A decorated fireplace instantly sets the mood for Christmas. The glow, the textures, and the small styling choices can turn a simple mantel into the centre of your holiday décor. Whether your space is small or spacious, these styling ideas help you create a magical, inviting look that’s easy to achieve. Each tip is simple, practical, and designed to help you use what you already have while adding small festive touches that feel warm and cosy.
1. Classic Green Garland Draped Across the Mantel
A classic green garland is the easiest way to style your Christmas fireplace. It frames the mantel beautifully and gives your space a natural, festive look. Choose real or faux greenery depending on your preference. If you want more fullness, tuck in extra branches from outdoor clippings or add eucalyptus for contrast. Use soft fairy lights to give the garland a warm glow. Add pinecones for texture or tie small ribbons onto a few sections. If you’re on a budget, buy a simple garland and layer inexpensive branches from craft stores. Let the garland hang slightly over the edges of the mantel for a relaxed look. This idea works with almost every décor style and instantly makes the room feel warm and inviting.
2. Stockings in Neutral Colours
Neutral stockings bring calm and softness to your fireplace styling. Choose shades like cream, beige, grey, or soft taupe. The subtle colours keep the space looking tidy even when the rest of the décor is colourful. Knit stockings add texture and warmth, while simple cotton or linen versions work well for a clean look. You can personalise them with small wooden tags or single sprigs of greenery if you want a more thoughtful touch. For a DIY option, sew your own stockings using leftover fabric or old sweaters. Hang them evenly across the mantel or in small clusters. Pair them with natural garlands and soft lighting to create a serene and cosy Christmas mood.
3. Candles in Varying Heights
Candles add a warm, magical glow to your fireplace setup. Mix tall tapers, short votives, and medium pillar candles to create layers. Keep the colours simple — white, cream, or soft gold work best. You can place them directly on the mantel or use candle holders for more structure. Battery-powered candles are a safe and affordable option that still look beautiful. If you want to add more charm, place a few candles inside lanterns or glass hurricanes. Spread them evenly across the mantel but leave a little space around each one to avoid a crowded look. The soft lighting makes the entire room feel warm and festive.
4. Vintage-Style Lanterns on Each Side
Lanterns bring height and charm to your fireplace styling. Place one on each end of the mantel or on the floor beside the hearth. Choose aged metal, brass, or wooden lanterns for a nostalgic feel. Add candles inside — real or battery-powered — to create a gentle glow. For a budget-friendly version, paint inexpensive lanterns in muted tones. You can also fill lanterns with fairy lights or small ornaments if you want extra sparkle. Lanterns anchor the space and help balance the rest of your décor, making the fireplace look more finished and intentional.
5. Layered Garland with Ornaments
A layered garland filled with ornaments adds fullness and colour to your fireplace. Start with a simple green garland as your base. Then tuck in small ornaments like matte baubles, bells, and ribbon ties. Use a mix of sizes for more depth. Choose one colour palette to avoid a busy look. Gold, silver, champagne, or red are easy choices. If you want a DIY approach, reuse old ornaments or repaint mismatched ones. Place fairy lights through the garland for a warm glow. This style works well for those who love a fuller, more decorated Christmas mantel without making the room feel overwhelming.
6. Minimal White-and-Wood Style
A minimal white-and-wood styling approach feels calm and cosy. Use white candles, wooden accents, and simple greenery. This combination works well in both modern and rustic homes. Choose white stockings, wooden picture frames, or light-toned garlands. Keep everything evenly spaced to maintain a clean look. If you’re decorating on a budget, use thrifted wooden bowls or recycled wood pieces. Add one or two simple statement items instead of many small decorations. This style creates a soft, peaceful Christmas atmosphere that’s easy to maintain.
7. Oversized Fireplace Mirror
An oversized mirror instantly brightens your fireplace styling. Place it above the mantel to reflect your lights and greenery. Choose a simple wooden frame for a rustic look or a gold frame for something classic. If your mirror feels too new, distress the frame lightly with sandpaper. Mirrors make the room feel more open and highlight your decorations. Add garland draped across the top or place candles on the mantel that reflect into the mirror for extra glow. It’s a simple, effective way to add warmth without needing many decorations.
8. Statement Bow or Ribbon Garland
A statement ribbon bow or ribbon garland adds colour and softness to your fireplace. Choose velvet or satin for a rich look. Deep red, forest green, or champagne are great colours. Drape the ribbon loosely across the mantel or tie one oversized bow in the centre. Add small bows along the garland to balance the look. If you want to keep things affordable, use craft-store ribbon or repurpose leftover gift ribbon. This idea adds charm without needing many decorations.
9. Hanging Bells
Hanging bells bring a nostalgic sound and a touch of rustic charm. Tie them with twine or ribbon and hang them from the garland or mantel hooks. Choose aged brass or muted metal tones. They pair nicely with greenery, wood accents, and candles. For a DIY idea, use inexpensive craft bells and distress them with paint for an aged look. Bells give your mantel personality without cluttering the space.
10. Faux Snow Accents
Faux snow brings a wintry, magical look to your fireplace. Sprinkle it lightly across the mantel or add snow-dusted greenery. Use white bottle-brush trees, frosted ornaments, or snowflake accents. You can create your own faux snow using baking soda and a little dish soap to form a soft powder. Keep the palette white, silver, and green to maintain a soft, snowy theme. This style works best in rooms with natural light or warm fairy lights.
11. Mini Christmas Village
A mini Christmas village adds charm and storytelling to your fireplace. Arrange small houses, trees, and tiny figurines across the mantel. Add fairy lights behind the village to give it a magical glow. You can start small with just two or three pieces and build your collection over time. For a DIY version, cut house shapes from cardboard and paint them in muted colours. This idea creates a cosy scene that guests love to admire during the holidays.
12. Gold or Brass Accents
Gold or brass accents bring warmth and shine to your mantel styling. Add metallic candle holders, small ornaments, or touches of gold ribbon. Keep the rest of the palette soft with neutrals or greenery so the metal pieces stand out. If you’re on a budget, spray-paint old décor pieces in gold. Place a few metallic touches across the mantel to create a cohesive look without overwhelming the space.
13. Rustic Wood Logs in the Hearth
Even if you don’t plan to light a fire, stacked wood brings warmth and texture to your fireplace. Use real logs, birch rounds, or painted faux-wood pieces. Arrange them neatly for a tidy look or pile them naturally for a more relaxed style. You can also wrap logs with twine for a small decorative touch. Wood in the hearth pairs well with rustic themes, minimalist décor, or farmhouse styling.
14. Taper Candles in Brass Holders
Taper candles bring elegance and height to your mantel. Use brass holders for a nostalgic touch. Mix different heights for movement and interest. Place them across the mantel with small gaps in between. Add greenery behind them for a soft backdrop. Battery-powered tapers are a safe option and still look beautiful. This look pairs especially well with gold ribbons, bells, or neutral stockings.
15. Statement Artwork Above the Mantel
A statement artwork piece ties your whole fireplace together. Choose a holiday-themed print or a simple winter scene. You can also print free vintage art and frame it for a budget-friendly option. Keep the artwork large enough to anchor the space. Pair it with a simple garland or candles so the wall remains the focal point. This creates a calm, balanced look that works in both small and large rooms.
16. Mixed Garland Textures
Mixing different garland textures gives your fireplace a fuller, more interesting look. Combine pine, eucalyptus, cedar, or berry stems. Tuck in dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, or small bells for extra charm. This idea works well when your garland feels flat or too simple. You can mix faux and real greenery depending on what you have. Keep the palette natural so the textures stand out.
17. Soft Fairy Lights Woven Into Decor
Fairy lights instantly make the fireplace feel magical. Choose warm-white lights for the softest glow. Weave them through your garland, around stockings, or across artwork. Battery-powered options hide easily, so you don’t deal with visible wires. If you want even more glow, add a second strand behind the decorations to create depth. This simple step transforms the entire mantel at night.
18. Candle-Lit Lanterns on the Floor
Lanterns placed on the floor add warmth and structure. Choose tall lanterns so they create height beside the fireplace. Add candles inside or fill them with fairy lights. You can also use ornaments or pine branches inside for a decorative fill. For an affordable version, use thrifted lanterns or paint old ones in muted tones. This idea works beautifully for homes with wide hearths or empty floor space.
19. Black-and-White Holiday Styling
A black-and-white theme brings a clean, modern holiday look. Use black stockings, white candles, and neutral artwork. Add greenery for softness so the palette doesn’t feel stark. If you’re on a budget, paint old decorations in black or white for a cohesive look. This style is simple, stylish, and works well in contemporary homes.
20. Hanging Snowflakes Above the Mantel
Hanging snowflakes create a magical floating effect. Use paper, wooden, or metal snowflakes. Hang them with clear fishing line at different heights. Place them above the mantel or stagger them across the wall. If you’re making your own, cut snowflakes from thick paper and paint them in soft white. This idea adds height and movement without taking up mantel space.
21. Cozy Faux Fur Accents
Faux fur accents bring softness and warmth to your Christmas fireplace. Use fur stockings, small fur-trimmed decorations, or a fur throw draped over the hearth. Choose muted tones like white, beige, or grey. Faux fur pairs well with natural garlands, candles, and brass accents. It adds texture without overpowering the space and makes the room feel extra cosy for winter.
Conclusion
A beautifully styled fireplace can transform your entire living room during Christmas. Whether you prefer a traditional look or something soft and minimal, small changes like candles, greenery, ribbons, or lanterns make a big difference. These ideas help you create warmth, charm, and a magical glow using simple pieces you may already have. Start with one or two tips, build your look, and enjoy a cosy, inviting fireplace all season long.
Emily Parker is a home décor enthusiast and design blogger who believes every space deserves a touch of warmth and personality. With a love for cozy neutrals, modern textures, and DIY styling, she shares simple, beautiful ways to make your home feel like you. When she’s not rearranging throw pillows, you’ll find her hunting vintage finds or sipping coffee while planning her next room refresh.
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