Accent Ideas for a Mantle on a Rustic Pine Fireplace

Artwork and Frames

• A ranch scene isn’t your only artwork option for a rustic fireplace mantel. You can hang a landscape, abstract, primitive portrait, black and white photography or a pencil sketch. Choose one large piece, or hang a selection of smaller pieces in a tight grid or cluster. Visually, the grouping will serve as a single large piece. Choose frames that complement the rustic look of your fireplace. Frames made from reclaimed barn wood are always appropriate. You can also opt for twig frames or those made from distressed, painted wood. Dark-stained, antique frames with carved leaves and crossed corners look suitably earthy and contrast beautifully with pine. Avoid frames with gilt, silver or glossy wood finishes, as well as anything dainty.

Natural Accents

• Mantel decorations taken from nature are ideal for rustic fireplaces. For your horizontal piece, lay a piece of driftwood or unmounted antlers on the mantel. The look is both rustic and sculptural. Alternately, arrange interesting rocks in a simple row, perhaps chunks of crystal or natural turquoise. You can also heap an oblong, hand-hewn wooden bowl with pine cones or seashells. Place a large, especially fine specimen of either under a bell jar and use it as a vertical accent. Other natural options include coral, abandoned birds’ nests and geodes. Use them as is, or elevate them with chunky woodblock pedestals. You can also turn a large geode into a striking base for a mantel lamp.

Handcrafted Accents

• Include handcrafted accessories on your fireplace mantel to add an artistic touch to your rustic room. For an asymmetrical fireplace arrangement, add a trio of hand-forged, wrought iron candlesticks of varying heights to one end of your mantel. Flank the mantel with a matching pair for a symmetrical look. You can also flank the mantel with handmade pottery vases, perhaps filled with curly willow or dogwood branches. Carvings made from wood, bone or stone also complement rustic decor.

Antique Accents

• Add the mellow luster of antiquity to your mantel display with a handful of vintage objects. Consider an A-shaped mantel clock of quarter-sewn oak from the Arts & Crafts period. Stack a few old, leather-bound books horizontally, or stand them between a split geode made into bookends. Top an old wooden box with a chunky bronze or stone sculpture.