Hi folks! Now that I have some time on my hands, I'm going to tackle a project...

The Mantle Makeover!

I've been wanting to do this for awhile now and thought I'd do a display tutorial and take anyone along with me who'd like to go. 

This is a shot of the mantle which a long time ago looked very different. You know how you have a nice minimal look on a coffee table or wall and it looks great? Then we think we should keep adding to it and then all of the sudden there is no display anymore. It's now a public storage space. We've all been there, I know.

So what to do with your things when it's starting to look more like a hoarders cove instead of a treasure trove? 

First step:

Take a stroll through your favorite things

(I apologize in advance for the amount of times I say "Um")

Second Step:
Next we will be building the mantle with other items in my house that have been sitting idle. Some previous pieces made the cut but most did not. Displays are all about spacing. The best part about a mantle display is that you can constantly change it up, giving all of your treasures a moment in the spotlight.

My Rules of Thumb:

A. Never put two objects the same size next to each other. 

B. Try to be organic and random as opposed to being static and organized.
 
C. Smalls, mediums, and larges work well. 

D. Odd numbers work well. Can't go wrong with 3,5,7 and 9 when grouping things on a table, a wall, or your tool shed for that matter. 

E. There aren't really any rules with displays, but these have been some guides that have worked for us. 

When you see this next video you'll see that I've recreated the same busy mantle *shrugs* Alas, I like it and that's all that counts, right? If you've ever been to any  Foursided shop you'll see that we like 'busy', but curated 'busy' for sure.

Oh, and it's pretty clear I planned this display. I don't know anyone who just magically puts everything in the right spot without a plan—a good plan is always key!

(This time I apologize for the terrible baggy sweat pants that seem to be the only thing I'm wearing these days—quarantine life—you get it.)


And there you have it!
An easy way to refresh the look of your mantle display!



In this last video clip, I walk you through all my favorite treasures that I've decided to feature this time around.



Here's the closer: Have fun with objects, especially antique and vintage. It's the best advice to any small business I could give...care about your walls and what people see when they patronize your business.

And hey, if nothing else, at least dusted my mantle—right?

Take care, practice social distancing, stay home if you can, and do your best to enjoy life. 

Much thanks for watching!

— Todd Mack


 
Todd Mack is the creator and owner of Foursided

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