Need Christmas mantel decorating ideas? See examples & get tips on the whole spectrum of farmhouse decor – from rustic to modern – all simple, elegant & easy to recreate – and budget-friendly as well! Your mantel and fireplace will look spectacular this Christmas!
Christmas Mantel: The Statement Piece of Decor
I know, that might be a lofty claim – that your mantel is the statement piece of your entire Christmas decor.
Maybe I’ll concede that the Christmas tree might take center stage, but if you have a mantel, I’d venture to guess that the mantel is right behind it.
My mantel is my favorite thing to decorate – maybe because I didn’t always have one.
When we bought our home, it had a fireplace (2 actually), but no mantel! Can you believe that?
Our house was an estate, so we are guessing it might have been sold in an estate sale (which tells me it probably was pretty amazing, if they were able to sell it right off the wall. Sigh).
Well, my dad was kind enough to build us a new one, and last year was my first year decorating a true mantel.
(You can see the Christmas full home tour here and find Christmas mantel decor like the sign above right here in my Etsy shop!!)
But my mind spins when I think about mantels – so much potential, so many fun ideas.
How Do you Decorate a Mantel?
There is a certain finesse when it comes to decorating a mantel. I actually dedicated an entire post to how to decorate a mantel for every season, specifically in rustic style, which you can check out here.
But the Cliff Notes version is that you have a large anchor piece in the middle, some height on the ends, and then a variety of sizes, textures and depths throughout the length of the mantel.
Mind you – it’s your house, you get to make your own decor rules. If you love it, leave it! But if you want the ‘pro-tips’ – that’s basically what you’re looking to do.
What Can I Put on My Mantel for Christmas?
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Since we are talking about farmhouse Christmas mantels – and that runs the whole farmhouse spectrum from rustic to neutral to modern farmhouse – I’ll give you some suggestions.
Now, some are pretty obvious – but it’s OK to think out of the box.
Include personal or sentimental objects first.
My first suggestion always is that if you have sentimental or personal objects, things that are meaningful to you, include those first.
That is what truly makes unique decor and your house your HOME. And it will mean a lot more than just grabbing something off the shelf of Hobby Lobby.
Ideas for Accent Decor to Include on a Christmas Mantel
Below are some suggestions. None are ‘must-haves’ – this is YOUR mantel! Disclaimer – I usually lean more toward classy than cute and avoid ‘cliche’ decor (Santa, elves, gnomes, etc.) when possible.
There’s no judgment – it’s just personal preference! However, you do you!
Vases & Bottles with Christmas Stems
Faux Winter Greens (Cypress, Pine, Juniper, Cedar Branches)
As you can see, you have sooooo many options when it comes to farmhouse Christmas decor for your mantel and fireplace area.
What are the Types of Farmhouse Christmas Decor?
As I mentioned, there’s a spectrum of farmhouse decor. I’ll briefly run through a description of each, but to be honest, there’s a lot of overlap and I mix in all of them just about all the time. Again – do what you love.
Generally, farmhouse decor (different than country) has rustic on one end of the spectrum >> farmhouse (usually more neutral) in the middle >> modern farmhouse on the other end. It’s all farmhouse, so pick and choose what attracts you!
In the list of farmhouse Christmas mantel decor ideas, it runs through that spectrum in that order: rustic, farmhouse neutral, modern.
1| Rustic Farmhouse Christmas Mantel Decor
When you think of rustic Christmas decor, it’s along the lines of vintage and nostalgic styles.
It has a cozy feeling, a throwback to simpler, better days. Old-fashioned.
It leans a little toward the primitive farmhouse style.
Natural elements – greens, wood, and for Christmas, even dried oranges and berries.
Rustic decor has that imperfect, distressed, flawed feeling to give an air of realness.
You’ll see decor with wood (reclaimed included), unfinished surfaces, natural fibers, and textures.
For your rustic Christmas mantel, you might include vintage stockings, dried orange garland, vintage candlesticks, and distressed Christmas signs.
Farmhouse and Neutral Christmas Mantel Decor
When you think of neutral farmhouse decor, it has a little bit of a cleaner, newer feel.
It doesn’t feel as old-fashioned or vintage as rustic, but it does have a sense of an updated version of nostalgia.
It is a little less imperfect than rustic and a little more polished.
It usually has a more muted color scheme, staying with those neutrals – greys, whites, browns, blacks. However, it’s not as “perfect” as modern farmhouse. It truly is a middle ground.
For your farmhouse Christmas mantel, you might include a large farmhouse mantel sign, knit stockings with wood tags, lots of greens, beaded garland, wood snowflakes, or reindeer.
Modern Farmhouse Christmas Mantel Decor
In these examples, you’ll see much cleaner lines, more minimalistic choices.
In modern farmhouse, there’s more of a sleekness, a classiness. It might seem a little colder compared to rustic farmhouse, more polished and perfect.
Maybe “a little more staged and less living in feeling.” Sometimes, to warm up a modern farmhouse look, some boho elements might be added in instead of rustic elements.
For your modern farmhouse Christmas mantel, you might want to include a mirror as a statement centerpiece, fur-lined stockings, garland mixed with shiny steel-colored ornaments, tall black candlesticks, sparkly gold evergreen trees.
How Do You Decorate the Hearth/Bottom of the Fireplace for Christmas?
Yes, we are talking about mantels – but don’t forget about the bottom area! That definitely needs to be put on display, too!
Some cozy items you can put on the bottom of your fireplace are:
Woven baskets with throw blankets and neutral throw pillows (or even Christmas pillows)
Metal buckets or pails with birch branches
Tall Christmas decor like chunky pillar candle holders.
Christmas vignettes in a tray
I even like to wrap gifts in a stylish way (30 ideas right here!) and use it as decor on the bottom of my fireplace.
Ideally, odd-numbered vignettes work best – 3s are ideal – so, 3 items on the right side, 3 on the left! Be sure to keep it balanced and mix a variety of sizes and textures!
Where Do I get Budget-Friendly Farmhouse Christmas Mantel Decor?
I totally understand being on a budget! In fact, I created an entire post on how to decorate your home for Christmas without spending a lot of money.
Farmhouse is so popular these days, and many discount stores carry some really beautiful pieces!
My favorite stores to find Christmas decor are Hobby Lobby, Walmart, Target (Dollar Section – 100%), Big Lots, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Home Goods.
You can even find some great pieces at Dollar General. And of course, the most convenient shopping in the world – Amazon.
Thrift stores as well as yard sales are also amazing places to get some Christmas decor – you can definitely upcycle and repurpose some amazing bargain items!
40 Farmhouse Style Christmas Fireplaces & Mantel Ideas
Ok – let’s get on to the main event!
As you scroll through these inspirational pictures, there’s a simple order.
I’ve started with the more rustic photos first, then neutral farmhouse (more or less), and ended with modern farmhouse.
There’s some overlap as it’s not a perfect science, but I think you’ll catch on to the progressions real easily!
Let’s go!
Those dried oranges, though!! This look is the quintessential old-fashioned, nostalgic Christmas that brings all the vintage feels! A wonderful mix of classic with modern touches. If you are loving that orange look, this is a just a stunning look! Beautiful inspiration for a cozy, rustic look. (And if you want an orange wreath to go with it, you can get a tutorial here!) I love the fresh idea of the stockings ABOVE the mantel! Truly simple but striking and original - putting a tree branch in center stage! Here's another fantastic evergreen themed Christmas mantel in a light and bright rustic style. So many of these decorations are a seamless transfer to winter decor. I just love the elegance and simplicity of this display. The classy mix of neutrals with black, white, and gold... each piece is just enough. Truly ovely. I'm a big fan of Inspired by Charm's decor style - and this mantel didn't disappoint! I love the lush pine garland with those oversized pinecones! The layers of the star and bead garland puts this look over the top. If you like rustic decor but are a fan of the white and bright, this mantel ties it together perfectly! If you're a fan of winter whites and warm neutrals, you look this mantel! Super cozy, with lots of wood tones... a unique and gorgeous look! I wish I knew who created this display to give credit to! It's on Pinterest but the whites are so wonderfully done, yet so warm and cozy! If you like to add just a few Christmas touches to your current decor, this one should inspire you! A few exclusively Christmas elements are added in with decor that can be used any time of year! Brilliant! If you like a more moody look for Christmas, take note! The black sign, the dark stockings, the deep greens - a rich and warm display. This look brings all of the vintage charm! The sheet music, the lush greens, the oversized bells - all the feels of an updated version of a nostalgic Christmas. See more of this look Live Oak Nest Blog! Liz always does an amazing Christmas mantel, but this is one of my favorites! The ribbon and the dried orange garland has inspired my own home on more than one Christmas! Whenever I am daydreaming about what kind of Christmas mantel to create, my mind always wanders back to this one! I just love the berry and birch theme, with all the cozy, rustic and nostalgic elements. This is a timeless classic! This sparkly winter white is just gorgeous! Get step by step tips foir how to put toegether something similar! Farmhouse stuyle has a wonderful space for bright, light, and cheery. This is a fun space that is classy and not cliche! Crisp, clean, and inviting with nostalgic accents. I love the bright cheerfulness of this red! The red pops against the white and is a gorgeous mix of rustic and farmhouse decor! This is rustic Christmas decor at its finest! Lots of wood and neutral tones mixed with crisp winter whites for contrast. Love all of these charming, rustic elements! There is so much to love about this mantel! It's clean, bright, with just the right touces of red, green, and warmth! And don't miss the details on that hearth display! This is some gorgeous decorating here! I love the bright reds and Christmas cheer! Lots of rustic touches for cozy warmth, too! I love the unique pieces in here! The sign made with spindles, the amber bottles, the pom-pom garland... a refreshing mix of originality! Classic, rustic, and modern - all in the same scene! The ribbons add a vintage touch, the candles add the coziness of Christmas and all the details pull it together! If you like a richer look for your Christmas decor, these deep greens add warmth without being 'too much. I love the mix of rustic and modern here! Oh my. If this isn't a scroll stopper! I adore the simple look of the mirrors and the printed sheet music. The cozy stockings and tags... just wow. Some flocked evergreens mixed in with gold accents create a perfectly cozy Christmas mantel! Lush evergreen garland with bead and bells (and stockings, of course) are all you need for a clean but cozy look! More fuzzy stockings! If you notice, just about all of the decorations are white! That is a totally legit way to go for Christmas - a winter wonderland! This is another look that is simple and clean but has so many fantastic elements - like the lanterns, the bells, that sign! Here, less is definitely more! A statement piece like a sign in black, a few key decorative accents - that's all you need for a striking mantel! I will say - those bells get me every time! The garland steal the show on this one! A statement sign and a few candles are all you need to go with it! Is there anything cozier on a Christmas mantel than fuzzy, furry stockings? The grey steel-colored ornaments adds a crispness that beautifully mixes textures. This is the perfect mix of modern minimalist and neutral farmhouse. Not overdone, not busy but peaceful and serene. I love the touch of boho here with the weave mirror! A few neutral colored signs and tree decor with furry stockings and beaded tags - wonderfully modern and warm! A few coordinating pieces are all you need for a stunning mantel! The red sign ties in with the stockings, the candle holders tie in with the mantel and lattice sign - the greens bring it all together for a total Christmas package! If you love a clean, Scandinavian type of decor, let this be your inspiration for your mantel! Just love it! (If you love the Scandinavian look for Christmas, here's a post with 40 more ideas!) A light, airy modern look for Christmas decor! I love how simple and 'not busy' this decor is! The monochromatic palette is easy on the eyes, creating a soft inviting space. If you like style and simplicity, this one is for you! Just a few Christmas elements, but it is totally enough. It's perfect for a minimalist, decluttered, elegant look. If you're looking for something fresh, modern, and unique, look close at this! Non-traditional Christmas greens, oversized stars, hanging ornaments... breathtaking! If you liked the idea of hanging ornaments from a mantel, give this one a try! A truly original spin on Christmas decor that is modern and trend-setting! I love the full view of the minimalist approach to Christmas decor. The built-ins on the sides are tastefully decorated for the holidays to coordinate beautifully with the mantel. Not overdone, not too little... just right.
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All the More Christmas Inspo
This year, I created a post with ALL of my Christmas content in one place! It’s the ultimate guide that is updated as soon as I create a new post, so feel free to check it out! It has home decor ideas, crafts, DIY, gift guides and homemade gift ideas, Christmas cookie and treat recipes, kid activities… everything for Christmas!
Since we are about home decor in this post, I’ll share a few highlights here:
30 Farmhouse Christmas DIY Projects for the Home: This post is my #1 Christmas post every year!
30 Farmhouse Decorating Ideas for the Coziest Christmas Ever!: Ideas for the entire home!
30+ Best Farmhouse Christmas Porches on Instagram (+ Pro-Decorating Tips!): Don’t forget about the outdoors! First impressions are everything!
30 Creative Ways to Display Christmas Cards: Even Christmas cards can count as decor!
35 Cozy and Classy Christmas Tablescapes
Mantels for All Seasons
Pin these for later!
30 Best Spring Farmhouse Mantel Ideas You Need to See
30+ Fresh and Beautiful Summer Mantel Decorating Ideas
18 Stunning Farmhouse Fall Mantel Decor Ideas 2021
I’d love to see what you come up with for your Christmas mantel! Please leave a comment on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram @100affections!
Thoughts? I’d love to hear them! Leave a comment below!
These Christmas decor ideas are so cute! I am dying to get my tree up! I think I am going to get my carpets cleaned professionally before I do so they are all fresh & clean for the holidays though. Thanks for sharing these amazing ideas!!!
Glad you found some ideas you enjoyed! Thank you for coming by, Jackie!