One of my favorite things to decorate is my mantel! I love to switch it out for the seasons and it’s a fun area to challenge my creativity. This layered window mantel for spring is by far my favorite design. Anything with vintage windows and architectural salvage makes my heart pitter patter.
For your convenience, this post may contain affiliate links. I may make a commission from your purchase at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclosure policy here. Thanks for supporting Sweet Southern Oaks!
I had a vision of this design on my way home from work and I even drew up a sketch that was in my head. 😉 That doesn’t always happen. For most of my designs I pull a lot of decor out and one piece usually inspires me to begin the creative process. Take my lemon yellow summer mantel or my vintage inspired 4th of July mantel, I didn’t really have a plan to start with, I just pulled from things around the house and started decorating. This time, I had a clear plan in my head to pull together and I LOVE IT!!!
A fun side note about the vintage window in the middle: my Daddio (that’s what I call my Dad) and I found it while we were pickin’ at a sketchy antique store several Christmases ago. And by sketchy I mean the store didn’t have any power and there was a truck with a man sitting inside of it telling the prices to the other guy in the store. Wow, I’m not sure why we even stayed in the store…oh I remember… it’s because I wanted that window for ten bucks! 😉
Cleaning Vintage Windows
To create the layered window mantel, I first cleaned three vintage windows with a little water and dish liquid. With old and vintage pieces, you want to be very careful with the cleaners you use on them because harsh chemicals could ruin the piece. A little soap or vinegar and water will do just the trick! Also keep in mind with anything old and chippy, there is alway a chance of lead paint, so I always recommend to seal the piece with a coat of polycrylic – NOT polyurethane (this can yellow the piece). Once it’s been painted over or sealed with polycrylic, it’s okay to bring into your home.
Putting Together the Layered Window Mantel
My windows are leaned against the wall on the mantel. There is a nail holding them in place, so they are secure. The smaller window went into the middle. I knew I wanted greenery to use throughout the mantel. To drape the lamb’s ear garland, I used two small Command Hooks on either side of the windows to hang the greenery garland.
Then I gathered a few of my Rae Dunn planters, terra cotta pots and lamb’s ear picks to add to the blank spaces of the mantel. To add a little height to my Rae Dunn planters, I used a mini cupcake stand for the planter pot.
For a whimsical look, I stacked a few terra cotta pots together for height and laid a few on the side. I stuck some lamb’s ear picks into one of the planters. Next, I cut some of the greenery to scatter throughout the mantel and inside of the terra cotta pots.
Adding More Decor
I really needed a few more terra cotta pots to complete my mantel, but when I’m in a creative process I can’t stop and go to the store. My brain doesn’t work that way. Instead, I pulled the deconstructed books (blog post about that coming soon!) to use on the mantel and I like the varying height and different textures they added to the mantel.
What do y’all think?!? Will you create a layered window mantel? Connect with me on social media! Use the hashtag #sweetsouthernoaks on Instagram to share your inspiration from the blog. As always, feel free to find me on Facebook or Instagram. I’d love to chat with you about all things home décor! You can also pin with me on Pinterest for even more inspiration for home décor, recipes and more!
Let's Chat!