Simple Autumn Mantel

Yes, you read that right — mantel.

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I have missed not having a fireplace in this house, and have especially missed not having a mantel to decorate seasonally.

So, I brainstormed and came up with an alternative I could not be happier with.

I searched all over the internet for “faux” fireplaces and mantels looking for inspiration, but decided I didn’t really want the faux part, but, rather something else that would still serve the purpose and not shout “I’m a fake fireplace.” 

Of course I wanted to use wood, trim, etc., from the old house but I also wanted to have something that didn’t look like a bunch of mismatched pieces thrown together. 

So, I started with one of the doors from the old house I had left over after restoring and hanging 12 of them last spring, and this is what I came up with for our master bedroom.

I could not love it more. My dad said it needed a mirror on top, so I used my grandmother’s antique one from the old house. 

I also added old family photos, my grandfather’s books, and the candlestick that sat on the mantel in the old house. 

Then, I remembered the antique kerosene heater and knew that was the perfect accessory for the front. Of course, we are not going to light it up:-)

I do love it and I’m sure I will enjoy changing it out seasonally.

I think this is my favorite door repurposing project so far, and I’ll show you how I did it in another post.

Thanks for stopping by!

***Update, you can see how I made the mantelHERE.

I’ll be joining:

Inspire Me Tuesday

Wow Us Wednesday

Furniture Feature Friday

14 Comments

  1. Southern & Style
    October 13, 2014 / 4:34 pm

    This looks amazing! I have this thing for old doors & this is just perfect, I really love the way the blue in the mirror & heater both match-it's not normal "Fall" colors, but I think that's why I like it so much!

    xoxo, SS

    TheSouthernStylista.blogspot.com

  2. Robin Johnson
    October 13, 2014 / 5:16 pm

    Gorgeous! Love the vintage photos and that amazing heater.

  3. The Tuscan Home
    October 13, 2014 / 6:53 pm

    Absolutely beautiful! 🙂 ~Liz

  4. Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things
    October 13, 2014 / 9:37 pm

    I love your "mantel"! It looks wonderful and the heater is the perfect piece!

  5. sandra
    October 13, 2014 / 11:47 pm

    Beautiful Anita!! Love the blue!!

  6. Shirley@Housepitality Designs
    October 13, 2014 / 11:50 pm

    The mantel is perfection…every item is showcased so wonderfully that you can appreciate it on its own and within the entire vignette…I love that you incorporated the old photos and love that your dad has great opinions and suggested the mirror which goes so well with the vintage heater…oh and just love the bottle with the leaves!….Enjoyed it so much Anita!

  7. Anonymous
    October 14, 2014 / 12:12 am

    Beautiful, you are so rich to have so many family things kept and passed down to you. Love the old heater too! Patty/NS

  8. Pamela Gordon
    October 14, 2014 / 12:19 am

    It looks so pretty, Anita. I like the old photos and the turquoise mirror and heater. It's a great idea to use the old door. Have a great week.

  9. Pam Kessler
    October 14, 2014 / 1:47 am

    I would not have know it was a door if you had not mentioned it. It looks awesome!

  10. Megan @ Restoring the Roost
    October 14, 2014 / 3:12 am

    So beautiful! Love the vintage family pieces and photos. What a creative way to add a mantel!

  11. Katie Mansfield
    October 15, 2014 / 12:55 am

    Yikes! It is cute. The kerosene heater makes it.

  12. Amanda
    October 18, 2014 / 5:06 pm

    This is brilliant! I love it! Thank you for sharing! Blessings, Amanda

  13. Irene
    October 24, 2014 / 12:55 am

    Lovely! what a great job.

  14. Unknown
    October 24, 2014 / 3:26 am

    Oh Anita – this is simply gorgeous – what a brilliant use of a door ( of which I have a slight obsession ! )
    Pinning !
    Have a wonderful weekend
    Hugs,
    Suzan