If you're looking for more modern and understated decorating ideas to embrace this festive season, then our minimalist Christmas decor ideas will be sure to inspire.
Celebrating more simple and refined Christmas decor ideas, minimalist Christmas decor is all about embracing the classic, 'less is more' attitude when decorating, and creating a calm and cozy space to enjoy throughout the holidays.
From embracing more muted and neutral color palettes to making the most of the existing decor in your home, our collection of minimalist Christmas decor ideas prove that this style can still be full of character and festive cheer.
Embrace minimalist Christmas decorating for a serene and simple scheme
Whether you're looking for more modern Christmas decorating ideas this year, or are in need of seasonal decor that will perfectly complement your existing minimalist interior, explore the best minimalist Christmas decor ideas favored by designers.
1. Celebrate the beauty of nature
Christmas foliage and flowers will always be at the heart of Christmas decorating, no matter your style. From Christmas wreaths to Christmas garlands, to more simple vases of cut stems and berries, beautiful natural accents can work wonderfully in a minimalist scheme.
'Let the raw beauty of nature take center stage, which in turn, will create a soft and subtle minimalist Christmas backdrop,' says interior designer, Shivani Vyas.
'If you love the scent and feel of fresh evergreens, use that, or, if you prefer a faux version with minimal upkeep, scout lifelike iterations that are green and lush. When styling your minimalist space with artificial greenery, it's key to buy high-quality pieces that look realistic and hold up well over time. For example, my top decorating technique is to use faux English Boxwood Topiary and dress it up with warm white LED lights and large plaid bows.'
This versatile faux garland is perfect for adorning a mantel, tabletop or staircase, adding inviting and colorful natural texture to your space.
Adding timeless natural character to your Christmas display, this Faux Olive 6’ Garland gives faux greenery an elevated, whimsical nod.
This year, Anthropologie Christmas wreaths are on their A-game, and this wreath is utterly timeless. The faux pine brings a homely feel offset by bursts of color from the red berries.
Interior designer, Shivani Vyas, is the founder of Studio Vyas, based in Macon, Georgia. Shivani has been an interior designer for over 5 years and has helped hundreds of clients with their dream design projects.
2. Opt for a relaxed, neutral color palettes
'To embrace a cozy but minimal Christmas decor aesthetic, I highly recommend looking to nature for inspiration for your color scheme. Stick to a natural palette, one that foregoes an abundance of multi-hued ornaments and metallic finishes for earthy, natural, and neutral tones,' advises Shivani Vyas.
We love the Christmas table decor shown here by Layered Lounge, and how the minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired style and neutral color palette create a wonderfully relaxing space to sit and dine in.
This 100% cream cotton design will not only elevate your hosting come Christmas, but it will also wash well.
Embracing a sophisticated, traditional yet minimal style, the Brass Taper Holder will make a versatile and elegant addition to your Christmas table.
A creative take on a traditional holiday detail, the metal bells sit perfectly on your dining table surface, complete with a slot for a paper card.
3. Focus on quality over quantity
'A minimalist approach at Christmas is a great way to focus on quality over quantity, and be more thoughtful about the way you decorate for the festive season. I recommend bringing in warm textiles, natural woods, and calming colors to the space,' says Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy’s Trend Expert.
From a small, yet special, curated display of Christmas ornaments, to a stand-out Christmas wreath used for Christmas wall decor, rather than going overboard with festive decorations, for a minimalist look, prioritize a few select, quality pieces – the effect can still be show-stopping.
Warm color schemes are very much of the now. For this reason, we recommend investing in this set of Christmas ornaments if you want the warm of a minimal, quiet luxury Christmas tree.
You will never regret investing in handmade wood Christmas ornaments. Made to last, you will cherish this objects forever.
Nordic decor has been popular for centuries, and these minimalist Christmas trees will continue to be a treat for years to come.
Dayna Isom Johnson is Etsy's trend expert with over a decade of experience unearthing the latest and chicest styles. She is unwavering in her pursuit of new and unique finds and is passionate about helping shoppers find exceptional pieces that showcase their personal style.
4. Embrace plenty of tactile texture
Creating an enhanced feeling of coziness and warmth in your interior space through plenty of tactile texture is not only an easy way to refresh your decor for the holiday season, it can work perfectly for minimalist Christmas decor.
A new throw or pillow can add inviting texture to a living space or bedroom. Whether you opt for a festive design, like this Pillow from Pottery Barn, or go for a more subtle option, such as this cream throw from McGee & Co. , these simple additions are all about making your home feel more inviting, cozy and warm throughout the holiday season.
Crafted from cotton and linen with a faux fur weave, this minimal stocking brings an elegant and modern feel to your mantel.
This candle scent is the epitome of Christmas. Containing festive notes of juniper with citrus, frosted eucalyptus, balsamic fir, and scarlet berries layered with winter eucalyptus, woodland moss, weathered cedar, and white musk, what more could you want?
Defined by its snowflake design, this luxury faux fur tree skirt makes for an elegant holiday decoration under the tree.
5. Keep your Christmas tree simple
As fun as it can be to go all out with your Christmas tree ideas, opting for a more simple and stripped-back design can really celebrate the natural beauty of the tree (whether real or faux), perfect for both a minimalist look and for rustic Christmas decor, too.
Dayna Isom Johnson says, 'When it comes to the tree, using just lights to decorate really nails the minimalist look. You can also add a handful of thoughtfully selected ornaments whilst still keeping the pared-back look.'
Shop Christmas tree lights from Wayfair – we also think think this wooden garland from Lulu and Georgia is perfect for creating a more minimalist look on your Christmas tree.
Made from wood, this modern beaded garland is a subtle accent piece that adds a touch of natural material to your holiday vignettes.
Crafted from hand-embossed metal with resin beads, this minimal ornament uses uniquely designed clips to display its beautiful details from your Christmas tree.
Simple and delicate, the Glass Bell Ornament will make an elegant additional to a minimalist tree.
6. Pay attention to lighting
'Cozy on down this Christmas by creating a living space that's rich in comfort, warmth, and texture. Immerse yourself in a snug environment that balances minimalism and simplicity without sacrificing festive beauty. Pay attention to indoor Christmas lighting, as this adds to the overall atmosphere of the room. Candles and dimmed lights are perfect for creating a snug finish,' says Yvonne Keal, from Hillarys.
Patricia Knight, founder and principal designer at Zinnia Design Studio also says, 'Don't underestimate the power of the best candles. Candles are one of the easiest items to use when decorating because they soften the lighting in a room and add glow to the surrounding decor. They can be placed in unexpected spots or paired with other decorations to establish a beautiful and inviting display.'
Made from soy and paraffin wax and poured into a plaid-inspired green glass vessel, this Christmas candle features notes of spruce and bonfire for a warm ambient aroma.
This candle doubles up as a holiday ornament, and comes in five different sizes and scents, and features the cutest bottle brush tree toppers that will pair well with other seasonal decor.
These adorable house candles are perfect for placing on your Christmas table, bringing cozy lighting and charming character.
Based in Philadelphia, Patricia Knight is the Founder and Principal Designer behind Zinnia Design Studio. She has worked in interior design for over 8 years on projects ranging from studio apartments in NYC to historic farmhouses in Virginia.
7. Make the most of existing decor
Designer Patricia Knight says, 'For minimalist Christmas decor, it's all about keeping things super simple. Use items you already have in your home, such as planters and vases, and fill them with a few springs of foliage or festive flowers, perfect for displaying in an entryway or on a dining table.'
We love how this sideboard has been decorated with a blend of decorative and practical items – acting as a more alternative home bar. From displaying candles to vases of foliage and getting out your best glassware, make the most of the beautiful objects that already fill your home.
FAQs
How do you simplify Christmas decorating?
One way to simplify Christmas decorating is by embracing a set theme throughout your home.
From your outdoor Christmas decor ideas to your Christmas living room decor ideas, if you use the same colors, textures, and styles of decorations throughout, this will not only make decorating less overwhelming, it will also create a more cohesive and coordinated theme.
You can also simplify Christmas decorating by prioritizing your Christmas decorations, from your front door, to your Christmas tree to your Christmas table, start decorating the most important areas first, and then work your way around your home from scheme.
To keep things super simple, why not channel the majority of your festive decorating to one key space? Such as a living room, dining room, or wherever you will spend the most amount of time over the holiday season.
If you're looking for a few new pieces to decorate your home with for minimalist Christmas decor, then be sure to explore McGee & Co.'s holiday collection, perfect for creating a more modern and minimal look. We've selected our top picks in our dedicated feature, our favorite pieces from the McGee & Co. 2023 holiday collection.
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