FESTIVE MANTELPIECES - a mix of unusual ideas and inspiration to create your own Yuletide mantel masterpiece
Welcome to the BLOG
Hi, I’m Sandra.
If you're in awe of stunning interiors and crazy about home decor, you’re in the right place. As an interior writer with a background in styling and photography for leading magazines around the globe (see below) as well as an avid home renovator, I am here to help you style and decorate your home with ease and confidence, like a pro.
On this blog, I’ll be sharing insightful articles packed with advice, tips, and ideas for home styling and decoration, along with inspiring tours of beautifully styled spaces. Having styled countless homes with very different interiors, I know it’s the final touches and thoughtful curating that make a space magazine-worthy, regardless of whether it’s an architectural masterpiece or filled with high-end furniture. And, rather than focus on one particular interior look or style, I aim to open your eyes to a wide variety so you feel inspired, not limited. Ultimately, I’ll show you how a little bit of styling can be transformational and take your home to a whole new level. In this week’s blog post, I will look at different ways to style your seasonal mantelpiece from the traditional with fir and candlelight, to Christmas lettering and stockings.
FESTIVE MANTELPIECES
A mix of unusual mantelpiece ideas and inspiration to create your own Yuletide masterpiece.
Photo credit: Nkuku
If you have a fireplace in your home, the mantelpiece is one of the key areas to decorate during the festive season. It’s the heart of the home; a place where you will gather round the fire, so even simple additions such as candlelight and foliage can make it more special and feel a bit more considered. Whether you have a classic stone hearth, a modern wood burner, or even just a faux surround, it’s the perfect place to get creative with festive styling. I have chosen the mantelpiece above as the first image because I think it ticks all the boxes as a striking festive statement. It’s rustic yet elegant, with candle holders from Nkuku adding that all important height and flicker of light. I also like the fact that with this style of decorating you start the season early. Nothing shouts Christmas with the gorgeous toned baubles, also from Nkuku, giving just a subtle nod to the festive season. So before we look at my handpicked selection of a variety of mantelpieces, here are a few elements you might want to use to create your own.
DIFFERENT ELEMENTS FOR A STYLISH MANTELPIECE - THE ITEMS YOU COULD USE
GREENERY OR A GARLAND AND NATURAL ELEMENTS
A garland, faux or real, makes a great base for your mantelpiece masterpiece. You can then poke in sprigs of other seasonal foliage like fir, eucalyptus, holly or ivy. You can also add branches of berries and pinecones.
INCLUDE A TOUCH OF METALLIC
You can bring in something with sheen, such as antique brass candle holders or silver baubles that are either matte or shiny, which will add that touch of metallic and give a festive feel without going over the top with too much sparkle.
ADD CONTRAST WITH LIGHT AND DARK ELEMENTS
A pair of black candle holders or white decorations, such as stars, baubles, fir trees, all look stunning when contrasted with deep green foliage.
BRING IN CANDLES
Tall candle holders give height to your display and keep the flames well away from the foliage. You can also use a selection of smaller imitation candles and tea lights for a safe way to light up your whole mantelpiece.
STOCKINGS
If you like the idea of hanging a stocking by your fireplace, there are so many stylish designs such as felt with faux fir trim, pure linen, chunky knitted Nordic style, and cotton with traditional-style illustrations. Hang them either side, or grouped together on one side of the mantelpiece.
BAUBLES
Oversized baubles can look very effective either on the mantelpiece or hanging down grouped in twos or threes from one side.
RIBBONS
Add velvet ribbon in rich colours amongst your foliage, or use it to hang pinecones or baubles from the mantelpiece.
COUNTRY-STYLE MANEL WITH ROW OF STOCKINGS
This fireplace is pure elegance, with a fir garland draped across the entire mantelpiece and an imposing wreath hanging above, bringing plenty of festive foliage into the room. But it has to be the row of plush mink faux fur stockings from Pottery Barn that takes centre stage. Overall, it's a neutral palette with layered greenery set off by the rustic stone wall, yet it still feels festive with the warm metallic vase and bronze-toned leaves. Additionally, white poinsettias and slim, tall white candles pair with the white stockings and bring an extra layer of decoration to the mantle.
Photo credit: Pottery Barn UK
THE PRO MANTELPIECE AT LIME WOOD HOTEL
There’s such an effortless sophistication to this arrangement which spills naturally across the mantelpiece at Lime Wood Hotel. It’s one of my favourite places to visit during the festive season to enjoy lunch or a drink amongst the gorgeous decorations. The foliage has been foraged from the New Forest where the hotel is situated, which makes it perfect for a decorative mantelpiece that can stay in place the entire winter season. I love how the florists have embraced earthy tones with muted bronzed foliage. They have then woven in brown velvet ribbons and displayed a large mirrored bauble as the centrepiece. To get the look at home, opt for dried leaves and branches in warm tones such as copper, beech and bracken. Place a large bauble as the centrepiece and weave in thick ribbons in tonal velvets.
Photo credit: Jake Eastham
COLOURFUL MANTELPIECE WITH AN ARTISTIC TWIST
Christmas can be filled with vibrant colour, not just red and green. This mantelpiece has a real artistic twist with decorations to try at home. A mix of glass bottles in different heights has been decorated with Matisse-inspired illustrations in colours that work beautifully against the classic fireplace and deep green wall. The bottles were hand-painted using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in a palette of expressive tones including Tyrian Plum, Frida Blue, Capri Pink, Arles. To get the look at home, repurpose glass bottles then start by painting them with a primer that stays on glass or other shiny surfaces like PVC. Once dried, you can decorate them in your favourite bright hues for a festive scheme then add a candle or two. The garland, with paper birds, trees, stars and other shapes, can be cut out from colourful paper or drawn on plain paper and painted in colours of your choice.
Photo credit: Annie Sloan
ECLECTIC SEASONAL MANTELPIECE
This mantelpiece display is another one of my favourites. It’s not trying too hard to be overly Christmassy and combines everyday elements, which is what makes it feel so stylish. The framed botanical art and the quirky ceramic parrot, leopard, and artichoke candle holders sit alongside festive touches such as the Rioja-toned glass baubles and hanging acorns, also from Oka, which add colour and sheen. There’s a touch of greenery on the mantel with sprigs of eucalyptus, a fir wreath and a mini faux orchid. Altogether, it’s a great example of how you can mix the everyday with festive ornaments to create a mantel that feels stylish yet seasonal.
Photo credit: Oka
TRADITIONAL MANTELPIECE WITH ILLUSTRATED STOCKINGS
There’s something charming about a traditional style Christmas - from the gently flickering candles to the soft glow of the tree lights and the roaring fire - a look I think many of us resonate with. This mantelpiece has been decorated with a garland, candlelight and two beautifully illustrated stockings, which are part of the Cosy Christmas collection by Sophie Allport. Her collection of Christmas items, everything from stockings and advent calendars to gift wrap, was inspired by festive traditions and with illustrations of woodland creatures, furry friends, and wintry scenes. To recreate this look at home, focus on timeless touches with candleholders, a garland, fir and classic stockings hanging either side.
Photo credit: Sophie Allport
FESTIVE MANTELPIECE WITH FIR AND TOUCHES OF NOSTALGIA
This was my own rustic style mantelpiece in the house I built. I thought I’d show in this article, as it’s a timeless look I loved and works so well because of the natural French-style stone fire surround. I started with a natural faux garland which came complete with fairy lights already attached to it. I then poked in real branches of fir to give it that draped-over-the-edge effect. For a natural woodland feel, I used a tall glass candlestick for height, and as extra touches, I hung up oversized frosted pinecones. If you want to hang pinecones or baubles from your mantelpiece, unless it is painted, you should be able to use tape hidden under your foliage or garland. Frog masking tape is best and can actually be used on painted surfaces. Check out my blog post on natural, rustic styling to see the rest of my house decorated for the festive season. https://www.interiorstylehost.com/blog/festive-styling-and-decoration-ideas.
Photo credit: Sandra van Aalst
FUN, MODERN MANTELPIECE WITH FESTIVE LETTERING
There’s something cheerful and bright about this pared-back mantelpiece with HO HO HO lettering, which is a fun and modern way to decorate the mantelpiece this festive season. This charming decoration from The Wisteria Tree comes in one piece on a wooden plinth with letters in natural wood, silver and brown. The mantelpiece looks seasonal but not overly Christmassy, with eucalyptus poked in between the letters. I like the paper striped and dotty stars hanging from a grey beaded garland which also give the whole fireplace a more contemporary feel.To get the look at home, keep your palette simple with a set of lights and one form of greenery, together with your festive letters. You can also use separate lettering such as an ‘M’ and a ‘C’ for Merry Christmas.
Photo credit: The Wisteria Tree
RED AND GREEN THEMED MANTELPIECE
Here is a simple, timeless mantelpiece, with classic pairing of red and green. A natural fir garland anchors the scheme, with bold red adding rich, festive touches. The chunky knitted stockings bring in texture and Christmas cheer with their little wrapped gifts, while the oversized acorn decorations add a rustic charm. Above the fireplace is a black metal mirror from Oak Furnitureland, which adds a contemporary edge, while the final touch is a single candle adding height and a warm glow.
Photo credit: Oak Furnitureland
ELEGANT WHITE, BRONZE AND GOLD-TONED MANTELPIECE
This classic carved fire surround is the perfect refined backdrop for an elegant decoration.The white scheme is gently lifted with gold and bronze accents, creating a look that feels festive without being too bold and bright. The display is created with delicate fairy lights that look like a string of pearls, combined with dried leaves for an organic texture, and a handful of baubles for just the right amount of sheen. Instead of a candle, an antique brass lamp from Pooky fits in perfectly and echoes the subtle golden tones of the baubles.
Photo credit: Pooky
DRAMATIC BLACK MANTELPIECE
For those who have a black fire surround, this festive mantelpiece has several different looks in one to inspire you, from bold styling with striped folding paper decorations to a more rustic vibe with foliage, while also looking glamorous with a bunch of antique brass candlesticks. No matter what decorations you place on a black mantelpiece, it will give a sense of drama and modern luxe and is a great backdrop for Christmas styling. The black and white folding paper stars and balls and the gold metal candle holder pictured here are both from Dunelm. To recreate this mantelpiece at home, you could opt for just one of the looks or combine all three.
Photo credit: Dunelm
SIMPLE SOFT-TONED MANTELPIECE
This mantelpiece is perfect for homes that love a pop of colour that is subtle and not too bold. The classic detailing of the fireplace is an ideal backdrop for the candy cane velvet stocking from Oliver Bonas, threaded with multicoloured velvet ribbons and finished with a bold green bow. The mantelpiece gives off a party vibe with colourful retro-style glassware. A delicate garland in pastel tones and twisted colourful candles add glow and height, altogether bringing personality and festive cheer to the mantel.
Photo credit: Oliver Bonas
CLASSIC CANDLELIT MANTLEPIECE
There’s nothing quite like a fireplace that looks like it comes out of a traditional Christmas scene. It feels instantly nostalgic, warm, and comforting. If you have a traditional mantelpiece like this one, flickering candles and natural foliage with gold accents work beautifully. Along with a garland made of berries, the mantle has been decorated with a couple of wrapped gifts and ribbons tied around the candlesticks. There’s also a festive wreath leant against the wall teamed with circular paper decorations. This look, from Cox & Cox, is about enduring style and thoughtful details, capturing the kind of festive setting where memories are made. To recreate it at home, lean into tradition with plenty of candle holders, velvet ribbon, small wrapped gifts, and paper decorations.
Photo credit: Cox & Cox
NORDIC STYLE MANTLEPIECE
As many of us have a touch of Scandi style in our homes, this Nordic style wood mantel has that perfect, considered look to suit many modern interiors. I love the contrast of greenery with touches of frosty white as it creates that wonderful woodland look. But it’s the three white and grey knitted stockings, from Dibor’s Nordic-inspired Christmas collection, finished with cute faux pom-poms and an embroidered trim, that are the main attraction. Notice the three decorations - the snowflake, tree and fairy are all on stands with hooks - a genius idea so you don’t need to use a nail or tape to hang up your stockings. To get the look at home, mix in different textures like wool and wood, and choose Nordic style stockings to be your standout feature.
Photo credit: Dibor
LET’S SUM UP
Whether you prefer a simple, more traditional look with foliage, candlelight and stockings, or the more colourful, sparkly decorations, it’s all about creating a focal point that comes alive and feels festive. Hopefully, this eclectic mix of very different mantelpieces has inspired you to try something new this year.
