Where to Hang Your Christmas Stockings When You Don't Have a Mantel

Nothing says "'tis the season" like a cozy fireplace flanked in Christmas décor. With merry wreaths hanging from the doors, an ornament-studded tree illuminating the room, and twinkling lights decking the halls, your living space is the epitome of holiday cheer. And then there are stockings. While stockings are typically hung from a mantel, not everyone has the luxury of having a hearth in their home.

However, you don’t need a mantel to create a lovely display. Interior designers weighed in on some brilliant alternatives for exhibiting this year’s Christmas stockings—no mantel required.

Utilize Wall Space

With adhesive hooks and other easily removable hanging implements, it’s easy to make use of the wall space surrounding your tree. "You can use 3M hooks to gracefully hang stockings vertically on the walls flanking your Christmas tree," says Farrha Hyman, lead designer at MOD Interiors. "For an elegant touch, I like adding decorative greenery pick [that peeks] out of each stocking." Alternatively, you can use the hooks to hang a festive piece of garland and then attach the stockings directly to the garland with zip ties or ribbons.

Display Stockings on the Staircase

Hanging stockings from your staircase may be an obvious choice, but there are creative options beyond hanging stockings from the banister. "You can hang your stockings beneath the handrail, just below the balusters," says Hyman. "This arrangement creates a beautiful display, especially if you have garland embellishing the handrail." You can also bind the stockings with a seasonal ribbon, bells, or a decorative bow.

Drape From the Bookcase

Nothing says cozy quite like an overstocked bookshelf, and that coziness could make for an alluring backdrop to this year’s Christmas stockings. "An existing bookcase or floating shelves are the perfect opportunity to hang your stockings from stocking holders that are available in a multitude of shapes, colors, and sizes," says Ali-Hassan. The stocking holders themselves can even contribute to the décor depending on the hues and formations.

Hang From a Festive Ladder

A simple ladder can tie any room together, offering a rustic-style storage area for blankets, trinkets, and plants. However, ladders can also be a great place to hang your stockings. "Add some height to your room with a festive ladder adorned with ribbon or lights, which is also the perfect backdrop for beautiful stockings," says Lanna Ali-Hassan, owner of Beyond the Box Interiors. 

String From the Windows

Depending on the structure of your window, you may be able to drape stockings from the window locks. If the locks are in the middle of the window, your stockings will be visible from the interior and exterior. If the locks are at the bottom of the window, the stockings will flow down over the side—you can’t go wrong with either. "It's as simple as grabbing your favorite thin ribbon and sliding it around the base of the window lock, then tying a dainty bow around the loop of your stockings," says Keatyn Swift Wright, designer and founder of Keatyn Klaus.

Dangle From the Tree

Ali-Hassan also pointed towards the tree as a great spot to hang your stockings—particularly if you’re short on space. However, just make sure not to fill them with anything too heavy, as the stockings may weigh down your tannenbaum. For heavier stockings, lean them against the presents under the tree. The stockings will complement your ornaments and create an even more festive holiday centerpiece for your living space.

Suspend From a Coat Rack

While most of our coat racks may be overflowing with jackets during this time of year, if you have another place to temporarily store your outerwear, a coat rack is a great place to hang stockings. Plus, the hook is already there for you. You can also use an over-the-door towel rack in a common area if you would prefer to have the stockings lined up. Decorate the rack with garland, string lights, and other décor to transform an otherwise simple holder into a Christmas masterpiece.