Being intentional during the holidays can be tough. It’s during these times when it’s the easiest to fall into the trap of overconsumption. It can arise in the form of over-purchasing gifts and various personal items on sale. Or, through bringing an abundance of decorative red and green pieces into our homes. While sticking to my overall modern minimalist home aesthetic, I implemented minimal decorative touches this year to still give off that feeling of Christmas. In today’s post, I’m sharing 10 minimalist Christmas decor ideas for anyone looking for simplified ways to still get into the holiday spirit at home!
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1. Wreath Placed Indoors
A classic Christmas decorating piece that comes in all shapes, sizes, and detail. It’s the perfect timeless statement to decorate an empty space with. Rather than placing it on your front door in the traditional sense, get creative and place it somewhere indoors instead. For the ultimate minimalist, opt for one with minimal coverage like a hoop wreath (there are so many DIY tutorials out there!) or one made entirely out of greenery.
2. Candles in Open Spaces
As a way to wind down, candles exude scents that bring warmth and a sense of calm. They can also be inexpensive decorative pieces used not only for the holidays, but all year round. Lighting a candle, especially in the wintertime, truly has a magical effect at home, and is a great way to wind down in the evening. I usually go for ones with a minimal exterior to enhance the minimalist aesthetic I’m going for. For a quick Christmas DIY, head to your local craft store and find a small piece of holly or greenery and glue it to the side of a candle.
3. Play Around with Pillows
Another simple way to exude a cozy holiday feel is to use pillows. I’m sure you have a few decorative pillows laying around, so feel free to strategically place them around the house. Mix and match pillows with a subtle colour and/or print (like plaid or buffalo check) and ones that are made of cozy materials and textures (like sherpa or faux fur) to incorporate into the minimalist yet unique aesthetic. Another option is to look for festive pillow covers instead so that existing pillows are put into good use.
4. Glass Christmas Trees
When I think of a modern minimal theme, I think of incorporating glass or acrylic pieces into the space. Acrylic furniture is known to create a feeling of airiness and an illusion of more space. Glass Christmas trees are a great minimalist Christmas decor option to place in areas in need of some cheer, without going over the top. I love that they contribute a subtle elegance to my living room shelf. Glass Christmas trees are relatively easy to find and can even be filled with twinkle lights to produce a beautiful lighting effect.
5. Paper Ornaments
Make use of existing faux plants already placed around the house by hanging existing ornaments, or better yet, paper ornaments on them! This is probably the easiest and my favourite minimalist Christmas decor idea I incorporated this year. Not only are they lightweight, but the colours and styles are endless. If you’re feeling crafty, grab some coloured paper and DIY them yourself! Mine in particular have a magnetic close to keep them together and easily store flat when not in use.
6. Incorporate Earthy, Neutral Tones
When selecting tabletop decorations, consider pieces with wood accents or earthy tones for a minimal and organic feel. Though it strays away from the traditional bright colours, by selecting more neutral tones, it provides a sense of refreshment and timeless elegance. Since wood finishes cover a lot of our home, any decorative piece that contains wood-like features, like this layered Christmas tree and lemongrass scented candle pictured above, pairs so nicely with it all.
7. Mini Christmas Tree
If a full-fledged Christmas tree isn’t in the cards this year, a mini Christmas tree can have the same festive impact. While being budget-friendly and also much easier to decorate (since it rarely requires any setup), it’s a great option for those who are short on time. It also takes up much less space than a full tree so there is little to no clutter. Choose one wrapped in burlap for a beautiful rustic vibe.
8. Bare Christmas Tree with Basket
Although the one I have isn’t quite bare (it’s pre-lit optic fibre), I decided not to add anything to it and I love how it looks. Instead of adding more ornaments, I placed the tree in a basket for a homey feel, complete with a faux fur rug to cozy it up. Admittedly, my fiancé and I have not yet gone to look for ornaments, but we plan to slowly curate a collection that is personal to us. I think there is beauty in a minimalist Christmas tree to allow for the greenery to stand out. However, I know this is not for everyone. So, if this isn’t your jam, consider a pre-lit Christmas tree to save on the hassle of using your own string of lights.
9. Add More Greenery
When in doubt, add more greenery! With a brand new dining table setup, I did just that with an easy artificial eucalyptus garland. While it’s not quite considered Christmas greenery like firs and pines, it still did the trick. The idea is to use existing greenery that you already have around the house, but stored away for other occasions, and bring it to life during the holiday season. Add a few simple small bottle brush Christmas trees around it and you have a simple green Christmas setup. Another easy way to add more greenery is to showcase a single or a few small fir branches in a small vase, contributing to a delicate yet still festive impact.
10. Showcase Other Random Trinkets (boxes, candies, etc)
This is where it can get really fun! Have a random wooden storage box sitting in a cupboard? Use it to elevate other decorative items. Are candies and chocolates in coloured wrapping stored in your pantry? Showcase them in a decorative jar. Do you have other trinkets laying around in your home in a red or green theme? Place them with other neutral-toned Christmas pieces. Get creative with what you already have and you might be surprised with how they contribute to the festive spirit!
I’m so excited to be spending my first real Christmas in my new home this year. As someone who pursues an intentional lifestyle, I think it’s important to be fully mindful of what we bring into our home. Having too many decorative pieces may cause a feeling of panic as it piles up in storage for almost 11 months out of the year. The goal is to decorate for the holidays with purpose, and one way to do so is by incorporating minimalist Christmas decor. By focusing on neutral tones and perhaps even ways to use existing decorative pieces, it alleviates feelings of overwhelm and anxiousness while allowing you to fully enjoy this special time of the year.
I hope these minimalist Christmas decor ideas gave you some inspiration in simplifying your festive home!
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I adore the concept of simple decorations! It’s a fantastic way to decorate for the holidays without going crazy or crowding your house. Your usage of the colour combination of white and gold is elegant and stylish. I especially value the advice on using things you already own to make fresh decor.