1. Consider Other Colour Schemes and Light Sources within the Room
Christine Matthews, spokesperson for gr8fires, discusses how you can make your fireplace work with the rest of the decorations and lighting within the room.
“While traditional fireplaces hold a special charm, modern electric fireplaces can easily replicate the soothing visuals of traditional flames. However, some ranges such as the Ezee Glow range, offer different mood lighting settings allowing you to adjust the colours to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements your room’s aesthetic.”
Christine added “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.”
2. Use Simple and Sentimental Touches
For a more personalised touch, Interior designer and decorator Ryan McDonough, from MyJobQuote.co.uk, recommends incorporating sentimental touches to create an inviting display.
“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.”
3. Decide on Minimalist Vs Maximalist Christmas Decorations
Jess Martin, Christmas decoration expert at Ginger Ray shares her take on making the fireplace the focal point of holiday décor by layering garlands or incorporating bows for subtle 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 decor. 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 decor 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.”
4. 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 decor.”
5. Use Natural Elements to Create Rustic and Earthy
Award winning interior designer, Tara Rodrigues suggests adding natural elements on your fireplace mantle to create a warm, cosy, and grounded atmosphere. “Using natural materials creates a cosy, timeless feel to Christmas decor. 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.”
6. Choosing the Right Colour Palette for your Home
Jamie and Lou Graham owners of the Family run Homeware brand Graham and Green, offer their advice about selecting the correct colour palette for your decorations depending on the style of your home.
“Regency decor is all about opulence and elegance, so we suggest using gilded frames, classic candle sconces and rich, jewel-toned accents to dress up a regency-style mantel for the holidays. A garland of lush greenery with delicate gold accents or vintage-style ornaments adds a sophisticated nod to the past. For a more modern space, we’d suggest focusing on clean lines and a neutral palette, with smaller pops of colour or metallics. A simple garland of eucalyptus or even a minimal, asymmetrical arrangement can make a striking statement without feeling overdone.”
7. Decorate Your Fireplace to Accentuate Your Home
Interior Designer Ally Boldan, offers insights on using ornaments to highlight and enhance your home’s existing décor.
“Depending on your home’s existing style may dictate how you style your fireplace. If you have colour accents in a certain room you may choose to highlight these in your fireplace through baubles, flowers or other ornaments like candle sticks”.
“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 more”.
