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!

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