Moody Foraged Autumn Mantel

I have been in a mood lately. A big old autumn kind of mood. Well, and Christmas too but will save that for another day since it is just September yet. Today is all about styling a moody & foraged autumn mantel in just a few steps.

Autumn just gets me in a mood. Rich deep colors like aubergine and pomegranate. Faded neutrals like oak leaves and heirloom pumpkins. And a whole lot of candlelight ambiance to warm everything up even more. So what better place to share a foraged, moody autumn mantel than up against the black fireplace and bookshelf backdrop out in the cottage? Even more mood is even better.

Today is the first of several stylings you will see out in the cottage this season- I am playing with different looks to give you several ideas for your own home. So, maybe 5 or 6 mantel ideas out here? Too many? Not enough? Let me know and I will work on them.

Moody Foraged Autumn Mantel- Wander & Gather

The first and biggest inspiration for this mantel styling was simply wandering. We went out on a walk and I started gathering up branches with leaves that had fallen in the recent rain. I also gathered up acorns and smaller branches with leaves for placing on the mantel. And then I wandered and gathered up elements I had on hand to complete the look.

A Natural Autumn Centerpiece for the mantel

I created the centerpiece by mixing the foraged branches with some of the preserved I already had on hand. It is a big one folks- and I am in love with the whole natural elegance it has.

Safety Tip and Secret- These branches are not completely filling this copper pot even though it looks like it. In the back I have several small logs that are keeping the branches to the front- and keeping the pot from falling over. Why did I do that? Because I do have real candles on the mantel as well- I needed to make sure that they were nowhere near the dried leaves. The candles are against the wall- and the arrangement pieces are actually leaning and branching out about a foot forward- rather than over the candles. Safety first at all times! A good option would be to use faux taper candles if you are not able to make sure the branches are safely further away.

I also placed just a couple chunky heirloom pumpkins tucked in with the branches.

Warm Autumn touches with Brass and Copper

A huge warmth on the mantel- bringing in those warm metals like brass and copper. The candlesticks are vintage- as is the kettle – linking a few options for the look.

Autumn Ambiance In the Firebox

The firebox here is a faux one currently- and so, how do you add that warm ambiance and glow if there is no fire? A few tricks here- you can use string LED lights in the firebox to warm it up and also use candles. I chose these faux birch candles and stacked them at different heights among the birch logs.

These are outdoor lanterns and are super heavy cast iron and a little weathered and worn from the elements- but I love to bring them indoors and use them inside the house too. Just a couple scattered about on the sides of the fireplace mantel does the trick and adds another layer of charm and character.

Autumn Foraged Beauty

What do you think of how this foraged mantel styling turned out?

I am in love with it. And even though I will be sharing several more ideas- this one just might be staying all season long out in the cottage. Stay tuned for the next look coming your way soon.

Get the Cozy Autumn Look

Brass Candlesticks | Birch Candles | Copper Pot

For more ideas for autumn mantel stylings- take a peek at this post. Happy decorating all.

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