How to decorate your fireplace this Christmas
Is there anything more festive than sitting in front of a roaring fire?
If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, then make the most out of the opportunity to decorate it for Christmas.
Whether it’s a full on open fireplace or an electric one, they can all fit beautifully into your Christmas décor scheme.
Whether you hang your stockings from the top, use it to showcase fairy lights, or simply don a few ornaments on top, a fireplace can be a real centrepiece at Christmas time.
Interior design experts have their say
We spoke to some interior design experts, to discuss how you can make your fireplace fit with your festive décor and lighting within the room.
Consider other colour schemes and light sources
Christine Matthews, spokesperson for gr8fires told us: “When using the fireplace, you should try and think about the other light sources overpowering the glow from the fireplace.
“Whether this is from fairy lights on your Christmas tree, or lamps and overhead lights.
“If you coordinate these competing light sources with the lighting of your fireplace it can enhance the ambiance, making the space feel more festive and cosy.”
- Osby Star Window Light Duo, £34.99 – buy here
- 1.9m Mushroom LED String Lights, £7.99 – buy here
- 3 Clear Glass Fairy Light Orbs, £39.99 – buy here
Use simple and sentimental touches
For a more personalised touch, interior designer and decorate Ryan McDonough from myjobquote.co.uk recommends incorporating sentimental touches for an inviting display over the season.
“Personalise the mantelpiece by hanging the traditional stockings filled with gifts. You can use framed family photos on top of the fireplace, along with Christmas cards.
“To enhance the cosy ambience you can place a few candles between the cards. Just be careful not to overcrowd the mantelpiece, as sometimes less is more.”
Ryan added: “However, be careful with paper decorations and stockings. Keep flammable materials away from heat sources and avoid using real candles unattended.”
- Stocking fabric, £34.95 per metre, Annie Sloan – order here
Minimalist vs Maximalist
Jess Martin, Christmas decoration expert at Ginger Ray shares her take on making the fireplace the focal point of your holiday scheme by layering garlands or incorporating bows for accents of colour.
Nothing says Christmas quite like gathering in the living room around the fireplace.
A fireplace naturally becomes the centrepiece, so foliage garlands are essential when it comes to decorating for the festive period.
Maximalists will love to layer up multiple garlands to give a luxurious look to the décor.
Minimalists can opt for less foliage but still create a visual impact with bunting, stockings or candles that will fit in with their clutter-free aesthetic.
Jess added that “Bows have been dominating the décor trends lately, so we expect to see them in a big way this Christmas.
“Pop some clip-on pink bows onto your garlands to bring a touch of colour to the garland.”
Use pops of colour for kitsch and contemporary decorations
Kate Conrad, interiors expert and owner of luxury retailer Madison & Mayfair, shares her opinions and tips on how to incorporate playful elements into your Christmas decor.
“Having the same colours every Christmas, focusing on reds and greens and golds, and keeping everything traditional can lose its touch over the years.
I think that dressing up mantelpieces with stockings that have a more contemporary twist is the perfect way to refresh your fireplace this Christmas, if this would complement your home’s current style.
“Use brighter colours and don’t be afraid to step away from those ‘normal’ Christmas colours.
“Why not try stockings in pinks and oranges and yellows for a sunset palette, or blues and purples for a more striking look?
“Particularly in more contemporary interiors, being playful with your Christmas decorations can greatly refresh your usual festivities and have your guests admiring your creative take on the Christmas décor.”
Use natural elements to create a rustic vibe
“Using natural materials creates a cosy, timeless feel to Christmas décor. I love incorporating pinecones to add texture and warmth, either left natural or lightly dusted with white paint or glitter for a frosted look.”
“Eucalyptus and Holly are marvellous for both colour and fragrance. Adding a couple of nice twigs on a mantelpiece with some baubles on ribbons or fishing wire makes for a simple and cost effective festive glow up. I also love using small logs or bark slices as candle stands or decorative accessories to add a rustic charm. Dried Citrus and Cinnamon Sticks smell amazing when paired with candles or garlands.”
- Green Christmas wreath, £15 – buy here
- Polar bear cushion, £12 – buy here
- Silver snow fall small bauble candle, £3.50 – buy here
Decorate your fireplace to accentuate your home
“I like to try and keep my décor minimalist to match my home’s Scandi style aesthetic. Woods, paper and metals will be a big part of my Christmas decorations to help bring this out