10. Edgar Allan Poe’s Literary Raven Tribute
Pay homage to the master of macabre literature with a mantle themed entirely around Edgar Allan Poe’s famous poem, “The Raven.” Use old, damaged books from thrift stores to create a base, stacking them horizontally and vertically. Prop open a large, vintage book in the center, displaying a printed page of the poem in an elegant calligraphy font. Perch a realistic, feather-covered raven prop on top of the open book. Decorate the surrounding space with a classic brass pocket watch set to midnight, a faux quill pen resting in an inkwell, and a single, decaying red rose. Hang a banner made from vintage book pages cut into pennants across the front of the mantle.