27 MAGICAL CHRISTMAS MANTEL DECORATING IDEAS
Give your fireplace a festive makeover for the holidays with these 27 insanely cute and elegant Christmas mantel decorating ideas that are sure to impress guests.
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The holiday season is fast approaching. It feels like this year has gone by in a blink of an eye. I don’t know if that’s just me but, as much as I am dreading the cold weather, I cannot wait to decorate my apartment for the holidays.
My absolute favorite space to decorate is the fireplace. It’s where I spend most of my time (next to my bedroom), so I like to keep that area looking as good as it can. It’s also the focal point of the living room and where guests will generally sit down and chat, so it needs to be in tip-top shape.
One of my absolute favorite ways to decorate the mantel is by incorporating natural elements like twigs and pine cones. Plus, you don’t even have to spend money on those since you can find plenty outdoors for free!
If you’ve been searching for cute and classy Christmas mantel decorating ideas to recreate, then keep on reading. I’ve gathered over 25 of the best Christmas fireplace decor ideas that’ll guarantee compliments. From simple and minimal to all-out and whimsical ideas, there is something in here for everyone.
CHRISTMAS MANTEL DECORATING IDEAS
1. COZY MANTEL DECOR
It’s not a Christmas mantel without adding a few festive garlands to the mix. Add some bells on each end to give it a rustic look.
I absolutely love the arched window pane on the mantel as well. It adds to the rustic look of the space. Add a couple of mini trees and a cute sign to finish the look.
2. LAYERED MIRRORS AND MINI TREES
I love the look of the layered mirrors on this mantel. It gives it such a beautiful farmhouse/antique-y look.
My absolute favorite mirror to recreate this type of inspo is the Anthropology one but that is way too expensive.
The great thing though, is there are lots of dupes on Amazon that look fabulous and are affordable. Place some mini trees and candles in front for the finishing touch.
3. FAUX RED BERRIES AND BELLS
Looking for simple Christmas mantel decorating ideas? Look no further because I’ve found one that is both cheap and pretty.
Incorporate faux red berry stems on the ends of your mantel. Red berries are one the most popular and traditional Christmas decorations so it only makes sense to add them.
Finish it off with some bells on one side of the mantel.
4. FAIRY LIGHTS AND HANGING BELLS
Add the perfect amount of illumination with fairy lights. You can get them from Amazon for a really affordable price. And, the hanging bells are a great addition as well.
This is also great for those who don’t want to add a bunch of decorations but still want it to look good.
5. LAYERED GARLANDS
Have you seen garlands look this good? Layering your garlands is a great way to give it a more cozy and fluffy look. This truly looks incredible.
Add some wooden figurines and mini trees to complete the look.
6. ADD A LARGE PICTURE/SIGN
If you have empty wall space above your mantel, one easy way to fill it up is by incorporating a large picture or sign.
For Christmas, buy a more holiday-themed sign from Etsy or Amazon. You can also just frame your family portrait or an aesthetic picture of a snowy hilltop.
7. GOLD ACCENTS
This Christmas mantel just radiates luxury. Add a gold frame mirror and a golden reindeer figurine on your mantel. They are for sure going to garner some attention.
Add to the luxe and classy aesthetic by incorporating big gold ribbons in your garland. It ties everything together and makes it look much more cohesive.
8. LOTS OF GREENERY
Greenery is the number one thing I suggest people incorporate in their homes all year round. It makes the space look and feel much brighter and more open.
I absolutely love the wreath above this mantel with the pine cones and the gorgeous bow.
Include some flameless candles to add some illumination and to make the space feel cozy.
9. SIMPLE MANTEL IDEA
If you are a minimalist and like to keep things simple and clutter-free, this is the one for you. Layer some beautiful garlands on the mantel and add some bows and fairy lights.
Then, simply incorporate a few flameless candles on top to complete the look. You’ll have a beautiful finished result and it won’t take much effort.
10. JINGLE BELLS AND MINI TREES
I absolutely love the jingle bells that are woven into the garland. This mantel is simple but still lux. Add a couple of gold accents and mini trees on top of the mantel as well.
The jingle bells music sheet is such a clever addition. You can print it out yourself and frame it like above. This one is my favorite.
11. CANDLES AND JINGLE BELLS
How insanely gorgeous does this look?! This may just be my favorite mantel decor on this list. Candles make everything better in my opinion.
Plus, they are super cheap. You can buy a bunch of flameless candles from Amazon and line them up like above.
Jingle bells are another major part of Christmas so incorporate them into your garland as well.
You can match the candle holders to the color of the bells to make them look more cohesive.
12. RUSTIC GLAM DECOR
This is where rustic meets glam. The sparkles and the bright, shiny lights are everything!
The reindeer perched on the bottom is a great way to make your fireplace appear more “done” if that makes sense.
Sometimes, I see these really pretty mantel decorations but it ends up looking a little undone because there is nothing on the bottom.
13. WOODEN LANTERNS AND FAIRY LIGHTS
Don’t know how to decorate with candles? No problem there, just buy a couple of wooden lanterns and place your candles inside.
This is a great way to keep the mantel ledge looking clean and tidy while also adding decor to make the space look better.
14. CHRISTMAS PAINTING
Christmas paintings are another great way to decorate your fireplace. If you already have a picture there, just switch it out for one that is festive and cheery like the one above.
You can find plenty of options on Etsy and Amazon. There are expensive and affordable ones so just choose one that fits your budget.
15. HANGING COW BELLS
Make your mantel insanely cozy and luxe by incorporating cow bells. You can attach them to your Christmas garlands or secure them on the ledge.
I also love how the mantel shelf is decorated with lots of greenery and stems. It makes the space look more open and brighter.
16. POPS OF RED
Creating a gorgeous mantel shouldn’t be difficult. Drape your garlands over the ledge and add pops of red decorations here and there.
You can use red baubles or incorporate some faux red berry stems for that pop. Tie some bells to the end to complete the look.
17. MINIMALIST MANTEL DECOR
Are you looking for Christmas mantel decorating ideas that are simple, minimal, and super cute? If so, you will love this.
You’ll need a couple of garlands to layer and make it look fluffy. You can add some bells to the end or attach some cute bows for the finishing touch.
18. LAYERED MIRRORS AND FRAMES
This is definitely one idea I will be incorporating into my own apartment this year. I love the look layering mirrors and frames give here.
It looks so cozy and warm but at the same time super classy and elegant. Grab a couple of mirrors and picture frames varying in size.
Now just arrange them however you like. You can also add a few pretty figurines in front to add more personality.
19. CLASSY CHRISTMAS MANTEL
Looking for the perfect Christmas mantel to recreate that radiates elegance and luxury? Look no further because this is a great one.
I love the simplicity of the mantel and the beautiful illumination. Fairly lights are an absolute must for the holidays. They add warmth and create a cozy atmosphere.
20. CHRISTMAS VILLAGE AND STOCKINGS
I know some people don’t like the look of garlands draped across their mantel ledge and prefer to decorate it some other way.
If you’ve been searching for a gorgeous no-garland mantel decor, you need to try this out. Buy a Christmas village set and place that in a row on your ledge.
You can add mini Christmas trees on either end and also put out your stockings.
You can match your stocking to the Christmas village to make it look more aesthetic and cohesive.
21. ELEGANT MANTEL DECOR
This is another one of my favorites! I know I’ve said that for literally every single one but they are all just so da*n pretty, lol!
Recreate this look with faux Christmas garlands, beaded garlands, stockings, and a Christmas village.
Add a large mirror on the ledge to make the space appear larger and open.
22. EASY CHRISTMAS MANTEL
If you are looking for something that is super easy to recreate, then this is a great option. Lay out your garlands over the ledge and add bells on both ends.
Finish it off by adding some fairy lights and a few mini plants on the mantel. I also absolutely adore the reindeer on the wall.
23. COLORFUL MANTEL IDEA
If you don’t shy away from color then you have to give this a try. I love how bright and cheery this is. It is sure to impress all of your guests.
Incorporate bright and colorful ornaments all throughout the garland and also add some mini colorful trees on the ledge to make everything flow together.
Finish the look by lining up a Christmas village. This will be a sight to behold for sure!
24. NUTCRACKERS AND MINI TREES
I remember when I first went to see The Nutcracker when I was in 3rd grade. I absolutely loved it. It only makes sense to incorporate them into your Christmas decor as well.
The colorful and bright mini trees on the mantel ledge are insanely gorgeous and tie the whole look together.
25. CHALKBOARD SIGN
One very easy and affordable way to fill up the empty space on your mantel ledge is by incorporating a chalkboard sign.
You can buy them on Amazon for very cheap and there are plenty of options. Simply write down the phrase or greeting with chalk and that’s it!
It’s such a simple way to make the space look more festive and it gives off a rustic/farmhouse vibe too.
26. COLORFUL GARLAND
Brighten up your space by adding a colorful garland to your mantel. I love this one from World Market. It’s only 10 dollars and it looks incredible.
You can also add some mini colorful trees on the Christmas shelf to go along with the garland.
27. BEAUTIFUL MANTEL IDEA
Last but definitely not least, we have this gorgeous mantel idea. It’s an absolute stunner. Recreate this look by layering a few garlands to get that fluffy look.
Then, place the house on the ledge along with a couple of mini trees to complete the look.
Don’t forget to put out your Christmas stockings to make it more cozy.
THIS POST SHOWED YOU THE BEST CHRISTMAS MANTEL DECORATING IDEAS
