A mantel is more than a ledge—it’s a stage for the pieces that tell your story. As homes lean into layered, collected looks, classic accents are back in the spotlight: think the quiet tick of an antique clock, the sparkle of a vintage mirror, or the sculptural silhouette of a hand-thrown vase. Beyond style, these choices champion sustainability (reuse over replace), add history and texture, and—because most are small-footprint—let you refresh a room without a full redesign.
Below, you’ll find timeless picks that earn their spot on the mantel: antique clocks, vintage mirrors, Art Deco sculptures, botanical prints, antique books, vintage vases, black-and-white photos, candleholders, family heirlooms, handmade pottery, and preserved nature. For each, we explain why it’s trending now, what to look for, and where to learn more—so you can curate a display that feels personal, intentional, and beautifully one-of-a-kind.
Antique Clocks
Antique clocks are a classic mantel piece that many people keep for their historical and aesthetic value. These timepieces are often beautifully crafted, featuring intricate designs and mechanisms that showcase the craftsmanship of bygone eras. Some people buy antique clocks as investment pieces, while others simply appreciate the nostalgia and charm they bring to a room. However, they can often be overlooked in favor of more modern, digital timekeeping devices.
Despite the rise of digital timekeeping, antique clocks are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. They offer a sense of history and elegance that modern devices cannot match, making them a valuable addition to any collection. Moreover, as more people seek to create spaces that reflect their unique tastes and interests, antique clocks offer an opportunity to add a touch of individuality and sophistication. For more insights on why antique clocks are making a comeback, check out this Sotheby’s guide to collecting clocks.
Vintage Mirrors
Vintage mirrors are another mantel piece that people often keep for their unique appeal. Unlike contemporary mirrors, vintage ones often feature intricate frames and unique shapes that can add a touch of elegance to any room. People buy vintage mirrors not only for their practical use but also for their decorative appeal. However, these pieces can sometimes be overlooked due to their age and potential wear and tear.
Now, vintage mirrors are experiencing a resurgence in popularity as people seek to create unique, personalized spaces. They add a touch of classic charm and reflect light beautifully, making rooms feel larger and more inviting. Plus, their unique shapes and designs often serve as conversation starters. For more information on the rising trend of vintage mirrors, check out this Architectural Digest shopping guide.
Art Deco Sculptures
Art Deco sculptures are mantel pieces that people often keep for their distinctive style. Originating in the 1920s and 30s, Art Deco is known for its bold geometric forms and luxurious materials, making these sculptures striking decorative pieces. They can be overlooked due to their bold style, which may not suit every decor.
However, with the current trend of mixing and matching different periods and styles in interior design, Art Deco sculptures are gaining popularity. They can add a touch of glamour and sophistication to a room, and their unique designs make them stand out. For more on the return of Art Deco in interior design, check out this Elle Decor article.
Botanical Prints
Botanical prints are mantel pieces that people often keep due to their timeless appeal. They offer a connection to nature and can complement a wide range of decors. People buy botanical prints for their versatility and the serene ambiance they create. However, they can sometimes be overlooked in favor of more contemporary artwork.
Despite this, botanical prints are currently trending in interior design. They fit perfectly with the growing trend of bringing nature indoors and can add a touch of elegance to any room. For more on the growing popularity of botanical prints, check out this Homes & Gardens article.
Antique Books
Antique books are mantel pieces that many people keep for their aesthetic and historic value. They offer a tangible connection to the past and can create a warm, inviting ambiance. People buy antique books for their decorative appeal and to build their own home libraries, but some might overlook them due to concerns about preservation and potential damage.
Today, antique books are valued not just as decorative items but also as investment pieces. As digital reading becomes more prevalent, the demand for physical books, especially antique ones, is on the rise. For more insights on the value of antique books, check out this AbeBooks guide to valuing old books.
Vintage Vases
Vintage vases are mantel pieces that people often keep for their unique designs and craftsmanship. These pieces can be beautifully intricate, adding a pop of color and style to any room. People often buy vintage vases to display flowers or simply as standalone decorative pieces. However, they can be overlooked due to their fragility and potential for damage.
Now, vintage vases are becoming increasingly popular as people seek unique, one-of-a-kind pieces to personalize their spaces. They can add a touch of vintage charm to any decor and serve as conversation starters. For more on the rising trend of vintage vases and glass, check out this House Beautiful trend roundup.
Black and White Photos
Black and white photos are mantel pieces that people often keep due to their timeless appeal. They offer a nostalgic touch and can create a sophisticated, monochromatic look. People buy black and white photos for their evocative nature, but they can sometimes be overlooked in favor of more colorful, contemporary artwork.
However, black and white photos are currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity. They can add depth and emotion to a room, and their timeless appeal makes them versatile pieces that can fit into various decors. For more on the rising trend of black and white photos, check out this BBC Culture article.
Antique Candleholders
Antique candleholders are mantel pieces that people often keep due to their elegant designs. They offer a touch of romance and can create a warm, inviting atmosphere. People buy antique candleholders for their aesthetic appeal, but they can sometimes be overlooked because they may appear outdated in more modern settings.
Despite this, antique candleholders are currently trending in interior design. They can add a touch of vintage charm to any decor and their unique designs often serve as conversation starters. For more on the current trend of antique candleholders, check out this House Beautiful article.
Family Heirlooms
Family heirlooms are mantel pieces that people often keep for their sentimental value. They offer a tangible connection to past generations and can add a personal touch to any room. People value family heirlooms for their history and the stories they tell, but they can sometimes be overlooked in favor of more contemporary decor.
However, family heirlooms are currently valued in interior design for their unique and personal touch. They add a sense of history and personal narrative to a space, making it feel more like home. For more on the importance of incorporating family heirlooms into your decor, check out this HGTV article.
Handmade Pottery
Handmade pottery are mantel pieces that many people keep for their unique, one-of-a-kind appeal. They offer a tangible connection to the artist and can add texture and interest to any room. People buy handmade pottery for their aesthetic appeal and the craftsmanship they represent, but they can sometimes be overlooked due to their perceived fragility.
Today, handmade pottery is gaining popularity as people seek unique, artisanal pieces to personalize their spaces. They add a touch of character and authenticity to any decor and their unique designs often serve as conversation starters. For more on the rising trend of handmade pottery, check out this New York Times article.
Preserved Nature Items
Preserved nature items, such as dried flowers, shells, or branches, are mantel pieces that people often keep for their natural beauty. They offer a connection to the outdoors and can add a touch of organic appeal to any room. People buy preserved nature items for their authenticity and the serene ambiance they create, but they can sometimes be overlooked in favor of more polished, manufactured decor items.
However, preserved nature items are currently trending as people seek to bring the outdoors in. They add a touch of natural beauty and texture to any decor, and their organic shapes and colors often serve as conversation starters. For more on the rising trend of preserved nature items, check out this Good Housekeeping article.