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Most small apartments have no fireplace, but the picture of stockings above a mantel is still the one people have in mind. You can get the same look with a shelf, a console, a bookcase or a rail on the wall.
The idea is simple: one long horizontal line, some greenery, a few lights and a place for the stockings. Here are ten ways to do it without a fireplace and without drilling into the wall.
Before you decorate
- Pick the line. A shelf, a console or the top of a bookcase works if it is at least 3 feet long.
- Measure the weight. Stockings with gifts get heavy; choose hooks rated for more than you need.
- Keep flames out. Use LED candles near garland and fabric.
- Decide on the colors. Two colors and one metal look planned.
01A wall shelf as a mantel
A floating shelf above the sofa or the console becomes a mantel when you add garland and candles. Keep it simple and symmetrical.
02A garland across the top
A garland laid along the shelf is the base of the whole look. Weave a battery string through it for light.
03Stocking holders that need no nails
Weighted holders or adhesive hooks keep the stockings in place and leave the paint untouched.
04A leaning ladder
A decorative ladder against the wall holds stockings on its rungs and takes no wall space. It is also easy to store flat.
05A rail with hooks
A wall rail with hooks near the entry or by the sofa is a stocking line and a coat rack the rest of the year. See our small entryway storage ideas for more uses.
06Matching stockings
A matching set is the easiest way to look put together. Add name tags so the gifts end up in the right stocking.
07LED candles in the middle
Three flameless candles in different heights give a warm glow in the center of the shelf, without wax drips.
08A small tree beside the shelf
A tabletop tree on one side balances the stockings on the other. See our Christmas tree ideas for a small living room for sizes that fit.
09A wreath or mirror above
One round mirror or wreath above the shelf finishes the picture. The mirror adds light to a small room.
10A lantern on the floor
A pair of lanterns on the floor on each side adds height and frames the shelf. Fill them with LED candles or a short string of lights.
A plan by time
- Ten minutes: garland, stockings and holders.
- An hour: add candles and a mirror or wreath.
- A weekend: add a ladder, a tree and floor lanterns.
Before you pay
- Check the holder weight rating, not only the look.
- Measure the shelf before buying garland.
- Choose battery lights with a timer.
- For a full-room plan, see our small apartment Christmas decorating ideas and Christmas string lights ideas.
