Coastal Style Mantel Decorating Idea
Nautical summer mantel for you today because it is mantel decorating time! Yeah, I decorated my mantel for summer and I went all out on the beach theme. I didn’t hold back, I went full-throttle ahead and decorated my beachy little heart out.
I had to, really people, you would too, if you lived over here. I know that I have always said I have to do the beach decorating thing with moderation, since I live so far off from any beach or coast line. But come on! It is almost the end of June and we haven’t had any summer at all yet. The weather out here in the low lands has been wet and cold and windy, and with just enough sunny days to have us yearning for more.
End of June and the BBQ has not left the shed yet, I still sit around under blankets and with wool socks on at night, hot chocolate sounds like a pretty good idea on most days and my milky white legs are still being covered up by jeans all the time (which might actually be for the better, I wouldn’t want to expose those to the world).
Anyway with summer outside being just a faint memory or a distant hope, I went full-on beach decorating inside.
I loaded up my faux-mantel with seashells, sea stars, flea market corals, a homemade driftwood garland and lanterns.
There is a real tea-light in this little I-used-to-be-a-jam-jar-lantern. I don’t light it of course, too much of a fire hazard. It is waiting to be replaced by one of those fake battery ones.
What is real is my growing collection of coral. I am so excited that I have discovered these can be found at flea markets. I have three pieces now and I use them all the time. I don’t think there is a greater artist than mother nature herself, and these corals are so stunning in their ‘design’.
The long vase is filled with the whitest sand I could find. It is sand that is normally used on the bottom of birdcages. I think it is mostly crushed up shells. So I guess that goes nicely with the small shells on top of it.
The curly willow branch was left over from a never realized Easter project. I white washed it to give it more of a beachy vibe. I strung the shells in there with some fishing wire. I was afraid they would untangle themselves but so far so good, they haven’t moved at all.
The driftwood garland was a bit labor intensive but really easy to make. I started with three bags of driftwood pieces from the dollar store. I drilled holes in them, gave them a quick white wash, and strung them onto some wire. I love the texture it gives. If I can find more cheap bags of driftwood I am going to double or triple it in length.
Ha it might be almost Fall outside but it is looking like very nicely like summer inside, thank you very much…
That’s it for today….
Marianne Songbird is the founder of Songbird, where she hopes to inspire everyone to create a home they love, one DIY project at a time. She shares anything from craft ideas to home decor inspiration and from DIY projects to decorating hacks. Originally from the Netherlands Marianne and her husband Lex are currently renovating a 250-year-old farmhouse in Germany.
Brenda Kula-Pruitt says
It’s lovely, Marianne! Reminds me of Christmas with all the white.
Brenda
Marianne@Songbird says
Hmm Christmas was not exactly the look I was going for. But come to think of it. That branch might work just fine with some Chrismas baubles in it. And you do know me, I do white in any season.
joanne says
simply beautiful, marianne…love it!
Judy says
So pretty and creative! I live in the Midwest (so far from the ocean/beach) and keep a bowl of sand and shells on my desk at work. Reminds me of summer vacations at the beach. I can almost hear the ocean waves…
Marianne@Songbird says
hmm ocean waves. We haven’t made any solid plans for our vacation yet. But you have just made me yearn for some on the beach wave gazing time.
Kathleen says
I’m a beach girl at heart (from the east coast) so I just love your beach-themed mantel. I really want to decorate with my shells and sand but I can’t remember where I put them! Aaargh! Maybe by the time fall rolls around I’ll find them…lol Great job, and hope it warms up for you soon!
Marianne@Songbird says
Oj, been there, done that. I hope you can find your shells and sand on time to get them out for summer. And if you do happen to come across your pinecones make a note of where they are, so they are not missing in action when Fall comes around 🙂
Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says
I LOVE that you went all out beach. Go big or go home, right!?!?! So many textures and levels and details to love. That jam jar turned votive holder is awesome and who knew they sold driftwood at the dollar store. Too fun!! I’m so thrilled to be featured with you over at Layla’s. 🙂
Karah @ thespacebetweenblog.net
Marianne@Songbird says
Yeah! We are both guests at The Lettered Cottage. Isn’t it a wonderful honor. Thank you for my beach mantel love. And yes, go big or go home! At least this time, I am known to do a fair bit of light decorating too.
Angela @ Cottage Magpie says
Love your Beachy Mantel! It’s almost like an art installation with the shells and the branches. Love it! 🙂 And congrats on being featured on The Lettered Cottage! That’s so great! 🙂
~Angela~
Marianne@Songbird says
Yes it is!!!!!
I felt very honored that Layla choose to put my mantel on her blog. And thanks for the mantel love.
Paula says
This so elegant and beautiful. Totally inspirational post. I would love it if you would share this fabulous post at our WIW linly party. Hope you can join us!
Paula
ivyandelephants.blogspot.com
Alana says
Your mantel is just perfect for summer!
Calypso says
WOW!!
WOW!
Ollie says
The book stacks, the white beach (no.16) and, well all of the mantles are fabulous. I love the beach and I love that you created this post with different ideas to mix up the beach look. I am on the hunt for a pallet…and some curly willow. Thank you.