In this post – how to create a beautiful layered mantel garland using multiple garlands and Command garland holders.
There’s nothing more magical this time of year than a beautifully dressed mantel. It’s the heart of the holiday home—the place where stockings hang, lights twinkle, and greenery drapes in the softest, most festive way.
But if you’ve ever put up one single garland and thought, Hmm… it’s pretty, but not quite full enough, you’re not alone.
The secret to those lush, layered, designer-looking mantels you see on Pinterest?
Multiple garlands layered together—and a smart way to hang them.
Today I’m walking you through exactly how to layer garlands on your mantel using step-by-step instructions, plus why I swear by the Command Garland Hangers for keeping everything secure and damage-free.
Let’s get your mantel looking like it came straight out of a holiday magazine.
Why Layering Garlands Works
Layering instantly creates:
- Depth – Multiple textures = richness you can’t get from a single strand.
- Fullness – Perfect for faux garlands that need a little extra help.
- Dimension – Swags, cascades, and asymmetrical shapes feel intentional and elevated.
- Stability – When everything is wired and supported properly, your garland won’t droop halfway through December.
Why I Love These Command Garland Hangers
These are one of my favorite holiday decorating tools because:
They don’t damage your mantel.
No nails, no screws, no chipping paint.
Perfect if you have a painted mantel, a vintage wood ledge, or a rental.
They’re designed specifically for garlands
These aren’t regular Command hooks.
They’re built with a curved holder that actually grips garland without crushing it.
The hold is strong—even for layered greenery
Layering means more weight.
These hangers are made to handle it, so your garlands stay secure and symmetrical.
They make styling easier
You can place hangers exactly where you want dips, swags, or cascades—like placing anchors for your design.
They remove cleanly
At the end of the season, they pop right off without leaving a mark.
Holiday magic without the holiday mess.
What You’ll Need
- 2–3 garlands (use different textures for best results: pine, cedar, eucalyptus, mixed berry, etc.)
- Optional: fairy lights or battery-operated LED strands
- A clean mantel surface (wipe down with rubbing alcohol if using adhesive hangers)
- Command Garland Hangers (The exact number depends on your design – I used six.)
Long-time readers will recognize this rustic jingle bell garland I made last December. It was the perfect accent for this year’s mantel garland. For details on how to make one for yourself, check out How to Make a Rustic Jingle Bell Garland.
Step-by-Step: How to Layer Garlands on a Mantel
Follow these steps and your mantel will look rich, lush, and beautifully intentional.
Step 1: Prep and Clean Your Mantel
Before sticking anything on your mantel, give the area a quick wipe-down. Clear away any decor or anything that’s in the way. Dust, and then prep the surface with rubbing alcohol so the adhesive bonds properly. This one step makes a huge difference in helping everything stay secure all season long. Tip: Be sure to check for color-fastness in an inconspicuous spot first.
Step 2: Plan Your Layout
Ask yourself:
- Do you want a symmetrical drape?
- A gentle swag?
- A dramatic cascade down one side?
A good rule of thumb:
Your garland should be slightly longer than your mantel so you have enough for drape and overhang. How much overhang you have is up to you, but having at least 18” makes it look more intentional.
Step 3: Install the Command Garland Hangers
Place them where you want your garland to anchor:
- Ends of the mantel
- Middle for a centered swag
- Off-center for asymmetrical styles
Press firmly for 30 seconds and let them set for about an hour before adding weight (longer if your garlands are extra heavy).
This gives the adhesive time to fully grab onto the surface. I used all six hangers spaced evenly down the length of the mantel.
Step 4: Hang Your Base Garland
This is your “foundation” layer that sets the overall shape. This faux garland from Amazon is one of my favorite holiday decor purchases. It has a natural look and feel.
Secure the garland into the hangers and let it fall naturally. You can:
- Let the ends drape evenly
- Pull one end longer than the other
- Allow a gentle dip in the center
- Keep it straight across for a cleaner look
Step 5: Add Your Second Garland for Fullness
Now the magic begins.
Lay your second garland directly on top of the first, carefully clipping it into the Command hooks as you go. I used two garlands flocked with ice crystals for contrast.
Tips for a full, lush look:
- Mix textures (pine + cedar for example)
- Angle the second garland slightly forward for depth
- Let some branches hang naturally for fullness
- Add a third garland if you want extreme fullness
If the weight increases, these Command hangers will keep everything supported beautifully. Bonus tip: You can always use larger adhesive strips with these hangers if needed. I used a few of the larger Velcro-style strips for the longer end due to the heavier weight.
Step 6: Fluff, Shape & Fill In
This is where your mantel comes to life. For this step, I added the rustic jingle bell garland I made for last year’s mantel. With rustic jingle bells and shiny vintage glass ornaments in shades of silver, gold, green and brown, it adds the perfect amount of interest and shine. Details on how I made it can be found in this post.
Take a few minutes to:
- Pull apart branches
- Angle sprigs outward
- Add extra picks (eucalyptus, berries, pinecones)
- Tuck in ribbon or fabric
- Weave in fairy lights if using
Fluffing makes everything look natural and luxuriously full.
Step 7: Style With Finishing Touches
Once your greenery looks full and balanced the fun begins. You can:
- Add ribbon tails
- Layer in ornaments
- Hang stockings
- Add lanterns, houses, or candles on top
When done, step back and look at the overall silhouette and adjust anything that looks too heavy on one side or too flat in a section.
I made this beautiful brown velvet bow and added it on one end of the garland to coordinate with the small bows on our nearby Christmas tree. It adds a finished look to the design and draws the eye to the cascading part of the garland. A garland is meant to feel organic, so perfection isn’t required—just balance. You can buy this gorgeous ribbon here.
Design Ideas to Try
Here are a few styles that look beautiful when layered:
1. Classic Center Swag
A traditional center swag has even cascades on both side and a slight dip in the middle. This works best on a mantel with limited space on either side, or if you prefer a balanced look.
2. Asymmetrical Cascading Garland
For an asymmetrical look, anchor your garland high on one side and let it drip dramatically down the other side of the mantel.
3. Full & Lush Triple Layer
For a natural, full look, try layering different types of greenery together. For example, you could start with a pine base garland, and then add a cedar or other type of garland on top as I did. To add extra interest, tuck sprigs of eucalyptus, red berries and baby’s breath throughout. Adding rustic bells on one end completes the look.
4. Coastal Winter Look
You know I love a coastal look! If I were to decorate our San Diego mantel for the holiday, I would stick with a mix of eucalyptus leaves and a natural or white garland, accented with driftwood, mercury glass ornaments and shells.
Final Thoughts
Layering garlands isn’t complicated — it’s all about building dimension, choosing the right mix, and securing everything with a great set of hangers!
With a few Command Garland Hangers and a couple of lush garlands, your mantel can go from simple greenery to a full, glowing holiday showstopper.
Pin for later!
