity to air all of the grievances they have against the people in their lives.

Well my friends, I too have become a ‘Festivus’ follower. I’m holding the ‘Festivus’ pole in my hand and I’m ready to air my grievances.

You ready? Here we go! On a warm day in early September I was purusing Pinterest for some Fall Mantel Decorating ideas. And after looking through hundreds of photos, I realized something. There were no dark wood mantels. Everything was white, white and more white. I hopped over to some of my favorite online magazines to look at their round-ups of fall mantels and again, all white. Slide show after slide show of beautiful fall mantels and not a single one included a dark wood fireplace.

And I cry foul!

So, I’m declaring that on this day, the 15th of October, we will celebrate a

‘Dark Wood Fireplace Mantel Festivus For the Rest of Us’!

Dark wood fireplace mantel decorating ideas for fall from atthepicketfence.comBecause, I can’t be the only one who has a mantel in their home that isn’t painted white. In fact, I know that I’m not!

And I thought that if I’m feeling a little bit left out, maybe you are too. And maybe you really like your dark mantel. Maybe you don’t want it to be white. And maybe you would like some inspiration and ideas just for YOU!

You see, I love a white mantel. Really I do. But isn’t there something so rich about that dark wood?

So warm and so cozy?

It can allow you the opportunity to create wonderful contrasts. You can enhance it by adding layers of neutrals like I did on my own fall mantel this year.

Fall mantel with corn husk wreath atthepicketfence.com

You can pile it high with all of the best elements from nature and give it the opportunity to really stand out in a room that is predominantly white like Courteny from French Country Cottage did with her fall mantel.

fall mantel from french country cottage

Or you can add subtle contrast and texture using pieces that truly capture the warmth of the dark wood like Courtney from Golden Boys and Me.

fall mantel from golden boys and me

You don’t always have to go with lighter colors against a dark mantel. Using black with the pops of orange like this mantel from Dining Delight proves that you don’t have to hide the darker tones but can celebrate them instead.

fall mantel from dining delight

Using metal to create some shine, Donna from Funky Junk Interiors captures the beautiful grain in her wood mantel and then enhances it all with the overflowing texture of dried hydrangeas. And it looks like the kitty approves!

fall mantel from funky junk

So, whose with me?

Dark wood fireplace mantel decorating ideas for fall from atthepicketfence.com

Won’t you join me in celebrating the  ‘Dark Wood Fireplace Mantel Festivus for the Rest of Us’?  

I promise I won’t even make you perform the ‘Feats of Strength’! 😉

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Oh and one more thing! We are so thrilled to be featured today over at Porch.com! Come on by and visit us there!

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50 Comments Filed Under: Autumn, Decorating, Good Ideas, Mantels Tagged With: fall, fall decor, fall Decorating, fall tours

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Comments

  1. Nancy Sharp says

    October 15, 2014 at 4:27 AM

    Dark mantles are beautiful. I actually think hey are more appropriate for fall decorating. Long live dark mantles!

    Reply
  2. Dorothy says

    October 15, 2014 at 4:53 AM

    I also have a dark mantle with a large brick fireplace from floor to ceiling. I love decorating it. This time of year with the oranges and yellows of fall it is gorgeous. Thanks for the ideas.

    Reply
  3. Anita says

    October 15, 2014 at 4:57 AM

    Oh Vanessa, I have to laugh, because I LOVE dark wood, especially mantles, but last week I made one from a door and my husband said it needed to be white so there was contrast with the dark wood it was next to. After I picked myself up off the floor, I painted it all white. Me — the only dark wood loving person left on the planet, or so I thought. Yours looks beautiful!!

    Reply
  4. Judy says

    October 15, 2014 at 4:57 AM

    You are so right, my friend. I look at Pinterest too and it seems EVERYONE has a white mantel. Me and my beautiful dark stained, custom mantel, that I designed and had stained dark, feel out of place and not so beautiful. I’ve even considered painting it – which I think would cause a divorce in our house if I even spoke those words out loud. Thanks for reminding me how beautiful our dark mantels actually are. Count me in for the mantel Festivus celebration.

    Reply
  5. Sue@housepretty says

    October 15, 2014 at 5:08 AM

    Ok, try having both, lol! I have a very long white mantle in my livingroom, which extends the full length of the wall, with bookcases on either side. In my family room downstairs, I have a dark wood mantle. Actually, it looks to be the same one as in your first picture, the top left fireplace. It is an electric fireplace, purchased at Costco.

    I think each one has their place, and each is quite lovely! The first house we lived in, we had built. It was a log home. It had a huge fireplace! The fireplace reached the full height of the wall, to the ceiling and we had a dark wood mantle attached to it.

    Reply
  6. Myla says

    October 15, 2014 at 5:10 AM

    Love this article. I too had noticed many white mantles and felt mantle envy. I also grew up watching Seinfeld with my dad, every Thursday night. And I amazed at how just about every life event can be paralleled to Seinfeld episode. LOL… “Festivus for the Rest of us.”

    Reply
  7. Lauren says

    October 15, 2014 at 5:29 AM

    Lol this made me laugh! I often feel left out because my home is small and a ranch style blah blah blah instead of a cute, 2 story vintage retro cool house haha. Trends do come and go so we have to embrace what we have and make it beautiful. Love the dark wood especially with fall and winter decorations. It’s so warm and welcoming!

    Reply
  8. carol says

    October 15, 2014 at 5:46 AM

    Thank you Vanessa for this post! I am definitely celebrating with you! I also looked to pinterest for mantel inspiration and saw white white white everywhere! I have a Fruitwood stained mantel and crown molding in my family room. There’s no way my husband is going to paint it. Not gonna happen. There will come a day when everyone wishes they didn’t paint all that pretty dark wood! Thanks for the decorating photos for dark mantels!

    Reply
  9. carol says

    October 15, 2014 at 5:49 AM

    I forgot to ask you. What color did you paint your walls? My room faces west and it’s not a bright room until later in the day. I’m having a hard time choosing a paint color. Thanks Vanessa.

    Reply
  10. becca says

    October 15, 2014 at 6:07 AM

    Awesome post! In a perfect world, I could press a button and have a dark mantel in the Fall when I want warmth and cozy and white in the summer when I want the light and bright! Alas, I don’t … sooo, this post is making me have dark mantel envy, for sure!

    Reply
  11. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    October 15, 2014 at 6:21 AM

    I used to have dark mantel…and I adore them….I love all of the mantels you featured!!!….I will definitely sign the petition to bring back the dark mantels…and the kitchen cabinets too!…..You always dress your mantel so beautifully!!!

    Reply
  12. Denise of Coffeeberry Cottage says

    October 15, 2014 at 6:44 AM

    YHEA !!!! You go girl. I’m all for it and agree 100%-Hugs Denise

    Reply
  13. Anna says

    October 15, 2014 at 8:10 AM

    Great ideas Vanessa! I’ve never even thought about this before, because I’ve always had a white mantle, but I love the dark look with all the natural colors. It feels so warm and cozy, I just want to curl up next to the fire with a good book. 🙂

    Anna

    Reply
  14. Claire @ A Little Claireification says

    October 15, 2014 at 8:48 AM

    Hahaha – I needed a laugh. This is great and your mantel is gorgeous, girl!

    Reply
  15. Diana Young Hall says

    October 15, 2014 at 9:00 AM

    Hi! I’m right there with you. I have a dark mantle as well as woodwork throughout my home. I dream of white woodwork but as someone else said, the hubs is NOT a fan. I love all the historic features of our home tho and have decided I will just work with it. Thanks for the dark wood love!

    Reply
  16. Sami says

    October 15, 2014 at 9:02 AM

    While I applaud your stepping forward in defense of your mantel, I ask that you also consider another aspect of this conundrum. That would be those of us who have NO mantel to decorate. Definitely an unrecognized minority, we. As if that isn’t enough, I also have two front doors. To match or not to match. Woe the me of this holiday decorating thing.

    Reply
  17. Taylor says

    October 15, 2014 at 9:56 AM

    We loved your post and interview guys! Everyone over here in the Porch office is now officially a fan.
    …and count us in for the mantel Festivus celebration 🙂
    -Taylor

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      October 15, 2014 at 11:38 AM

      Thanks so much Taylor! We appreciate the feature and are fans of Porch.com now too! 🙂

      Reply
  18. Leslie Stewart @ House on the Way says

    October 15, 2014 at 11:09 AM

    Love the inspiration and love festivus! lol!

    Reply
  19. Joy Schumann says

    October 15, 2014 at 11:18 AM

    Hello: Yes, I agree with you. I had a white one in CA. and now I live in MN. and have a 80’s Oak mantle…ugh. (Not only the mantle, but ALL the woodwork!) I agonized over that for months and when I finally got it decorated (right!) now I don’t mind it so much. Am in a rental after owning my own home forever and it is hard to “stick to the rules!” You can see it over at my blog: theoldefarmhouse.blogspot.com, please visit if you can.
    Enjoy subscribing to your blog…keep up the good work!
    {{HUGS}} Joy

    Reply
  20. Shelley @ Calypso in the Country says

    October 15, 2014 at 12:50 PM

    My mantel is a medium oak but I have been thinking (now don’t shoot me) of painting it white! Sorry – but I do love the dark ones…just not mine! And I am a HUGE Seinfeld fan – so Fesitvus for the Rest of Us!
    Shelley

    Reply
  21. Lori @ Dining Delight says

    October 15, 2014 at 4:15 PM

    Too funny! As I was reading your post, I thought to myself, I have a dark wood mantel and I DON’T wish I had a white one and low and behold…you had a picture of MY mantel! I’m honoured that you chose it to use as one of your examples. While I agree the dark wood mantel looks great in fall, it is spring decorating when I find it a challenge. That being said, I love it as it is and will just say “Happy Festivus”! Great post!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      October 15, 2014 at 7:38 PM

      LOL! Lori did you get the email I sent you?? I wanted to make sure you were ok with me including your mantel. 🙂 It’s so beautiful!

      Reply
  22. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    October 15, 2014 at 4:18 PM

    Your mantel looks beautiful, Vanessa! Yes, a dark mantel certainly looks more Fall-like, warm and cozy. I had the dark mantel on two fireplaces in our old house. We have a white one in our current home. Both styles seem to suit the homes they are in; we had a lot of stained wood in our old house and here there is a lot of white (trim, doors).

    Reply
  23. Courtney@Golden Boys and Me says

    October 15, 2014 at 6:18 PM

    Thrilled to be celebrating Dark Wood Mantel Festivus with you, Vanessa! Thanks so much for including our family room mantel among the other gorgeous mantels.

    Reply
  24. Kimberly @ A Night Owl says

    October 15, 2014 at 7:06 PM

    Ohhh I LOVE DARK WOOD! Good for you! I love the inspiration and will definitely incorporate your tips – THANK YOU!!

    Reply
  25. lula@lulasbasket says

    October 16, 2014 at 4:31 AM

    Ladies, I am so envious of your mantles! They look fab! Dark or light I just miss having one so much! I love how now you can no add a mantle to a room even without a fireplace, I just need to reconfigure the design of my family room to add one! What do you ladies think about that? And by the way Seinfeld…did you ever see the one with Elaine dancing…sorry, I know I am getting off track here but with your post it is just bringing back memories!

    Reply
  26. Bliss says

    October 16, 2014 at 5:55 AM

    Mine is similar to Donna’s…. stone with a railroad tie. Once I found some inspiration for it that’s how it stayed, think it has been the same for 2 years now. The white is so very pretty, but the stone is rustic and the railroad tie is architectural. And I can’t see the dust.

    Reply
  27. Vicki says

    October 16, 2014 at 6:03 AM

    This post comes at the perfect time for me. I have NO mantel on my beautiful stone fireplace. That simply just won’t do! I knew white wouldn’t work there but just didn’t know what I wanted there. Now I DO! The Dining Delight mantel is exactly what I have. And I love her mantel! That’s for the post! Pinning!

    Reply
  28. Megan says

    October 16, 2014 at 6:49 AM

    Love your pretty dark wood mantel and the other inspirational images! I agree, adds lots of warmth!

    Reply
  29. Elaine says

    October 16, 2014 at 7:29 AM

    Your mantel is gorgeous. I love how you added texture with the grey metal bucket, glass jar, woven basket and old books. Beautiful wood is always classy, it may not be the latest “trend” but who wants to only decorate based on what is most popular out on Instagram? I miss having a mantel and decorating it for each season. Thanks for sharing these photos of beautiful dark mantels with us!

    Reply
  30. Bonnie @ Uncommon Designs says

    October 16, 2014 at 7:43 AM

    Great tips and ideas!! Those mantels look amazing!

    Reply
  31. Julia G. says

    October 16, 2014 at 1:31 PM

    Vanessa – I think I am the only person that has never watched an episode of Seinfeld! But I agree with you that dark mantels are beautiful with their rich warm texture and they are perfect for Fall vignettes!

    Reply
  32. taryn @ Design, Dining and Diapers says

    October 16, 2014 at 4:01 PM

    Oh my goodness you are cracking me up because I have always longed for a white mantel, well a mantel at all would have worked for me too. Annnd guess what, our new home has a.. wait for it… dark mantel 🙂 I’m actually loving it. Glad I’m not the only one around here! It’s good to be different!

    Reply
  33. Randi - Dukes and Duchesses says

    October 17, 2014 at 6:27 AM

    I love your dark mantel inspiration. You’re so right … white mantels everywhere.

    Reply
  34. LUCY says

    October 17, 2014 at 7:27 AM

    I remember you saying how you wished your mantel was white a few years back, but I LOVE your mantel and how you style it…the other inspiration photos you showed are exactly that, inspirational…just gorgeous…xo

    Reply
  35. Debbie says

    October 18, 2014 at 8:17 AM

    Neither of mine are white and I love them! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
    Debbie

    Reply
  36. Ashley says

    October 18, 2014 at 9:19 PM

    I love it!!! Probably because I decorated with white accessories this year. I don’t have a mantel but I have an almost black piano and it really allows for some great contrast! My kids often joke I want everything white but I love a good dark piece too!!

    Reply
  37. Malia says

    October 20, 2014 at 7:05 PM

    Beautiful ideas!

    Reply
  38. Shannon @ Fox Hollow Cottage says

    October 20, 2014 at 9:13 PM

    Just wait, I’m sure were on the swing to everything natural wood now that it’s all white. lol.
    Hey you’ve gotta do what you love. Your dark wood is lovely.
    Happy Fall!!

    Reply
  39. Heather says

    October 21, 2014 at 8:55 AM

    Love your dark wood mantel!! All that harvest texture, layers and heights you gave your fall decor is so beautiful! Happy Fall!!

    Reply
  40. Julie says

    October 21, 2014 at 5:35 PM

    Our mantel is black (wood)!!!! Oh, and one more confession…I don’t like decorating mantels!!! [insert witchy cackle!!!] Love your mantel, Vanessa! Great post! 🙂

    Reply
  41. Peggy says

    October 22, 2014 at 9:15 AM

    Love the dark mantles actually I wish I had a mantle any color would do!! bBeautiful Post!

    Reply
  42. Courtney says

    October 22, 2014 at 10:05 AM

    Love your dark mantel and thank you so much for including my cottage mantel along with the other inspirations!! Such a cute post too and even though I have both white and dark wood mantels- I will join you in the celebration!! 🙂

    Reply
  43. Brenda says

    October 25, 2014 at 5:53 AM

    I have a dark mantel, AND I have dark kitchen cupboards! There is a definite warmth in that lovely dark wood. My mantel and cupboards were handcrafted by Amish cabinet makers, and they not only look great, they feel wonderful as I run my hand over them.

    Reply
  44. Alycia Nichols says

    October 31, 2014 at 6:12 PM

    This is a great post, and right up my alley! We, too, have dark wood in our living room. All decor ideas seen in magazines, on Pinterest, in decorating books, in the movies, in catalogs & sales circulars….ALL white!!! I was beginning to think we were the only people left in America with dark wood! While I think I do a pretty nice job of decorating it season after season, it’s always nice to see more out there. It’s liberating!!!!!!

    Terrific post! Hope you’re having a Happy Halloween!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 1, 2014 at 9:26 AM

      LOL! Alycia I think we all need to form a dark mantel support group! 😉

      Reply
  45. Anna Pilla says

    February 1, 2015 at 5:42 AM

    So funny, came across this on Pinterest this am, and had a good chuckle. I too, have experienced, white mantle envy, as I love to do up my beautiful cherrywood fireplace, and was surprised that my pinterest searches usually came up empty with dark wood mantles. Thanks for the article. Will have to pin some photos of my seasonal mantle, so the white mantles can be a little envious. 🙂

    Reply
  46. Kim says

    August 19, 2016 at 7:15 AM

    Yes! Yes! YES!!! I am so happy to hear I am not alone! A few weeks ago I did the exact same thing. Looking, loving and admiring all the beautiful fall decor all the while noticing all of the white mantels. For a brief moment I even considering paining mine *gasp*! Thanks you for the post and inspiration!

    Reply
  47. Cindy Finter says

    August 18, 2019 at 2:13 PM

    Just came across your Dark Wood Mantel article and I LOVE it!!!

    I too have a dark wood mantel and a brick fireplace that I have no desire to paint white!!!!

    I am currently trying to decide if I want to even jump on the Grey bandwagon for paint! Grey has never really been my go to color but I am tired of off white.

    Haven’t done my Fall display yet but will try and remember to send a post when I do.

    Reply

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