7 festive mantelscaping ideas
Mantelscaping is the Instagrammer’s latest obsession. Sure, it used to simply be called ‘decorating the fireplace’, but times have moved on (we do love a’ scape’ at Good Homes – doorscaping and tablescaping are particular favourites). Christmas mantelscapes are a true art form, and these seven themes offer plenty of inspiration, whatever your style…
1. Pale & interesting
Not into colourful schemes? Then keep it simple with a few cream candles, dried flowers, a string of fairy lights and hints of burnished brass. The great thing about this look is that it’s not overtly Christmassy, so you can keep it in place for the new year’s eve celebrations – and the whole of January if you so please! The selection of decorations shown below are all from Lights4Fun includes three clear glass fairy light orbs (£25.99), a micro fairy light bell jar bundle (£14.99), 100 warm white LED fairy lights (£9.99) and a TruGlow white LED pillar candle trio (£26.99).
Photo: Oliver Perrott for Lights4Fun
2. Monochrome magic
Why not have yourself a merry monochrome Christmas? This super-cool scheme by Rockett St George combines the monochrome and chequerboard trends with a splash of festive red for a fun, Tim Burton-esque mantelscape. Paper decs, ceramic trees, a love-heart garland and kooky Ho Ho Ho signs make for a refreshing twist on your standard festive fanfare.
Photo: Rockett St George
3. Modern country
For a country look with a contemporary edge, opt for dark evergreen hues mixed with amber and deep, burgundy reds. Dress your mantelpiece with oversized paper decorations, large wooden candlesticks crowned with pillar candles, add the requisite string of fairy lights and, of course, a moose head wouldn’t go amiss! The below look featured in the Good Homes Woodland Jewel roomset at Ideal Home Show Christmas, styled by Owl Design with products from Next.
Photo: Media10
4. Citrus wonder
Dried oranges add a splash of colour and a lovely scent to your garlands, and you can even string a bunch of them together or hang individual slices from the tree. Team them with eucalyptus and cinnamon for a fabulously festive forest feel indoors. This mantelscape from Live Laugh Love goes fabulously overboard with the concept, featuring twiggy trees, wicker hearts and stars, tree decs and more, all showcasing the potential of the humble orange! If you want to make your own, just pop orange slices in the oven for two-to-three hours, or air fry them.
Photo: Live Laugh Love
5. A little shimmer
For a minimalist Christmas mantelscape with a hint of shimmer, keep everything white and snowy. This serene scene, featured in the Good Homes Arctic Shimmer roomset at Ideal Home Show Christmas, styled by Owl Design with products from Next. Add a hint of warm, subtle sparkle using something like this star light, go for classic candles holders in an antique French style, and add a little woodland creature or two for a playful touch.
Photo: Media10
6. Gothic glamour
Don’t be shy when it comes to glitter and colour. Jewel tones made a name for themselves last Christmas, and we’re happy to see them stick around. Work moody hues like inky blues and deep greens in with shimmering golds, coppers and warm white lights. The Christmas mantelscape shown below features decorations and accessories from John Lewis (felt mushroom decoration, £12; large tapestry heron, £150; copper bauble garland, £35; 240 Fire Cracker lights with copper wire in pure white static, £30; Unlit Blue Brunswick 7ft tree, £229; Copper River Baubles, £10 for 20).
Photo: John Lewis
7. Pinterest perfect!
Search for ‘Christmas mantel’ on Pinterest you will be flooded with images of elaborate garlands. If you want to go big on natural foliage with your mantelscape, then a traditional palette of greens and reds is the most natural course to follow. The thrifty and the foragers may wish to dress their own mantelpieces with cut-offs from the Christmas tree. Alternatively, you can buy a ready fresh Christmas garland from the likes of bloomsandbuds.co.uk or etsy.com, or a faux one like the Traditional Christmas Garland from Next (£24), which comes complete with LED lights, pine cones and red berries. Red bows, berries, pine cones and perhaps a few wooden decorations and candlesticks are key for this look.