Christmas decorating is my absolute favorite, and if you’re anything like me, you live for that moment when you can finally deck out your house in all things holly, jolly, and bright. The best part, IMO, has to be the mantel. It’s the heart of your home during the holidays, the perfect canvas to showcase your style. The farmhouse look has been a huge trend for years now, especially on Pinterest, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s warm, it’s inviting, and it’s timeless.
Seriously, who doesn’t want their living room to feel like a cozy, rustic retreat from the winter chill? With all the festive chaos, a farmhouse mantel brings a little bit of calm, a little bit of country charm, and a whole lot of cheer. I’ve spent countless hours scrolling through inspiration, and I’ve found some of the best ideas that are so simple, you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of them yourself. I’ve pulled together 11 of my favorite farmhouse Christmas mantel looks, complete with my personal notes and tips, so you can easily copy them this year.
1. Rustic Charm with Cedar Garland and Lanterns
I am a sucker for greenery, and a thick, lush garland is the easiest way to make a big impact. A faux cedar garland is a great base—it has that beautiful, feathery look that feels so natural and full. I love how it drapes over the edge, creating a sense of movement and softness.
To take it up a notch, I recommend tucking in some vintage-style lanterns. You know the kind—the black or bronze ones with the little handles. They add so much character and a touch of that old-world feel. Pop some battery-operated candles inside them, and you get that warm, flickering glow without the fire hazard. It’s all about creating that cozy atmosphere, right? The combination of the deep green cedar and the warm light from the lanterns is just perfection.
Useful Hack
Don’t have lanterns? No problem. Grab a few glass hurricanes or even large mason jars and place the battery-operated candles inside. Add a handful of pinecones or some Epsom salt for a snowy effect around the base of the candle.
2. Minimalist Elegance with White Stockings and Greenery
Sometimes, less is more. For a modern farmhouse vibe, a minimalist approach can be incredibly stunning. It’s clean, fresh, and not at all overwhelming. Start with a simple drape of greenery. I’m a big fan of eucalyptus—its soft, silvery-green color is so calming and sophisticated. You can use a faux garland, or even a few real sprigs if you want that fresh scent.
Next, hang white or cream-colored stockings. The texture of a knit or felt stocking in a neutral shade adds warmth without a ton of visual clutter. The key here is to keep the palette tight. Introduce a few metallic accents, like small gold or silver ornaments scattered among the greenery. It adds a little bit of sparkle and elevates the whole look.
Useful Hack
To make your greenery appear fuller, use zip ties to connect multiple garlands. Just trim the ends, and you’ll have a seamless, voluminous display.
3. Vintage Touches with a DIY Plaid Sign and Antiques
For a truly personal and unique mantel, you have to get a little crafty. A DIY plaid sign is the perfect project to make your mantel feel one-of-a-kind. Grab a piece of reclaimed wood, some craft paint, and a little plaid inspiration from a flannel shirt. It’s surprisingly easy and looks so good.
Once your sign is front and center, it’s time to layer in the fun stuff—the antiques. Hit up your local flea markets or thrift stores and hunt for old books, vintage toys, or even an antique scale. These pieces tell a story and add so much character. To really sell the winter wonderland look, sprinkle some faux snow along the mantel. It’s just so nostalgic, isn’t it?
Useful Hack
Can’t find antique toys? Look for new wooden toys with a vintage feel. They’ll give you a similar look without the wear and tear.
4. Whimsical Woodland with Faux Fur and Mini Trees
I live for the cozy factor, and nothing screams “cozy” like faux fur. A faux fur runner or throw draped over your mantel instantly transforms it into a magical, wintery landscape. Seriously, just running my hand over it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Next, add some miniature faux trees. I love placing them in galvanized pots or little woven baskets. They look like tiny forests and bring a playful, natural element to the display. Finish the look with a few animal figurines—maybe a little deer, a fox, or a couple of woodland squirrels. It’s whimsical, charming, and totally delightful.
Useful Hack
Use a command hook to secure the faux fur runner at the corners of your mantel. This keeps it from sliding around and makes sure it drapes perfectly.
5. Classic Red and Green with Plaid Accents
You can never go wrong with a classic red and green Christmas mantel. It’s the color combination that feels like a warm hug and brings back all those childhood memories. Use a mix of traditional holiday elements: a chunky pine garland, bright red berries, and maybe some ornaments in both colors.
The secret ingredient here is plaid. Whether you tie some plaid ribbon around your garland, use a plaid throw as a backdrop, or hang stockings with a red and green plaid pattern, it instantly adds that cozy, rustic feel. Finish it off with pinecones and a few sprigs of holly for that extra festive touch. It’s a timeless look for a reason.
Useful Hack
If you don’t have plaid ribbon, wrap a few old flannel shirts around your garland in a knot or bow. It’s an inexpensive way to get the look and is great for sustainability.
6. Modern Farmhouse with Neutral Tones and Metal Accents
Modern farmhouse is all about clean lines and a simple, sophisticated palette. Think whites, grays, and blacks, with a focus on texture and form. This look is a great way to make your holiday decor feel intentional and chic, not chaotic.
Instead of a big, bushy garland, try a simple eucalyptus or cotton garland. The neutral colors look so refined. For accents, use metal—think galvanized buckets holding some pine branches, or a few matte black candle holders. Geometric shapes are also a key part of this style. You can find some cool metal or wooden geometric ornaments to hang on the mantel. It’s a fresh take on farmhouse that I’m totally obsessed with.
Useful Hack
Paint a few old pinecones with black or white paint to match your neutral palette. It’s a simple DIY that gives you a cohesive, elevated look.
7. Cozy Cottage with Knit Stockings and Warm Lights
This mantel style is pure hygge. It’s all about creating a space that feels snug, inviting, and full of warmth. You absolutely need some chunky knit stockings for this look. The texture alone is enough to make you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm blanket.
The lighting is also critical. Forget the bright white LEDs; this calls for warm white fairy lights. Wind them through your garland or drape them loosely across the mantel. The soft glow is so magical and calming. To really hit that cottage vibe, add some ceramic houses or little wooden chalets. It’s a subtle nod to a cozy winter village.
Useful Hack
If you don’t have knit stockings, you can easily find some at craft stores. Grab a few different shades of cream, off-white, or even a soft gray to add dimension.
8. Farm Fresh with Burlap and Fresh Greenery
There’s something so authentic about a mantel that looks like you just stepped outside and gathered everything you needed. The key to this look is using natural materials. Start with a burlap runner or garland as your base. The rough texture is the perfect contrast to the softness of the greenery.
Next, use fresh greenery. Pine, fir, or cypress branches will give you that amazing, fresh scent. I love tucking a few sprigs into the burlap. To really lean into the farm fresh feel, fill some mason jars with cranberries or little sprigs of pine. Add some water and a floating candle for a beautiful, simple centerpiece. It’s a rustic and honest look that I can’t get enough of.
Useful Hack
To keep your fresh greenery from drying out too quickly, give it a spritz of water every day using a spray bottle.
9. Elegant Whites with Crystal and Silver Accents
For a look that’s all about serene elegance, go for an all-white theme. It feels so clean and a little bit fancy. This style is pure magic when the lights are low and the candles are lit. Start with a white faux garland—I love the look of flocked garland for this, as it looks like a blanket of fresh snow.
Add crystal or glass ornaments. They catch the light beautifully and create a sense of icy sparkle. Use silver candle holders or a few strands of silver tinsel. This mantel is all about a monochromatic palette with lots of shimmer and shine. It’s a little bit glam and a lot sophisticated.
Useful Hack
Don’t have silver candle holders? You can use silver spray paint to transform any old candle holders you have on hand. It’s a quick and affordable way to get the look you want.
10. Farmhouse Chic with Wood Beads and Plaid Ribbons
Wood beads are everywhere these days, and for good reason! They add such a cool, rustic-meets-boho vibe to any space. Draping a long garland of natural wood beads across your mantel creates a beautiful, simple base for your decorations.
Tie some plaid ribbons—I love a classic buffalo check for this—around candles, vases, or even some small bundles of greenery. It adds a pop of color and pattern without being overwhelming. To complete the look, add a few galvanized stars or bells. They have that wonderful matte finish and country feel. This is one of those looks that seems so effortless but is a total showstopper.
Useful Hack
String your own wood bead garland! You can find wooden beads and twine at any craft store. It’s a super relaxing and fun project you can do while watching a holiday movie.
11. Vintage Farmhouse with an Old Window Frame and Stockings
This one is for all the junkers and vintage lovers out there. Using an old window frame as the backdrop for your mantel is such a genius idea. It instantly gives your space that salvaged, found-treasure feel that is so essential to vintage farmhouse style.
Hang your stockings from the window frame using some rustic twine or cute clips. It’s a fun and unexpected way to display them. To really commit to the theme, decorate the mantel with authentic vintage pieces like an old wooden sled, a pair of rusty ice skates, or even an antique lantern. It’s a little bit of history right in your living room, and it’s just so beautiful.
Useful Hack
If you don’t have an old window frame, you can find them at flea markets or salvage yards. Or, for a similar look, you can get a new one from a craft store and give it a weathered finish with some sandpaper and a little paint.
Crafting Your Perfect Farmhouse Christmas Mantel
So there you have it—11 ways to create a farmhouse Christmas mantel that feels totally you. The best part about this style is that you don’t have to stick to just one idea. Feel free to mix and match elements from different looks to create something completely unique. Maybe you love the rustic charm of cedar garland but want to hang the chunky knit stockings from the cozy cottage look. Go for it!
The most important thing is to focus on warmth, texture, and adding personal touches. The little things you pick up on your travels or the DIY projects you make with love are what make a space truly special. Your Christmas mantel is a reflection of you and your family, so let your personality shine through. Now go on and get decorating! Don’t forget to show me what you create—tag me with your photos!
