20 Christmas Mantel Decor Ideas For A Beautifully Festive Fireplace

Decorating your mantel for the holiday season may seem straightforward, as most homeowners just string up a garland and add a few stockings. If this is your method, things should be quite easy. However, perhaps you're tired of this basic look and want to spice up your design this go around.

According to Pottery Barn, following a few tips will ensure your fireplace looks amazing. The first? Vary the heights of any displayed objects, and use taller items at the edges and shorter ones in the middle. Additionally, choose a simple color palette — one to three hues will do — so your overall aesthetic doesn't appear overwhelming. And, make sure you add pieces with contrasting textures and shapes to create interest.

However, even if you follow these three pieces of advice, there are still countless ways to decorate your mantel. In need of some inspiration? Here are 20 ideas to help you get started with your Christmas decorations this year.

If you're set on a simplistic look this year, place a strand of garland along your mantel. Just make sure you choose one that's full and long for a timeless look.

To create more space for decorations, you could drape the garland across your mantel. Indeed, this is also a great solution for those with limited space above their fireplace.

To help make the space feel larger, you could also surround a hanging mirror or piece of art above your mantel with some garland.

However, you don't have to use a strand of garland. Another option is to incorporate small trees, which could be placed on either side of the mantel.

Or, you could decide on a wreath, which could either be hung above the fireplace or leaned up against the wall.

To add a pop of red to your garland or other greenery, make sure to feature some traditional holly branches.

Twinkle lights are an easy way to add warmth and comfort to your design. The choice is yours: String some along the mantel or place them at the base of the fireplace.

Stockings are a classic Christmas decoration used on almost every mantel. To hang them, you could use decorative ribbons or ties. 

Candles will add extra warmth to your fireplace setup. The best way to decorate with candles is by staggering their heights.

If you're not a huge fan of color, opt for more neutral or monochromatic pieces. The above space has lots of white candles and textured floral pieces.

Or, maybe you love color, but not red and green. If so, use a non-traditional color like pink. Create cohesion by using this hue throughout multiple areas of your room, such as on the mantel and tree.

You could also decorate according to a theme — and it doesn't have to be super obvious. For example, the theme above is fresh Christmas trees, as demonstrated through the sign and small decorative pieces.

If you have young children or just a playful spirit, place animals or fun Christmas creatures on your mantel, such as the festive gnomes above.

An advent calendar is an easy way to get the whole family excited about Christmas. Display it on your mantel so you never forget to open it.

A Christmas bouquet made out of poinsettias, holly, and other greenery would enliven your space and give it a fresh look.

Of course, you could always use presents to decorate your mantel. They could either be decorative, empty boxes wrapped in pretty ribbon, or something real to open on Christmas Day.

When decorating, the best vignettes make use of odd numbers (typically groups of three). Therefore, to create an orderly and pleasing mantel, you could utilize three white stars. 

To give your fireplace a cozier and more homey appearance, make sure to display a Christmas village, complete with fake snow.

To bring nature into your home, include pine cones and wooden elements. As demonstrated above, small logs could be used as candle holders.

Finally, ornaments don't only have to be used on your Christmas tree; you could also include them in your fireplace garland or wreath.