Easy & Elegant Fall Mantel using Soft Autumn Colors
This easy and elegant fall mantel using muted versions of traditional autumn colors creates a soft and subtle twist on the season.
Fall is definitely my favorite season and one that I look forward to decorating for all year. I love the cozy vibes, the sweater weather (when it comes!), changing leaves, baking pumpkin bread, and of course, burning my favorite fall candle. Oh, and Pumpkin Spice Lattes – love those too! 😉
But as I’ve shared before, I’m not a huge fan of bright orange pumpkins or lots of orange and rust decor. I definitely favor a softer version of the season. In fact, last year, I used lots of blush pink for a very soft version! However, this year I wanted to go back to the classics, while still putting my own softer spin on it.
So the mantel I’m sharing today is a combination of both traditional colors and not. Some turning leaves in deeper shades are mixed with white and muted pumpkins to create a soft yet still rich version of the season…
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Lots of white pumpkins (large and small) mixed with my favorite heirloom Jarrahdale with their beautiful soft blue/green color. I’m totally smitten with the color of these!
I was able to find some baby boos at Trader Joe’s (yay!) and the larger white and green ones I got at a local farm. I’ve found if I want pumpkins earlier, farms are often better sources than the supermarket.
But if you can’t find baby boos yet I’ve found some faux ones that look so real! I’ve bought a few and they are great for filling in mantels or tables and for combining with real when you need more.
Eucalyptus is another favorite for mantel decorating, and it seems especially appropriate at this time of year. (This faux version is the most realistic I’ve found).
And then adding some hydrangeas from our garden helped to add in those rich but muted colors that I love, and they mix so well with the fall leaves.
Another little touch was adding some acorns that I found. If you don’t have oak trees growing in your area, you can find real dried acorns on Etsy as well as some fabulous faux ones with real caps added.
Or if you prefer, these are faux and look very real, too. I have them and have mixed them with the genuine acorns above. Either way, these are a great item to have for fall decorating! They look good in a bowl, scattered around a tablescape, or on a mantel.
My favorite brass candlesticks are making an appearance again. I love using more brass and gold metals during fall – their warmth really speaks to me during this season.
These French mason jars (I mean, how could I not love these?! Even the name is perfect!) are my favorite glass vase. Simple and chic, and so versatile, too. 😉
I love to use real turning leaves when I can, however, faux do come in handy! Especially since here in California a lot of our leaves have not yet turned.
TIP: use water in any container holding faux greens or flowers – this helps keep them more real looking!
I hope this easy but elegant fall mantel has given you some ideas for creating a fall mantel of your own! You can check out my other fall mantels by visiting the Seasonal Tours tab, and then clicking on “Fall.”
I’ve sourced most of the items I’ve used below and where I couldn’t find the same items, I’ve linked to very similar ones.
And if you can’t find real pumpkins yet or don’t want to invest in them, I’ve listed lots of faux pumpkins that look so good you could easily use them in a fall mantel of your own!
Shop Easy Fall Mantel Decor
Shop My Living Room
Happy Fall!
Sheila
xo
And now I hope you’ll visit some of the other bloggers sharing beautiful fall mantel ideas below!
The Happy Housie ** Tatertots and Jello ** The Handmade Home
Modern Glam ** Taryn Whiteaker Designs
Craftberry Bush ** Cassie Bustamante ** Cherished Bliss
My Sweet Savannah ** The DIY Mommy
Amidst the Chaos ** She Gave it a Go ** Life is a Party
Clean & Scentsible ** This is Our Bliss
Finding Silver Pennies ** House by Hoff ** Rambling Renovators
Jennifer Maune ** Maison de Cinq
This is Simplicite ** Lolly Jane ** Life is Better at Home **
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out more fall decorating ideas below!
Fall Porch Decor in Subtle Autumn Colors
Warming Up the Kitchen in Seasonal Color
Simple Fall Decor in the Living Room
This post just made my day! Now I am getting excited about fall decorating and getting a new breath of inspiration from you is always the best. I always look at your post first every day!! Love all your suggestions and your talent.
Aww thank you so much Kay! You made my day! 🙂
Happy Fall!
Sheila
Simply lovely! Thanks for the inspo!
Thanks so much Nan – so appreciate that!
Sheila
I love your elegant mantel Sheila! Xx
Thanks so much Judy!
Sheila
xo
Love your gold tapers and all the beautiful colors and textures. Such a welcoming mantel!
Thank you Danielle!
Sheila
This is so beautiful! Does the greenery last for awhile or do you use any types of water tubes? Just found the baby boos at TJs and I’m so excited to try this! Thank you
Hi Angelic, and thank you for your kind words! It lasts a few days (and no, I don’t use tubes of any kind) but I love the dried look so I just leave it up for a few weeks dried. If it bothers you, you can just replace a few of the eucalyptus pieces (the pumpkins last just fine!) and then it can keep going and going!
Good luck and thanks for stopping by!
Sheila
So pretty, Sheila! Do you have any tips for keeping the eucalyptus looking fresh on your mantel? Or, do you just plan on changing it out every few days? Thanks!
Haha yes, I just change it out! I know some people spritz it with water but to be honest, I don’t! I simply replace it every week or so until the end of the season. Same with the Christmas mantel. If it bothers you, you can always get the Pottery Barn faux eucalyptus and then you don’t even have to do that!
Sheila
xo
This looks absolutely beautiful Sheila! Love the soft colors. This look can last through till Christmas! Now I need to get my hands on some real pumpkins! pinned.
Thanks so much Ashley!
I absolutely love the pumpkins with the eucalyptus and hydrangeas!
Thanks so much Jenn!
Sheila
xo
Absolutely gorgeous, Sheila. Natural pops of texture and colour are so perfect for fall – so subtle and beautiful!
That’s so sweet – thanks Krista!! And thanks for organizing! 🙂
Sheila
xo
Hi Sheila,
I’m loving your fall designs. I’m copying one you posted previously, using copper votives from Pottery Barn. They were sold out, but I found something similar. Love your posts. Keep them coming!!
Ginny
Aww I love hearing that Ginny – thanks so much! I’m so happy that you’re finding inspiration! 🙂
Sheila
Sheila, Such a pretty fall mantle. You are using everything I love-eucalyptus, hydrangeas and white/green tones of pumpkins. It is just so lovely. Thank you for the inspiration.
I’m so glad – I love all those too!
Thanks for your kind words and for stopping by!
Sheila
Gorgeous, Sheila! I love the gold candlesticks with all of those pretty flowers and pumpkins! So pretty!
Aww thanks so much April! Hope you’re doing well – and happy fall to you!
Sheila
xo
beautiful, sheila! love the natural vibes and earthiness! those drapey leaves… yes!
Thanks so much Cassie!! so glad to be ‘hopping’ with you again! 😉
Sheila
xo
Your mantle is spot-on perfection. I wouldn’t change a single leaf. ♥
What a lovely comment – thank you so much!!
Happy fall!
Sheila