The holiday season is just around the corner—and with it comes the joy of decorating the coziest part of the home: the fireplace mantel. While many people return to the same classic holiday setup each year, 2025 brings a refreshing mix of warmth, texture, and thoughtful simplicity. This year’s trends blend comfort with modern elegance, creating a festive focal point that feels inviting, personal, and beautifully put together.
And as fireplaces take center stage during the holidays, décor style goes hand in hand with mindful safety—something just as important as aesthetics when you’re decorating around an active fire.
Color Scheme
Your color palette sets the foundation for your entire mantel, and in 2025, soft neutrals paired with understated metallics are leading the way. White-on-white remains a favorite, but this year the look is elevated with gentle touches of champagne, brushed gold, and muted sage. These shades keep the display airy and refined while maintaining a cozy holiday glow.
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Photo Courtesy of Modern-Glam featuring Regency Liberty LRI4E Gas Insert
For homes with rustic or farmhouse influences, the style is shifting toward an even softer, more organic look. Layered neutrals, natural greens, warm wood tones, and earthy browns create an inviting, country-chic feel. A pale wood mantel framed by garlands, pinecones, and simple ornament groupings is especially beautiful against stone fireplace surrounds.
Safety note: When choosing ribbons, greenery, or fabrics, ensure anything that hangs or drapes stays a safe distance from the firebox opening. Neutral palettes may calm the aesthetic, but they shouldn’t get so close that they become a safety hazard.
Photo Courtesy of @samanthabelsey featuring Regency Classic I2400 Wood Insert
Texture
Texture is the standout trend of 2025. Designers are leaning into material contrast—pairing soft with structured, shiny with matte, and smooth with organic. When used intentionally, the result is rich depth and visual balance.
Rougher textures like reclaimed wood pieces, woven elements, burlap, or rustic baskets create a grounded feel. These pair beautifully with soft textiles, fluffy winter décor, or lush greenery. Meanwhile, glass ornaments, ceramic pieces, and brushed metals offer a clean, polished contrast.
Your fireplace surround plays an important part as well. A contemporary Regency fireplace, for example, has sleek lines that look incredible when softened with warm textures or gentle metallic accents. A traditional masonry fireplace, on the other hand, pairs naturally with seasonal greenery and classic décor.
Safety note: Textural pieces are wonderful, but avoid placing loose or lightweight items—such as very fluffy garlands or textiles—too close to active flames or hot surfaces.
Photo Courtesy of Modern-Glam
Accessories
Your accessories are where personality shines. In 2025, meaningful decoration is in the spotlight: handmade pieces, heritage ornaments, framed family photos, or vintage items collected over the years. These thoughtful additions create a mantel with heart and story.
Warm white lights and accent pieces remain popular for adding ambiance. DIY lovers can bring charm with handmade clay ornaments, wooden bead garlands, or dried citrus accents. Families often add framed winter photos or memory-filled shadowboxes for a personal seasonal touch.
The hearth area below the mantel is also part of the scene. Wrapped gifts, baskets of birch logs, or decorative accents can complete the look without crowding the space.
Safety note: Keep real logs, baskets, and décor slightly offset from the fireplace opening to maintain proper clearance and airflow around the unit.
Photo Courtesy of Modern-Glam featuring Regency Liberty LRI4E Gas Insert
Less Is More
Minimalism continues to be a strong influence for 2025—especially for homeowners who prefer clean, quiet visual spaces. Rather than filling every inch of the mantel, choose a few carefully selected pieces that make an impact.
A simple garland, a sculptural element, or a streamlined arrangement of décor can create a gallery-like effect that feels elevated and intentional. This approach highlights your fireplace itself—ideal if you have a bold, modern insert or a traditional surround you love to show off.
Minimalism also aligns naturally with safety: fewer items around the firebox means reduced risk and easier upkeep during a busy holiday season.
Photo Courtesy of Fireside Pro’s
Conclusion
Your fireplace mantel is more than a decorative surface during the holidays—it’s the heart of the home. The trends of 2025 celebrate calm neutrals, layered textures, meaningful accents, and thoughtful simplicity. Blending style with safety ensures your fireplace remains both beautiful and functional, creating a cozy backdrop for gatherings, quiet evenings, and cherished seasonal memories.
And if you're dreaming of enhancing your holiday ambiance even further, updating the fireplace itself can elevate the entire room.
Explore Regency’s collection of Gas, Wood, and Electric Fireplaces to find a design that complements your style and provides the perfect foundation for your festive mantel in every season.
Frequently Asked Question
How do you decorate your mantelpiece?
Decorating a mantelpiece works best when you start with a focal point like a wreath, mirror, or artwork, then layer in greenery, candles, and décor pieces of different heights to create balance. Mixing textures such as wood, metal, and soft fabrics adds depth without overwhelming the space. A clean-lined fireplace, like many from Regency, pairs especially well with simple, intentional styling that lets the fire remain the star. For more inspiration, explore Regency’s collection to find a fireplace that complements your décor style effortlessly.
How do you decorate a mantel for Christmas?
A Christmas mantel feels most festive when greenery, warm lights, and meaningful accents are combined. A garland is a great starting point — add ornaments, ribbon, or pinecones, then finish with stockings, candles, or figurines that reflect your holiday theme. Trending 2025 palettes like champagne gold, soft neutrals, and classic reds work beautifully with almost any fireplace. If your holiday decorating centers around a Regency fireplace, choose décor that highlights the flame display and enhances the cozy atmosphere. For a fireplace that completes your holiday look, browse Regency’s Gas, Wood, and Electric options.
How do you decorate a fireplace without a mantel?
A fireplace without a mantel can still become a beautifully styled focal point. Use the wall above the fireplace for décor — a wreath, artwork, or mirror creates instant visual interest. On the hearth, add tall lanterns, stacked logs, plants, or seasonal pieces to build height and warmth. Leaning frames or slim shelving can also frame the fireplace without adding clutter. The sleek design of many Regency fireplaces makes them easy to decorate even without a mantel, allowing simple touches to shine. For a fireplace that elevates any décor style, explore Regency’s full collection.