Ghostly Greetings!

Now that it’s officially fall, I feel I can finally talk about one of my favorite fall subjects – Halloween!  I absolutely love Halloween and get really into it every year thanks to my neighbor whose love of the holiday is truly contagious!

I normally decorate only the outside of my home because that’s the part that is visible to the kids who are trick-or-treating, but this year, I created a Halloween mantel as part of my fall discussion on Hometalk.  I was inspired by an image I saw in the Pottery Barn catalog a couple of years ago and thought I could create something similar in my own home.

Tidbits&Twine Decorating a Halloween Mantel

 

Now I am in no way sponsored by HomeGoods (although I wish I was because I love that store!), but I have to tell you, almost everything on this mantel is from the store and what’s not from HomeGoods is from Michael’s.  I am all about affordable decorating!  And at the bottom of this post, I’ll give you some ideas as to how you create a similar Halloween mantel using less expensive items or objects you might already own, plus tips for recreating the look.

 

I started by taking the picture frames that were in my son’s room and replacing the art with free Halloween-themed clipart that I found online.  I sized each image to fit the frame and ta-da!  Instant Halloween art!  The perfectionist part of my personality was a little hesitant to hang the frames crooked, but once I got into it, it was fun!  I ended up needing to put a small finishing nail at the bottom corner of each frame to help hold it crooked.  Luckily, I was okay with putting the extra holes in my wall since the artwork that I normally have hanging above my fireplace is large and will cover the nail holes.

I added two round framed images and some black glittery spiders to complete the wall decor.

Tidbits&Twine Halloween Mantel 2

 

On top of the mantel, I used kraft paper stamped books as filler and as bases to add height to other objects.  To learn how to make these books, you can visit my post here.  The great thing about these books is that the covers aren’t permanent and don’t damage the books underneath, so you can use hardcover books you already own as themed displays.

Tidbits&Twine Decorative Halloween Stamped Kraft Paper Books

 

Alongside the books, I used a combination of craft pumpkins, black hats, silver candlesticks, black twigs that I draped with Spanish moss and a few pieces of Halloween decor.  I placed everything at varying heights to add interest to the overall display.   I’m in love with those hats!

Tidbits&Twine Halloween Mantel 3

 

The craft pumpkins were originally white, so I spray painted them matte black and then painted a couple of coats of black glitter on top.

Tidbits&Twine Halloween Mantel 4

 

I made the burlap banner for my son’s campout birthday party and reused it for the mantel.  Since I used paper letters attached with glue dots for the birthday, I was able to remove the letters and replace them with the word “SPOOKY.”  I then placed one of the urns that I chalk painted at the base of the mantel with more black branches.

Tidbits&Twine Halloween Mantel

 

On the other side, I used a larger craft pumpkin that I painted created a cutout for a friendly owl.

Tidbits&Twine Pumpkin Owl

 

 

If you want to create a similar mantel but don’t have Halloween decor, you can achieve the same look even with different elements.  I do think that the consistent color scheme is key for this look, though, so pick 2-3 colors and stick with them throughout.  I used black, white and silver, but you could also use orange and black, or orange and white, or even orange, black and white.

For the mantel decor, try using pillar candles and varying heights mixed with pumpkins.  You can buy inexpensive pumpkins in your color scheme or paint them to match.  You can also spray paint small branches and twigs to use as a natural garland that spans the entire mantel.  The stamped books are super easy to make and if you don’t have kraft paper, use a brown paper grocery bag (inside out).

 

Tips & Tidbits

Here are some additional tips if you want to create the look of this Halloween mantel:

  • Pick a color scheme and use it throughout.  This will help to create a cohesive look even if you use many dissimilar items.
  • Start at the top and work your way down so that you can adjust your focal points as you go.
  •  Use varying heights to create interest.  The heights also help to create a triangle of movement where you focus is gradually taken from the top to the bottom in small increments.  (For more on this, visit How to Decorate a Mantel.)
  • Repurpose what you already own!  A candlestick doesn’t always have to hold a candle.  Try placing a pumpkin or a skull on top!
  • Given that it’s fall, nature is the perfect place to find elements to use in mantel decor, even for a Halloween-themed mantel!  Pinecones painted black, leaves dipped in glitter, branches, and gourds of all shapes are all elements that can make for a spooky-looking mantel.

 

Happy Haunting!

 

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24 Comments

  1. You did good Kim, love your spooky Halloween mantle! Me too, love HomeGoods…
    Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!!!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

    1. User Avatar Tidbits&Twine says:

      Thank you, Cindy! And thanks for hosting a fun party!

  2. Stunning Halloween Decor Ideas!! Decorating home for Halloween is fun, and can be a great way to forget about the Summer…. you have brought Halloween spirit all over the fireplace! Everything is so stunning and creepy, a very great idea for this day.The elements are very well chosen especially the friendly owl is my favorite.

    1. User Avatar Tidbits&Twine says:

      Thank you so much for your kind comments!

    1. User Avatar Tidbits&Twine says:

      Thank you, Gina!

  3. Cute Halloween Mantel!! I really like the arrangement of all your spooky accents. Nice job! Enjoy!

    1. User Avatar Tidbits&Twine says:

      Hi Ann – Thank you so much! I had a lot of fun putting this one together. :)

    1. User Avatar Tidbits&Twine says:

      Hi Karen – Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment! I just posted to your link party. :)

    1. User Avatar Tidbits&Twine says:

      Thank you so much, Melinda!

    1. User Avatar Tidbits&Twine says:

      Thank you, Tamela!

  4. For years I have decorated a hanging tree with Halloween items including oranments, lights, and teddy bears in their Halloween outfits. Each year I add something new well this year items are in a suitcase with shutters behind the decorated suitcase and lights. Still working on the project but it is looking good.
    I don’t have a mantel but do have a long shelf and working on it to. You gave me some ideals and I thank you. Love the mantel and so wish I had one because yours always look so pretty. Thanks for the ideals.

    1. User Avatar Tidbits&Twine says:

      Mary – Your hanging tree sounds amazing! What a fun tradition you’ve started! A long shelf is a great alternative to a mantel, as is any long flat surface, such as a buffet or even sofa (console) table. Can’t wait to hear how your tree turns out this year!

  5. I love your Halloween mantle, it is so chic with all the black and white and sparkly and spooky, very cool

    1. User Avatar Tidbits&Twine says:

      Hi Phyllis – Thank you so much!

    1. User Avatar Tidbits&Twine says:

      Sharon – I’m so glad you like it! I was so excited to share I just couldn’t wait… :)

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