Winter Mantel Ideas

Decorating for winter can be a real challenge. Let’s be real – taking your holiday decorations down right after Christmas can be a real burden…who has time for all that during that time of year? So, that’s why I decorate my mantel with winter greenery and seasonal decor – without having specific Christmas-like items. If you’re like me and are wanting decorations that shy away from the traditional “Christmas season” – read along for the best winter mantel ideas.

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Or, read Christmas Mantel Decor Ideas here.

Table of Contents

What can I put on my mantel after Christmas?

So, Christmas came and went – meaning it’s time to re-think your winter mantel decorating ideas! Don’t fret, there are a lot of home decor touches you can incorporate for a smooth transition. Personally, I love doing my mantel DIY – the winter season is truly the best time to hit the thrift stores.

However, if you aren’t feeling the whole reuse holiday mantel thing – you can go out and buy a bunch of stuff to put on your mantel after Christmas.

Firstly, think about string lights – they’re a great touch to put on your mantel during the winter months. They make your mantel display stand out and guess what? You can reuse them after taking down your winter fireplace design! I love incorporating string lights into my DIY projects – wrapping them around candleholders or on my dining table centerpiece. The options are endless!

Secondly, think about incorporating some candlesticks as a focal point on your fireplace decor. Your living room will turn into a winter wonderland – regardless of if you have your Christmas tree already or not.

Thirdly, I always love putting some natural elements on my fireplace mantel through the winter season. Think about placing some pinecones, fake snowflakes, or even bottle brush trees to remind people of white winters. There is just something about that winter magic – even into the new year, no?

What is a good Christmas decoration to put on my mantel?

If you’re going for more of a Christmas fireplace look – then that’s alright too! I love adding a few Christmas decorations into my mantel look. Instead of incorporating regular string lights – I typically use white lights and fake snowflakes – sometimes even with a few bottle brush trees to really incorporate that look.

I’ve known some people to add nutcrackers (are you a collector?!) and even snowmen – if that all goes with your color scheme, of course. If you really want to get Christmas-y – add a Santa or hang your stockings on your mantel.

What is the difference between a mantel and a fireplace?

If you’ve gotten this far but are confused about the difference between a fireplace and a mantel – don’t worry – we’ll explain it!

A mantel is the actual shelf above the top of the fireplace opening. Every one depends on the actual fireplace and the way they’re finished – but typically mantels are between four to seven feet long and five to 12 inches deep. The fireplace is going to be a box-like shape and often the heaviest part of the whole design.

The mantel is always a fun place to add decorations – it acts as a great focal point in your living room (or wherever your fireplace and mantel may be).