The elephant in the living room, AKA the fireplace, has gotten its Christmas on. Here is how I began Decorating A Ginormous Fireplace and Mantel for Christmas.
I still don’t know how it will be decorated for the rest of the year but at least the living room has a bit of cheer because it is basically still empty. (It’s next on my list to decorate.)
My dear friend Missy made me the lovely “Peace” angel-winged ornament.
How Big Is It?
This fireplace and mantel is a beast I tell you! To give you an idea of its enormity here is an image of me standing right in front of it. I am 5’4” tall and the top of my head reaches midway.
Everyone helped decorate. It’s a bit over the top, but isn’t Christmas décor supposed to be?
Mr. Décor says the mirror looks like a big Santa smile with braces. 🙂
Paper chains, an Anthro garland, and wood candlesticks from T J Maxx all provide various shades of neutral texture.
A silver star ornament from Miss Sandy, pinecones, and antique jingle bells act as filler.
Antique Mantel Cover
The antique mantel cover I purchased from my good friend Jenny. Once the orange oak mantle underneath is replaced it might get used for kitchen curtains.
I did do one Before & After DIY for this area.
The fireplace screen was basic black. Since this room struggles for a natural light, I thought a brighter color might work better. Most hardware stores sell high heat spray paint.
I think it’s an improvement. What say you?
Antique Sled
To the left of the fireplace I placed an antique sled we purchased many years ago while living in Germany. The faux sheepskin rug is from Ikea.
Since the fireplace is gas there really is no need to fill up the large opening on the bottom with wood. I found a basket at Ross, added a few birch logs and greenery leftover from our Christmas tree, tossed in a string of lights and a few scented pinecones.
It gives a bit of happy, sparkly shine to the room.
Hopefully, I will find the time to get some stockings sewn and hung.
Laura
Oh my, it is ginormous Laura! I'm glad you softened it up a bit with the light and airy colors you chose and the light wood tones on the candlesticks as well! I'm sure you'll figure out how to decorate this for the rest of the year!
Wow! I never noticed that fireplace was so big when you were showing us pictures of the house. I love what you did, and I am betting it is even more spectacular in person. I love the basket of logs and white lights. I love those unexpected, festive touches!
It's all just fabulous, especially the fireplace screen revamp!
You're awesome Laura, that is all.
Love how you placed a basket and lights in the nook that holds wood…it looks so pretty Laura! The whole mantel looks fabulous all dressed for Christmas!
Oh I love it, you did an amazing job of decorating this space. That really is one huge fireplace, and now it is stunning. I love the pic of you in front of it. Perfect.
Very pretty in all white! Love the wood stacked in the basket with lights and the sled~
Jenna
This looks fantastic! I love that basket and the little inset. That fire screen looks great. I painted mine, too!
You did a wonderful job with that ginormous space. Love how you softened up the space!
Hi Laura! Oh, you look so pretty standing by your fireplace. It is a biggun! 🙂 But you've decorated it so beautifully as well as the hearth. Love the sled. The folks we bought our new/old house from left a sled that must be from the 50s. I love it and have it on the porch. I'm enjoying seeing all you're doing in your home.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
What a wonderful fireplace, Laura! I had no idea of the size until seeing the picture of you standing in front of it. I love it! I also love the way you've decorated it for the holidays.
Looks great!! I especially like the facelift on the fireplace screen!!
It's a magnificent fireplace and you've done wonders with it. The lighter metal is great and all the creamy neutrals you've added for the season warm it up considerably. Love seeing the photo of you in front of it.
Too funny, Laura, I complain about our too tall fireplace and mantel all the time. How DOES one decorate such a behemoth? I struggle constantly. I think you did a great job. Love that anthro garland and the basket with birch wood. Perhaps we can swap war stories?lol
xoKathleen
Gorgeous! I want some of those garlands from Anthro! And the makeover on the fireplace screen is awesome!
The Fireplace might be ginormous, but it's also beautiful and gorgeous decorated for Christmas! It's beautiful.
Hugs,
Jan
The antique sled is amazing and you look so pretty in your plaid dress. You moved…..and then decorated for Christmas? I am in AWE!!! Happy holidays my friend!
Wow, that is some big fireplace, Laura! The mantel scarf is so lovely, and it would definitely be pretty at a window. I really like the basket filled with lights, logs & greenery. You did a wonderful job on the mantel.
So, have you won out on the “paint, don't paint” fireplace issue? I still think it would be beautiful painted, but I'm not the one who has to live with Mr. Decor! Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
Wow Laura I had no idea how large that fireplace wall was! You're the same height as me! Love the antique sleigh from Germany. Everything looks so festive and I think it's great that everybody helped decorate it!
Even if it's a “little over the top” as you phrase it, it's very elegant because you kept the colours soft and coordinated. And I love your dress!
It looks just lovely – not over the top at all! Merry Christmas!
Jennelise
It all looks wonderful and so do you! 🙂
Laura, it looks amazing! Kudos to you and the family for taming the beast. '-)
I hope your first Christmas in this new home is filled with joy and laughter. Merry, Merry! ~ Sarah