Displaying Collections on a Mantel
My favorite way to decorate is with special vintage and antique finds. I collect many things – shells, ironstone, Cornishware, books. Okay, okay, you get the idea! I thought it would be fun to share simple ideas for displaying collections on a mantel. These tips could also be used for styling a cupboard or a shelf if you don’t have a mantel.
![Ironstone pitcher filled with flowers on dark wood mantel](https://i0.wp.com/www.findingsilverpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ironstone-Pitcher-Filled-with-Hydrangeas.jpg?resize=904%2C1200&ssl=1)
Display Collections Together
There’s nothing more beautiful than seeing lots of ironstone, or Cornishware, or shells together in one place. Power in numbers, right? But there truly is something so calming about showcasing a collection in this way.
![A mantel decorated with a collection of shells and ironstone](https://i0.wp.com/www.findingsilverpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Summer-Mantel-2.jpg?resize=1200%2C904&ssl=1)
Vary Heights and Textures
To make a collection look intriguing you must vary the textures and the heights of the objects. On the mantel I started by adding the largest pieces of Ironstone and then I filled in the smaller ones. Next up, I dispersed pretty shells.
Many of the shells have been found or collected. A few were from our first trip to St. John when we stayed at Caneel Bay. Each night our bed was turned down and a shell was placed on our pillow so we would have sweet dreams. We brought our boys to St. John for the first time, read about our family getaway.
![Ironstone and shells on a mantel](https://i0.wp.com/www.findingsilverpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ironstone-collection-on-a-Mantel.jpg?resize=904%2C1200&ssl=1)
Add Flowers
I love this time of year because I can just go out to our garden to collect flowers to display in our home. I always love adding some flowers to our tablescapes or on the mantel or Welsh dresser. Flowers add so much happiness and also add a softness to displays.
![white pottery and shells on a mantel](https://i0.wp.com/www.findingsilverpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Sedum-and-Ironstone.jpg?resize=904%2C1200&ssl=1)
On the mantel I’ve used a mixture of sedum, lace cap hydrangeas, and mountain hydrangeas. It feels very fresh and summery, but this look can also work into fall if you switch out the lace caps for limelight hydrangeas. The sedum goes a lovely deep pink in the autumn.
![Simple white on white decor](https://i0.wp.com/www.findingsilverpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Living-Room-from-the-Couch.jpg?resize=904%2C1200&ssl=1)
More About Our Mantel and Fireplace
This is such a favorite spot! I love reading here or writing on my laptop. On colder days, I enjoy the warmth of the fire.
A few years ago we completely did our fireplace over. Read more about our fireplace makeover. The mantel is original and we wanted keep it intact and highlight the rich wood. We painted the interior of the fireplace with high heat paint, we refaced the exterior with fossilized ocean floor, and had a bluestone hearth installed.
![Pottery, shells, and flowers on a dark wood mantel](https://i0.wp.com/www.findingsilverpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Summer-mantel-3.jpg?resize=904%2C1200&ssl=1)
Those updates made the space so much more inviting and welcoming. You can read more about our cozy fireplace.
Keeping it Simple
I love collections but I love when they have an order to them. Since we added to our Cornishware Collection I had to find a new home for our Ironstone. So now it’s displayed here on the mantel:
![Dark wood mantel with white pottery, shells and flowers](https://i0.wp.com/www.findingsilverpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Summer-Mantel-4.jpg?resize=904%2C1200&ssl=1)
I think it works in this space. Do you? I’d love to hear what you think!
More Ideas for Displaying Collection
Did you enjoy this post and want more styling tips?
Here are more ideas, simply click the text to read more:
Displaying a Cornishware Collection
![A collection of Conrishware](https://i0.wp.com/www.findingsilverpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Pretty-Cornishware-on-Welsh-Dresser.jpg?resize=800%2C1200&ssl=1)
![Vintage glasses across a dining table](https://i0.wp.com/www.findingsilverpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Vintage-Glasses-as-Candle-Holders-7.jpg?resize=800%2C1200&ssl=1)
5 Ways to Style a Chippy Basket
![Strawberry vanilla hydrangeas in a chippy basket](https://i0.wp.com/www.findingsilverpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Strawberry-Vanilla-Hydrangeas-Basket-4.jpg?resize=800%2C1200&ssl=1)
Using Vintage Globes in Your Home Decor
![Vintage globe on painted cupboard](https://i0.wp.com/www.findingsilverpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Blue-Cabinet-wtih-Vintage-Globe-2.jpg?resize=800%2C1200&ssl=1)
![Wire form filled with shells](https://i0.wp.com/www.findingsilverpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Shells.jpg?resize=600%2C900&ssl=1)
Styling with Vintage Cameras and Typewriters
![A vintage camera place on a book in front of blue graphic wallpaper](https://i0.wp.com/www.findingsilverpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Vintage-books-and-cameras.jpg?resize=800%2C1200&ssl=1)
Decorating with Fishing Floats
![Large Japanese fishing floats on antique dresser](https://i0.wp.com/www.findingsilverpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Fish-Floats-Vintage-Dresser.jpg?resize=1024%2C675&ssl=1)
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I love your collections. I have a few pieces of Ironstone and always have my eye out for more. I also have a huge shell collection. Some found, some bought at garage sales lol. Your ironstone collection with the shells and flowers look so pretty on your mantel. Of course your Cornishware collection looks amazing in the Welsh cupboard.
One can’t go wrong with ironstone or shells, right? I’m so glad you like how my collection looks displayed on the mantel and thanks for your kind words about my Cornishware. All these collections make me so happy 🙂