How to create something decorative for your fireplace mantel this summer that won’t cost you a dime by repurposing a few found objects in your home and yard. You may be pleasantly surprised by what you come up with.
When thinking about how I wanted to decorate my fireplace mantel this summer, the one thing I knew for sure was that I didn’t want to buy something just to use to decorate that would be used for a few months and then placed in storage.
I wanted to repurpose something around the house that I could use through the seasons, like I did when I created my coffee table.
I also wanted simple, a natural element and something that would go with the casual laid-back summer vibe in the living room. Laid back living with a barefoot kind of vibe, where life isn’t overrun with stuff – it is freeing.
My Empty Mantel Needed Something
It took me a while to come up with an idea as I played with arranging items pulled from my decorative storage stash in my attic along the mantel, but none of it was looking right. I removed it all and just sat and looked at the empty mantel.
An idea came to me when I took a break from the mantel and went to the garage for an electrical cord and saw a 2 x 6 that Ed had removed from the dock leaning in a corner. He kept a few that were sun-bleached and in good condition, actually they were the perfect “rough hewn” condition I was envisioning for the mantel.
The sun-bleached grey 2″ x 6″ x 8″ was perfect. My mind was fast coming up with an idea for the mantel to try out. I went with my idea and loved what I created…. something that fit all my check boxes.
Oh!…. and the best part, it was totally FREE!
The Mantel Planter Box That Really Isn’t
My collection of jelly jars and clippings from the shrubs around my house all came together to make this simple modern long “faux” planter box.
My planter box has a secret, it is not a full planter box, only the facade of a planter box. I cheated since I only had one board and to keep construction to a minimum.
The wood was aged to perfection. I didn’t have to do anything to achieve that color – age and the weather did it for me.
For the summer months, I will keep clippings from my yard behind it, but you can use fake greenery or flowers.
Look around your garage or wood scrap stash if you have one. A pine board can be stained or painted any color to achieve different looks.
If you don’t have scrap wood, head to the home improvement store and ask to see their scrap bin pile to see if you can find a piece to use.
How to Make a Long Faux Planter Box For a Mantel
supplies needed:
- Reclaimed 2″ x 6″ or scrap wood. My faux planter is 5-feet long and 9″ deep.
- Saw
- Ruler
- Pencil
- 2 “L” brackets and screws
- Screwdriver
Time needed: 30 minutes.
How to Make a Reclaimed Wood Planter Box for a Fireplace Mantel
- Measure Wood
Determine how long you want the planter. Use a ruler and pencil to mark where to cut wood.
- Cut Wood to Size
Using a saw, cut wood to your desired length. I made my planter box a little shorter than the length of the mantel. Then cut the two side pieces.
- Attach “L” Brackets
Lay wood on its side and screw in “L” brackets to attach the front and side pieces as shown below.
- Add Jelly Jars to Hold Clippings or Flowers
I lined up jelly jars filled with water that will be behind the planter box to hold the greenery clippings from my yard.
- Place Planter Box On Mantel
To add more height I placed the jars on a 2″ x 4″ so the tops of the jars were in line with the top edge of the planter box. This way the greenery could naturally hang over the front of the box. You may have taller containers to hold water/greenery/flowers and may not need to do this.
- Place Planter Box On Mantel
Place the planter box around the jelly jars and then arrange clippings or flowers along the planter box.
Now I have plans on how I can use my faux planter box through the seasons. I just love when creative ideas that flit through my mind come to life. That is the best way to decorate in your own style.
Stay tuned for my next post to see what else I used to decorate my living room for summer and not spend a dime.
