Christmas mantlepiece ideas: how to add festive flair to your fireplace
Christmas mantlepiece ideas that are full of originality, personality and verve. Deck your halls with these stylish looks
Don’t stop at the tree. This year, we are all about cool Christmas mantlepiece ideas. Really we reckon you should be thinking about decorating every surface, corner and cranny of your home. Because let’s face it... now, more than ever before, we need to ensure our homes sparkle with festive fabulousness. And a show-stopping Christmas mantlepiece is a sure way to add impact to a living space.
Whether you’re keen to go classic, with luxurious reds, golds and greens, or after something a little more “out-there”, our gallery of Christmas mantlepiece ideas is sure to have something to inspire. In the face of this madness it’s easy to forget that the holiday season is almost upon us. So go, grab yourself a slice of the most delicious panettone you can find, then indulge in these gorgeous images. They’re really rather wonderful.
See also: Christmas decorations - the biggest trends for 2020
Blooms on blooms
Gold asparagus fern and pretty roses adorn the Christmas mantlepiece of Wild at Heart owner Nikki Tibbles. “My home is already bold and vibrant, so I like to have fun with the decorations - lots of greens and golds, dramatic candelabras and, of course, a vast amount of fresh flowers. I tend to keep the flower choice simple and so I use just a few components of striking seasonal varieties and foliage.” While the arrangement is in situ, you may have to tweak out a few flowers if they start to wilt. There are no rules about which flowers to use, so why not choose ones you love and can afford (and that work with your colours). The dark floral wallpaper is by Ellie Cashman.
New takes on nature
Although the colours combined here may be the classic green with gold, there is nothing traditional about this Christmas mantlepiece. The fabulous feathered wreath is from VV Rouleaux, while real moss covers the mantlepiece to give a further hit of lush organic texture. “I love the subtle drama of fairy lights,” says Rockett St George’s Lucy St George. “ - They’re not just for the tree. With Christmas lighting, my motto is always the more the merrier. I always go for warm white but the most important tip of all is to make sure they don’t flash.”
Wit and whimsy
Designer Jonathan Adler celebrates the holidays at his apartment in New York with Hannukah candles and plenty of pizzazz. White feathers piled in vases are suitably flamboyant. “The truth is, I am kind of restrained throughout the year, but during the holidays, I find my inner Kardashian and unleash a world of layers and ornaments and glitz and it’s kind of great. I like to think of my house as if she was a gorgeous woman - she always need a few bits of gold jewellery to add a little sizzle.”
See also: Home bar ideas - how to make Christmas merry by Jonathan Adler
Chic and simple
This pared-back combination is a stylish way to dress a non-working fireplace. Of course the basket does not need to be filled with baubles; instead use chicken wire to fill the bulk, layering decorations at the top to give the appearance of abundance. When making wreaths, use dried or non-wilting foliage and flowers and make the base from lengths of grapevine.
Swathes of foliage
Masses of unadorned greenery works well on a country-style fireplace to ensure that the look doesn’t become too traditional. This grade II-listed cottage is owned by florist Willow Crossley. “I’m always bringing the outside in, flowers from the garden, or I’ll set off into the woods to find some branches or greenery.” Her walls are decorated with Bauwerk lime wash paint.
Big is beautiful
Large and wild is the Livingetc approach when it comes to foliage garlands. Eucalyptus is a festive favourite. It smells delicious and still looks beautiful when it dries.
Down on paper
Christmas-ophobes may be drawn to these sweet paper trees, available in pastel hues. Broste Copenhagen sells similar. “I like jewel hues such as deep aubergines, soft pinks, chartreuse and berry shades,” says Tiffany Duggan, founder and director, Trove.
The penguin dance
Inspired by Mary Poppins, stylist Lucy Gough used penguin ornaments to create this unusual Christmas mantlepiece idea. The essence here is to use whatever charming seasonal objects make you feel really nostalgic. Farrow & Ball’s Joa Studholme uses “a cornucopia of Christmas figures, including a barefoot Santa from Sri Lanka and a swaying Hawaiian version in a grass skirt.”
Sweet things
Embrace tradition and adorn the mantlepiece with charming stockings. We’re not talking cheesy, Santa-clad numbers, but rather gorgeous designs that work with your interior scheme. These can be quite hard to come by, but look at Tori Murphy, Ferm Living and Oka for timeless buys that score style points.
Classic moves
This elegant and refined Christmas mantelpiece idea can be returned to year-on- year. For something truly stand-out, ask a local florist to assemble in situ. Fragrant additions such as cinnamon and dried oranges will always add seasonal charm. A more pocket-friendly solution would be to look at style-first retailers such as The White Company and Neptune.
See also: Table ideas for Christmas - the perfect festive place settings
Fringes and frills
At a Victorian terrace in Peckham, this stand-out installation is a true reflection of the funky family that created it. There is nothing traditional here, from the palette to the materials. Choose pampas grass in bright colours then add natural lichen to give a touch of silver to the display. ‘Dyed pampas and silk grasses are a favourite look. They are so fun and dramatic,’ says Mairead Curtin, founder of Rebel Rebel. A lametta garland can be used year after year.
Be The First To Know
The Livingetc newsletter is your shortcut to the now and the next in home design. Subscribe today to receive a stunning free 200-page book of the best homes from around the world.
The homes media brand for early adopters, Livingetc shines a spotlight on the now and the next in design, obsessively covering interior trends, color advice, stylish homeware and modern homes. Celebrating the intersection between fashion and interiors. it's the brand that makes and breaks trends and it draws on its network on leading international luminaries to bring you the very best insight and ideas.
-
What are the Most Comfortable Pillowcases? From Temperature Regulating to the Best for Your Skin
When you're looking for comfort in your pillowcases, material matters. These are the best you can buy
By Faaizah Shah Published
-
5 Simple, but Genius Bathroom Layout Tricks That Will Make Your Space Work so Much Harder
Small switches to how you lay out your bathroom that help make the most of a small space
By Luke Arthur Wells Published
-
5 Tricks to Transition Your Home Back to Cozy, Winter Mode After Christmas — 'You Don't Have to Lose the Festive Magic!'
Just because Christmas day is over doesn't mean we have to take the decorations down quite yet. Here are five tips to seamlessly transition your festive home into a celebratory winter display
By Oonagh Turner Published
-
'I'm a Minimalist and This is How I Decorate for Christmas' — 3 Last-Minute, Low Effort Ideas for a Festive Home
Get into the holiday spirit with simple and sleek decorating flourishes that complement your minimalist interior
By Katie Baxter Published
-
3 Ways The Gifting Pros Want You to Wrap This Christmas - 'These Styles Are Having a Moment!'
A lot of thought goes into a beautifully wrapped gift, but it can be quite tricky to get right. We speak to experts for their top styling tips
By Katie Baxter Published
-
3 Viral Napkin Folding Tricks — So Easy, But So Impressive
If you're planning on hosting this season, refining your napkin folding might be just the ticket to elevating your dining table set-up
By Oonagh Turner Published
-
The Christmas Dinner Party Tick List — 8 Table Decor Ideas Design Experts Think Are 'Non-Negotiables'
Looking to hone your hosting skills this festive season? People who have perfected Christmas dining have these 8 things on their tables
By Oonagh Turner Published
-
What Color Christmas Decor Will Make My Home Feel the Coziest? 5 Schemes Other Than Red & Green
For a home that feels cozy at this time of year, here's the alternative color palettes designers would choose
By Aditi Sharma Maheshwari Published
-
What Does How You Decorate Your Christmas Tree Say About You? We Ask Decor Experts
Decorating your Christmas tree is a chance to unleash your creative side. But what does your tree say about you and your home? We asked the experts
By Katie Baxter Published
-
5 Christmas Place Setting Ideas That Will Make Your Festive Table Feel Expensive and Elevated
Beautiful decorative ideas to turn your dining room into a festive winter wonderland this Christmas
By Oonagh Turner Published