Have a Hearth!: Valentine’s Day Decorations for your Mantel

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to slow down, light a fire, and turn your living room into a warm, romantic retreat. And if you have a fireplace, your mantel naturally becomes the focal point of the space.

With just a few thoughtful touches, you can transform it into a Valentine’s Day centerpiece that feels festive without looking overdone.

Use a Cohesive Color Palette

Before you pull out décor, choose a simple color palette. Classic red and pink are always appropriate, but you don’t have to limit yourself to those shades. Think about using blush and gold for a softer, elegant look, deep burgundy and cream for a cozy, but punchy vibe, or white and green with subtle accents for an understated approach.

Keeping your colors consistent will keep the mantel from looking and feeling chaotic. Pick two or three main colors and repeat them in different elements across the display.

Layer With Garland

A garland is one of the easiest ways to instantly dress up your mantel. You can drape it across the front, let it hang in the middle, or layer it at the top behind other decorations. Options include paper or felt heart garlands, wooden bead garlands with heart accents, or fabric banners with romantic phrases like “Be Mine” or “Love.”

If you prefer a more rustic style, choose neutral tones with subtle pops of red. For a more glamorous look, use metallic accents like gold or rose gold.

Add Height with Candles and Lanterns

Like hearts, candles are a Valentine’s Day staple. They add warmth, softness, and a natural glow that complements the fireplace. Use varying heights to create visual interest. Think tall pillar candles on one side, short votives grouped together, or lanterns to frame the ends of the mantel.

If you’re worried about safety or have kids or pets, use LED candles. They look nearly identical to the real thing without the worry.

Incorporate Personal Touches

Valentine’s Day décor doesn’t have to be generic, and it’s better if it’s not. Consider adding elements that have meaning for you or ones that tell a story, like framed photos of you and your spouse or family, a handwritten love note displayed in a small frame, or a meaningful quote printed in a color scheme that matches the decorations.

Use Flowers

Another Valentine’s Day staple is flowers, and they’re perfect for softening the hard lines of the fireplace. You could put a vase of fresh red or pink roses in the center or use faux floral arrangements for a longer-lasting display.

Make the Layout Balanced

A beautiful layout usually follows three schemes:

Asymmetrical

 Cluster taller items on one side and balance them with smaller pieces on the other. This makes it feel relaxed and contemporary.

Symmetrical

 Place matching décor at each end, with a larger central piece (such as a mirror or artwork). This works well for formal spaces.

Layered Centerpiece

 Build a central focal point, such as a wreath or framed quote, and layer smaller items in front.

Don’t Forget the Hearth

If you want to up your holiday decorations, extend the décor to the hearth below. A cozy basket of blankets, a few decorative pillows, or even a small Valentine-themed sign can tie everything together without overwhelming the space.

Schedule Your Spring Chimney Cleaning!

Spring is the perfect time to get your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional to ensure it’s ready to go when cold weather rolls around again. Smokestacks has years of dedicated service throughout Milwaukee. Whether it’s a routine cleaning or major restoration, we’ve got the know-how and certifications to ensure the job is done right the first time.