“Seeing holiday decor get a modern-design makeover is my Roman Empire,” says home expert Julian Thomas. These Christmas decoration ideas will set a festive tone in any room of the house—and yes, it’s possible to deck your halls in an elevated way. “In the past, if you decorated for the holidays you had to sacrifice style and aesthetics for nostalgia and Christmas necessities,” he says. “Not any more. From silk tree skirts to Clivia marble stocking holders, Christmas decorations have never been chicer.”
But if you’re more of a traditionalist, you’ll find inspiration to fit your style here, too. In fact, multiple design pros we spoke to mentioned that this year’s big trend is nostalgia (more on that below). With retro inspiration as well as new takes on festive color palettes, plus creative Christmas garlands and interior design-friendly stockings, here are 18 Christmas decor ideas for all kinds of merrymakers.
Break away from red and green
“Red and green are traditional Christmas colors, but I love to break away from tradition a bit and use bright jewel tones to create a dramatic and sophisticated look for the holiday season,” says Annie Sloan, paint and color expert and creator of Chalk Paint. She is a fan of purple—once reserved for kings and emperors—for the holidays. “My Tyrian Plum Wall Paint is a rich, jewel-toned plum with maroon and red elements,” she says. “It works beautifully with metallics, fairy lights, and flickering candlelight to create a Christmas fit for the three kings!”
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Fill glass jars for a festive touch
For an easy DIY project, fill glass jars with small holiday decor items, like dreidels or gold coins, as seen in this Hanukkah-adorned living room arranged by LA-based designer Ethan Charles Greenfeld of Ethan Charles Design. Pinecones, tiny Christmas ornaments, bows, or mini Santa figures would all make great options as well.
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Position your tree front and center
Get more bang for your balsam by placing it in a spot in your living room that’s visible from other areas of the house—even better if you can see it from your home’s entryway. “I love making an impact with my tree and recommend putting it front and center if you can,” says designer Lauren Ashley of Lauren Ashley Experiences in Houston. “The tree is only up for a few weeks, so why not showcase it right at your entrance if there’s room?” Not only will guests get a peek at all your trimmings, you can enjoy the tree each time you come and go from your home.
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Adorn kitchen cabinets and chairs
“I like to decorate the rooms we spend the most time in since Christmas decor just makes me so happy,” says lifestyle blogger and content creator Miyaeva Renae. “This year, I’m planning to decorate our living room, kitchen, bedroom, nursery, and even the bathrooms to bring that festive feeling throughout the house.” Here, Renae has wrapped kitchen cabinets in bows and placed mini wreaths on the backs of island chairs. Other small touches—like a wreath on the range hood, ribbon tied around a utensils jar, and a bowl filled with pinecones—add even more holiday cheer.
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Make gift wrap part of the decor
This will inspire you to get your wrapping done early, and it gives your gift boxes another purpose: dressing up your living room before the big exchange on Christmas morning. “I love to make my own gift wrap,” Sloan says. “Buy cheap brown packing paper and paint it yourself with stripes, spots, or any design you fancy. Add contrasting ribbons and pile your gifts under the tree. Your gifts become part of your Christmas scheme. It’s stunning.” By making your own wrapping paper, you can also make sure it perfectly complements the rest of your decor.
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Deck the walls with holiday decals
For big impact without big effort, consider a high-quality wall sticker like the Victorian-inspired Christmas variety from Wallpick. “No tools are needed to apply Wallpick’s stickers, however I do recommend applying them to smooth walls for the best results,” says Wallpick’s founder Dina Jasmin. Use a wall sticker to frame your Christmas tree. Or, if a tree isn’t in the plans, the sticker can serve as a focal point and place to gather presents.
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Bring holiday cheer to the bedroom
Wake up in a winter wonderland by hanging a wreath above the bed and wrapping bed posts in a garland and string lights. Throw pillows featuring trees or snowflakes add a further festive touch—and if you really want to go all out, put a pre-lit Christmas tree in your bedroom as well. This year, Renae is even extending the Christmas home decor beyond the primary suite: “I usually don’t decorate our guest bedroom, but since we’ll have family staying with us this, I’m planning to add some holiday touches there too along with all of the bathrooms,” she says. “It’s such a fun way to make every space feel festive and welcoming.”
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Arrange a whimsical welcome
“I love to host, so it’s not uncommon for friends and family to gather at my house throughout the season,” says Wendy Lau, Yale Home’s interior design consultant. While living rooms and dining areas may pull focus when it comes to Christmas decoration ideas, Lau greets guests with yuletide flair upon arrival: “One of my favorite places to decorate for the holidays is the entryway.” She uses a smart lock programmed with custom codes to help guests feel right at home, so they can see themselves in and be dazzled by eye-catching visuals like “greenery and twinkle lights—always a charming sight. I also like to drape garlands over the doorway and hang big wreaths with a jolly red bow out front.” A holiday-themed doormat at the front door as part of the porch decor completes the festive first impression.
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Think beyond greenery for garlands
Hang strings of felt balls, dried oranges, yarn tassels, or stars cut from heavy-stock paper as an alternative to traditional pine or cedar garlands. Or, Thomas says, “Mid- to high-tier retailers like CB2 and West Elm use modern shapes and materials to create some very unique and trendy garlands, like one made of crystal shapes and another with gold-frosted palm fronds.”
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Make merry with metallics
“Metallics can add a sophisticated touch to holiday decor,” says Houston-based interior designer Chandos Dodson Epley of Chandos Collective. “Gold, silver, and bronze create a beautiful shimmer and can be combined with various colors for a modern twist. Pairing metallics with whites and deep greens can really elevate the festive atmosphere.” Plus metallics work well with New Year’s Eve trimmings, for those who like to let their Christmas decorations linger a bit.
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Create a monochromatic window display
Sticking to one tone for trinkets artfully arranged on a console table or windowsill is a way to add holiday cheer that doesn’t look too busy. Add candles to your window display for an inviting glow that guests can spot as they come up your walkway. For the actual windows, Maggie Griffin of Maggie Griffin Design in Gainesville, Georgia, says nothing tops a traditional wreath. “I love a simple magnolia or boxwood wreath with a long silk ribbon with an understated bow. It’s classic and simple!” she says.
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Match stockings to upholstery
If you’ve recently reupholstered, use leftover fabric scraps to create stockings that pair perfectly with your furniture. Or eyeball your existing chairs and couches and try to make a match. The room seen here—with walls painted Aubusson Blue by Annie Sloan—has striped stockings that make even the non-seasonal decor (the chairs) look more cohesive and intentional. Sloan takes the idea a step farther by matching her presents too. The chair, stockings, and gift wrap are all done in Sloan’s Ticking in Olive fabric.
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Dress up a plant
Designer Bailey Todd of White Cliff Studio in Columbus, Illinois, supports the desire to have multiple Christmas trees, or a decked-out tree and plant combo. “If you have lots of indoor tropical plants in your living room and don’t want to (or can’t) move them, decorate those too,” she says. “Just be sure not to use any heavy decor—keep garlands and ornaments light so you don’t damage any stems.” For a modern spin that’s also ideal for small spaces, skip the evergreen altogether and just go for the potted plant.
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Complement your existing color scheme
Greenfeld is a fan of a beautiful garland draped across the mantel. “When the garland gently hangs over the edges, it creates a soft, organic feel that perfectly frames the mantel and adds elegance without overwhelming the space,” he says. But doing so doesn’t mean you have to ditch your living room’s current, non-holiday color scheme. “I always suggest incorporating colors that complement the room so the garland enhances the space rather than compete with it.”
Make nature your holiday muse
“This year’s holiday decor is all about natural elegance and emotional warmth,” declares designer Anita Yokota, who decked the halls of the White House in 2023. “Real greenery, organic textures, and soft metallics create calm, layered spaces that feel alive.” Here, she’s adorned a tree in more muted, earthy tones alongside ornaments inspired by nature, like mushrooms. Golden accents complement all the browns and tans on the tree, adding just a touch of glamour.
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Go for a DIY garland
“I love when holiday decor feels gathered, not purchased,” says Jessica Whitley of Jessica Whitley Studio in Athens, Georgia. “Here, olive and rosemary branches bring sculptural softness to [the mantel’s] dark marble. A few metallic touches, like vintage bells or subtle shimmered ribbon catch the light and make the greenery feel festive without overpowering the space.”
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Turn tabletops into Christmas villages
Every surface serves as an opportunity to introduce some festive flair, as seen with this hallway table designed by Renae. Creating a Christmas village is a fun way for little ones to help with DIY Christmas decorations; they can paint buildings (available at craft shops or dollar stores like Dollar Tree) and even mold holiday-themed figurines, like a reindeer and or snowman, from clay. Keeping decor cozy and nostalgic aligns with this year’s trends, according to Renae. “For 2025, I’m all about the cozy, nostalgic vibe of Christmas,” she tells AD. “I love classic plaids, deep reds, and those warm, comforting touches that make any space feel like you’ve stepped into a Christmas movie.”
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Roll out a rug
An easy way to weave holiday home decor into unexpected spaces is through rugs. Roll out a mat, runner, or larger carpet for a quick and cozy look. “Seasonal motifs, such as garlands, reindeer, or plaid, instantly make a space feel warm and festive for holiday gatherings,” says Maria O’Brien of Ruggable. Or opt for a yuletide spin on plaid, like a timeless tartan, as seen above. “Heritage-inspired patterns are having a moment, with classic red and green tones adding a touch of tradition to the home,” says O’Brien.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are 2025’s top trends in Christmas decor?
“This year, vintage-inspired decor is at the forefront of the holiday trends,” says designer Taniya Nayak, a Marshalls and TJ Maxx home style expert. Timeless patterns, like tartans and plaids, instantly bring an inviting and cozy feel. Designer Brittny Button of Button Atelier in Los Angeles agrees on the retro vibes for Christmas 2025: “I’m just obsessed with old Santas as well as signage related to Old Hollywood festive times,” she says. “It feels charming, in a refreshed and approachable manner.”
Button also recommends decorating with satin ribbon—added to wreaths, garlands, and Christmas trees—this holiday season. “The more lavish, the better! Keep the bow tails long to add opulence, as if they’re dripping down,” she says. Additionally, Button’s big on mixing metallics with pastels. “Mint and gold, petal pink and silver, mauve and gunmetal, and soft yellow and iridescent white all make perfect pairings for lighthearted decor options. The juxtaposition with metallics feels luxurious,” she says.
How do you incorporate holiday decorations in more unexpected places throughout the house?
For those truly obsessed with the Christmas holiday, decorations don’t have to be confined to the living room. As shown above, designers have decked out kitchens, bedrooms, and hallways for the season; Button is even bringing the holiday spirit to her bathrooms. “Each year, I choose a new space to gussy up with festive decor,” she says. This year will be the bathrooms as a fun spot. I hide plastic animals with ribbons or mini wreaths on them for my children. It becomes a fun game to discover where the creatures have hidden themselves—sometimes peeking out from the tops of mirrors, or near the towel bar, or by the tub!”
What are some budget-friendly Christmas decor ideas that look expensive?
“Holiday decor doesn’t have to break the bank,” says Nayak. Small touches like festive kitchen accessories, tablescape accents, and natural elements such as garlands and wreaths are affordable ways to channel the holiday spirit. By prioritizing timeless, quality decor, you’ll create a well-curated atmosphere that will last for many seasons to come.
Where do I put the Christmas tree?
The centerpiece of holiday home decor is usually the tree, so placement is key. Samantha Stathis Lynch, designer and home style expert with Marshalls and TJ Maxx, says, “Christmas trees are often the focal point of holiday decor for those celebrating Christmas, so it’s important to have the tree in a room that is accessible and spacious. The living room or family room is often the most utilized; however, any room in your home can accentuate the tree—it’s all about preference.” Placing your tree in front of a window makes for elegant Christmas decor for your home’s exterior as well. (Is there anything more homey than seeing glowing Christmas lights in a window?) Or place your tree in the living room’s entryway so it can be enjoyed from adjoining rooms and add to your dining room’s ambiance or Christmas kitchen decor.
How can I make my house look cozy?
Cozy Christmas decor—particularly in the living room—is all about texture, Thomas says. “Whether that’s velvet drapes, bouclé throw pillow covers, or a high-pile rug, textiles are the perfect way to add diverse textures to a room without making it feel overwhelming.”
Adding to that, Lynch recommends including subtle lighting, candles, and additional seating around your Christmas tree. “Ottomans or poufs can make any space the perfect area to gather around your tree and celebrate the season,” she says. Temporary seating near a Christmas fireplace is another option. Add throw blankets and trays with hot cocoa mugs to mimic ski chalet vibes. It’ll transform your living room into a cozy spot within a winter wonderland.
How to decorate living room windows for Christmas
Windows are even more real estate for your Christmas theme. “Symmetry across window panes is a largely popular seasonal trend that can be easily achieved with wreaths, candles, or garland,” Lynch says. “Place matching Christmas wreaths within the center of your home’s front-facing windows or candle holders and taper candles within each windowsill for a picturesque holiday home.”
Thomas, on the other hand, prefers more modern Christmas decor, like acrylic nutcrackers or matte white decorative presents. “Gathering these design-forward yet minimal trinkets in groups of three or five to form triangles—or what designers call three-point thinking—provides depth and intrigue to the eye,” he explains. “Windows are essentially built-in frames in a room. Knowing that, any window decor should lead with composition and proportion first, which is why less will always be more when it comes to windows.”
How to hang stockings and garlands
Thomas recommends using Command Clear Hooks for garlands that serve as mantel decor, emphasizing that “these should be in the arsenal of any DIY’er, as they are a great option for temporary solutions.” You could also use a tension rod in a pinch. “I’ve seen some rather creative implementations of this technique where folks will place a tension rod in between a passageway and use that to hang a garland. I will definitely be trying this method this year,” he adds. Before wrapping your garland around the rod, you can even spray-paint it green so it blends in better.
“When it comes to hanging stockings, I’m a traditionalist and I recommend investing in stocking hangers,” Thomas says. “These can be used year after year, and with so many options on the market, one can absolutely find an option that suits the rest of the decor. However, not everyone has real estate like a fireplace mantel to hang stockings, so I recommend some damage-free adhesive hooks.”
