20 Winter Mantel Decor Ideas That Celebrate the Season in Style
Fireplace Styling for Winter | Cozy Mantel Makeover | Holiday-Inspired Designs
The mantel is the focal point of the living room. In winter, it holds the promise of warmth. The fire below it. The decor above it.
Winter mantels are about tradition. Evergreen. Candles. A sense of celebration. The mantel should be festive but not overwhelming.
This guide delivers 20 winter mantel decor ideas that celebrate the season in style.
1. Drape a Garland of Evergreen Across the Mantel
Evergreen is traditional. It is fragrant. It is winter.
Drape a garland of evergreen across the mantel. The ends should hang down. The greens should be fresh.
Pro Tip: Mist the garland daily. The water keeps the needles fresh.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not use a plastic garland. Plastic looks cheap.
2. Place a Pair of Brass Candelabra
Candelabra are dramatic. Brass is warm. Winter needs both.
Place a pair of brass candelabra at opposite ends of the mantel. Use taper candles in cream.
Pro Tip: Polish the brass before using. Shiny brass reflects more light.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not use silver candelabra. Silver is cool.
3. Add a Set of Mercury Glass Ornaments
Mercury glass is vintage. It reflects light. It suits winter.
Arrange a cluster of mercury glass ornaments on the mantel. The ornaments should be silver, gold, or blue.
Pro Tip: Use ornaments in different sizes. The variation adds interest.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not use plastic ornaments. Plastic looks cheap.
4. Hang a Wreath Above the Mantel
A wreath is not just for doors. A wreath above the mantel is a focal point.
Hang a wreath of evergreen above the mantel. The wreath should be full. The branches should be fresh.
Pro Tip: Use a wreath with a ribbon. The ribbon adds color.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not hang the wreath too high. The center should be at eye level.
5. Place a Pair of Wooden Nutcrackers
Nutcrackers are traditional. They are festive. They are winter.
Place a pair of wooden nutcrackers on the mantel. One on each end. The nutcrackers should be large.
Pro Tip: Use nutcrackers with painted details. The details add interest.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not use plastic nutcrackers. Plastic looks cheap.
6. Add a String of Warm White Lights
White lights are magical. They are festive. They are winter.
Drape a string of warm white lights across the mantel. The lights should be small. The glow should be soft.
Pro Tip: Use battery-operated lights. No cords to hide.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not use cool white lights. Cool white is harsh.
7. Place a Glass Cloche Over a Snowy Scene
A snowy scene is winter. A cloche makes it precious.
Create a miniature scene inside a cloche. A tiny house. Fake snow. A small tree. Place it on the mantel.
Pro Tip: Use a cloche with a wooden base. The base grounds the scene.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not use a cloche that is too small. The scene needs room.
8. Add a Set of Red Pillar Candles
Red is festive. Pillar candles are substantial.
Place three red pillar candles on the mantel. Arrange them in a row. Light them for dinner.
Pro Tip: Use candle holders. Wax dripping on the mantel is hard to clean.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not leave candles burning unattended.
9. Hang a Stocking from the Mantel
Stockings are traditional. They are festive. They are winter.
Hang stockings from the mantel using stocking holders. The stockings should be red or green.
Pro Tip: Use stockings with personalized names. The names add meaning.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not hang stockings without holders. The mantel will be damaged.
10. Place a Potted Poinsettia on the Mantel
Poinsettias are winter. They are red. They are festive.
Place a potted poinsettia on the mantel. The bracts should be red. The leaves should be green.
Pro Tip: Use a pot with a saucer. Water will drain into the saucer.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not place the poinsettia near a draft. Drafts cause leaf drop.
11. Add a Woven Basket of Pinecones
Pinecones are free. They are textural. They are winter.
Fill a small woven basket with pinecones. Place it on the mantel. The basket should be shallow. The pinecones should be visible.
Pro Tip: Bake pinecones at 200 degrees for 30 minutes. Baking kills insects.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not use pinecones with sap. Sap is sticky.
12. Place a Ceramic Snowman on the Mantel
Snowmen are winter. They are charming. They are nostalgic.
Place a small ceramic snowman on the mantel. The snowman should be white. The scarf should be red.
Pro Tip: Use a snowman with a painted face. The face adds character.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not use a snowman that is too large. Small snowmen are more charming.
13. Hang a Mirror with a Wreath Around It
A mirror reflects light. A wreath around it adds winter.
Hang a round mirror. Hang a wreath around the mirror. The wreath should not cover the glass.
Pro Tip: Use a wreath with a large center hole. The hole should match the mirror size.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not use a heavy wreath. Heavy wreaths will pull the mirror down.
14. Add a Set of Stacked Coffee Table Books
Books add height. They also add color. Winter books should have red or green covers.
Stack three books on one end of the mantel. The largest at the bottom. The smallest at the top.
Pro Tip: Remove the dust jackets. The cloth covers are often brighter.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not stack books too high. The stack should be stable.
15. Place a Glass Cloche Over a Single Ornament
A single ornament is precious. A cloche makes it more so.
Place a mercury glass ornament on a stand. Cover it with a glass cloche. The ornament will be preserved.
Pro Tip: Use an ornament with a unique shape. A teardrop or a star.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not use a cloche that is too small. The ornament needs breathing room.
16. Hang a Garland of Wooden Beads
Wooden beads are natural. They are warm. They suit winter.
Drape a garland of wooden beads across the mantel. The beads should be unpainted. The wood should be visible.
Pro Tip: Use beads in different sizes. The variation adds interest.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not use painted beads. Paint hides the wood.
17. Add a Pair of Taper Candles in Silver Holders
Silver is cool. Taper candles are elegant. Winter needs both.
Place a pair of silver candle holders on the mantel. Use taper candles in white.
Pro Tip: Polish the silver before using. Shiny silver reflects more light.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not use brass holders. Brass is too warm for winter.
18. Place a Bowl of Cranberries
Cranberries are red. They are winter. They are textural.
Fill a shallow glass bowl with fresh cranberries. The bowl should be clear. The cranberries should be visible.
Pro Tip: Add water to the bowl. The cranberries will float.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not use dried cranberries. Dried cranberries are not as vibrant.
19. Hang a Macrame Wall Hanging in Cream
Macrame is texture. Cream is warm. Winter needs both.
Hang a macrame wall hanging above the mantel. The knots should be intricate. The color should be natural.
Pro Tip: Use a macrame piece with wooden beads. The beads add interest.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not use white macrame. White is too bright.
20. Keep It Simple with One Large Evergreen Arrangement
Sometimes one piece is enough. A large evergreen arrangement is dramatic.
Place a large vase of evergreen branches on the mantel. The branches should be fresh. The vase should be simple.
Pro Tip: Use a variety of evergreens. Pine, cedar, and fir.
Mistake to Avoid: Do not use plastic evergreens. Plastic looks cheap.
