Decorating Ideas For Christmas Mantels

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60 Simple, But Festive Christmas Mantel Decor Ideas

Easy, eye-catching ways to enhance your mantel.

The mantel is where you hang your stockings with care, but there's so much more that can be done to this space—whether there's a TV on top, a fireplace underneath, or none of the above. In fact, we'd venture to say neglecting your mantel is a real missed opportunity to add festive Christmas decorations to your home.

You don't have to be a professional decorator to get it right. There are tons of Christmas mantel decor ideas that are simple enough for novices, but make a serious statement above your fireplace.

If you love the rustic farmhouse or country aesthetic (both trendy for 2021), lean on traditional colors, vintage signs, and natural elements like birch. If your space is more modern and you have a TV above your mantel, hone in on contemporary ideas—like using jewel tones and wintery silver instead of the more customary reds and greens. And, if you simply like to indulge your inner child during this time of year (who doesn't!), why not go for something truly whimsical—like placing rainbow-colored felt garland or even a fun holiday DIY, like a marquee sign, on your mantel?

The moral of the story: If you can dream it, you can do it—and these inspirational images are proof.

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Hang Stockings From a Special Arrangement

Rather than drill holes into your mantel, DIY a special arrangement of frosted Christmas greenery and affix hooks onto the side from which to hang your stockings.

See more at The Turquoise Home.

SHOP WOODEN CRATE

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Try a New Take on Holiday Lights

If you turn to the classic strand of twinkling white year after year, why not try something a little more playful this season? This graphic DIY sign is surprisingly simple to make and is actually quite chic.

See more at A Beautiful Mess.

SHOP LIGHTS

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Swap in Seasonal Artwork

For a vignette that'll last beyond December 25, consider propping up artwork that skews more seasonal (like this snowy scene) rather than overtly holiday-specific.

See more at The Turquoise Home.

SHOP ART

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Consider a Minimalist Vibe

If this sleek Christmas mantel proves anything, it's that embracing minimalism isn't scrooge-like. A bit of greenery, a graphic holiday banner, and a few accessories go a long way.

See more at The Merry Thought.

SHOP FELT

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Play With Textures

Finger knitting is a fun DIY project that comes together faster than the traditional art form. And multiple strands of garland add contemporary flair to your mantel—especially when paired with contrasting textures like bottle brush trees.

See more at Lovely Indeed.

SHOP YARN

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Use Command Hooks to Create a Fuller-Looking Garland

Store-bought garland tends to look sparse, but there's a quick trick to giving it a lusher, livelier look: attach a series of Command hooks to your mantel, so you can string multiple strands together to look like one.

See more at The Turquoise Home.

SHOP COMMAND HOOKS

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Fill the Fireplace

If the fireplace is no longer functional, why not use that space in an interesting way? Stacked logs are not only eye-catching, but also add that element of coziness you're missing when the hearth is stark and empty. Bonus: Because this does so much for the aesthetic of the space, you don't need much on your mantel.

See more at Sugar & Cloth.

SHOP NUTCRACKERS

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Weave in Unexpected Greenery

Evergreen is nice—but it's entirely expected. To fill out any pine garland, plus add a bit of texture and whimsy, pepper in sprigs of sweet-smelling eucalyptus.

See more at The Merry Thought.

SHOP EUCALYPTUS STEMS

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Play With Pastels

Softer hues like baby pink and turquoise aren't the first shades you consider when you think Christmas, but the muted colors play beautifully off of twinkling white lights.

See more at Lovely Indeed.

SHOP GARLAND

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Try a Woodland Theme

For a farmhouse chic Christmas mantel, combine elevated decor—like gilded garland—with woodland accents. Think: animal figurines, feathers, natural wood, and more.

See more at Design Improvised.

SHOP FEATHER TREE

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Incorporate Birch Accents

There's something so magical about a birch forest all decked in snow. Bring that ambiance inside by decorating your mantel with birch logs and candles, plus other natural elements, like evergreen and winter berries.

See more at Craftberry Bush.

SHOP BIRCH LOGS

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Make a Cool DIY Sign

For a playful touch that's truly unique, create your very own retro marquee featuring a pink sports car carrying a lit Christmas tree. Complete the look with a sheepskin blanket, a pom-pom garland, and metallic accessories.

Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.

SHOP STRING LIGHTS

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Experiment With Southwestern Flair

If you live in a warm climate, you don't have to force the traditional snowy scene. This unique Southwestern theme leans on neutral tones, dark greens, and modern Christmas decor—and it totally works.

Get the tutorial at Hey Wanderer.

SHOP STAR LANTERN

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Try a Rainbow of Colors

Experiment with colors that go way beyond the traditional green and red. Just keep it simple if you go this bold—opt for a fun veneer wood garland and a handful of accent pieces, like bottle brush trees or a small Christmas village. This works well if you have a TV above your mantel becuase it has a lower profile.

Get the tutorial at A Kailo Chic Life.

SHOP BOTTLE BRUSH TREES

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Opt for Magnolia Leaves

Want to expand your horizons this year? Instead of an evergreen wreath, try putting one made of magnolia leaves above your mantel. To add a little holiday spirit, nestle a wooden sign—like one that says "joy" or "peace"—in the middle.

See more at The Turquoise Home.

SHOP WREATH

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Go All In on Wooden Accents

When your fireplace isn't in working order, fill it with wood circles for a really cool, rustic style. Additional wooden accents, like candle holders and beaded garland, tie the look together.

See more at Bless This Nest.

SHOP BEADED GARLAND

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Go With Graphic Black and White

Black doesn't have to feel dark and depressing. In fact, this moody look does nothing more than make us want to cuddle up next to the tree with a cup of cocoa.

See more at anazagastydesignsco.

SHOP STOCKINGS

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Make Glittered Mason Jars

If you have a TV above your mantel, avoid any big, bulky decorations that might obstruct your view. We love the idea of flanking your tech with a stunning DIY, like a cluster of these glittered mason jars.

Get the tutorial at A Pumpkin and a Princess.

SHOP MASON JARS

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Play With an Unexpected Color

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Use Tiered Candles

A nice, bushy garland always looks good draped across the mantel, but an array of tiered candles adds a cozy farmhouse vibe that really brings the look together.

Get the tutorial at Lily Pad Cottage.

SHOP CANDLE HOLDERS

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Add a Kraft Paper Scroll

Browns, creams, and greens give this Christmas mantel an upscale country vibe. We love the idea of adding a kraft paper scroll to write out your favorite holiday phrase or greeting. (If you don't love your handwriting, use stamps or stencils for a cleaner finish.)

See more at Rustic Rose Homestead.

SHOP KRAFT PAPER ROLL

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Embellish Existing Decor

If your mantel typically features a deer head (faux or otherwise), here's a simple decorating idea: Add a red pom-pom nose inspired by Rudolph's.

Get the tutorial at The Paper Mama.

SHOP RED POM-POM

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Hang Graphic Prints

For one of the most budget-friendly (and simple) decorating ideas, line your mantel with printable Christmas art. The options are endless, from typography to seasonal illustrations.

See more at In My Own Style.

SHOP PRINTABLE POSTERS

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Hone In on Neutrals

Make a farmhouse fireplace shine without the bright colors normally associated with the holiday. All you need: cream-colored accents with plenty of texture. Think tasseled stockings, beaded garland, and bottle brush trees.

See more at drab.to.dreamy.

SHOP DECORATIVE TREES

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Go Asymmetrical With Your Garland

Rather than center everything on your mantel, let garland or greenery cascade to a single side for a romantic look you'll never want to part with. This works well if you have a TV over your fireplace.

See more at Love Resides Here.

SHOP CANDLESTICKS

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Try Something Simple

When your living room has a vibe that already suits the holiday, you don't need much. Here, a simple pinecone studded garland on the mantel perfectly complements the green walls and the dark wooden accents.

See more at The Albert Project.

SHOP GARLAND

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DIY a Garland Advent Calendar

Here's a fun design idea kids and adults alike will love: a garland that doubles as a DIY advent calendar. This way, you'll have pretty decor and they'll have something fun to crack into while they're counting down the days until Christmas.

Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.

SHOP STAR-SHAPED BOXES

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Go Big

Make a real statement with a lit garland so big that you can't even see your mantel anymore. Complete the look with a matching wreath and equally large branches.

See more at 2 Ladies and a Chair.

SHOP WILLOW BRANCHES

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Stick to Low-Lying Garland

Just because you have a TV doesn't mean you have to forgo garland. To make it work, simply choose a thin, low-lying garland. Just pick one with a variety of accents, like berries and pinecones to ensure it doesn't look sparse.

See more at fleurdelicia.decor.

SHOP GARLAND

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Embrace Lights

Just imagine how cozy your space will feel at night if all of your mantel decor is decked out with twinkling white Christmas lights.

See more at marlydice.

SHOP STRING LIGHTS

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