Let’s be honest – the holidays are stressful enough without having to worry about dressing up your home for festivities. Between hosting parties, buying gifts, and feeding your entire extended family, the thought of curating a perfect winter wonderland is a daunting task. An abundance of seasonal decorations, while beautiful, can begin to feel overwhelming both on a mental and physical level. For a little more peace of mind this winter, here are seven minimalist holiday decor ideas that make a big impression while only using a small amount of space!
We’ve also included the NewHomeSource holiday playlist at the end of the article, so you can enjoy all the fun holiday vibes!
Get Inspired by Nature
The best way to honor minimalism? Look to Mother Nature. While a simple branch might not look like much, it can make a huge visual impact in your space. To give your decor some flair, opt for branches with red berries for a festive pop of color, or ones with glittery snow glazed on for some shimmer.
If you’re looking for something more holiday-specific, place a branch in a vase and adorn it with ornaments of your holiday’s color scheme or symbols. If your fireplace mantel is already covered with decor, hang a large branch on your wall and attach to it your Christmas stockings.
Embrace the Fairy Lights
String lights are an absolute staple for the holiday season, and it doesn’t get more minimalist than a simple strand of white lights. The warm glow they radiate instantly adds an air of coziness to your home in the midst of chilly wintertime, while also opening up your rooms. Whether you use white string lights to give life to your Christmas tree, wrap some strands around your banisters, or drape them across your walls or ceilings, no space will be worse off with a touch of twinkle.
The extra shine they provide is also perfect for transitioning your decor from any winter holiday into the New Year. What’s better than efficient and effortless holiday decor?
Welcome with Signage
A sweet message is a wonderful way to spread some holiday cheer this season. Whether it’s a lyric from your favorite Christmas song or wishes for a happy holiday of your choice, signs are perfect for adding a personal and heartfelt touch to your decorating.
If you already have a letter board featured in your home throughout the year, this is a super simple way to reuse pieces and keep your seasonal decorations minimalistic. For a homier look, pick up a wooden sign or simply a block of wood to paint yourself –another great opportunity for DIY decor that you’ll cherish each time the holiday season rolls around.
Add a Wreath
Not only are wreaths gorgeous and festive, they’re also versatile, which makes them a great addition to your minimalist holiday decor. Add a touch of seasonal flair to any space by hanging them on doors and windows the old-fashioned way, placing them shining star of a table centerpiece, or arranging several to create wall art. No matter what you’re celebrating this winter, there’s a wreath that fits your holiday’s color palette.
If you’re up for some DIY, you can take it to the next level and personalize your own wreaths with custom embellishments for a fun and meaningful family activity. For optimal minimalism, we suggest adorning your wreath with neutral colors and shapes, like white stars or brown pine cones, to make your decor last throughout the winter months.
Utilize Candle Décor
Though candles are used as decor year-round, they have a different kind of magic in the wintertime. This season is all about warm and cozy, and nothing fits the bill more than a candle! Candles can work as decor on their own, especially if they already come with winter or holiday-themed packaging, but they also make great additions to other pieces.
Add a soft glow to the middle of a wreath centerpiece, or to a coffee table if you don’t have a fireplace. Not only do candles emit warmth and light, but they can also delight the senses with a delicious fragrance! For seasonal options, go for notes like vanilla, clove, or pine, depending on your scent preference.
Go for Some Holiday Garland
We’re not just talking the traditional garland made of greenery, either. This winter, you hang up a paper garland with sweet and simple shapes like Christmas trees, dreidels, or other symbols to represent your holiday. For a more naturally charming look that will carry throughout the winter months, create your own garland with dried oranges, pinecones and berries (great for a pop of color!). If your home will feature a Christmas tree this season, a popular minimalist look is a garland made of white beads and, if you’re feeling fancy, detailed with geometric shapes.
Neutral Décor is Always in Style
Overall, the best way to utilize minimalist design techniques this holiday season is to go neutral with your decor. Not only is a neutral palette aesthetically pleasing, but it also makes decorating for the season so much simpler—and with fewer items, cleanup is a breeze. With mostly monochromatic tones, it’s easy to make all your pieces work together, and it also keeps your more eye-catching decorations from looking too overbearing. Neutral colors accented with some glitz, like glistening gold or silver tones, also allow you to easily transition your home from the December holidays into the New Year.
The most wonderful time of the year doesn’t have to be the most stressful time of the year. As the famous saying goes, less is more – and having less decor doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the season in style! With our minimalist design tips in your pocket, “home for the holidays” will become your new favorite phrase. For more design inspiration, head on over to NewHomeSource’s Learn Center and follow us on social media!
The NewHomeSource Holiday Playlist
Katherine West is a writer for NewHomeSource.com and HomLuv.com, where she contributes articles related to home and lifestyle. Her absolute favorite topic to write about is interior design. She is also a former media intern for Builders Digital Experience (BDX). Katherine attends Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in psychology with a minor in mass communications. In her free time, she enjoys creating digital art, reading and anything involving music and film.