Bringing a Southwestern Theme to a Fireplace Mantle & Hearth

A fireplace is a natural focal point and how it is decorated can make it the crowing glory in a room of any style. In a southwestern themed room, you can use your mantle to highlight beautiful rustic metal wall decor and accents that capture the flavor and warmth of southwestern style. Here are some ideas on how to use various influences, textures and accessories to capture a southwestern look that is decidedly unique. 

What’s your Variation on Southwest Style?

There are several motifs that you may choose from when decorating your mantle in southwestern style, although all of them feature bright colors, bold patterns and rough textures. The style is rustic and comfortable with a lived-in homey appeal. Choose from themes that influenced by Native American culture, Mexican culture or Old West and Cowboy themes. Native American accents will feature native symbols and geometric patterns, whereas Mexican themes may focus on bright voluptuous flowers or ancient Aztec architecture and symbols. Old West and Cowboy themes are muted in color and feature vintage prints, western landscapes and cowboy memorabilia. Or choose a more sophisticated route and let your interior be influenced by the artwork of a western artist Georgia O’Keefe.

Consider turning the entire fireplace wall into a focal wall by painting it in a shade that is deeper or brighter than the rest of the room; choose a shade that will let your wall art decor stand out. Typical colors can range from neutral leathery browns and creamy tans to subdued or bright yellows, or shades of green, brown and terra cotta, and even the bold turquoise that mimics the western sky.

 All text copyright Relica. Photo from Flikr - "Fireplace" courtesy of cindy47452.

The Fireplace

If you’re room features a stone fireplace with a rough hewn wood mantle, you’re already halfway there in creating a stunning textural fireplace focal point. However, if your fireplace has a more traditional look, you can use a runner to add color and texture; choose a hand-woven fabric in earthy neutral tones or bold southwestern colors in a Navajo pattern.

If you are going with a Mexican theme, beautiful ceramic tiles in shades of blue, green, cream, orange and red can be installed over the wood face surround of the fireplace. Or choose neutral tiles interspersed with a decorated tile here and there; from cowboy themes, to cactus, buffalo, chili peppers or symbolic Native America drawings, you’ll find a variety of tiles to suit your style.  

All text copyright Relica. Photo from Flikr - "Embassy of Colombia Fireplace" courtesy of Mr. T in DC.

Accents for the Mantle and Hearth:

Mix and match your accents to express your personal style. Group items by color, texture and style and create a sparse symmetrical look or create layers of overlap and interest.

1. Choose a focal point

Set a large painting directly on the mantle and layer other photos and accents in front of it; choose from western landscapes, cowboy or Native American art, or abstract art. Or choose to make a natural focal point with a wreath of dried flowers and seed heads. If Mexican style is your goal, choose a dramatic wrought iron wall mirror as your focal point. Or add texture by using a bold hand-woven rug or blanket above the mantle.

2. Add your accents

Add western or Native American pottery or baskets, rustic candlesticks or lanterns, painted wooden boxes, and framed vintage black and white Native American or western photographs. Don’t overlook the hearth space: A large basket full of colorful western style blankets and a canvas tote full of firewood are cozy tactile accents.

3. Add a touch of nature

Add a touch of natural texture with a tall vase set on the hearth filled with coneflowers, daisies, rudbeckia, Mexican heather or blue sage. You may also add height to the arrangement by placing a tall potted cactus on the hearth, or a clustered arrangement of tall pottery or baskets. Oversize natural western pinecones add architectural interest when lined up along the mantle.

All text copyright Relica. Photo from Flikr - "amazing fireplace" courtesy of jmv.