A well-decorated fall mantel decor can serve as the focal point of your living space, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for gatherings with family and friends. Rustic style, with its emphasis on natural elements and earthy tones, is ideally suited to celebrate the fall season. In this article, we explore various rustic fall mantel decor ideas that incorporate DIY banners, old torn books, sticks, twigs, and leaves.
Rustic style is characterized by the use of natural materials, rough textures, and simple designs that evoke a sense of rural living. By incorporating elements such as wood, stone, and organic fabrics, rustic decor creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Fall lends itself perfectly to rustic style, as the season’s colors and textures—rich oranges, reds, and yellows, along with the roughness of branches, twigs, and leaves—complement the aesthetic.
DIY rustic fall banner
A DIY rustic fall banner is an easy and affordable way to add a festive touch to your mantel. To create your own, gather materials such as burlap or linen fabric, twine or ribbon, and fall-themed stencils or cutouts. Cut the fabric into triangular or rectangular shapes, stencil or paint your chosen designs onto each piece, and then attach them to the twine or ribbon. You can personalize the banner by adding family names, fall quotes, or even handprints. Hang the finished banner across your mantel to make a charming statement.
Repurposing old torn books
Breathing new life into old torn books not only adds character to your mantel decor, but also contributes to sustainability by reducing waste. Start by selecting books with interesting covers or page textures, and don’t be afraid to mix different sizes and styles. You can stack them to create height, fold pages to form unique shapes, or even craft them into book-page pumpkins or wreaths. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination!
Incorporating sticks, twigs, and leaves
Fall provides an abundance of natural materials for your rustic mantel decor. Gather sticks, twigs, and leaves from your yard or local park, and remember to let them dry thoroughly to prevent mold or insect issues. Arrange sticks and twigs as a centerpiece, create a rustic garland, or display them in vases or jars. Leaves can be pressed and framed, strung together to form a leaf garland, or simply scattered among other mantel elements for a touch of natural beauty.
When assembling your rustic fall mantel decor, aim for a balanced composition that combines various elements, colors, and textures. Feel free to incorporate personal items, such as family photos or heirlooms, to create a truly unique display. Layering pieces and playing with depth can add visual interest and help your mantel feel full and inviting.
Check out more fall decor ideas.
Judy
Hi Debbie: That is a really beautiful mantle display. I like the way you took the photo too. I have a clock just like yours stuck out in the garage. What ‘s it doing out there ?!!! Time to haul it out..Happy Sunday..Judy
Kim
Love the use of vines on your mantel and thanks for hosting.
Barbara @ 21 Rosemary Lane
Hi Debbie…I hope it’s OK that I joined your mantle party this week. I saw that Newbie party graduates were mentioned so I took the opportunity to link up. If I misinterpreted I will understand if you delete me. I always loved your Monday party and miss participating! Your mantle is gorgeous by the way…loves the banner and the twine garland so naturally elegant!.
Hope you had a wonderful weekend Debbie!
debbiedoo's
That is correct Barbara..you are welcome to join in again.
Pat@BPM
Thanks Debbie! I linked up the hearth room Fall mantel.
Pat@BPM
I love your Fall mantel! Beautiful!
Gee
Wooo hooo.. let’s party!! Thanks for hosting Debbie. luvly mantle 🙂
Cheers, Gee
sharon
I am all about simple…and you did it very well! Love that Fall banner…looking forward to the tutorial.
sharon
Jo
Looks great…your grapevine swag is da bomb!!….I’m dign’ that Fall banner with your signature rooster!
Lovin’ this rustic look!!!…your fireplace/mantel/and spark catcher is gorgeous.
Shenita
Debbie, your fall decor is awesome! I love what you have done!
Lavender Dreams
I love your banner and the way you’ve decorated with some old…some new! Happy Fall, my friend!
Becca
What a beautiful Fall mantel, Debbie! I love the grapevine and rustic feel you gave it! Look forward to seeing more!
Ann
Thanks for hosting Debbie! I’ll be back for the copycat party. I’m off now to visit links and pin!
debra
that is one beautiful mantle display…I love the use of the grapevine. It reminds me of something that my grandmother would do…she’d bring in vines,driftwood, bitttersweet…create something elaborate but yet oh so natural looking 🙂
Kelly
Your Fall decor in the family room is so pretty. I like the grapevine garland and wreath you added to your fireplace. I’ve noticed a lot of people are keeping it simpler this year.
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions
It looks pretty, Debbie! I keep things simple for Fall, too. I figure I’ll be adding Halloween stuff in in a few weeks anyway and I like to save my strength for Christmas. : )
must love junk
Debbie, I love your mantel! (I haven’t even touched mine for fall yet) Thanks for hosting again 🙂
Susan
Martina
Debbie your mantle looks fabulous!! Love the twigs and fall leaves and the wreath on your screen finishes it off beautifully! Thanks for hosting friend!
Karen
Hi Debbie, your mantle looks so pretty, I tried keeping it simple too. Thanks for hosting!
Dawn
Your mantel is rocking, I need to get moving on my own. Very pretty Debbie:)
Fine House
Thank you for hosting the newbie party! Also, your fall mantel looks great!
linda
love the colors and the candles of fall colors:)
Kathy Moody
Thank you so much for another great party! Your fall mantel is beautiful. I love the banner. 🙂
Kathryn Griffin
Hi Debbie! Nice to be back. I’m a Newbie Graduate! Your Fall decor looks inspiring. Thanks for hosting! Also, want to invite you over to Make it Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House which goes live at 8am CST on Monday. http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com Hope to see you at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Pam
Your mantel looks FAB Debbie!
Thanks so much for hosting the party!
Have a great week!
Pam
Michele @ Better Organized Living
Your fall mantel blends in so nicely with the room. I really like how you tied the books together with the pine cone. Thanks for hosting this newbie party!
Tardevil
Beautiful fireplace mantel, Debbie! Love the fireplace screen and twiggy stuff!
Daffodil Hill
Everything looks so pretty! Thanks for hosting:-)
Penny @ The Comforts of Home & Flea Market Makeovers
Your mantel looks great Debbie! I don’t have a fireplace in this rental, but the house we are buying has one….can’t wait to get closed on it!
Cathy
Love your mantle – the banner really adds to it. Thanks for hosting the Newbie Party – such inspiration.
Terrie
Thanks for hosting Debbie. Simply is the best. Just bring out the theme of fall – my favourite season. Love seeing other inspiring blogs.
Rob@IslandRustic
Great Autumn mantel. Thanks for sharing and thanks for hosting.
Rob
Vanessa
Your mantel looks so beautiful Debbie! You always layer everything wonderfully and it is just lovely. I see lots of great Fall ideas linked up that I’ll have to check out!
Vanessae
Lorrie
Beautiful Mantel, I love where you placed the wreath, very unique! Thanks for hosting!
Linda
Love, love your mantel! Although, Spring has just started in our country, I love looking at all the Fall projects & recipes. Thank you for hosting another great party – have a great week,
Linda
Le chateau des fleurs
Hey. I haven’t say hi for a while. I love your mantel. Very pretty!!
Isabelle
MariaElena
Your mantle is beautiful! Love the grapevine and the banner! Very, very pretty! Thank you for hosting!
Katherine
Lots of great places to visit today . Thank you for hosting xo
Gina
Beautiful Fall mantel! Sometimes simple is all it takes…it looks great!
Kathy
Love it! Off to see some more!
Dee
Beautiful Debbie! Your mantel and wreath are stunning. I love your banner.
Savvy Seasons
Debbie,
I *L O V E* your mantle, you have done a magnificent job on it. I love the colors and the banner, it looks so warm and festive. Your pictures are so pretty. Thanks for inspiring! XO ~Liz
Brandy~GreyLaneHome
Great mantle. It looks so warm and inviting. Thanks for hosting the party.
Meegan
Your Mantel is beautiful! It looks perfect for your home.
Thanks for hosting another party!! It is REALLY fun to see “what’s out there”
Have a beautiful day!
Meegan
Shannon
Thanks for hosting such fun parties. I am gathering such wonderful ideas for fall decorating! I haven’t implemented any yet, but I do love your fall banner on the mantle.
Chrissy
I love this mantle, understated but beautiful details. I hope to someday have a fireplace again. I just love that old clock, my great grandparents had a similar one.
Thanks for sharing,
Chrissy
Karen
I love the rustic elements on your mantel! Ugh, can you come do mine now? No time!!! Thanks for the party. I am so ready for the Fall!
Jenn/Rook No. 17
What an exquisite fall mantle! I haven’t done mine for this year yet, but have linked up the one that I did last year for my Halloween open house.
Jenn/Rook No. 17
Gail
Debbie, your fall mantel is beautiful! I love your fall banner. I have been wanting to make one but haven’t done it yet. Thanks for hosting and enjoy your evening, Gail
Molly
Thank you for hosting again this week!!
Doreen@househoneys
Love your displays which is no surprise because I’m a big fan of rustic :). You have the midas touch! Thanks again for hosting! It’s always a pleasure and an honor to be here.
Athena at Minerva's Garden
Hi Debbie: Thank you so much for hosting the party today–my first time participating. Your mantel is exquisite–love the dark browns of the mantel itself, but your distressed books and Fall banner are really lovely accents.
Audrey Zumwalt
Hi Debbie … thanks for hosting such a great party … so much inspiration. I want it all. I LOVE your little Owl plaque. Great job, best I’ve seen. LOVE the books on your Mantel with the pine cone.
Blessings,
Audrey Z. http://audreyzumwalt.blogspot.com/
Timeless Treasures
Diane | An Extraordinary Day
Totally feeling the FALL!! I think it’s perfect!!
As always….thanks for hosting the party. And thanks for always stopping by. {hugs}
Vidya @ Whats Ur Home Story
Though I’ve been a regular visitor, surprisingly have never seen the newbie link party before. This is such a wonderful idea. And big thank you for giving all the newbies the exposure. Now a dumb question, by followers what do you mean? I started the blog back in Jan this year and have only 73 subscribers (have more on FB and Pinterest). So am I eligible to enter? 🙂
Liz @ Infuse With Liz
This looks great Debbie! You always come up with such crafty ideas!
The fall swag in front is cute!
Jennifer
Very pretty and warm!!!! I miss you Debbie!! I feel like I never see your blog in my feed? I wonder why? I need to look in to that ASAP! I can’t wait to make a banner like yours! I love it!
Love ya!
Jenn
karen@somewhatquirky
goodness gracious that fireplace screen is fantastic!