Have you ever looked at a photo on Pinterest and thought, I could do that? Have you ever seen one and thought, nope, not doing that? Today’s Pinterest Challenge will help you pick apart an inspirational photo and show how to mix old and new decor for a charming spring mantel.
How To Mix Old And New Decor For a Charming Spring Mantel
@House on Heatherfield
Let’s begin by sharing the inspiration photo found on Pinterest. It’s from Sharon @HouseonHeatherfield. It was posted on Pinterest but her account is on Instagram. Does that sound confusing? Lots of people post photos they found on IG to their Pinterest accounts. I do it because I like having them in categories on specific boards on Pinterest better than in a bundle on Instagram.
Tip: If your basket is longer than your stems, fill the basket with grocery bags or paper.
Anyway, I found her mantel, with its bright happy mix of color and different pieces, to be delightful. However, I don’t have everything Sharon has. Breaking down her photo, you can do it by color, decor items, or even shape. I like her white faux window frame, all the touches of green plants, the basket with a large number of stems, and the Easter hints like the bunnies, carrots, and eggs.
Faux boxwood balls and topiaries fill in nicely if you don’t have real plants.
First things first. As much as I like Sharon’s asymmetrically styled mantel, I enjoy things when they are symmetrical.
The first decor item I pulled out was my antique window. That will work in place of the arched piece she has. I placed it in the middle and worked on the rest of the inspo photo. You could also layer empty frames instead of a window.
Next, I added a lot of stems to a basket and placed it in the center. If you don’t have room on your mantel for the basket to sit, try hanging it. You will have to secure the window first. Depending on the size of the arrangement, it could pull the window right off to the floor. I tried it. It happened. I caught it in time. Yikes. Be careful!
Close up collage of new and antique plates used on wall over window
Our mantel is about 8 ft. wide and almost 5 ft. tall so as I stepped back to look at it, I knew I was going to need more stuff. I gathered a couple of topiaries and boxwood balls and it still wasn’t enough. I even tried several bunny statues I had. Boring and too small.
Then I remembered my Easter plates! The plan was to stick with green and white (my favorite spring color combo) so I grabbed the ones that worked. I didn’t have enough green so I added a couple of white charges as well. Some of the plates are new, some are vintage, and some I’ve had for a few years. I mapped them out on the table first to get the best placement before hanging.
Bring on the spring!
I was going to hang one more plate in the middle up at the top but it looked crowded. I’d rather have a gap than the plates be squished together. But as I stepped back again, everything seemed to come together nicely.
Quick tip: If you don’t plan to use the plates again for eating etc., I recommend these disc plate hangers. They work great if you go by the directions. But you’ll want to use these hangers if you plan to use them again. Just make sure you get the correct size.
I love how it turned out. The mantel has a cottage vibe and it screams spring is a comin’! Oh yeah!
I think it’s my fave look to date!
When you compare Sharon’s mantel with mine, they look completely different. One is her style and one is mine but we have used several of the same elements. A white window frame, check. Lots of greenery, check. A warm-colored basket with tons of stems, check. Bunnies, check. And varied heights with the decor items, check!
Can you see how to mix old and new decor for a charming spring mantel? I hope you are inspired to create something wonderful that’ll make you smile each time you walk by. I told my sweet helper (daughter) that this is my favorite spring mantel look to date! Thank you for stopping by! If you’d like to learn more about me, click here for the About Me Page.
Next up is my friend Rachel at The Ponds Farmhouse. She has great ideas for a budget friendly spring mantel that I know will be beautiful! Don’t forget to check out the rest down below and share this post with your friends. Especially if they love spring! And if you haven’t subscribed, you can do that below too. I’d love for us to become great friends!
Soooo delightfully charming!!! I’m so glad you had restraint and didn’t try to squish another plate in. I didn’t miss it at all!!! I just love the black paint of your mantel and surround – wow!
Author
Thank you Diane. Got the mantel off of FB Marketplace years ago for a song. Still in its original patina. :0
Cindy,
Your mantel looks so fresh and spring-like. I especially like the green and white dishes and the topiaries. It’s perfect for Spring.
Author
I love it Rachel. Thanks so much. Bring on the Spring!
Cindy, we have some of the same ideas and elements, but I love, love your plates. They add color, shape, and definition to your overall arrangement.. Thanks so much for hosting. You get our creative juices flowing.
Author
Aww, thank you Carol. When searching, I always try to see if everyone can find something they like and want to duplicate. Happy Spring!
Love your mantel! Your basket is so pretty and the plates look lovely.
Author
I appreciate that Lauren, thank you!
Your mantel is absolutely stunning! I love all the details and the beautiful neutral color palette. The plates are truly outstanding, Cindy!
Author
You made my day Wendy, thank you! I love it too.
Oh I really need to start looking for a window frame, and more plates. This may just be my favorite mantel of yours Cindy, and that’s really saying something! It’s springtime fresh and absolutely beautiful! Love it!
Author
I’m so glad you like it too. I don’t know if it’s me loving the cottage look or that I’m ready for spring. But whatever it is, I’ll take it! Thank you Michelle. Such a sweet comment.
Love your grouping Cindy. The plates are the perfect touch! Thank you so much for hosting such a fabulous party.
Author
My pleasure Laura. I love plates and have plenty for pretty much every season. LOL. Hope you are enjoying this week of fabulous weather!
I love how you used then plates above your mantel. They are gorgeous on their own but are stunning when styled with your basket and greenery! Beautiful!
Author
Thanks Missy. I have plates hanging over an arch in the kitchen and have always wanted to put a grouping somewhere else so I’m super excited about them being in the dining room now too. They might just stay there through summer! 😉
Beautiful! I think it’s my favorite too;) I’ve always loved fresh green and white with black, and love the plates on the wall. Thanks for inspiring us!
Author
Ever since painting our kitchen walls a dark green I’ve been obsessed with green. So naturally, green and white is now my fave color combo. LOL. Thanks Lora!
You did very well and it is so cute. Love the cute plated you hung and that basket of flowers so pretty. Spring is almost here, I hope! Have fun looking at this pretty mantel.
Author
Each time I walk by I get an extra boost of joy. Thanks so much for the kind words. This week it feels like spring might actually be coming!
I love it Cindy, the bunny plates on the wall add so much, and the mix of plates you used is adorable! I just added some more plates above my headboard, and had the same dilemma where a space looked like it needed to be filled, but would have been too crowded so I left it alone. Just a great looking mantel, I see why it’s your favorite! Hugs. Pinned.
Author
Yay! I needed to hear you too left the gap alone. Thank you Cindy! I’m still in awe of the pillow/quilt hint!
Cindy, you already know I’d take that mantel home anytime you decide you are tired of it, lol! It looks FANTASTIC with the window, the tall basket of green stems and the topiaries and boxwood balls!!! The plates arching over all really are stunning… Lovely! Thank you for hosting and I have pinned, as always. 🙂
Author
LOL Barbara, you are funny. I will put a piece of tape on the back with your name on it so when I go to glory, everyone will know it’s yours. Just like the kids did at my mother-in-laws house. 😉 I know my kids won’t want it. They tell me that ALL THE TIME!
Cindy, thanks for sharing your beautiful spring mantel at Vintage Charm! LOVE it!
Author
Thanks so much Cecilia! I greatly appreciate that. 🙂
Cindy, loving your mantel, so pretty and a joy to look at. A beautiful way to greet spring. I am delighted to feature your charming spring mantel at Love Your Creativity. Happy March.
Author
Oh yay, thank you. I am so honored. Have a great week Linda!
The jokes were new to me and I loved them! The mantles were diffeeent but beautiful, and you explained it so well! For someone who needs direction and is learning, that is so appreciated.
Author
Well thank you Jeanette. I forget to explain things sometimes so I’m glad you found it helpful. Happy Spring friend!
The plate holder links were helpful AND the direction on which ones to choose based on if you plan to use the plate again as a plate!
Author
I love it when a reader actually reads the post and doesn’t just scroll through the photos. Thanks!