Tree trimming is a common holiday tradition, but what about garnishing the fireplace mantel? This home feature is the ideal space for adding seasonal flair—and the best news is that there are endless ways to help it attain decorative perfection.

Consider the Style

First, a bit of planning is in order before scouring closets, home decor stores, or secondhand markets for holiday trinkets. What style would be best—farmhouse rustic, cozy traditional, Scandinavian, black and white chic, minimalist, white elegance, or something else?

A mantel style often hinges on the style of the room, so if the living room were full of Scandinavian simplicity, we wouldn’t deck out the mantel in plaids and busy layers. Then again, it doesn’t call for copycat styling. This is a seasonal statement—pick out elements from your existing style, but feel free to embellish if there’s a color or texture that speaks to you.

Find Your Focus

As with a holiday table setting, a holiday mantel design pivots on a central element—often a wreath, framed holiday print, large star, or stylized tree. But it can also be something there year-round, like a mirror or abstract wall sculpture. This element takes center stage, with other decor playing a supporting but vital role.

Think Greenery

Holiday greenery is an element that works with any design style. And it doesn’t need to be traditional garland greenery either—individual mini shrubs, bottle brush trees, fir or pine branches, and bay or eucalyptus leaves can add dimension to a holiday mantel. Think fresh or faux greenery, and don’t be afraid to see what’s lying around in the great outdoors.

Add Layers and Textures

We love the look of combining rugged greenery with sleek glass vases, elegant candlesticks, or bold hurricane lanterns. When layered with design elements like stockings, ornaments, or a striking nutcracker figure, this holiday mantel can’t help but create a festive impression. Layering decor with different textures is what matters here. The amount of layering depends largely on the chosen style, but the overall vision will see some degree of overlap with each design element.

Once you’ve perfected those holiday mantel ideas, think about other features that could increase the festive appeal. A small side table provides a space for holiday decor, as do built-in bookcases or wooden baskets.

To let the eye travel further, consider installing a sliding barn door from Barndoorz. Barn doors can create a cozy space that inspires friends and family to gather ’round the fireplace, sharing stories and good cheer.

From the Antique Single Door with its weathered, one-of-a-kind look to the Vertical Iron Plank Barn Door with its steel border and dramatic door handle, these barn doors do more than tie a room together—they create a statement all their own. Contact us at Barndoorz and get ready for holiday decoration done right.