A long with the Christmas tree, a festive Hanukah tabletop, and boughs of greens gracing the front door, the fireplace mantel is perfect place to display your connection to and love for the holiday season. That’s why we’re deep diving into some inspirational mantel looks for every style of home.
Photo courtesy of hipandhumblystyle.com
Rustic Lodge
The buzz words for this look are natural, cozy, and woodsy—think pine, burlap, large pinecones, aromatic branches, berries, and simple indoor accent pieces.
Making it work: Drape a chunky real or faux pine garland atop the mantel and weave in other natural elements such as eucalyptus branches and real or faux white berries in between. You can even tuck in large pinecones and then accent the branches with subtle silk or satin bows. Knit stockings add texture and taper candles add flair. Styling tip: Always vary the heights of accent items like tapers to create greater visual interest.
Photo courtesy of littlehouseoffour.com
Clean Farmhouse Modern
A scheme of simple black and white is the hallmark of the modern farmhouse aesthetic. To this, toss in some soft neutral elements, small wooden houses or bead garland, and then garnish with simple white, neutral, or buffalo check stockings and add a boxwood wreath or large mirror above as an anchor to invoke a feeling of calmness, approachability, and timelessness.
Making it work: Layer light faux or real evergreen garland, using simple flat thumbtacks to keep them in place toward the front of the mantel so you will have room to add your wooden homes and candlestick bases toward the mantel back. Add wooden bead garland and subtle white lights, if desired, atop the evergreens.
Photo courtesy of thecraftyblogstalker.com
Minimalist a la Scandinavian Style
Known for their clean lines, natural textures, and a less-is-more ethos, Scandinavians are fans of tones found in nature, rich wooden accents, white or cream ceramics, and negative space.
Making it work: No greens are used in this serene mantel scene, but they are inferred using the natural tones of the stone and the painted wood above. The minimalistic wood mantel base shows through beautifully and then plays off the sculptured wooden tree collections alongside elemental brush trees in deep green and neutral colors. Monochromatic taper holders in two heights lend balance and polish. Styling tip: A basket rich in character hung above makes the perfect, simple anchor for the entire wall.
Photo courtesy of flowermag.com
Classic Colonial Elegance
Luxe, period-appropriate color and a layered and refined approach to elements and design give this classic colonial mantel scheme its richness and creates an atmosphere of historical Christmases gone by.
Making it work: In Colonial times, many homeowners of means had orangeries—light-filled greenhouses of sorts that not only became winter homes for plants but were also warmed environments in which their owners could take in the light and fragrance of the greenery. Oranges are used as purposeful décor in this scheme that utilizes its few elements in a remarkable way. Lush natural garland is carefully secured into place and threaded with orange groupings throughout. Again, a gorgeous portrait is dressed in perennial greens for the holidays and pulled together with a complementary shimmery bow. Styling tip: Classic figurines and sconces used throughout the year are not moved for the holiday, rather embraced and dressed appropriately.
Photo courtesy of missmustardseed.com
Vintage Romance
Create a nostalgic, subtly glamorous vintage vibe—think antique metallic glass, velvet ribbon, collectibles, and historic portraiture.
Making it work: Use dried faux or real hydrangea blooms in watercolor shades interspersed with natural branches with variated leaf colors and then complement them with items like vintage plates on stands, and ornamental topiaries. You can also tuck in some smaller glass ball ornaments, or accents of velvet ribbon. Above the mantel, hang a mirror with an ornate frame or a signature vintage portrait graced with greens to create an ultimate air of nostalgia.
