Cozy Mantels: Safe Fireplace Decorating Ideas for Christmas

Christmas is said to be the most magical time of the year, and nothing makes it even more so than a roaring fire in the fireplace. Maybe it’s the crackling sounds, the glow, the aroma, or the promise that this year you’ll remember to hang the stockings before midnight on Christmas Eve. Besides the fire itself, fireplaces offer a perfect place for prime decorating, since it’s the room’s focal point. But, these decorations sit just above a literal combustion chamber, and while you can go big on sparkle, you don’t want to go big on “Oops, I melted that!”

Here are easy fireplace decorating tips that bring the Christmas charm without the Christmas char.

The Golden Rule: Heat and Décor Don’t Mix

It should be common sense, but you’d be shocked by how many people don’t know or forget this one when setting up their Christmas decorations. It’s hard to believe, but according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), “U.S fire departments responded to an estimated average of 832 home structure fires per year that began with decorations. These fires caused an annual average of 3 civilian fire deaths, 28 civilian fire injuries, and $17 million in property damage.”

Knowing that, here’s what the experts recommend.

• Keep décor at least 6-12 inches above the firebox opening
• Avoid anything that dangles, dips, or droops towards flames
• Choose flame-resistant or non-combustible materials when possible
• If you have a wood-burning unit, remember that heat travels upward and outward

Now that we have that in mind, it’s time to decorate.

Garland

Think of garland as your mantel’s workout headband; it’s a Christmas staple and should be treated like one. Here’s how to use it safely.

• Go faux over fresh if you plan on using your fireplace. Artificial garlands made from PVC, silk, or fire-retardant materials won’t dry out as real pine does.
• Try pre-treated, flame-resistant options available at your local retailer or online.
• Opt for chunky over drapey. Think a lush horizontal swoop that sits back from the edge instead of long cascading tendrils that could easily take a nosedive into the fire.

For an extra punch, weave battery-operated LED lights through the garland to make it look even more enchanting.

Candles

We hear you, you’re decorating above a fire, and now we’re suggesting you use candles, but hear us out. We don’t recommend real candles. Do this instead.

• Use LED pillar candles or flickering taper alternatives instead of open-wick candles. Flameless candles look remarkably real now, and they’re infinitely safer.
• Style them in clusters on ceramic or metal trays for more sparkle and reflection.
• Try LED candles that include timers so you don’t forget to turn them off when the festivities end.

Stockings Hung With Care

We all remember the line from the famous poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” And while stockings are a Christmas tradition, hanging them with care today means keeping them away from the fire.

• Use sturdy stocking hooks like cast-iron or weighted metal hangers
• Avoid downward hanging tassels or overly long designs when using the fireplace
• If you’re using heirloom or hand-knit stockings, raise them higher on the mantel or display them on a side ladder or wall instead

No-Melt Centerpieces

This may sound obvious, but keep anything heat-sensitive out of the zone. Safe options include:

• Wooden décor
• Metal or ceramic houses
• Wood or felt ornaments
• Resin figurines

Frame It: Décor Layering

Use layering for a lusher look by framing décor upward instead of outward. Try leaning art or framed prints against the wall, lightweight signs like “Merry Everything” or “Dear Santa, Explain Yourself” positioned high, or holiday mirrors.

Batteries to Power Your Sparkle Safely

Lastly, use battery lights instead of plug-ins wherever possible, especially where cords might droop.

Schedule Your Chimney Cleaning and Inspection Today

One thing you can’t afford to skip this holiday season is getting your chimney cleaned and checked by a certified pro. Wells & Sons is a family-owned and operated chimney company that’s proudly served residents in Allentown, Pottstown, Phoenixville, and the surrounding areas for over 45 years. Customers trust us because we’re fully certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America and the National Fireplace Institute. Call us today!