How to Decorate A Coastal Christmas Mantle

If your heart belongs to the sea, why not let that love shine through your holiday décor? A coastal Christmas mantel is the perfect way to blend festive warmth with breezy seaside charm. This look celebrates natural textures, ocean treasures, and that relaxed coastal glow — without a hint of tinsel overload.

Here’s how to create a serene, seaside-inspired mantel using glass fishing floats, starfish, natural greenery, pine cones, decorative buoys, twinkle lights, and driftwood.

 

1. Start with a Natural Base

Layer your mantel with a foundation of evergreen boughs, cedar, or eucalyptus. The natural greenery softens the look and brings in that fresh, woodsy scent that instantly says “Christmas.” Let a few sprigs drape casually over the edge — coastal style is meant to feel effortless, not fussy.

For extra texture, tuck in a few pine cones and small driftwood pieces. The mix of green, brown, and bleached wood tones will create a balanced, organic backdrop for your coastal accents.

2. Add Driftwood for Structure

Long, weathered driftwood branches make a stunning centerpiece. Lay one across the top of your greenery or prop a few upright pieces against the wall or mirror behind your mantel. The sun-bleached wood brings that authentic beach feel and adds height and structure to your display.

3. Bring in the Sparkle with Glass Floats

Vintage-style glass fishing floats in shades of seafoam, aqua, and clear blue add a magical glow when they catch the light. Nestle them among your greenery and pine cones, varying the sizes for visual interest. If you don’t have authentic floats, clear glass ornaments with a bit of twine or netting wrapped around them make a beautiful substitute.

4. Layer in Coastal Accents

Now comes the fun part — the sea-inspired details.
Scatter a few starfish and decorative buoys along your mantel. Choose natural or whitewashed tones to keep the palette soft and neutral. Avoid anything too bright or “nautical red-and-blue”; coastal Christmas is more about driftwood beige, sea glass green, and sandy white hues.

5. Add a Warm Coastal Glow

Weave in a strand of twinkle lights for that magical seaside sparkle. Warm white or soft amber tones work best — they’ll make your glass floats shimmer and your greenery glow. For extra depth, tuck a few LED candles or lanterns at each end of the mantel to create that cozy, fireside feeling even if you’re by the ocean.

6. Finishing Touches

If you have a mirror or piece of coastal art above your mantel, complement it with a simple driftwood wreath or a garland of shells and sea glass. You can even hang mini buoys or starfish ornaments from the mantel edge for a playful touch.

Coastal Christmas Vibes, Simplified

A coastal Christmas mantel is all about harmony — the meeting of natural textures and seaside serenity. With just a few carefully chosen elements — driftwood, glass, greenery, and glow — you can bring the calm of the coast into your holiday home.

This year, let your mantel tell the story of winter by the sea: peaceful, natural, and touched by the magic of Christmas light reflecting on water.

Click on any of the images below to purchase items for your own Coastal Christmas Mantle.  

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