A sneak peek at Sharon’s holiday home, photographed by Franck Schmitt for the Nov/Dec 24 magazine
French fireplaces, often grand in scale and reflecting centuries of craftsmanship, serve as natural focal points and add a blend of elegance, history and character to any space. Whether featuring the intricate carvings of a Louis XV-style mantel or the bold lines of a country hearth, these fireplaces are defined by their harmonious balance of beauty and function.
The material used โ whether polished marble or rustic limestone โ plays a key role in setting the tone of your fireplace. For those seeking a provincial look, try reclaimed stone or wood mantels. Urban dwellers might prefer a more minimalistic marble surround, evoking an understated Parisian aesthetic. No matter the style, French fireplaces embrace artisanal detail and create immediate ambiance in your home.
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More than architectural features, French fireplaces also provide excellent decorative opportunities. Paired with the right accessories, they become a true reflection of personal style. Whether topped with collected artworks, inherited mirrors, or seasonal greenery, the mantle is the perfect spot for sentimental objects, reinforcing its role as the literal and symbolic heart of the room.
Read on to discover our mantle styling tips that will bring this much loved part of the French home to life.
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1. Displaying Art
The mantel is an ideal spot to display artwork, naturally drawing attention and showcasing your personal taste. French fireplaces often feature a mix of antique portraits, landscapes and modern abstract art. Known for their ability to blend old and new, the French embrace unconventional curation. Consider hanging a vintage oil painting next to a contemporary piece; experiment with asymmetrical gallery wall configurations; try overlapping framed artworks and sculptures, propping them against the wall for a flexible, easily changeable display. For a classical setting, choose gilded or carved frames to complement the space. In modern rooms, a single oversized canvas can make a bold statement when hung above the mantel, adding a striking yet refined touch.
When displaying art above a fireplace, it’s important to consider heat exposure. Prolonged heat and smoke can damage artwork, particularly sensitive pieces like oil paintings or delicate prints. To protect your art, ensure proper ventilation, or opt for heat-resistant styles such as framed photographs, or artworks and sculptures crafted from durable materials like glass and metal. Additionally, leaving some space between the art and the top of the mantel can help reduce direct exposure to heat.
2. Mounting Mirrors
If you use your fireplace regularly, a large mirror above the mantle perfectly captures the French aesthetic. Not only does it add light and make the room feel more spacious, but hanging the mirror slightly above the mantle rather than directly on it can also create a sense of height and grandeur in the space.
Ornate gilded mirrors with delicate carvings are traditional, but more quirky and artisanal choices also lend themselves well to contemporary French settings.
3. Fireplace Flower Arrangements
Flowers are never overlooked in French dรฉcor as they bringing a sense of life and elegance to a space, especially when displayed on a mantel. To achieve an authentic French style, both the choice of flowers and vases, as well as the arrangement itself should be considered carefully. For a rustic, countryside feel inspired by Provence, consider using hand-thrown terracotta or weathered ceramic vases. These can be filled with loose arrangements of lavender, sunflowers, or wildflowers, mimicking the species found in a typical Provenรงal garden.
For a more polished, Parisian aesthetic, opt for an antique glass or delicate porcelain vase, complemented by classic French blooms, such as roses or peonies. If your style leans toward the opulent, turn to chรขteau interiors for inspiration, where you’ll often see large ornate gilded or silver vases, overflowing with hydrangeas, dahlias and trailing ivy.
When arranging, it’s also important to consider proportions. Larger mantels benefit from tall, dramatic arrangements, while smaller mantels suit lower, wide displays that donโt overwhelm the space.
4. Adding Light
Candles and additional lighting are key to creating the warm, inviting atmosphere that is central to French home dรฉcor. Classic taper candles in antique silver candlestick holders evoke elegance, while clusters of tea lights in rustic votives provide a softer effect, perfect for setting a relaxed mood. For a balanced effect, place candles both on the mantel and at the base of the fireplace. This creates a layered lighting effect that adds depth, especially when the fireplace is not in use. It’s also best to opt for unscented candles on the mantel, to enhance the ambiance without creating a competing scent in the room.
In addition to candles, small table lamps or sconces flanking the fireplace can enhance both the beauty and function of the set up. Lamps with classic French silhouettes, porcelain bases and linen shades bring a sculptural element while offering gentle lighting. For a modern take, consider sleek metal or marble-based lamps, which maintain a minimalist yet distinctly French aesthetic.
5. Seasonal Accessorise
French fireplaces offer endless possibilities throughout the year for seasonal styling. For a festive Christmas look, we took a sneak peek at Sharon’s home, styled for the holiday season in our November/December 2024 magazine. Inspired by winter florals and Baroque opulence, her fireplace features strings of ivy, antique silver candlesticks and lush green pears, creating a visual feast without overwhelming the fireplace’s natural beauty. In the hallway, pink heart-shaped candles by Bougie de Frรฉdรฉrique, paired with an antique silver gravy boat adds a touch of decadent romance, while sweet treats for nibbling complete the setting.
For the other seasons, French-inspired dรฉcor works just as beautifully. For fall, bring in rich textures with deep burgundy dahlias, dried hydrangeas and golden foliage. To add depth and warmth, consider layering in vintage brass candlesticks, rustic pottery, or even weathered books for a touch of antique charm. As winter transitions into spring, swap out richer hues for lighter tones. Soft pastel blooms like lilacs or tulips are classic choices, but you can also incorporate decorative touches like delicate birds ornaments or floral patterned plates, propped against the wall. For a contemporary twist, budding magnolia stems arranged in glass or metal vases create a chic and hopeful air.
