10 Best Mantel Decor Ideas With a TV Above It (Stylish & Practical)
Many homeowners struggle with mantel decor when a television sits above the fireplace. The TV often becomes the focal point, leaving people wondering how to decorate the mantel while still keeping a beautifully decorated space!
The good news is that decorating a mantel with a TV above it doesn’t have to be ugly or difficult. With the right mix of height, texture, symmetry, and seasonal decor, you can create a beautiful focal point that works with your television instead of competing against it. Yay!!
In this post, I’ll share my favorite mantel decor ideas with a TV above it, along with practical tips I’ve learned while styling my own mantel through the seasons.
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For years, I resisted the idea of putting a TV above a mantel. But when we moved into our current home that was the only place it could go in our living room layout!
Thankfully by that time the Frame TV had been invented, which really changed the game for decorators. The age old struggle of whether or not to put the TV above the mantel was eliminated. Since this television displays art when not in use, it changes everything about decorating around a TV.
But, even if you don’t have a Frame TV, you’ll find lots of inspiration here. And you’ll learn how to decorate your mantel around any big old television!
I love sharing home decorating ideas with you! More ideas for decorating your living room include choosing and styling sofa pillows, decorating end tables and styling a console table 4 ways. I hope they help you create a home you love!
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How to Decorate a Mantel With a TV Above It
The best way to decorate a mantel with a TV above it is to use lower-profile decor that complements the television rather than competes with it. Makes sense, right?!
Layering greenery, candlesticks, vases, artwork, seasonal accents, and decorative objects creates balance while keeping the mantel visually appealing. Now, we’re not doing ALL of this at once, but I’ll show you how to mix and match these ideas!
The bottom line is that you want to keep things simple. When you’re dealing with decorating around a big black box, too much decor will overwhelm the space. So less is more! But here are a few simple things to consider before we look at inspiration.
- Use varying heights
- Incorporate natural elements
- Keep decor below the bottom edge of the TV (for the most part!)
- Create symmetry when possible
- Avoid overcrowding the mantel
- Rotate seasonal accessories
Let’s dive into a few of these ideas:
- Add low, linear decor under the TV and anchor the sides with larger, taller decor of varying heights. The taller side decor can be symmetrical or asymmetrical, but it doesn’t need to be overdone. A simple lantern, vase or greenery will work just fine!
- Add sconces to the side of the TV for simple symmetry. Use a battery operated light bulb or candle if you can’t hardwire it. Or hire an electrician to hardwire the lighting.
- Use a Smart TV that displays art, like the Samsung Frame TV. And frame it!
- Hide the TV completely. If you really don’t like to see your TV all the time, make something to cover it.
10 Mantel Decor Ideas with a TV
Whether you have a Frame TV, a standard black television, built-ins, or a simple fireplace mantel, one of these decorating approaches is sure to work in your home. Here are my favorite mantel decor ideas with a TV above it.
| Idea | Best For |
|---|---|
| Art TV | Modern & Transitional Homes |
| Keep It Simple | Minimalists |
| Maximalist Decor | Traditional & Collected Homes |
| Greenery | Every Style |
| Symmetry | Traditional Homes |
| Frame the TV | Any Style |
| Candlesticks & Lanterns | Cozy Traditional |
| Seasonal Decor | Decor Lovers |
| Books | Casual Collected Style |
| Collected Treasures | Personal & Eclectic Homes |
1. Upgrade to a Smart TV that Displays Art
Upgrading to a smart TV with an art display feature is one of the most effective ways to make a television feel intentional rather than intrusive above a fireplace. The introduction of the Samsung Frame TV means that instead of staring at a large black screen when the TV isn’t in use, you can display artwork, family photos, landscapes, or seasonal art that blend seamlessly with your decor.
This allows the television to function more like a framed piece of art, helping it complement your mantel styling instead of competing with it. For homeowners who want a beautiful focal point year-round, an art TV creates a more cohesive and designer-inspired look while still providing all the functionality of a traditional television.
Getting a TV that displays art is the BEST option for decorating your mantel with a TV. It may not be in everyone’s budget, but wait for a sale, like Amazon Prime Day. Then you don’t have to add much in the way of decor because your art is the focal point!
Styling Tip:Â Pair an art displaying TV with a decorative frame and coordinate the artwork colors with your mantel decor for an even more integrated appearance. This is one of my favorite ways to make a TV disappear into the overall design of a room. It also helps if you hide the TV cords behind the wall!
2. Keep It Simple and Uncluttered
When a TV is already serving as a major focal point, less is often more. A few thoughtfully chosen accessories (or wall sconces) create visual interest without overwhelming the space. Keeping the mantel simple allows each piece to shine while maintaining a clean, cohesive look that feels calm and intentional.
Most of the year, my own mantel is surprisingly simple. I typically rely on greenery, a few anchor pieces, and seasonal touches rather than filling every inch with decor.
Simplicity works especially well when your television is already large or mounted close to the mantel. Instead of filling every inch of space, choose one or two statement pieces that complement the room’s style. A pair of sconces, a simple garland, or a few candlesticks can often have more impact than a mantel crowded with accessories.
3. Maximalist Decor
A maximalist decorating approach can actually make a black television feel less noticeable by surrounding it with layers of color, texture, artwork, and collected decor. So, this is a great option if you don’t have a Frame TV! Instead of trying to hide the TV, this strategy embraces it as just one element within a rich, visually interesting display.
When your eye has multiple focal points to explore, like art, candlesticks, greenery, vintage finds, and meaningful accessories. Then the television naturally blends into its surroundings. This approach works especially well in traditional, farmhouse, cottage, grandmillennial, and collected-home styles where abundance and personality are part of the design.
In this example, Thrifty Decor Chick added a low, linear decorative wooden tray with topiaries on either side, as well as candle sconces, and a basket overhead! She also has shiplap on the walls. This would be the most decorating I would do around a TV, but it’s beautiful and it works!
Styling Tip: Vary the heights, textures, and finishes of your decor while repeating a few colors throughout the mantel display. This creates a cohesive look that feels curated rather than cluttered, allowing the TV to recede into the background.
4. Use Greenery to Soften the Harsh TV
Greenery is one of the easiest ways to decorate a mantel with a TV because it softens the hard edges of the screen. Whether you use eucalyptus garlands, olive stems, magnolia leaves, or seasonal greenery, natural elements help create a more relaxed and welcoming focal point.
My Christmas decor always includes a swag of greenery below the mantel, in addition to the chinoiserie pots and boxwood topiaries flanking the TV. This lush greenery makes the TV look less prominent and more like a piece of decor. Even if I didn’t have a Frame TV, a TV would not be the focus of attention if you’re using this much greenery around it!
You can use any type of garland underneath the TV to achieve this look, like an evergreen garland in the winter and a eucalyptus garland in the spring and summer!
5. Decorate Symmetrically
Symmetrical decor creates a sense of balance and order, which is especially helpful when a large TV is already commanding a lot of attention. Choose matching lamps, candlesticks, lanterns, or vases on either side of the mantel to help anchor the television and make the entire fireplace wall feel more intentional and polished.
I love how Tamara at CitrineLiving styles her TV over the mantel with simple mini cordless lamps and a display box and marble knot under the TV. It’s simple, symmetrical and perfect, especially with the amount of decor in the built-in bookshelves on either side.
Style Tip: If you’re lucky enough to have built-in bookshelves flanking your fireplace, use them to create a sense of balance and symmetry around the TV. Don’t have built-ins? No problem! Freestanding bookcases or floating shelves on either side of the television can achieve a similar look. Not only do they help visually anchor the TV, but they also provide extra space to display books, greenery, and decorative accessories that make the entire wall feel more cohesive and intentional.
6. Frame the TV
Adding a frame around your television instantly helps it feel more like a deliberate design element rather than a piece of technology. A decorative frame softens the stark edges of the screen and visually connects the TV to the style of the room, whether your home leans traditional, farmhouse, cottage, or transitional.
By giving the television the appearance of framed artwork, it blends more naturally with surrounding mantel decor and creates a more cohesive focal point above the fireplace. This simple upgrade can make even a standard black TV feel custom and high-end without requiring a full room makeover.
Obviously you can purchase a frame for a Frame TV. But what if you have a different kind of TV? You can build a frame for it! It will level up any TV.
I actually built this frame for my Frame TV because I didn’t like any of the ones on the market. And it just takes it to a whole new level. You can do this to any TV out there! If you’re not into DIYing, you can buy frames for a Frame TV.
Styling Tip: Choose a frame finish that coordinates with other finishes in the room, such as wood tones, brass accents, or painted trim. A frame that echoes your existing decor will help the TV look like it has always belonged there.
7. Layer Candlesticks and Lanterns
Candlesticks and lanterns add height and visual interest without competing with the television. Their vertical shape naturally draws the eye upward while helping bridge the space between the mantel and the TV. They also bring warmth and coziness to the room, even when they’re not lit.
Lauren McBride added a brick fireplace surround and a rustic wood mantel to create a cozy fireplace mantel and hearth. Only a couple of neutral candles are needed to finish off the space!
The following fireplace from Blesser House has gorgeous trim that envelopes the TV mantel decor and creates a beautiful focal point!
8. Incorporate Seasonal Decor
The mantel is one of the easiest places in your home to update with the seasons. Swapping out a few accessories allows you to refresh the room without redecorating the entire space. Seasonal touches like greenery, pumpkins, florals, or holiday accents keep the fireplace feeling current and welcoming throughout the year.
I filled in the corners of the mantel with glass fair isle trees, books and brass candlesticks. These add some decorative interest without blocking the view for anyone who wants to watch TV.
9. Decorate with Books
Books are one of my favorite decorating tools because they add color, texture, and height all at the same time. Stack a few coffee table books horizontally or tuck vintage books between decorative objects to create layers and make the mantel feel thoughtfully collected. They also help bridge the gap between larger decor pieces and the television above.
Can you believe the mantel and TV below is in an RV! I love the addition of the picture light above it to make it really look like an art display. Genius!
Style Tip: Books add instant character, color, and layering to a mantel display. They can be stacked horizontally to elevate smaller decorative objects or used to introduce subtle color and texture. Books also help create a curated, collected-over-time look that keeps a mantel from feeling overly staged.
10. Mix Decorative Objects and Collected Treasures
A mix of decorative accessories creates depth and tells a story about your home. Combining meaningful pieces such as antique finds, travel souvenirs, pottery, or heirlooms keeps the mantel from feeling like a showroom display. These personal touches help balance the technology overhead with warmth and character.
I love everything about Eric Ross’s designs and I just had to include this screen shot I grabbed from a video of his personal home at Boxwood Hill. His ability to add personal objects like plates, books and candlesticks to the mantel and still be able to use the TV is classic Eric Ross style!
Styling Tip: Combine a mix of old and new pieces, and vary the heights, textures, and finishes of your decor. The most beautiful mantels often include a few meaningful treasures that spark memories alongside decorative accessories that add balance and structure.
BONUS TIP: Cover it Up
If you really hate the idea of a TV out in the open, cover it up! Use something like barn doors, a removable piece of art or a screen to hide it when not in use.
Mantel Decor Ideas With TV: What You Need to Know
Before you start decorating your mantel, there are a few important factors to consider:
- TV Size Matters: Don’t make the mistake of choosing decor that’s too small for the scale of your television. A large TV naturally becomes a focal point, so tiny accessories can look lost underneath it. Instead, opt for larger decorative pieces such as substantial vases, lanterns, oversized candlesticks, or fuller greenery garlands that can visually balance the television. The larger the TV, the more intentional you need to be with scale. Yet, don’t miss the next point…
- Consider the Viewing Angle: Avoid placing tall objects directly in front of the screen or using decor that extends into the viewing area. Lower-profile accessories often work best; and remember the goal is to enhance the surrounding area, not compete with the television itself.
- Prioritize Fireplace Safety: If your fireplace is functional, make sure to keep the TV and any flammable decor a safe distance from the heat source. Follow all of your local and TV guidelines for placing your TV near a functional fireplace. Beautiful decor isn’t worth creating a safety hazard.
- Match Your Decorating Style: The best mantel decor with TV above fireplace designs feel like a natural extension of the rest of the room. Traditional homes often look beautiful with symmetrical arrangements, candlesticks, antique books, and classic artwork. Farmhouse spaces pair well with lanterns, wood accents, and simple greenery. Coastal homes can incorporate driftwood tones, woven textures, and soft blues. Transitional rooms benefit from a mix of classic and modern elements, while cottage-style homes shine with layered collections, florals, and vintage-inspired accessories.
My Simple Formula for Decorating a Mantel With a TV Above It
If you’ve ever stared at an empty mantel wondering where to begin, you’re not alone! Over the years, I’ve found myself using the same simple decorating formula again and again. Whether I’m styling my mantel for spring, summer, fall, Christmas, or just everyday living, this approach helps me create a balanced look without overthinking every detail.
1. Start With an Anchor Piece (or two!)
Every beautiful mantel needs a strong foundation. I like to begin with one or two larger items that anchor the corners and give the eye a place to land. This could be a pair of lanterns, oversized candlesticks, a large vase, ginger jars, or another substantial decorative object.
These anchor pieces help establish the overall scale of the display and keep smaller accessories from feeling scattered.
2. Add Greenery
Next, bring in something natural. Greenery instantly softens the hard lines of both the mantel and the television while adding texture and life to the arrangement.
Depending on the season, you might use a eucalyptus garland, olive stems, magnolia leaves, potted plants, boxwood topiaries or simple faux greenery tucked throughout the display. Greenery is often the element that ties everything together and makes a mantel feel finished. I love my boxwood topiaries on either side of my tv!
3. Layer Decorative Objects
Once the foundation is in place, add a few smaller decorative pieces to create depth and personality. I like to sometimes layer in stacked books, framed family photos, decorative boxes, antique finds, or meaningful treasures collected over the years.
The key is to vary heights, textures, and shapes while leaving a little breathing room between objects. A mantel doesn’t need to be packed full of decor to feel complete. I keep things very simple and only have a couple of items at most in addition to my anchor pieces and greenery.
4. Finish With Seasonal Touches
Finally, add a few seasonal accents to keep your mantel feeling fresh throughout the year. This is where you can have fun and easily change the look without starting from scratch.
In the fall, I might add pumpkins or dried stems. During the summer, I love patriotic decor or fresh greenery. At Christmas, I simply layer in evergreen garlands, ornaments, ribbon, or twinkling lights.
By keeping your anchor pieces and foundational decor in place, you only need a few seasonal swaps to completely refresh the space.
The Secret to a Balanced Mantel
The best mantel decor ideas with a TV aren’t about filling every inch of space. They’re about creating layers, mixing textures, and allowing the television to feel like part of the overall design. Start with an anchor, add greenery, layer meaningful decor, and finish with seasonal touches. It’s a simple formula, but it’s one that works beautifully year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Size TV Should Go Above a Mantel?
This depends on the size of your mantel. Don’t buy a TV larger than three-fourths (3/4) the width if your mantel. Preferably the TV shouldn’t be wider than two-thirds the width of the mantel. So, if your mantel is 76 inches wide, get a 50 inch wide TV.
Where Should Sconces Be Placed Beside a TV?
When you hang sconces above the mantel, take into account the width of your TV and the mantel. Center the sconces in the gap between the edge of the TV and the edge of the mantel. Height-wise, the sconces should be level with the top 1/3 (one-third) or middle of the TV. The sconces should be 8-12 inches from the edge of the mantel and TV.
How Do You Make a TV Above a Fireplace Look Better?
Add mantel decor, paint the wall a darker color, install a Frame TV, or incorporate built-ins to help the television blend into the room design.
Should Mantel Decor Be Symmetrical?
Not necessarily. Symmetrical arrangements create a traditional look, while asymmetrical styling often feels more casual and collected.
How High Should a TV Be Above a Fireplace Mantel?
Ideally, the bottom of the TV should sit several inches above the mantel while still remaining comfortable to view from your seating area. If possible, avoid mounting the TV so high that viewers have to tilt their heads upward for long periods. And if needed, use an adjustable TV mount so that you can lower it, if needed.
Final Thoughts on Decorating a Mantel With a TV
Over the years, I’ve styled our mantel dozens of different ways for every season imaginable. And while decorating around a TV can feel challenging at first, I’ve learned that it doesn’t have to limit your creativity. Whether your style is simple and classic or layered and collected, a few thoughtful decorating choices can help your television blend beautifully into the overall design of your room.
Most importantly, remember that your mantel doesn’t have to look like a magazine photo to be beautiful. Start with a few pieces you love, experiment with different arrangements, and create a fireplace focal point that feels welcoming to your family and guests.
Do you have your TV above the mantel? If so, what is your favorite way to use TV mantel decor?
Hello! Do you recall whether you used the 8.25 inch or 6.5 inch ginger jars of the ones you linked from Amazon? Love this idea for my mantle, thank you!
This is wonderfully inspiring, I particularly like the rustic one with the wooden surround frame around the Tv itself. I have avoided putting a TV above my fireplace because I wonder how comfortable it is to watch with it being so high? I wonder if anyone has any feedback on that aspect. They look great but are they comfy to watch?
We have our tv above the mantel and I have a metal scrolled decorative piece above it and on the mantel I have a magnolia leaf swag with 2 tall candle holders on each end. Oh, and 2 picture frames on each end near the candle holders. Sometimes a challenge to decorate depending on the season. Thank you for your wonderful ideas above! Happy New Year!
How do I choose, because each one of these dectorative mantels is fabulous