55 Christmas Mantel Decorating Ideas

Ring in the holidays with a stunning mantel and fireplace design. Whether your style is minimal and modern or timelessly traditional, festive up your fireplace with our Christmas mantel decorating ideas and inspo.

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November 18, 2021

By: Maria Conti and H. Camille Smith

Related To:

Freshen Up Your Fireplace for Christmas

The holidays are upon us — time to deck the halls! What better area to showcase your seasonal style than your living room's natural focal point: the fireplace? From magical mantels to farmhouse-style fireplaces, keep clicking for our best fireplace Christmas decor and DIY holiday mantel decorating ideas.

See More Photos: Quick Holiday Decorating

From: HGTV Magazine

Add Woodsy Touches

Is a roaring fire not in your fireplace's future? Take a cue from designer Caitlin Wilson and fill the firebox with stacked wood. The woodsy display is the perfect backdrop to buffalo-check + faux fur stockings and a fresh cedar swag. Our friends at HGTV Magazine take you on a tour of this cheery holiday home that was made for big family get-togethers, below.

See More Photos: A House That Was Made for the Holidays

Black + White: Pick a Classic Color Combo

While designer Nicole Botsman loves to use lots of color in her clients' homes, her go-to color combo is classic black and white — so it's no wonder that's the palette she chose for decking out her own home for the holidays. Recreate her graphic tone-on-tone look (even if the rest of your home rocks the rainbow) by decorating your mantel simply with a fresh evergreen garland, black candlesticks fitted with white tapers and a pair of wooden nutcrackers spray-painted bright white. Take a tour of Nicole's home, featured in HGTV Magazine, below.

learn more: A Unique, Neutral-Chic Home Ready for the Holidays

From: HGTV Magazine

Take an Understated Approach

Designer Lauren DeLoach brings holiday flair to the stately cast stone fireplace in this traditional den using a trailing pine, cypress and eucalyptus garland interwoven with a rosy velvet ribbon. Snowy faux-fur stockings shine against the organic garland and bring interesting asymmetry to the display.

Add Organic Opulence

Traditional baubles and bows are replaced by sleek, staggered iron candlesticks, wintry white tapers and an aromatic eucalyptus garland on this contemporary mantel. The lush display celebrates the season in a subtle, sophisticated way that enhances the neutral interior without overpowering the design with out-of-place colors or clashing textures.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Plan for Pets

Decking out your fireplace for the season is fun, but keep furkids' safety in mind and place any potential nibble hazards like poinsettias, amaryllis, holly and mistletoe far out of reach. Inquisitive pets could easily knock over a lit candle, so either position candles where dogs and cats could never reach them or sub battery-operated candles for real flickering flames.

See More Photos: 12 Tips for a Festive Holiday Fireplace

From: H. Camille Smith

Incorporate Just a Pinch of Kitsch

While the bones of this Victorian-era fireplace — arched brick surround and oak mantel — look much as they did when the home was constructed in 1890, the current owners gave it a bit of modern-day fun with an oil painting of Venice's Grand Canal and '70s brass reindeer. Mismatched stockings, a glittered "Happy Holidays" banner and a fresh evergreen garland bring the Christmas cheer.

See More Photos: A Cozy Christmas House

From: HGTV Magazine

Upcycle a Very Merry Village

Start saving those cardboard delivery boxes for an almost-free DIY that's fun to make with your littlest crafters. Learn how to use our free template to turn leftover cardboard, puff paint and vellum into a sweet gingerbread village that you can display year after year, below.

get the how-to: Cute + Crafty: DIY Cardboard Gingerbread Village

Mix In Vintage Finds

Whether you inherited family favorites or thrifted them, there's no denying the timeless charm of Christmases past. Give your mantel a blast from the past by mixing in a few antique or vintage finds, like these flocked deer. Often referred to as Kunstlerschutz, vintage German flocked animals are a sweet addition to holiday vignettes. Also frequently known by the name of their most famous maker, Wagner Handwork, the handmade flocked creatures from the midcentury can be hard to find in good condition but, even with some damage, their charm is undeniable.

See More Photos: Cozy Up Your Christmas Decor With Vintage and Antique Finds

From: H. Camille Smith

Create a Snowy Scene

White Christmas dreams are realized in this snow-dusted living room. A flocked pine garland offers a wintry touch to the classic mantel while a flurry of snowy-white stockings dazzle against the herringbone fireplace surround.

Cue All the Colors

Who said Christmas colors were set in stone? Just like the rest of your home, trust your gut and use whatever colors you want when decking out for Christmas. Or, like blogger Kara Whitten use *all* the colors, courtesy of a forest of candy-colored acrylic trees.

See More Photos: Supercool and Colorful Christmas Tree Looks We Love

From: HGTV Magazine

Or, Try Trad and True

Designer Kerrie Kelly's inspiration for this beautiful design: tradition. "Plaid, personalized stockings and shades of blue, red and green were a must," she says. Take her cue and give your mantel classic appeal by incorporating elements that never go out of style, like assorted plaids, monograms, chinoiserie and lots of fresh greenery.

From: Kerrie Kelly

Don't Forget the Hearth

While the mantel may be the focus of your holiday decorating, adding a few festive touches to the hearth will pull the look together. For ours, we cozied up the stone with a faux fur throw topped with fabric-wrapped gifts. Battery-operated candles and string lights wrapped around logs in the firebox bring the sparkle without the risk of fire.

See More Photos: 12 Tips for a Festive Holiday Fireplace

From: H. Camille Smith

Get Festive for (Nearly!) Free

Get crafty to get your fireplace ready for the season's festivities. To create the pom-pom trees, temporarily attach a pre-made garland to the overmantel using removable hooks (or thumbtacks) attached to the wall in the shape of a tree. You can even simplify the process by outlining cone-shaped trees for an easier fix. Finish dressing the mantel with clipped evergreen branches, topped by your most colorful wrapped gifts.

See More Photos: 6 Festive Holiday DIYs to Try This Year

From: HGTV Magazine

Work Around the TV

While hanging the TV over the mantel may not be everyone's cup of tea — for many rooms, it's simply the best placement. So, work with what you have and keep the mantel decoration simple with fresh-cut greenery and poinsettias so the decorations don't distract from your family's favorite holiday flicks.

See More Photos: Tour a Colorful, Christmas-Ready Home In Atlanta

From: HGTV Magazine

Include Santa's Helpers

Designer Brian Patrick Flynn opts for an unfussy mantel in this waterfront Washington home so not to distract from the dreamy views beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. A plump pair of bearded elves stand watch over Christmas gifts on one end of the contemporary marble fireplace, while two silver reindeer prepare for flight above the sweater-knit stockings.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Go Au Naturel

Fresh-cut evergreens reign supreme on this Christmas-clad organic display. Fragrant and free, the foraged greenery creates a lush blanket beneath mercury glass decorations and a grouping of shimmery champagne bottle brush trees. Learn how to make your own fresh (and free!) garland, below.

Watch the Video: DIY Natural Holiday Garland

Or, Mix Fresh With Faux

While real snowy branches would quickly create a wet mess indoors, faux flocked pine branches are an easy way to work a little frosty winter magic into a fresh or faux mantel display. Just tuck them into your display, then when the season's over, pack them away to use again next year.

See More Photos: 12 Tips for a Festive Holiday Fireplace

From: H. Camille Smith

And, Light It Up

Tiny battery-operated LED twinkle lights are easy to work into your mantel display and will add a magical glow without the worry of candles or the need for an electrical outlet. Just twist the lights around fresh or faux garlands and tuck the battery pack out of sight in a handy location so you can turn the glow on and off as you wish.

See More Photos: 12 Tips for a Festive Holiday Fireplace

From: H. Camille Smith

Long Mantel? Spread Out the Cheer

One characteristic typical of older homes is a massive fireplace and surround — which makes sense because a roaring fire was a necessity in the days before central heat. If you're lucky enough to have a room-defining fireplace surrounded by low shelves topped by a continuous mantel, like this one, max out the holiday cheer with more-is-merrier decor spread along the mantel. Take a tour of this 130-year-old home, below.

See More Photos: This 1800s Home Has Wall-to-Wall Christmas Cheer

From: HGTV Magazine

Deck Out the Outdoors, Too

If you're lucky enough to have an outdoor fireplace, spread holiday cheer to every area of your home by dressing the outdoor mantel, too. This dreamy display, created by Courtney of the French Country Cottage blog, is topped with fresh evergreen boughs, green apples, artichokes, pinecones and fresh cranberries strung into a garland.

Honor Your Home's Location

This soaring stone fireplace serves as the festive focal point of this mountain home. A flocked pinecone and evergreen garland adorns the reclaimed wood mantel while birch branches stand erect against the fireplace façade. The leaning wood accentuates the height of the room and draws eyes up to the striking cathedral ceiling, overhead.

From: Daniel Contelmo

Work In Fresh-Cut Flowers

A bunch of amaryllis blooms create a striking arrangement in a low ginger jar on this mantel. Cut amaryllis blooms are becoming popular for use in arrangements and can last up to two weeks under the right conditions. Be sure to cut them in the just-opening bloom stage, use flower food and replace the water every few days to discourage bacteria.

learn more: How to Grow and Care For Amaryllis

And, Pile On the Poinsettias

Although not technically a flower (the 'blooms' are actually a type of leaf called a bract), poinsettias have been associated with the Christmas season for almost two centuries. Incorporate potted versions of these beauties into your mantel display for a pretty splash of color that'll brighten things up all season long.

From: H. Camille Smith

Make a Spirited Statement

A faux mounted moose offers holiday guests a vision of whimsy and cheer above the fireplace of this modern mountainside home. The jaunty character is dressed for the occasion with a flurry of orange ornaments dangling from his antlers and a dapper 10-gallon hat.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Create Timeless Appeal

Glossy magnolia leaves, burlap stockings and vibrant holly berries trim this Craftsman mantel with classic Christmas appeal. The foraged evergreen and magnolia branches provide a striking, symmetrical base for the glamorous mercury glass vases, felted wool garland and faux antlers that line the mantel.

See More Photos: 100 Beautiful Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

From: H. Camille Smith

Add Frosty Touches

A faux greenery swag and hand-painted holiday planks enliven this rustic stone fireplace with the spirit of the season. Two snowy planks boast inky, sketched Christmas trees while the central sketch features a familiar character with a friendly smile and frosty face.

Make It Fiery + Festive

This stacked stone outdoor fireplace is prepped for Christmas Eve festivities with a star marquee and a dramatic, draped evergreen garland wrapped with embroidered navy ribbon. A mix of matte and gloss ornaments pile in clusters across the mantel and surrounding surfaces to energize the alfresco gathering spot with cheery color.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Or, Opt for Pretty + Peaceful

Designer Emily Henderson created this funky focal point for the overmantel by attaching boards to a hula hoop and hot-gluing ornaments around. She keeps the mantel minimal with bunches of fresh silver dollar eucalyptus.

From: Emily Henderson

For the Kids

To create a playful, kid-friendly mantel, designer Brian Patrick Flynn used saturated colors inspired by modern artwork by Jenny Andrews Anderson. From a grouping of stockings to metallic orb ornaments, the mantel is layered in a variety of rich purple tones.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Make It Farm(house) Fresh

This vintage farmhouse mantel is fit for the holidays with a weathered, handwritten sign nestled between a staggered pine tree duo, potted in natural woven baskets. A pair of holly-red stockings on iron hooks dangle against the antique mantel and pop against the bright white shiplap walls.

See More Photos: 110 Farmhouse Christmas Decorating Ideas

From: Ashley Moore

Go Faux

No mantel, no problem! If your home doesn't have a hearth, fake it with this DIY project. Customize your homemade mantel with colorful paint and pretty knobs or hooks for hanging stockings.

Get the How-To: Easily Construct a Faux Mantel for the Holidays

From: Marian Parsons

Or, Chalk It Up

Chalkboards can hang over the mantel or, in this case, stand in for it entirely. This clever faux mantel wall hanging is a smart solution for apartment dwellers or renters.

Get the How-To: Clever Faux Mantel Wall Hanging for the Holidays

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Cue the Candles

Tree branch candleholders are as rustic as holiday accessories come. To create them from fallen limbs, simply gather assorted branches sized at least two inches in diameter. Use a hacksaw to cut off any severe curvatures along each branch, and then trim the solid, straight portions to several different heights. Using paddle bits of various diameters, drill a hole into the top of each cut section to accommodate candlesticks, pillar candles and votives.

Foraged + Fresh

This mountainside home features a dreamy outdoor lounge complete with a woodburning fireplace and two sofas poised for cocoa and conversation. The fireplace is fancied-up for winter holidays with mounted moose antlers and a fresh, foraged evergreen swag on the rustic wood mantel.

A Classic Christmas (Color) Story

Classic Christmas colors are celebrated in this cozy living room. Fiery poinsettia blooms fill the firebox with color while a twinkling pine garland wraps the mantel above with woodsy texture. Personalized, sweater-style stockings dangle from iron reindeer and alternate in color across the stacked stone fireplace surround.

Scandi Stockings + Boho Beading

Store-bought stockings are stored away and replaced with our DIY Scandinavian-inspired stockings to complete this trendy mantel design. Silvery eucalyptus branches add softness and texture above while an airy, bleached-wood garland swags across the fireplace surround to create a layered and dimensional display.

Get the How-To: 3 Ways to Decorate a Plain Canvas Stocking

Go Rustic Chic

A black and white photograph depicting a snowed-in cabin brings a touch of rustic charm to this mantel. It's displayed above a lush green garland dressed with red and white plaid ribbon and faux cranberry picks. For a botanical boost, potted junipers are added to either side of the photograph, adding an aromatic effect to the room.

Pop for Pop Art

To add a splashy aesthetic to this mantel, it's first covered in stark white garland, then accessorized with high-energy hues — appearing in everything from its hanging ornaments to vases filled with colorful candy.

Create a Stately Swag

A classic pine and juniper swag invites organic texture and wintry charm to this otherwise minimal fireplace façade. Below, a collection of ivory pillar candles contrasts against the inky-black firebox and washes the room in a soft, golden glow.

Or, Layer Grocery Store Greenery

To create a full, fresh garland — without worrying about sticky pine sap, rely on silver dollar or seeded eucalyptus. Bunches of this long-lasting greenery can be found at your local grocery store and, bonus, it smells amazing and will fill your living room with a fresh, clean scent.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Try a Fresh Color Palette

Green is nowhere to be seen in this Santa-ready sitting room. The traditional holiday hue gets the boot and is replaced by a moody, midnight-blue alternative for an unexpected fireplace display. A saturated blue garland shines against the classic mantel and enlivens the space with twinkling lights and a mix of glossy and matte maroon baubles.

Wrapped in Ribbon

This traditional fireplace was transformed for the holidays with a faux greenery garland, gold and silver metallic accents, splashes of red and vases filled with ornaments. Our favorite touch? The ruby ribbon tied into a classic holiday bow on each shaded sconce.

From: Lauren Jacobsen

All That Glitters

A glamorous garland falls over the edge of this ornate mantel for a striking seasonal display. The garland boasts bronze berries, golden ribbon, glossy amethyst ornaments and glowing string lights intertwined with a variety of faux evergreen branches.

From: BlueGrayGal

Rustic Glam

This rustic, stone living room is all decked out for Christmas. A mix of store-bought and handmade stockings are hung from the mantel while decorative trees, candles and greenery draw attention to the illuminated star above.

Holly Jolly

Handmade stockings, mini evergreen topiaries and a variety of silver and gold ornaments come together to create this traditional Christmas mantel.

Airy Elegance

A palette of white, gray and charcoal helps to blend seasonal trappings with this minimal room's year-round decor. Subtle earthy color is added with a trio of foam cones covered in fringed raffia trim.

All Natural

To get festive for free, head outside with some clippers to gather cedar branches. Accent the DIY garland with white pillar candles and fresh roses for an organic, natural look.

See More Photos: How to Make Holiday Garland From Foraged Greenery

From: HGTV Magazine

Collected Charm

A mix of rustic and vintage items give this mantel a collected-over-time look. Instead of evergreen boughs, woodsy tree cuttings and spruce clippings add seasonal liveliness.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Joy to the World

For strong, graphic impact, designer Britany Simon created a lighting installation from three cardboard letters and industrial globe string lights. Once illuminated, the trio of letters instantly becomes the room's focal point.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Traditional Trimmings

This formal, wood-trimmed living room is prepped for Christmas morning with a slew of snow-white stockings, a texture-rich cypress garland and twin Old World Santas standing guard on the mantel. A shimmery champagne wreath dangles from a gilt mirror to complete the fireplace display.

From: Leah Atkins Design

Garnished With Greenery

Add a natural touch to your mantel with a fresh boxwood topiary and wreath. They're easy to assemble and can be left plain or embellished with holiday ornaments and trim. Our tutorial, below, shows you how to craft them yourself.

Get the How-To: How to Make Boxwood Christmas Topiaries

From: Marian Parsons

Traditional Touch

Combine crushed velvets, rich patterns and deep crimson colors to create a timeless look you'll enjoy for years to come.

Haute Stocking Hangers

Sometimes it's all about the small details. This mantel's blue, silver and white color scheme stands out against the warm natural stone, but the real stars of this scene are the customized chalkboard stocking hangers. Make your own with our instructions, below.

Get the How-To: How to Make Chalkboard Stocking Hangers

From: Marian Parsons

Incorporate Organic Elegance

Earth tones and natural elements create a cozy and relaxing setting. Get the same look by combining natural textures like burlap, wood and evergreens.

Neutral Stockings

Take the less-is-more approach with your mantel by hanging stockings in neutral shades of gray and white. Whenever color isn't the main focus, it's smart to stick with stockings in neutral tones that offer lots of texture or timeless patterns.

Photo By: Photography by David A. Land; styling by Matthew Gleason

Photo By: David A. Land

Photo By: Kim Cornelison

Photo By: David Christensen

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn, FlynnsideOut

Photo By: Cassidy Garcia; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Photo By: Kim Cornelison (styled by Heather Bullard)

Photo By: Jalynn Baker

Photo By: H. Camille Smith

Photo By: Rennai Hoefer

Photo By: Kerrie Kelly

Photo By: Cassidy Garcia; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Photo By: Robert Peterson, Rustic White Photography

Photo By: Cassidy Garcia; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Photo By: Lisa Romerein

Photo By: Image courtesy of French Country Cottage

Photo By: Daniel Contelmo Jr.

Photo By: Kerrie Kelly

Photo By: Cassidy Garcia; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Photo By: Robert Peterson, Rustic White Photography

Photo By: Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Photo By: Robert Peterson, Rustic White Photography

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Photo By: Grace Laird

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Photo By: Rustic White Photography

Photo By: Cassidy Garcia

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Photo By: Wynn Myers

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn, FlynnsideOut

Photo By: Rustic White Photography

Photo By: Jessica Sterling Photography

Photo By: Sara D Harper; Courtesy of Kelly Page

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Photo By: Photography by David A. Land; styling by Matthew Gleason

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Photo By: Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn

Photo By: Rennai Hoefer

Photo By: Rustic White Photography

55 Christmas Mantel Decorating Ideas

Related To:

Freshen Up Your Fireplace for Christmas

Add Woodsy Touches

Black + White: Pick a Classic Color Combo

Take an Understated Approach

Add Organic Opulence

Plan for Pets

Incorporate Just a Pinch of Kitsch

Upcycle a Very Merry Village

Mix In Vintage Finds

Create a Snowy Scene

Cue All the Colors

Or, Try Trad and True

Don't Forget the Hearth

Get Festive for (Nearly!) Free

Work Around the TV

Include Santa's Helpers

Go Au Naturel

Or, Mix Fresh With Faux

And, Light It Up

Long Mantel? Spread Out the Cheer

Deck Out the Outdoors, Too

Honor Your Home's Location

Work In Fresh-Cut Flowers

And, Pile On the Poinsettias

Make a Spirited Statement

Create Timeless Appeal

Add Frosty Touches

Make It Fiery + Festive

Or, Opt for Pretty + Peaceful

For the Kids

Make It Farm(house) Fresh

Go Faux

Or, Chalk It Up

Cue the Candles

Foraged + Fresh

A Classic Christmas (Color) Story

Scandi Stockings + Boho Beading

Go Rustic Chic

Pop for Pop Art

Create a Stately Swag

Or, Layer Grocery Store Greenery

Try a Fresh Color Palette

Wrapped in Ribbon

All That Glitters

Rustic Glam

Holly Jolly

Airy Elegance

All Natural

Collected Charm

Joy to the World

Traditional Trimmings

Garnished With Greenery

Traditional Touch

Haute Stocking Hangers

Incorporate Organic Elegance

Neutral Stockings

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