Mantels are the perfect place in the house for seasonal vignettes that come and go according to the weather and the occasion and our mood. In my house, some of the objects on the mantel are mostly permanent for one reason or another, and I’m not as apt to change things around as my sister, but I do love the idea of the mantel as a blank slate for creating still lifes that represent a passing moment of our lives.

Summer mantels, it seems to me, should be even more whimsical and relaxed. And, contrary to popular belief, they don’t always have to include seashells (but of course they can if that is what you love or if they remind you of a special summer place).

I’ve gathered some mantels with a summer vibe to get your creativity flowing as summer unfolds before us…no telling where it will take you and what your mantel will say about your summer days.

A nice ensemble of natural elements, including feathers, drift wood, moss spheres, and nature prints.

I like this natural mantel too–It’s got a bit more of a maximalist look to it but everything is still within the same palette.

Here is a bolder take on the shells and coral theme.  The pink in the curtains is reflected in the mirror and echoed in the conch shell.

A light and airy display with sea fan coral on a lucite box.  I like how it looks against the gold mirror.

India Hicks has added height with the palm fronds and kept the tone muted.

I love the repetition and the simple potted fern next to the blue and white dish.  I could see some birthday cards tucked behind the candle holders too.

Lovely and classic.  Blue and white ginger jars, white summer flowers, and almost perfect symmetry. So this is not a mantel but the vignette could certainly work well on one!

A simple summer cottage coastal vibe.  Looks great with the green and white check wing-back chair.

Repetition is always pretty.  Simple dairy jars with flowers.  An odd number works best I have been told.

Another pretty version of this idea using vintage bottles.

I like the rustic and muted tones with the texture of the baskets.  This might be more of a late summer into fall vignette with the dried hydrangea and white gourds but you could certainly do an early summer version as well.

I’m always happy to see milk glass being used like this.   White with white, repetition, and symmetry.  And an even number here.  Whatever works!

I love the potted lavender and the pretty plate.

Simple and elegant honeysuckle in glass vessels.

Bunny Mellon’s mantel looks summery to me with the botanical prints propped up.  She is letting the painting steal the show.

Cheers and happy styling!

Holly