How to Decorate a Mantel With Brass Candlesticks & Candles

Brass candlesticks have been in use in homes much longer than electricity. Whether you've come across vintage brass candlesticks in your closet or at a yard sale or simply wish to reintroduce a bit of the flash this metal offers to a room, the mantel is an ideal setting for your finds. This classic on again/off again trend in decor adds a bit of implied warmth to a room once candles are set in place, even if you do not intend to light the candles.

Candlestick Groupings

The number of brass candlesticks you have on hand to some degree determines their arrangement on the mantel. If there are three of the same type of candlestick, for instance, placing one in the center and one near each end creates a balanced look; a group all three in the middle works if you wish to include other large focal objects on the mantel, such as a vase. A candelabra-style holder sits in the center of the mantel shelf and may give the room a bit of a Gothic-inspired vibe or quirky-classic look, depending on the style of the candelabra. Group a series mismatched holders of varying sizes off to one side of the shelf for a more modern look when used with additional mantel decor.


The wall above the mantel -- specifically, its color and whether it contains any decor of its own -- affects the decorating layout of the mantel. If a large mirror or piece of art anchors this space visually, tall candles and decor pieces may partially obstruct the view. Move the tall pieces off to the side or set them on the floor in front of the mantel, if possible. Likewise, small candlesticks on their own may be dwarfed by an oversize piece of wall art. Group small holders with similar candle holders or other small objects that are harmonious with the room's decor.

Coordinating the Brass

Add brass decor elsewhere in the room for a more cohesive look; otherwise, it may look as if you placed the candlesticks on the mantel just for a place to put them. A brass fireplace screen or fireplace tool set picks up the brass on the mantel. Small sculptural brass pieces, such as an apple or antelope sitting atop a bookshelf or end table in the room, tie the brass look together.

Candles and Mantel Decor

The color of candles in the holders should coordinate with the rest of the room. Plain white taper candles reflect classic tastes or an air of modernity if the candlesticks have a modern appearance. White also blends well with most styles of room decor, whereas a color such as olive green visually works best in a room with complementary shades, such as light greens or yellows. Patterned decorative pillar candles also add to the room's decor, especially if similar patterns are found in the room's fabrics. A runner atop the mantel that coordinates with the candle color and the room enhances the space. Mismatched candles visually do not work well together unless the room's decor is multi-colored or intentionally eclectic.