Christmas living room decor ideas - the 10 best ways to make your home look festive (2023)

Deciding on Christmas living room decor ideas can feel like a big task if you're just starting. After all, it's easy to get overwhelmed during this time of cheer and goodwill, given everything we want to accomplish. But if you break down how you will approach it, then putting up the decorations can be a fun activity; one you can (and should) involve your entire family in!

To make this task simpler, we've reached out to top designers and brands to help us curate a list of things that would make for great Christmas decorating ideas. Take a look at these, make your list, gear up to shop, and welcome home good, memorable times.

Christmas living room decor ideas

'As a season of festivities, fun, and celebration, Christmas provides the perfect opportunity to go all-out with beautiful decorations that extend far beyond the tree,' says Lucy St George, co-founder of Rockett St George (opens in new tab). 'From a decadent fireplace display with festive foliage to fairy lights and candles strewn around the room, Christmas is a time to unleash your inner maximalist.'

1. Layer the living room with decorations and blankets

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(Image credit: Soho Home)

This is the time for hot chocolate, curling up in blankets, and reading a book by the fire. To enjoy the chilly season and to make your celebrations fun, cozy up your Christmas living room decor, and layer your space with throws, cushions, and all things warm and tranquil.

‘Winter is also all about layering,' says Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin (opens in new tab). 'I use textures like wool and fur alongside kilim fabrics; rich autumnal and wintery colors provide a base for my Christmas decorations, with a different ‘theme’ thrown on top each year.’

2. Choose flowers and foliage that will last seasons

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(Image credit: Jonathan-Adler)

Another important point for the Christmas checklist is foliage. ‘I believe that every good floral arrangement starts with the perfect vase or vessel,' says the luxury floral designer, Ronny Colbie (opens in new tab) . 'Choose a vase that suits your home's chosen Christmas colors and theme. Having the same theme run throughout your home and onto the table will add a tasteful touch for your family and guests.'

'Next step would be foraging or sourcing foliage that will last throughout the seasons as the base to all your arrangements,' says Ronny. 'English pine, holly, twigs, winter eucalyptus... anything that will dry nicely and add a festive scent. Once you have the base of foliage you can simply add flowers to suit and change as they wilt. For long-lasting flowers, you’re best off with Amaryllis, Hydrangea, or winter berries. For texture, you can add small baubles and dried fruits.

'For the coffee table, I always suggest using plenty of eclectic small vases to add different heights and dimensions to the tables. Finally, to finish off, I’d suggest layering between the arrangements with antique candlesticks, loose pinecones, cinnamon sticks, and tea lights.’

3. Bring in vivid Christmas tree decorations

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(Image credit: Jonathan Adler)

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If color is your thing, don't be afraid to embrace it. Whether it's decorating your tree with brightly hued baubles or dressing your mantelpiece with vivid-hued pampas grass, be bold and release your inner Christmas artist. Get ready for some Christmas crafts by DIY-ing string lights on your tree.

'Don't be afraid to bring a glamorous tone with jewel shades of emerald, indigo, and fuchsia to your free,' says Abi Wilson of Habitat (opens in new tab), says.

Christmas living room decor ideas - the 10 best ways to make your home look festive (4) (opens in new tab)

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These 42 ornaments handcrafted from glass in a variety of colors can be paired with a wide variety of lights and garlands. Perfect for the Christmas tree.

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4. Pack your tree with personality

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(Image credit: Neptune)

'The main rule for Christmas decorating is to have fun with it,' says Connor Prestwood, interior designer at Dowsing & Reynolds (opens in new tab). 'Use your decorations as a tool to express yourself and to create a feeling of warmth and comfort during the Christmas period; ultimately it’s about what themes and ideas make you happy. Don’t follow trends or traditions just because you feel like you have to.'

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For an effervescent festive decor, give the Christmas fireplace decor and the tree some extra love by adding eclectic decorations around it; the ones you've collected over the years.

5. Indulge in merry mantelscaping

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(Image credit: K&H Design)

We talk a lot about foliage when it comes toChristmas stair decor ideas, but it can be used to full effect here, too. 'The popular mantelscaping trend offers a great excuse to get experimental with Christmas decorating,' says Abi. 'Fasten evergreen foliage to the mantel from which you can hang decorations and baubles. Stagger the hanging heights and mix matte and shiny finishes to craft a considered yet eclectic festive look.'

If you're looking for a more natural, minimalist Christmas decor look, use fresh foliage and flowers to create a beautiful display, and extend the decor to the window sills of your living room for a Christmas window for passers-by to enjoy.

6. Sprinkle unique baubles around the room

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(Image credit: Paula Sutton)

Baubles aren’t just limited to Christmas trees and are a simple way to add more festive touches in the house. These would make for great Christmas door decor as well!

Fabulous baubles from your collection can also be hung from cabinet door handles or even from table lights and floor lamps. 'Unique ornaments hung with varying lengths of velvet ribbons make for a quirky eye-catcher,' says Nadia McCowan Hill, resident style advisor at Wayfair (opens in new tab).

Baubles aside, this is the time for DIY. 'For a crafty spin, forage a large branch, or you can even use a length of painted wood, and dress with fairy lights, ribbons, and decorations,' says Abi. 'This can be hung from walls, ceilings, or doors for a creative Christmas feature in the home.'

7. Bling out your bar cart

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(Image credit: Arteriors)

A vintage-inspired cart is a perfect place to store your favorite beverages and some Christmas nibbles; plus a lovely home bar idea. But what should you stock on it for visual appeal? 'Retro coupe glasses and stemless glasses are ideal to serve not only drinks but also their accompaniments, with their gold rims adding extra sparkle to your Christmas decor,' says Nadia.

It's also a cute yet chic idea to add foliage, a mini Christmas tree, and mini baubles or presents to the display for a truly festive scene.

Christmas living room decor ideas - the 10 best ways to make your home look festive (9) (opens in new tab)

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(Video) 130 Plus FESTIVE HOLIDAY LIVING ROOM IDEAS | CHRISTMAS MUSIC MEDLEY | COLORFUL INDOOR DECORATIONS

8. Dress up your storage nooks

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(Image credit: Pooky x Matthew Williamson)

Festive decoration ideas shouldn't be solely restricted to the tree; try giving your Christmas bedroom decor or living room decor a leg up by dressing up the shelves and cabinets for a curated and cozy scene.

Focus on the style spots you’ve already established. Adding Christmas table decorations, paper stars and festive faux foliage amongst your books, vases, plants and personal treasures helps to set the tone for the magic of the season.

9. Go traditional with a maximalist twist

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(Video) 10 Ways to Elevate your Christmas and Holiday Decor Game | Christmas 2022 | Happy Haute Home

(Image credit: MindtheGap)

'There is something oh-so-comforting about a classic red and green color palette and traditional Christmas styling,' says Nadia. And when better to indulge in maximalism in interior design than at Christmas?

Get your outdoor Christmas lighting ideas together for the right festive vibe. For the interiors, 'try mixing in contrasting prints such as polka dots, stripes, animal print, florals, or gingham,' says Nadia. 'It pays to not have too many tones at play when combining different patterns, so limit yourself to a palette of three or four tones.A hint of glimmering gold offers the perfect contrast to all things crimson and emerald.'

'Christmas is a time to embrace this warm, inviting, and joyful trend,' says Stefan Ormenisan, founder and creative director at Mindthegap (opens in new tab).'We opt for jubilantly dressed Christmas trees, bold and eclectic patterns, embroidered textiles, and layered styling; from fringed table lamps to fabric, tassel-trimmed pendant lights, richly adorned cushions, statement furniture, and exuberant wallpapers, each working together to bring warmth, joy and a welcoming setting for entertaining and celebrating.'

'For those who prefer a more pared-back mood, consider adding an abundance of cushions, a rich patterned lampshade, and a beautifully decorated tree, which will provide a burst of maximalist style that’s easy to change after the festive season.' says Stefan.

10. Channel a California cool vibe

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(Image credit: House of Jade Interiors/Lindsay Salazar)

Pair a beautiful white and gold Christmas tree for a California cool trend. Design and renovation expert Laura Butler-Madden (opens in new tab) likes to use soft pastels in her Christmas color palette.

'I love American design and the light and style in Palm Springs,' says Laura. 'When decorating for Christmas, I want to feel that less is more; I create a lovely tree but then use flowers, nature, and candles for the rest of the room, often in less traditional Christmas colors, like soft pastels.'

How to decorate a small living room for Christmas

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(Image credit: Broste Copenhagen)

Just because you have a small home doesn't mean you can't go big on style.

'We love to get creative, especially with small spaces,' says Dani Taylor, creative director at Cox & Cox (opens in new tab). 'Why not try a smaller tabletop tree on a sideboard or console table, or add a full pine garland to a mantelpiece or around a mirror? You can wire in your favorite baubles and add lights to create a warm inviting glow.'

'If you don’t have a mantelpiece, bringing in a foraged branch and suspending it against the wall in the area you’d usually expect to find a Christmas fireplace is a good way to achieve a focal point,' says Ailie Williams, stylist at Neptune (opens in new tab). 'You can then wrap around greenery, lights, and berries and attach your stockings too.'

Lindye Galloway, founderof Lindye Galloway Design Studioand Shop (opens in new tab), says the size of your tree is important in a small area. And before you get one at home, make sure you know all about Christmas tree care. 'Be sure to get a tree that is relative to the space that it will be in,' she says. 'If it's too small or too big it won't look right.'

And she suggests keeping it minimal when decorating the tree. 'Get in the mindset of less is more,' she says. 'Using neutral colors when decorating the tree won'tdraw as much attention to how small the space is.'

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Whereshould I put my Christmas tree in the living room?

'We tend to place a Christmas tree carefully to one side in a sitting room, making sure that it is tastefully and beautifully decorated so as not to compromise its status as an eye-catching seasonal feature,' says Louise Wicksteed of Sims Hilditch (opens in new tab). 'This positioning helps to maintain a room’s functionality throughout the festive period.'

Placing your Christmas tree in a window recess is also a popular choice. 'For front-facing living rooms, in front of the window is best, signaling festive ambiance to the world beyond,' says Abi. 'For smaller settings, tuck a slimline tree into the corner of the room to ensure you're maximizing living space for hosting family and friends.'

'The tree is always best placed nestled into a corner, and ideally near a window so you get the reflection and glow of twinkly lights, and so you can spread the cheer for passers-by,' says Ailie.

FAQs

How can I make my house look more festive for Christmas? ›

Decorate your mantle with greenery, then add ribbons and ornaments for a pop of color. Match your garland accessories to wall art and decor throughout the space rather than using the classic Christmas colors for an understated yet festive look. Swap out kitchen towels and plating to make your kitchen look festive, too.

How can I make my living room look Christmassy? ›

Create a three-dimensional gallery wall by hanging a mix of paper, metal, and wood stars in various sizes and designs along a window frame with twine. String any extra Christmas tree ornaments along the mantel for an unexpected garland. You can also place them in bowls on end tables around the room.

How to decorate for xmas 2022? ›

This year, expect vintage Santa statues, nutcrackers, and holiday villages to grace sideboards while velvet and plaid bows decorate the tree. You can even wrap your gifts like your grandparents did with reusable wrapping options, like this red and white reusable fabric gift wrap available on Amazon.

How can I make my house look Christmassy on a budget? ›

Budget Christmas decorating ideas
  1. Hang some hand-made stars. ...
  2. Make a magical menu. ...
  3. Ring the changes with embroidery hoops. ...
  4. Make a unique garland with scarves. ...
  5. Upcycle jam jars into votives. ...
  6. Make an alternative advent calendar. ...
  7. Create an easy bauble chandelier. ...
  8. Put together a tabletop terrarium.
Sep 6, 2022

How to decorate the front door for Christmas? ›

Drape greenery around your front door, fashion a wreath, or put greenery in planters. You can add ornaments to mini Christmas trees in planters for a punch of color. The soft gold of candlelight from lanterns gives a warm welcome to guests.

How do you make a room look festive without a tree? ›

You could use a wreath or frame to hang fresh or dried foliage in a sculptural way, try large homemade paper decorations or a more traditional mobile that has a festive feel to it, such as the brass designs at Caravane.

What are 2022 Christmas colors? ›

Colours for the coming Christmas 2022 will include metallic silver and metallic gold, different shades of green, associated with grass and leaves as natural elements. Space will also be given to pink and soft blue, romantic and rather unusual colours for Christmas décor, but which will be on trend this year.

What is the number one Christmas color? ›

The four most popular Christmas colors are red, green, gold and silver, respectively.

What color is Christmas 2023? ›

2023 Christmas trend - Midnight blue.

What is the most popular Christmas decoration? ›

The most popular holiday decorations in America are Christmas trees, but people were torn about which type is their favorite. About 2 in 3 (67%) prefer fake trees and 1 in 3 (33%) would like a real tree. The other most popular decorations are garland, Christmas lights, mistletoe, and a snowman.

What are some good Christmas themes? ›

  • White Christmas. Create a monochrome look that's all white everything, from faux snow on the ground to furry sheepskin blankets on seats. ...
  • Christmas Tree Lighting. ...
  • North Pole. ...
  • The Nutcracker Suite. ...
  • Christmas Around the World. ...
  • Polar Express. ...
  • Christmas Tea Party. ...
  • Gingerbread House Decorating Party.
Sep 14, 2022

How can I make cheap Christmas decorations look expensive? ›

One of the easiest things to do to elevate a inexpensive Christmas ornaments is to add paint! Have you ever noticed that a lot of the more expensive ornaments have a substantial top on them, often black. If your cheaper ones are glass, the little silver tops can usually be popped out pretty easily.

How do I give my room a Christmas vibe? ›

Christmas bedroom decor: 10 easy ways to make your bedroom feel festive
  1. Add Christmas colours into your room. ...
  2. Choose the right bedding. ...
  3. Accessorise with fairy lights. ...
  4. Hang your favourite decorations. ...
  5. Utilise cushions. ...
  6. Add a Christmas tree (if you have the space) ...
  7. Don't forget scent. ...
  8. Tackle some festive DIY.
Oct 30, 2022

How can I make my house feel festive? ›

Candles are undoubtedly one of the best ways to set the mood over the holiday period. The aromatic scents of cinnamon, pine, and berries invoke the festive spirit into your home. Placing individual candles in your windows and around your home is the perfect way to create a cosy feel.

What do people put on their doors at Christmas? ›

Since then, Advent or Christmas wreaths have been hung on the doors on the first Sunday of Advent Season.

What do you put on doors on Christmas? ›

Keep it classic all around with white lights as a garland, wreath, and planter. Extending garland from the door to the railing can make a major statement. Opt for garland that features a mix of fir tree branches and lights for an attractive look.

How can I make my room beautiful without money? ›

How to Make Your House a Home Without Spending Any Money
  1. Rearrange your furniture. ...
  2. Make use of those old paint cans. ...
  3. Put old fabric swatches to use. ...
  4. Freshen up the linens. ...
  5. Display your wares. ...
  6. Mirror, Mirror on the wall. ...
  7. Put your unused fireplace to good use. ...
  8. Pull the photo boxes out from under the bed.
Jun 13, 2022

What do people decorate their house with on Christmas? ›

Decorating for the holidays is a tradition for many families—stringing up twinkling lights, hanging wreaths on doors and windows, and wrapping garland around your fence posts are all ways to prepare your home's exterior for the holly jolly season.

What are the 3 main Christmas colors? ›

There are several colors which are traditionally associated with Christmas. This site uses Red, Green and Gold. But why do we have them and what do the colors represent?

What are the top four Christmas colors? ›

While red and green top the charts during the jolliest time of year, gold, blue, and white often follow suit. Gold symbolizes the gift from the three wise men, blue represents Mother Mary and the rich blue robes she was often seen in as a result of her wealth, and white links to the purity of Jesus himself.

What is the color of the year 2022? ›

PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri, a warm and friendly blue hue with a carefree confidence and joyful attitude, emboldens uninhibited expression and experimentation.

What is Santa Claus's favorite color? ›

Favorite Color: Most often, you see Santa wearing his famous red-and-white suit and hat. However, when he's not dressed in this familiar attire, Santa puts on his other favorite color: green!

What do red Christmas lights mean? ›

This deep hue symbolizes the blood of Jesus Christ, the person whose birth the holiday celebrates. It is also associated with Santa Claus and his distinctive outfit. In general, red is often used to represent love, courage and romance, other popular holiday themes.

What do blue lights at Christmas mean? ›

Blue is often associated with cold and ice. Ice was originally thought of negatively, but now fake icicles are a common decoration. Blue was adopted by the Catholic Church as the color of Mary. Today blue is commonly included as one of the five main colors on Christmas lights.

What is the 2023 color of the year? ›

Pantone: Viva Magenta

Go bold in the new year with Viva Magenta, Pantone's 2023 Color of the Year. The crimson hue is inspired by the red of cochineal, one of the strongest and brightest dyes in the world.

What is the next color in 2023? ›

Digital Lavender, Luscious Red, Sundial, Tranquil Blue and Verdigris are the color names for 2023.

What's the color of 2023? ›

Marvelous Magenta

The Pantone Color Institute named Viva Magenta as its official color of the year for 2023 for its joyous yet powerful nature.

What are the 5 things for Christmas? ›

The five gift rule says that you should give five gifts to your loved ones: one for each of the following categories: something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read, and a special gift.

How do I make my house look like a Hallmark Christmas movie? ›

Not all of us live in an area that snows during the holidays, so why not incorporate it into your decor instead? Light candles to set a beautiful ambience, find a place to hang stockings, add soft throw blankets to cozy up with on the couch, and swap out your regular pillows for holiday themed ones.

How do I make my house feel like a holiday home? ›

How to make staying at home feel like a holiday
  1. Serve some cocktails. Nothing says 'holiday mode' like a well-mixed cocktail by the pool. ...
  2. Create an outdoor cinema. ...
  3. Have a picnic. ...
  4. Update your bed linen. ...
  5. Get a delivery. ...
  6. Make yourself an Aperol Spritz. ...
  7. Revisit your holiday purchases. ...
  8. Build yourself a pool.
May 22, 2020

What kind of Christmas trees does Hallmark use? ›

BH Balsam Fir® Tree.

How do I get free Hallmark Christmas movies? ›

Pluto TV: If you want to catch a Hallmark movie live and without paying for a subscription, Pluto TV is your best bet. The free streamer has multiple Hallmark channels available. You can watch shows and movies live or on-demand.

How do I make my house feel like a resort? ›

9 Ways to Turn Your Home Into a Staycation Resort
  1. Dream Away. ...
  2. Use Curtains to Create Fresh, Airy Spaces. ...
  3. Change Furniture Around to Open Up Space. ...
  4. Declutter to Reduce Stress. ...
  5. Refresh With Rugs. ...
  6. Create Breezy Beautiful Bathrooms. ...
  7. Use Easy Accents to Get a Resort Feel. ...
  8. Make the Bedroom Truly Restful.

How do I make my house feel fancy? ›

There are plenty of 'affordable' finishing touches which can make your home look and feel more luxurious – some of which can actually be free!
  1. Paint a feature wall. ...
  2. Go big with wall art. ...
  3. Redecorate / paint. ...
  4. Use colour cleverly. ...
  5. Declutter. ...
  6. Decorate with candles and mirrors. ...
  7. Add house plants and flowers.
Feb 7, 2022

How do I make my house look festive? ›

Candles are undoubtedly one of the best ways to set the mood over the holiday period. The aromatic scents of cinnamon, pine, and berries invoke the festive spirit into your home. Placing individual candles in your windows and around your home is the perfect way to create a cosy feel.

How do you make a magic Christmas? ›

10 Easy Ways to Make Christmas Magical for Kids
  1. Create a book advent calendar. ...
  2. 2. “ ...
  3. Write an inspired letter to Santa. ...
  4. Make reindeer food. ...
  5. Craft your own Christmas carol. ...
  6. Santa footsteps. ...
  7. Build a runway for Santa. ...
  8. Have an extra special movie night.
Nov 19, 2018

How to make your living room look like a winter wonderland? ›

Use clear beads, twinkling white LED lights, and glittery snowflakes and tinsel. To add a pop of color, add red berries and bows! To make it look like a snowy winter wonderland, you can add a white faux fur tree skirt and white faux fur ornaments, too!

Videos

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2. 14 Easy + Cheap Christmas Decor Ideas! How to Decorate for Christmas on a Budget | Decorate With Me
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3. CHRISTMAS DECORATE WITH ME II 2021 CHRISTMAS DECOR II HOLIDAY DECOR IDEAS II FAMILY ROOM II LIVING
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4. 10 DIY CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS! Room Decor DIYs For The Holidays!
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5. DIY Christmas Room Decor! Cheap & Easy Ways To Decorate Your Room!
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6. 10 Amazing Holiday DIYs and Hacks!! DIY Christmas Decoration Ideas by Blossom
(Blossom)

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