After installing tin tile on her three-sided fireplace, we asked designer, Jennifer Lindsley, to decorate hers and give us a few tips. Here’s what we learned.

Pattern #3 in Black Matte

1. Start with a Beautiful Background

Having a black matte tin tile in the background was the perfect place to start. It meant that the mantel décor could be simple but the overall effect would be elegant and sophisticated. A black background also made it easy to choose colors that would stand out.

Jennifer chose white, silver, and gold—opposites of the black background—so they would pop on her three-dimensional fireplace layout.

Fireplace Decor Ideas

• Balance the background:
  The key to working with unique backgrounds is to balance them. If you have lots of color or pattern on the background, stick to neutral décor. If you have a highly textured background, simple and smooth décor will balance it.

• Remodel the fireplace wall to make a stunning statement:
  If you want to amp up your fireplace, the surround or the wall around your fireplace is a good place to start. You’ll get year-round décor that makes your fireplace the visual center of the space. Consider tin tile. It comes in various colors with elegant patterns and understated texture. Learn more about tin tile on the fireplace!

Tin Tile for the Fireplace

2. Create Vignettes

Group objects together to tell miniature stories. Get out Grandma’s holiday carolers figurines and tuck them into a corner together. Strategically arrange all your favorite holiday candlesticks in one area or break them up into two symmetrical placements.

Whether you go with a symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangement is up to you. Each is equally beautiful when your guiding design is about creating little moments across your fireplace mantel.

Fireplace Decor Ideas

• Vary heights:
  “The key to getting vignettes right is to leverage different heights,” Jennifer told us. If everything is at the same vertical height, nothing will stand out and your vignettes will get lost. Using different heights will create distinction that will draw the eye and have your guests asking about your décor.

3. Work the Depth

With a three-sided fireplace, Jennifer had a unique depth challenge. The fireplace juts out into the middle of an open format space, separating it into three different spaces. “Essentially there were three mantels to decorate and each featured prominently in a different room, yet the whole mantel had to work together as one,” Jennifer said.

She used very different items for each side of the mantel but there were threads of commonality between each side that cemented the design together. Use the same principle to bring the various elements of your fireplace mantel design together.

Fireplace Decor Ideas

• Create depth:
  Similar to adding different heights, different depths are important to fireplace decoration so it doesn’t blend into the flat wall. You are somewhat limited when it comes to depth on your fireplace mantel, as most aren’t more than four to six inches.

• Place objects for full impact:
  If you have room for it, place objects at varying distances from the wall to create more depth. The more depth you create, the more your décor will stand out. If your mantel is shallow, don’t be afraid to place items in a line but try to vary other elements like size and shape to substitute for depth.

4. Mix Textures

Another design principle that brings a design together and adds loads of interest is texture. Jennifer used a pine garland with smooth “winterberries” as the foundation then added other smooth metallic and glass accents to further offset the highly textured garland.

The knit stockings bring a bit of soft luxury that adds a third textural element that rounds out the design.

Fireplace Decor Ideas

• Mix finishes:
  Metal (matte or shiny) with aged or rustic items balance the texture and introduce an elegant-cozy vibe.
  
  
• Use wood:
  Wood is a must-have in any mantel design. Glass alongside warm woods balance the texture and bring a sense of festivity to the occasion.

5. Be Practical

As much as any designer hates to admit it, there are some practical limitations when it comes to decorating the fireplace. But undaunted, Jennifer found plenty of ways to work around that. She used heavy metal objects to help hold the garland and lights in place.

The garland itself can be useful in holding items in place. Simply wrap the wired branches around your decorations or nestle smaller items in amongst the needles.

Fireplace Decor Ideas

• Hide cords:
  To have your beautiful fireplace décor interrupted by an extension cord running down the wall is a let down but all too common an occurrence. Use battery operated twinkle lights or candles to add light without the unsightly rogue power cord.

6. Add Warmth with Lighting

Lighting is an essential element in holiday decorating, especially around the fireplace. The right lighting choices can add warmth, create a cozy atmosphere, and bring out the shimmer of holiday decorations. Here’s how to use different types of lighting around the fireplace for maximum effect.

Fireplace Decor Ideas

• String up some lights:
  Wrap twinkle lights around a garland on the mantel or woven through decorations. Warm white lights create a cozy sophisticated look and multicolors are playful and festive.
  
  
• Add candles: 
  Use groups of candles in candle holders at various heights and places on the mantel for a layered look. Go with LED candles for safety and convenience.
  
  
• Place rustic lanterns: 
  One or two full size lanterns or several smaller lanterns make a great addition to mantel decor. Distressed metal finishes add to the rustic vibe or black or chrome work with more modern styles. Battery operated lanterns are a good bet for safe and healthy decor.

Holiday Decor that Fits Your Everyday Style

It can be tricky to get your everyday decor to blend with your holiday decor. With the right approach, you can get both to exist in perfect harmony. Here's some ideas. 

Traditional Holiday Style

• Color Palette: Classic red, green, and gold.
  
  
• Suggested Decor: Incorporate lush evergreen garlands across the mantel, complete with red berries, pinecones, and velvet bows. A wreath above the fireplace in a matching style completes the look.
  
  
• Tin Accents: Use tin tiles in metallic finishes like brushed gold or antique brass as a backsplash or above the mantel. This adds an elegant, vintage touch that pairs beautifully with traditional decor.
  
  
• Extra Touches: Hang stockings with intricate designs or embroidery. Candles in brass or vintage holders add to the warm, timeless feel.

Rustic Holiday Style

• Color Palette: Earth tones, deep greens, and soft whites.
  
  
• Suggested Decor: Layer natural elements, like rustic wood signs, burlap stockings, and handmade ornaments. Small logs, twigs, and natural garlands with eucalyptus or dried flowers enhance the woodsy look.
  
  
• Tin Accents: Incorporate distressed tin tiles in finishes like pewter or weathered steel for a rugged yet cozy vibe. Tin tiles can also be used as a base for creating a small holiday-themed wall vignette above the fireplace.
  
  
• Extra Touches: Consider adding mason jar candles and woven baskets with cozy blankets to add warmth and charm to the rustic theme.

Modern Holiday Style

• Color Palette: Neutral tones with pops of metallics, like silver, gold, or black.
  
  
• Suggested Decor: Opt for sleek, minimalist decor, such as geometric ornaments, monochrome stockings, and elegant glassware. Limit color to one or two accents to keep things streamlined.
  
  
• Tin Accents: A modern tin ceiling or mantel backdrop in a high-shine chrome or matte black finish can serve as a chic focal point, adding dimension to a clean aesthetic.
  
  
• Extra Touches: Add slim candles in tall holders and a few metallic ornaments. Avoid too many decorations to maintain a modern, clutter-free look.

Minimalist Holiday Style

• Color Palette: Soft whites, light grays, and natural wood.
  
  
• Suggested Decor: Keep it simple with a thin, white garland, a few bare branches in a vase, and candles. This style is ideal for smaller spaces where minimalism can shine.
  
  
• Tin Accents: Consider subtle tin touches, like a simple tin tile in matte silver above the mantel or small tin votive candle holders. These accents can bring warmth without overwhelming the space.
  
  
• Extra Touches: One or two carefully chosen decor pieces, like a Scandinavian-style wreath or single stocking in a neutral color, keep the minimalist aesthetic intact.

Want more design and décor ideas? Check out this collection of ideas.

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