Christmas is coming up, and for many, that means decorating the house to match the season. However, what if you have a small space? How do you make sure your rooms are still functional, but highlighted with holiday cheer? Here are some tips:
Switch out pillowcases
For pillows on your couches and chairs, switch out pillowcases out for holiday ones. That way, you aren’t actually taking up more space than you usually would. Choose colors that go with your existing decor, or neutrals like white, gray, silver, and gold.
Simple white decals of reindeer on a window
Use your windows
Windows are literally a blank canvas where you can add holiday touches like paper snowflakes or peel-off decals. Simple, classy images like silhouettes always look good, and won’t make your windows feel cluttered with too many colors. Image source
Use your stair railings
You probably don’t think about your railings very much in terms of decorating, but Christmas is the time when you can actually do stuff with them. Garlands or a simple string of lights can pull two floors together really quickly.
Add an advent calendar
A cool advent calendar is an easy decoration you can hang on a wall where it can be prominently displayed. That way, you can remember to open it during the countdown, and it immediately adds a holiday vibe to the room.
Christmas greens
Dress up a small tree
If a full-sized tree isn’t practical for your space, you can dress up a small one to make a big impact. Always elevate small trees, either by putting them on a table or on another piece of decoration like a wine crate or pretty storage box.
Create a wall tree
For really tiny places, an actual tree isn’t a practical option. In that case, use your wall space to create a tree! People have done some really cool things by mounting lights, branches, wreaths, and more to create 2D versions of the classic Christmas tree. Get some ideas here at the Family Holiday blog.
Ornaments aren’t restricted to your tree
If you have more ornaments than you can fit on your tree, you can use them in other ways. Hang them from lamps or use them as part of centerpieces for a coffee or dinner table. Sparkly ones will reflect light, and add a lot of brightness and cheer without taking up much space.
Don’t underestimate lights
Lighting makes a huge difference. If you don’t do anything else, decorate with string lights. Winter is dark, and you want your space to feel cozy and warm, especially when you have guests. White lights go with every room, while multicolored ones instantly say, “Christmas.” There are countless styles of light, from the classic tear-shaped bulbs to ones shaped like mason jars or pine cones.
Candles instantly set a mood
Embrace the power of scents
The easiest way to make a home feel like Christmas is to make it smell like Christmas. Candles are relatively cheap decorations, and they add both light and fragrance, which is a powerful mood-setter. Scents like cinnamon, pine, baked goods, and more will immediately make your home feel like the holidays. I’m a big fan of WoodWick candles, because the wicks make a crackling sound like logs in a fireplace.
Keep it simple
The best rule of thumb when decorating in a small space is to keep it simple. Get one statement piece, and arrange everything else in the room around that, so the eye is naturally drawn to that one key piece of decor. A bunch of random stuff will make the room feel small and messy.
What are some decorating mistakes to avoid during this season and every season? Find out here.
