Entertaining + Holiday
43 Christmas Mantel Ideas To Brighten Your Space
‘Tis the season for decking the halls. While we say deck it all—and love to make a case for decorating everything—the usual suspects for holiday flair are classic for a reason. And rivaled only by the tree itself: the mantel. It’s the perfect canvas for layering on your personal style. While the possibilities are endless, we rounded up 43 of our favorite Christmas mantel ideas to help inspire and get your home in the holiday spirit.
Pick a theme
A Christmas decor theme is important for a cohesive look throughout your space. Your mantel is no exception. Here are some of our favorite Christmas mantel decor ideas.
1. Create a monochrome moment
Winter whites—a cool mix of snow-white, creams and metallic silvers—define this look. This Christmas mantel will coordinate well with most existing home decor, while giving you room to have a little fun. Play up a mix of texture, shape and scale, and make it pop with one bright splash of evergreen.
2. Stick with the classics
Red and green adornments, pinecone garland and visions of sugar plum fairies are some of the many classic symbols of the holiday season. If you’re more of a traditionalist when it comes to home decor or you just love the classic looks of Christmas, this is the theme for you! Look for decor with classic hues and holiday shapes.
3. Craft a whimsical woodland
Whether you have kids or just love the magic of the holiday season, opt for showcasing woodland creature figurines and natural features. Warm wood tones help bring this Christmas mantel idea together. This is a great look for a space with lots of natural light or a minimal home decor theme.
4. Go with glitz
We can hardly wait for the magic of the season to finally arrive, and nothing gets us in the holiday spirit more than a bold mantel display full of glitz and glam. Glittering candle holders and sparkling twinkle lights are your go-to Christmas decor items. Let your mantel pop and shimmer with this bold theme.
5. Make it modern
Whether the rest of your space already speaks loudly enough or you just don’t know where to start with your Christmas decor, a sleek modern and minimal theme is a great option. Showcase a few of your favorite candles and holiday baubles for a simple yet seasonal approach. It’s an easy Christmas mantel decor idea to add for later if you want!
Set the scene
Here are some of our favorite ways to set the scene with your Christmas mantel ideas.
6. Pick the perfect stockings…
Coordinate Christmas stockings for everyone or let each person’s individuality shine with their own unique stocking.
7. ...and hang them with care
The last thing you want to be bothered with is nailing holes in your mantel. For the easiest and most stress-free option, go for stocking hangers that can sit on top of your mantel. It’s a great way to add a little extra holiday pizazz to your space as well and coordinate with the rest of your theme.
8. Drape garland
No matter your theme, Christmas mantel garland is a must-have. It can be a simple accent to the rest of your decor or be the bold centerpiece your space needs. Drape it across the top of your mantel, let it hang beautifully below or mount it above the fireplace to frame the entire space.
9. Display your favorite ornaments
Whether you have a tree this year or not, your mantel is the perfect place to display a small collection of Christmas ornaments. Pick out a few coordinating baubles and trinkets, then arrange them on a festive tray for a merry and bright Christmas display.
10. Set up a nativity scene
Set up a classic nativity set or create your own modern variation. Display the scene across the top of your mantel, arranged with small candle votives to add a bit of brightness.
11. Put up your favorite figurines
If you’re going the less traditional route this year, pick out some animal figurines to help set the scene. Reindeer, snowmen, nutcrackers, snow globes, you name it—a fun display of some of your favorite holiday-themed figures is just what your mantel needs to pop this year.
Hang a Christmas wreath
Wreaths are some of our favorite pieces of Christmas decor and they do so much. Check out these elegant Christmas mantel ideas for your space.
12. Opt for a classic
A classic wreath with pinecones, faux snow or poinsettia blooms screams “Christmas.” This is the perfect option if you’re going with a more traditional Christmas theme this year, or if you just don’t know where to start! This design will coordinate well with lots of other decor, so you can’t go wrong.
13. Make a modern statement
Looking for something a little different this year? A geometric metal wreath is the perfect choice. This is a great option if you’re looking for a more subtle theme or have other bold statements throughout your space. Get creative and weave twinkle lights around it for an extra bit of glitter.
14. Hang some sparkle
Nothing makes it feel like the holidays like a little bit of glitz and glam in the form of a glittering wreath. This is the statement piece your Christmas mantel decor needs, especially if you’re going for a bold theme this year. Accent it with a few candles or strands of twinkle lights for the ultimate sparkle.
15. Go natural
If you live somewhere it doesn’t get cold, a non-traditional wreath may be a better fit for your home. Opt for eucalyptus leaves or dried herbs for a natural yet seasonal look. This is a great option if you want to have your fall harvest decor blend seamlessly into the Christmas season.
16. Mix traditional with glam
Want both a classic and festive look? A wreath that mixes styles is a great way to lean into the holiday spirit. You can make a statement while staying true to the season, and this wreath can quickly liven up any blank wall.
Think merry & bright
Christmas lights are the most versatile holiday decor of all. Here are some of our simple Christmas mantel ideas that will add a little bit of sparkle to your holiday decor.
17. Light a candle
Start simple and display some candles across your mantel. Coordinate with elegant votives and filled candles to add some warm light. Add in an oil diffuser with a seasonal scent to complete the display and get your home in the holiday spirit.
18. Opt for elegance
Going for a more traditional look this year? Candelabras offer a bit of elegance and glamor to your space, perfect for a bold, glittering holiday decor theme. We also recommend these if you have tall ceilings.
19. Go for flameless
Worried about knocking over a lit candle, or can’t burn candles in your rented apartment? We get it. Opt for flameless candles to achieve the same look without the stress. Plus, you can keep the warm glow going all season—just don’t forget to change the batteries!
20. Twinkle, twinkle
Arranging twinkle lights across your mantel is an easy way to get the warm glow of the Christmas season. Weave it into your garland, dangle it over your stocking holders or let it sit on its own for a clean, minimal look.
21. Let it glow
Take your candles (traditional or flameless) to the next level with tabletop lanterns. These are perfect for adding a bit of dimension to your space and elevating the amount of sparkle. This classic look is perfect for any elegant Christmas decor display.
22. Hang paper lanterns
Turn things up a notch with hanging lanterns. If you have the ability to do so, string some lanterns over your fireplace to coordinate with the rest of your decor and add an extra level of drama. Intertwine the display with strands of twinkle lights and you’ll be set for a magical holiday.
Let your personality shine
Don’t be afraid to show off your personality! Here are some of our favorite ways to incorporate personal style into holiday decor.
23. Frame your favorite family photos
The holidays are all about spending time with those you love, so why not give them center stage on the mantel? Arrange your favorite family photos from the past year or some of the most notable snaps from Christmas over the years. Add holiday cards from loved ones to the display as they land in your mailbox.
24. Decorate around your favorite art
Does your mantel showcase a favorite art piece? Use it as inspiration, and pick out a few decorations in a complimentary palette or style.
25. Let kids’ artwork shine
Are your kids crafting holiday art aplenty? Gather around the table to make some holiday-themed creations as a family and then display them in whimsical frames across the mantel.
26. Coordinate your frames
Display holiday photos of Christmases past in a few picture frames that coordinate with each other. Add a bit of sparkle with some metallic frames, or opt for natural hues to accent your woodland wonderland decor theme.
Decorate your wall
Some mantels are on the smaller side and can’t hold a lot of decor. No worries! Here are some of our favorite tips for using the wall above your mantel to accomplish the perfect holiday look.
27. Send season’s greetings
Usher in the season with a merry sentiment. Hang this garland above your fireplace or above the mantel itself. (Just be sure not to hang it too close to the fire—you don’t want a hazard on your hands!)
28. Hang wall decor
Be bold with your wall decor and opt for a sculptural piece of wall art or a soft woven wall hanging. There are endless options based on your theme: bold and metallic for a glitzy theme, or soft and elegant for a more natural look.
29. Accentuate with a mirror
Nothing helps a space feel bigger than a wall mirror. Hang one above your mantel to reflect the glowing candlelight and the rest of your Christmas mantel decor. Bonus: Hang garland or twinkle lights around the mirror frame for an even more elegant look.
Incorporate holiday greenery
Green is a staple hue of the season, so be sure to showcase the greenery you already have with some of our favorite ideas below.
30. Outdoor plants
If you’re afraid of your patio plants freezing outside, bring them in! Arrange your smallest planters across the mantel. Who doesn’t want a mini herb garden above their fireplace?
31. Indoor plants
Along the same lines, if you live in a warmer climate, let your indoor plants act as your holiday greenery. Get a little festive and swap out your usual indoor planter for a holiday-themed design, perfect for a house with kids.
32. Faux flowers
No green thumb? No problem. A statement-making vase with faux botanicals along your mantel will help bring the holiday spirit in with no maintenance required. Play with shape and scale—the more oversized, the better.
Creative Christmas ideas
Time to have some fun. Here are some creative Christmas mantel ideas for decorating this season.
33. Put up your tree
We know how tricky it can be to decorate in a small space, let alone fit a huge tree in your living room! Let your mantel hold your Christmas tree this year and go for a small tabletop design. If you don’t have room on your mantel or don’t have a mantel at all, you can create a mantel moment on a console table.
34. Display gifts
On a similar note, let your mantel hold your gifts. If you and your partner like to go minimal on how many gifts you buy each other, this is the perfect spot! Let is showcase a few of your small trinkets, like gift cards.
35. Display a seasonal dish set
If you have a special collection of dishware or just love bringing out your holiday plates every year, display them on your mantel. If they were passed down to you, it’ll be special for visiting family to see them out on display.
36. Showcase your barware
Whether you love eggnog or prefer champagne, your barware is a special part of the holiday season, so why not show it off? If you’re having a party this year, use your mantel as your bar. Display your favorite glassware and bar tools on the buffet table next to your fireplace so guests know exactly where to go when they need a refreshment.
37. Get inspired by your favorite holiday playlist
What are the holidays without a festive soundtrack? Use your favorite Christmas records as artwork and display them across your mantel all season long—the perfect backdrop for rockin’ around the Christmas tree.
38. Curate a Christmas library
There are plenty of Christmas books to enjoy every year, especially if you’re reading to your kids every night before bed. Display some of your family’s favorite titles across the mantel between a pair of elegant bookends.
39. Opt for a modern menorah
If you celebrate multiple holidays in your household, let them all be showcased. Display your family’s menorah on the mantel next to some of your favorite Christmas decor for a cohesive and elegant look.
40. Catch it all
If you have kids in your family, keeping holiday traditions alive is a fun part of the Christmas season. Keep a seasonal cookie plate on the mantel so you always have a place to put cookies for Santa.
Don’t forget the essentials
Last but not least, finish the look with a pulled-together suite of essentials for tending to a fire so delightful. Consider these accessories for your hearth.
41. Fireplace screen
An elegant fireplace screen will help keep any stray sparks out of your living room. Plus, it gives you the chance to show off your personality a little bit more, whether you like bold patterns or prefer a more subtle detail.
42. Fire-tending tools
Don’t forget to coordinate your fireplace tools! A set with a pop of gold on the handles will complement any metallic tones in your Christmas decor. Be well prepared for any snow day that blows in.
43. Firewood holder
Finally, complete the look of your fireplace with a firewood holder. Whether you like to actually burn fires all season long or not, it’s a great accessory. It can also hold some of your Christmas decor!
Ready to start decorating? We are too! It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and your mantel is a great place to start adding your favorite seasonal looks. If you need more inspiration, check out our guide for easy holiday decorating.
