Our mantle used to be an afterthought. A few cards, one candle, done.
Then I tried burgundy. Suddenly the whole room felt like Christmas.
Here are 12 burgundy Christmas mantle ideas, from gold and baby blue to velvet, greenery and plaid. Three of them come with full step by step cards.
Quick Picks
- Classic: Burgundy and Gold Christmas Mantle (idea 1)
- Most unusual: Burgundy and Baby Blue (idea 2)
- Easiest DIY: Burgundy Velvet Garland (idea 3)
- No fireplace: Burgundy Faux Fireplace Mantle (idea 12)
1. Burgundy and Gold Christmas Mantle
Burgundy and gold is a royal pair. The deep red looks rich, and the gold catches every little light.
Start with a full garland that runs the whole length. Add velvet bows in burgundy, then tuck in gold balls and berry stems. Finish with tall gold candle holders and LED candles for a soft glow.
⏱ 1 hour💲 Medium🛠 Easy
Materials Needed
- Burgundy and gold garland
- Burgundy velvet ribbon, wired
- Gold LED flameless candles
- Floral wire, scissors and removable hooks
How to Make It
- Wipe the mantle clean and lay a towel on it, so the garland doesn’t scratch the wood.
- Drape the garland along the front edge, and let both ends hang in loose swags.
- Make three velvet bows and wire them evenly along the garland.
- Tuck gold balls and a few berry stems into the gaps.
- Set LED candles at different heights along the top, and hang a mirror above.
Tip: Keep garland and fabric away from any real fire or heat. Use LED candles only, and never leave a lit fire unattended below the mantle.
2. Burgundy and Baby Blue Christmas Mantle
Baby blue and burgundy is a fresh surprise. The soft blue calms the deep red, and the whole mantle looks fresh and modern.
Use baby blue in small amounts, like balls, ribbon and a few stars. Let burgundy lead. White garland and silver touches keep everything light.
You’ll need: baby blue ornament set and white frosted pine garland
Best for: modern homes and soft palettes
3. Burgundy Velvet Garland for a Mantle
Velvet is the secret to a rich mantle. A handmade velvet garland looks like it came from a high end shop.
Twist wide burgundy velvet ribbon around a simple rope or a bare garland base. Weave in gold beads and a few evergreen stems. It’s quick, and you control the color exactly.
⏱ 1 hour💲 Low🛠 Easy
Materials Needed
- Burgundy velvet ribbon, 4 inch wide
- Gold bead garland
- Faux evergreen stems
- A long piece of rope, floral wire and scissors
How to Make It
- Cut a rope about the length of your mantle plus 2 feet for the swags.
- Wrap the ribbon loosely around the rope in a spiral, and tuck the end under.
- Wire the gold bead garland to the rope in a drape.
- Tuck faux evergreen stems along the garland and wire them in place.
- Hang the garland from hooks and arrange the swags.
Tip: Use removable hooks rated for the weight. Keep ribbon ends short and away from any flame or heater.
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4. Burgundy Christmas Mantle Decor Ideas
Mantle decor is about layers. A garland at the back, taller items on the sides and small things in front. For more burgundy and brown pairings, see these brown Christmas tree ideas.
Use odd numbers, like three candlesticks or five ornaments. Vary the height, and repeat burgundy two or three times. Leave some empty space so the mantle can breathe.
You’ll need: glass ornament bowl
Best for: stylists and busy hosts
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5. Burgundy and Greenery Mantle
Greenery and burgundy are the classic Christmas pair, but a little more grown up. Think forest floor in winter.
Use real or faux pine mixed with eucalyptus and berries. Burgundy ribbon holds the look together. Keep pets away from real eucalyptus and mistletoe.
You’ll need: faux pine and eucalyptus garland
Best for: cozy homes and cabin looks
6. Burgundy and Cream Mantle
Cream softens burgundy and gives the mantle a calm look. It’s warm, quiet and very pretty.
Use cream garland, cream stockings and a few burgundy bows. Add LED pillar candles for glow. Keep the palette tight.
You’ll need: cream knit stockings, set
Best for: neutral homes and calm style
7. Burgundy Stockings on a Mantle
Stockings are the heart of a mantle. A matching row looks neat, and each one can have its own name tag.
Use sturdy hooks or weighted holders, so stockings don’t pull the garland down. Space them evenly. If you use the fireplace, hang them well away from the fire.
You’ll need: weighted stocking holders
Best for: families and gift giving
8. Burgundy Plaid Mantle
Plaid is cozy and a little bit rustic. In burgundy, it feels like a warm blanket.
Use plaid ribbon for bows and a garland. Add solid burgundy balls to rest the eye. Plaid and pinecones suit a cabin style room.
You’ll need: burgundy plaid wired ribbon
Best for: cabins and cozy cottages
9. DIY Burgundy Berry Swag
A swag is a small bunch of greenery that hangs from the end of the mantle. It adds height and shape to the whole look.
Gather a mix of berries, evergreens and twigs. Tie them in a bundle and add a big bow. Two matching swags, one at each end, make the mantle look balanced.
⏱ 40 minutes💲 Low🛠 Easy
Materials Needed
- Burgundy berry stems
- Floral wire, green
- Faux pine sprigs
- Scissors and ribbon
How to Make It
- Cut the stems to the same length, about 14 inches.
- Lay the pine sprigs flat, and arrange berries on top.
- Wire the bundle tightly at the center.
- Tie a burgundy bow over the wire.
- Hang the swag from a hook at the end of the mantle.
Tip: Trim wire ends and tuck them in, so they can’t scratch. Keep real berries away from pets and children.
10. Candles and Lights on a Burgundy Mantle
Lights make a mantle glow. Warm white lights and flameless candles give the glow of fire with no fire risk.
Use battery lights with timers so there are no cords across the room. Tuck them into the garland, and keep the glow low and warm. Always switch them off at bedtime.
You’ll need: battery fairy lights with timer
Best for: cozy evenings and safe glow
11. Burgundy Mantle With a TV Above
Lots of homes have a TV over the fireplace. You can still dress the mantle without covering the screen.
Keep the garland low, and let it hang at the sides and front. Use small items on the mantle that sit below the screen. Keep anything flammable away from heat from the fireplace.
You’ll need: short mantle garland
Best for: living rooms with a TV
12. Burgundy Faux Fireplace Mantle
No fireplace? No problem. A faux mantle gives you the full Christmas scene, and it’s safe for any home.
Use an electric or decorative fireplace, or even a bookshelf with a mantle shelf. Fill the firebox with LED candles. Hang stockings from hooks on the shelf.
You’ll need: faux fireplace mantel kit
Best for: renters and apartments
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors go with burgundy for Christmas?
Gold, cream, green and white are classics. Baby blue and silver add a fresh, modern touch.
How do I decorate a mantle without a fireplace?
Use a faux fireplace, a shelf or a console table. LED candles and a garland create the same look.
Is it safe to put garland on a mantle?
Yes, but keep it away from any real fire, heat or candles. Use LED candles, and check hooks hold the weight.
How long should a mantle garland be?
About the length of the mantle plus 1 to 2 feet for the swags at each end.
How do I hang stockings safely?
Use weighted holders or strong hooks. Keep them far from a lit fire.
Can I decorate a mantle under a TV?
Yes. Use a low garland and small decor on the mantle, and keep flammables away from heat.
Final Thoughts on a Burgundy Christmas Mantle
A burgundy mantle is rich, warm and easy to style. Pick one or two partner colors, add a little shine and keep everything safe from heat. It will be the heart of your room.
Amir Ali is the founder and site administrator of HomeDecorEdge, a modern home decor and interior design platform. Since starting the site, he has combined his passion for interior design, practical styling, and color coordination with hands-on content strategy and site management. He guides authors, curates high-quality articles, and ensures readers have access to actionable, visually inspiring, and user-focused home decor advice for apartments, small rooms, and family homes.
