Christmas Decor Style Ideas

_{Originally posted in Dec 2018 and updated for 2020}

This will be the first year in 10 years that I have not moved. Because of my transient tendencies, I haven’t really developed a Christmas decorating style. Like most of my furniture, my Christmas decor has been handed down or DIYed. My goal for this season is to curate a holiday style while using a lot of what I already own. This post has a few different Christmas decor style ideas in case you’re also trying to decide how to decorate!

I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time finding interior inspiration on the internet that isn’t “Modern Farmhouse.” This style is somehow still king right now. Blahhh. It’s just not for me.  I couldn’t even get myself to hate watch the new McGee and Co. show on Netflix.  The style is so white and sparse and cold.  The exact opposite of the feelings that Christmas should bring.  But it works for the Pinterest and Instagram aesthetic.  Remember in The Grinch when everyone was competing to have the best of the best gifts and decorations, before Cindy Lou had to remind everyone of the true meaning of Christmas?  That’s what the internet has felt like for the past few years.  Let 2020 be the year we stop decorating for the ‘gram and start decorating for ourselves

Colorful, rich, warm, and pattern-filled rooms are my favorite. My taste is definitely influenced by growing up in a house filled with color, classic furniture, and tradition. When trying to find my Christmas style, I was looking for these elements. In a year of uncertainty, unrest, and anxiousness, I’m longing for that “Christmas feeling.”  The “feeling” comes from a lot more than decor (or the store, since we’ve talked about The Grinch) – think Balsam candles, freshly baked cookies, holiday tunes, and favorite seasonal movies. However, twinkly lights, warm blankets, and stockings hung by the fire don’t hurt 😉 

We are going to look at 4 Christmas decor style ideas – Cozy Cabin Christmas, Traditional Tartan, Vintage Nostalgia, and Glam Greenery.  The purpose of this post is not to encourage you to shop for entirely new holiday decor, but rather to look at your own personal home style to figure out how holiday decorations could add a little bit of magic this season.  The same basic tree, couch, and tables are used for each of the designs.  Only the decor style is changed.  When trying to decide how to decorate your home for the holidays, take a look at what you already have.  For example, I happen to have a lot of mid century and vintage items.  This has me leaning toward either the vintage nostalgia style or the cozy cabin style.  Maybe you already have a lot of mixed metals decor – why not try adding a few holiday touches to achieve the glam greenery style?  Use this as inspiration or a starting point!

Cozy Cabin Christmas

This style makes me think of being in the Wisconsin Northwoods.  Lots of wood, fuzzy blankets, and ideally a fireplace!  This style is perfect for someone who loves to collect thrifted camp-style items.  Think of all the Christmas content from KJP.  That’s Cozy Cabin Christmas.  My pinterest style board can be found here for more inspiration.

Sources: Christmas Tree, Side Table, Coffee Table, Couch , Tree Skirt, Stockings, Lake Tahoe Pillow, Hudson Bay Blanket, Bells, Reindeer, Skis, Gift Wrap, Birch Flameless Candles, Garland, Red Ceramic Tree

Traditional Tartan

The preppy side of me looooves this style.  It’s so classic and fun.  Plaid seems to have made a comeback in the past few years, but it has always been a staple in my home decor.  Now there are just more options 🙂 This style is like visiting the Ralph Lauren store!  My pinterest style board can be found here for more inspiration.

Sources: Christmas Tree, Side Table, Coffee Table, Couch, Tree Skirt, Stockings, Wreath, Blanket, Pillows, Nutcrackers, Gift Wrap, Gold Candlesticks

Vintage Nostalgia

Looking at vintage pictures of Christmas gives me warm fuzzy feelings.  I love the bright colors and how dressed up people used to get for holidays. Let’s bring that back! It’s a little bit kitschy, but so fun.  Vintage nostalgia is perfect for anyone who loves mid century style or has a mid century home, like us! My pinterest style board can be found here for more inspiration.

Sources: Christmas Tree, Side Table, Coffee Table, Couch , Tree Skirt, Stockings, Gift Wrap, Pom Pom Throw Blanket, Ceramic Trees, Wreath, Garland, Teal Pillows, Candy Cane Pillow, Ornaments, Pink Christmas Tree

Glam Greenery

I hesitated to include this look because I just stated how much I love color and bold pattern, and this style is very muted compared to the other three.  But it’s also SO pretty.  And I don’t want to exclude people who aren’t as color obsessed as myself.  It’s not for everyone!   So if you prefer a more muted palette, Glam Greenery may be for you.  My pinterest style board can be found here for more inspiration.

Sources: Christmas Tree, Side Table, Coffee Table, Couch , Tree Collar, Stockings, Ornaments, Mercury glass trees, Throw Blanket, Bell Wreath, Green Pillow, Tree Pillows, Lanterns, Garland

Which Christmas decor style ideas do you like best?  Or maybe you like something completely different.  However you decide to decorate your home for the holidays, it should be a representation of the things you love and the feelings you want to experience at this time of year.  Are you thinking about decorating yet?  Normally I wait until after Thanksgiving, but there is a good chance my decorations will go up early this year.  Now everyone watch as I fail to make a decision on which style I like most and end up blending all the things!