I have solved a decorating dilemma around our house. We have a flat screen TV mounted above our mantel, and it has always perplexed me how I could decorate around it. Recently I came upon the solution, and it works like MAGIC! Just use some wooden shutters to frame that big, ole black box!
See the difference? Here’s the mantel all cleaned off, ready to be decorated for mid-summer. I have to work around the little speakers on top of the mantel, and I’m usually pretty good at disguising them without interfering with the sound quality.
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So about a month ago, I spotted a stack of old wooden shutters at the auction. I got these taller ones in addition to some shorter ones for $5. I bought them because I’ve been noticing other bloggers were using them in decorating, but I wasn’t quite sure how I was going to use them yet. They were very dirty so they all got a good washing. I took this taller pair apart by unscrewing the hinges, and then I got the idea to put them on the mantel .
I happened to have some pretty green paint (Rust-Oleum’s Ultra Cover spray paint.) The name of the shade is eden. Don’t you just love that name? So they got painted and propped here on the mantel, and I could instantly see how the shutters framed the TV. I was loving the new look!
It was about the same time that I spotted this seashell wreath in Bed, Bath, and Beyond. 
And some of the shells were already painted green! I normally make all my own wreaths but when I saw this one, it quickly jumped into my buggy!
After my sister-in-law Jean saw my green shutters and my wreath, she came back over with these wooden shore birds from her stash. Perfect! To add to the beachy theme, I hung a fish net from the mantel.
I had ordered these crocheted starfish from Erika’s Etsy shop KnellyBean earlier in the month, so I just hot-glued them to the fish net along with some other small shells.
The middle speaker got camouflaged with these sand dollars and a starfish that I spray painted.
I embellished an ordinary candle with a little twine and some seashells for the left side of the mantel.
And on the right side I put another painted sea star along with some white crepe myrtle blossoms from the yard.
I just loved how my mid-summer mantel came together so easily, but it wouldn’t be nearly as pretty without those green shutters. I have a feeling you’re gonna see more of those shutters in the months to come!
If you have the same decorating dilemma as I did, try some simple wooden shutters around your TV.
I think it makes all the difference in the world!
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Metamorphosis [email protected]Between Naps on the Porch
Jennifer O'Quinn says
Sorry, aesthetically the entire effort just does not work for me. The netting/seashell decorations look like the luau kits they sold in the ’60’s for swim parties. Everything is much too measured and balanced, for my disheveled taste. I absolutely love shutters and use them as a space separation tool. I think you could use the green shutters somewhere else and if the mantle is wide enough, perhaps, think of objects like old tools, old pipes in a frame, old postcards in a frame, old record jackets, whatever, something a bit more reflective of your creative personalities, than 2 skinny shutters. I use my shutters to clip old photos and important notes that were sent to me over my lifetime. Please note that I admire your skills and I’m not criticizing your craftwork. I’m just offering a different perspective on your thoughtful design. Please take care and continue your innovative DIY projects. NOTE: Your fresh flowers were a wonderful touch and your seashell wreath was stunning.
Kandie says
i just found this pin, and as I sit here looking at my blah decorating around my flat screen tv… I believe I’ll be going shopping for shutters!
Elaine says
Brilliant idea! I have seen frames around wall mounted TVs but never shutters. I like the green for Summer. I just happen to have picked up a pair of shutters by the side of the road. Now I know what to do with them.
Leslie @ House on the Way says
Love the shutters! The green is gorgeous. I’d like to invite you to share at my Twirl & Take a Bow Linky Party.
Love to have you!
Miss Kitty says
Very cute, Jane! The shutters make that TV almost look like a window. I love all the cute coastal decor you added to the mantle also.
Rosie M. says
Wow!! What a perfect design solution to a common decorating dilemma (flat screen TV’s over the mantel). This is just gorgeous! Bravo, and thanks for sharing!!! Rosie @ The Magic Hutch
Alecia @ Chicken Scratch NY says
I love the color you picked, that green is perfect. And the birds were a great touch!
Pamela @ FlowerPatchFarmhouse.com says
I love this, most folks need to dress up their flat screen rather than tucking it into a cubby, hiding it is not typically an option in smaller homes. I do love that green.
Ruth Anne Buterbaugh says
Love your idea! The whole beachy theme works so well with the shutters.
Babs says
Great idea to summer-fy your tv and mantel. Love your seashell wreath and rug.
Cuisine Kathleen says
Looks good, Jane! Less than 5 mo from now we will be decking the mantels for Christmas! I think I just picked up the last renegade pine needle from last year! Time flies.;)
Jane Windham says
Kathleen, I just found one of those renegade pine needles recently, too! LOL!
Debbie says
What a fantastic idea! I love it!
Jean Windham says
I think the shutters just add the right touch for your mantel. The color is perfect and my favorite is the fish net with the star fish and what looks like cotton balls. Great job. Jean
Jane Windham says
Thanks Jean! I guess those small sea shells do look a bit like cotton balls from a distance!
Dawn says
Perfect solution Jane, it looks great and that green color really sets it all off. Brilliant idea.
tonia conner says
A great look.
Annie says
Absolutely stunning! You are both so talented. Love your blog!
JoAnne says
I love your solution, Jane. I have the same problem and I never know how to decorate around it. Love that shade of green ~ beautiful!
Kathy says
Looks fabulous! Love the shutters, and the wreath is gorgeous, too! Beautifully done!
[email protected] Designs says
Hey Jane…what a fantastic idea to beautifully frame out the TV…I love that green…great summer decor on the mantel..and yes, you disguise the equipment well !!
Candy S says
I love the seashore look. The green suits the shutters and the mantle. Very nice solution to a decorating problem.
Bonnie Morgan says
This should be in a magazine. Love your sea inspired mantel with the shutters framing the T.V.