Coastal Mantel Decorating Ideas for Spring and Summer

Plus you’ll find easy DIY IDEAS to decorate the mantel shelf and surrounding space (with or without a fireplace). Christina from The Frugal Homemaker loves doing simple things to make her house feel like HOME.

If you like the blue jars but can’t find them, spray any shape clear glass jars with Krylon Satin Seaglass Spray Paint (available at hardware stores or shop for “beachy” colors on Amazon) I didn’t use the side panels or decorative details, but Home Depot carries those in several styles) .

Easy DIY projects to adorn your mantel or anywhere inside your home or to light up the night on your front porch or backyard patio. This mantel was inspired by “the gorgeous blue hydrangeas fixin to bloom right now…,” says Erin at

Scour local flea markets for enamel pitchers that you can paint any color to match your coastal decor. Alyssa at myclevernest says she “ain’t no Picasso” but she’s created a how to tutorial: Foolproof DIY Paintings.

An easy DIY PROJECT is to purchase Unfinished Candlesticks and paint them in a custom color that matches your unique decor.

The sea blue frame above the Rustic Coastal mantel anchors the display. No worries…she repurposed a past decorating art piece and added some nautical accessories to create this unique design. Once you learn the three simple tricks you’ll be changing up your decor every season like a pro!

A large centerpiece becomes the focal point, or “anchor”, for the rest of your mantel decor. They will instantly catch your eye and set the stage for the rest of your mantel decor.

A few tall objects with varied heights will add visual weight to each side of the mantel.

Great ideas for weighted pieces include a group of tall candlestick holders, vases, even coastal finds like larger pieces of driftwood or glass jars filled with your collectibles — shells, sand or beach glass. The point of having weighted pieces is add dimension and direct your eye to the center of the mantel. Use large shells, a Monkey’s Fist, statues (birds, lighthouse, ship’s wheel, etc.)

Other good ideas are books, small plants, unique and one-of-a-kind items.