It’s no surprise that, after the last snows melt away from winter and green grass blades begin showing their fresh heads, we’re all ready to freshen things up. To start anew. To embrace the longer lighter days and make our homes reflect the change in seasons.

If you’re looking at your tired mantelscape this week, wondering just what direction to take in freshening things up, you’re in luck. Check out these inspiring photos of lovely Easter mantels, then use that inspiration to create something uniquely your own at home.

Add some fresh flowers in a vase. Whatever else is going on with your mantel, the first thing to do to bring Spring inside is to add flowers. Tulips, daffodils, crocuses, lilies (or whatever is local and lovely) are great early spring options.{found on centsationalgirl}.

Use a vintage window pane as a backdrop. There’s something about an old wooden-framed window that brings out a fresh vibe…maybe because it subconsciously feels like there’s a window when there actually isn’t one?{found on site}.

Go green. Spring green, that is. Boxwood wreaths are a fantastically versatile choice for seasonal decorating, and springtime is no exception. A green boxwood wreath provides the fresh color inside that we’re beginning to see outside. Scattering some sweet pastel eggs underneath the wreath mimics an Easter egg hunt, which is a delightful touch.

Keep it classic & neutral. Black and white is a classic color combination, which means it’s a perfect stand-in for any season and any occasion. Your Easter mantel is no exception. Natural colors and textural touches are thrown in as a nod to the season of rebirth and growth.

Use baskets and greenery. So this one’s not a real mantel, but the effect is still fresh, don’t you think? A variety of weaves and shapes in baskets and other natural fibers helps draw our attention to the earthiness of Easter in springtime. Moss and potted rubber plants keep the effect consistent. When going natural like this, white makes an excellent counterbalance (in accents such as pots, frames, even figurines).{found onsite}.

Embrace the nature of life. Of course, pastels have their heyday at Easter time, but that might not be your style. Speckled eggs on display against a rough brick wall and worn mantel are lovely and natural.{found on site}.

Use symmetry for a clean, modern feel. There’s something refreshing about symmetry in home décor, and this holds true for Easter-time décor as well. Atop a mantel is a perfect place to show symmetry – and because there is balance, each piece is noticed and appreciated. You can also get away with fewer decorations when they are symmetrically placed…something for minimalism-lovers to keep in mind.{found on site}.

Throw in a pop of pink. (Speaking of symmetry…) Pink has the capacity to brighten a very muted neutral color palette and bring it to life, without drawing too much attention to itself. Deciding on the hue you want, from vibrant fuchsia to the palest of the pale, will be the hardest part because there are so many beautiful pinks to choose from.

Try a terrarium or two. There’s something soothing about plant growth, and having such growth on display all the time is particularly delightful. Show off your fresh plants on a nature-themed mantel this spring.{found on craftberrybush}.

Mix up materials but maintain your style. Yarn balls are a clever way to fill in the space with color, and because they’re already round, you won’t have to worry about collecting (and finding ways to safely display) a million eggs. The organic vibe of this mantel is charming, from the small birdhouses peeking out to the use of branches, eggs, pastel floral picks, and of course the yarn balls. Change up the sizes for a happy mantel.

Don’t worry, be happy…and colorful! As if there’s any question about how this homeowner feels about its being spring! If the sunshine and tulip blooms make your heart happy, why not let your mantel show the world how you feel? Butterflies erupting on the wall, turquoise ceramic bunnies and birds and flowers, and plenty of yellow to ring in the Easter season. Very happy.

Add in a paper (or fabric) garland. Although the use of garlands on the mantel can potentially be juvenile, Easter is a celebration of life, exhibited often through fresh color and pattern. That sounds like a recipe for fabric bunting, does it not? Anyway, whether the garland itself is the key player or in a supporting role, it’s a fresh addition to a springtime mantel this year.

Don’t forget the power of white space. For a fresh Easter mantel in a modern space, consider oversized photo mattes with miniature silhouettes. Coupled with a moss-covered initial, this mantel gives off a decidedly modern, albeit still festive and seasonal, vibe. You could even do without the birds and candle holders for greater emphasis on the silhouettes, which (to me) are the stars here.

Remember that less is (usually) more. You might not want seasonal décor spread across your mantel. It might be more your style to add just a touch of springtime here and there. Quality over quantity and all that. Consider carefully decorating a handful of Easter eggs and then displaying them (these white pedestals are sweet) on the corner of your mantel for a fresh, and understatedly chic, look.