Garden & Crafty - Garden, DIY, Home
  • GARDEN
    • Garden Tips
    • Garden Guide
    • Garden Care
    • Garden Ideas
  • DIY
    • Diy Project
    • Crafty Ideas
  • HOME
    • Decoration
    • Cleaning
    • Tips & Hacks
  • About Us
  • GARDEN
    • Garden Tips
    • Garden Guide
    • Garden Care
    • Garden Ideas
  • DIY
    • Diy Project
    • Crafty Ideas
  • HOME
    • Decoration
    • Cleaning
    • Tips & Hacks
  • About Us
No Result
View All Result
Garden & Crafty - Garden, DIY, Home
Home DIY Diy Project

DIY Festive Cardboard Mantel in 6 Easy Steps

Lois Capone by Lois Capone
November 7, 2024
in Diy Project
Reading Time: 3 mins read

IN THIS ARTICLE:

Toggle
  • Step 1: Plan and Measure the Mantel
  • Step 2: Cut Out the Cardboard Pieces
  • Step 3: Assemble the Mantel Structure
  • Step 4: Paint the Brick Pattern
  • Step 5: Add a Festive Fabric Cover
  • Step 6: Decorate Your Mantel

Creating a mantel from cardboard can be a simple and rewarding project, especially when you want a cozy holiday touch without a full renovation.

I recently made one for my living room for hanging stockings and adding a bit of seasonal magic.

Here’s my step-by-step guide to building your own cardboard mantel. Let’s get started!

 

Step 1: Plan and Measure the Mantel

First things first, I went with a width of 48 inches for the top shelf, a depth of 10 inches, and a height of 40 inches for the side columns. You can adjust them based on where you plan to place yours.

Sketch out the shape on a piece of cardboard and mark each section with a pencil. You’ll need:

  • Top Shelf – 48 inches wide and 10 inches deep.
  • Side Columns – Two pieces, each 40 inches tall and 8 inches wide.
  • Front Panel with Arch – A piece 40 inches high and 30 inches wide, with a semi-circle cutout for the “fireplace” opening.

 

Step 2: Cut Out the Cardboard Pieces

For the arch in the front panel, draw a semi-circle at the bottom center of the cardboard. This will be the opening of your “fireplace.”

I used a box cutter, and aimed for a 20-inch-wide arch that went up about 15 inches to give a classic mantel look.

DIY Festive Cardboard Mantel in 6 Easy Steps

 

Step 3: Assemble the Mantel Structure

You can attach the side columns to the front panel by using a hot glue gun for a quick and strong hold.

Once that’s done, you just add the top shelf on top of the side columns, completing the mantel’s main structure.

DIY Festive Cardboard Mantel in 6 Easy Steps

 

Step 4: Paint the Brick Pattern

Once the glue has dried, I went with a classic “brick” look, painting the entire front panel white as a base.

After it dried, I used a ruler and a black marker to draw evenly spaced horizontal and vertical lines, creating a simple brick pattern.

DIY Festive Cardboard Mantel in 6 Easy Steps

 

Step 5: Add a Festive Fabric Cover

To give the mantel that cozy, holiday vibe, I draped a plaid table runner over the top shelf. You can use any festive fabric you like.

This fabric adds warmth and texture, making the mantel feel more substantial.

 

Step 6: Decorate Your Mantel

Now, you can add a few small Christmas trees, some pinecones, and ornaments on top. Then you can use adhesive hooks or even just attach the stockings directly to the cardboard.

For a finishing touch, place some LED candles or small decorative jars inside the “fireplace” opening to mimic the look of a warm glow. T

DIY Festive Cardboard Mantel in 6 Easy Steps

There you have it – a festive mantel made entirely out of cardboard! This project will be a perfect solution if you don’t have a real fireplace.

Plus, it’s lightweight, so you can move it around if you want. If you want to explore more designs, here’re some cardboard mantels I’ve experimented with over the years.

DIY Festive Cardboard Mantel in 6 Easy Steps

DIY Festive Cardboard Mantel in 6 Easy Steps

DIY Festive Cardboard Mantel in 6 Easy Steps

DIY Festive Cardboard Mantel in 6 Easy Steps
DIY Festive Cardboard Mantel in 6 Easy Steps
Tags: cardboardChristmasmantel
SharePin
Lois Capone

Lois Capone

Lois Capone is a wife and mom in her 50s who enjoys sharing gardening, DIY tips, and home decor ideas. She believes that with some inspiration, anyone can create a special feel in their home and garden.

Related Posts

26 Meaningful DIY Father’s Day Gift Ideas Your Dad Will Truly Appreciate
Diy Project

26 Meaningful DIY Father’s Day Gift Ideas Your Dad Will Truly Appreciate

Every Father’s Day, I find myself searching for something that feels personal, something that says “thank you” in a way...

by Lois Capone
April 22, 2025
30 Family-Friendly DIY 4th of July Decor Ideas to Make This Holiday Extra Special
Diy Project

30 Family-Friendly DIY 4th of July Decor Ideas to Make This Holiday Extra Special

What’s better than celebrating the 4th of July with fireworks, food, and a little family creativity? If you’re looking for...

by Lois Capone
April 21, 2025
27 Adorable & Creative DIY Cat Nook Ideas for a Cozy Feline Retreat
Diy Project

27 Adorable & Creative DIY Cat Nook Ideas for a Cozy Feline Retreat

After all, our feline friends love curling up in their own special hideaways, and a DIY cat nook is the...

by Lois Capone
April 2, 2025
20+ Fun Suncatcher Crafts Kids Will Love Creating and Playing With
Crafty Ideas

20+ Fun Suncatcher Crafts Kids Will Love Creating and Playing With

Have you ever seen the pure joy on a child’s face when they watch colorful light dance across the walls?...

by Lois Capone
March 12, 2025
24 Beautifully Creative Ways to Upcycle Old Keys into Stunning Crafts
Crafty Ideas

24 Beautifully Creative Ways to Upcycle Old Keys into Stunning Crafts

Have you ever wondered what to do with old, unused keys collecting dust in drawers? Instead of letting them sit...

by Lois Capone
February 27, 2025
30 Charming Lace Craft Ideas for Elegant Decor and Thoughtful Gifts
Diy Project

30 Charming Lace Craft Ideas for Elegant Decor and Thoughtful Gifts

Have you ever wondered how to add a touch of timeless elegance to your home or gifts? Lace, with its...

by Lois Capone
April 12, 2025
Load More

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories

  • Cleaning (8)
  • Crafty Ideas (62)
  • Decoration (132)
  • DIY (8)
  • Diy Project (58)
  • GARDEN (39)
  • Garden Care (45)
  • Garden Guide (101)
  • Garden Ideas (280)
  • Garden Tips (69)
  • HOME (90)
  • Tips & Hacks (20)
Garden & Crafty - Garden, DIY, Home

© 2024 gardenandcrafty.com

Navigate Site

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Service
  • Disclaimer
  • Cookie Policy
  • Webstories
  • Sitemap

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • GARDEN
    • Garden Tips
    • Garden Guide
    • Garden Care
    • Garden Ideas
  • DIY
    • Diy Project
    • Crafty Ideas
  • HOME
    • Decoration
    • Cleaning
    • Tips & Hacks
  • About Us