13 Christmas Decorating Ideas for Small Spaces
Decking out a tiny abode with Christmas cheer need not leave it looking cluttered, as these festive ideas reveal
Where space is limited in a small house or apartment, the inclusion of a grand ceiling-height Christmas tree may present a challenge. But having a spatially compact place doesn’t necessarily mean you need to hold back, or go small when dressing it up for Christmas. By using wall, window and ceiling space and paying special attention to the existing theme and colour palette, there is an abundance of exciting possibilities to spark Christmas merriment without impacting on your home’s day-to-day flow and functionality.
Cut the top off a large tree if it’s too imposing in the room, or forego a tree that stands on the floor for a smaller version that can take centrestage on an occasional table or sideboard. This will give you the Christmas tree experience you love without taking up sacred floor space. If you’re really tight on space but have a tree outside a living room window (fir or otherwise), why not drape it with colourful lights and turn it into your Christmas tree?
The great Christmas tree debate
The great Christmas tree debate
2. Put gifts on display
Christmas gift wrap provides the ideal opportunity to get creative and have fun with the selection and colour coordination of papers, ribbons and gift tags. When set all together on a sideboard, rarely used formal dining table or occasional chair, these gifts will make for a colourful display. Select a colour scheme and introduce a mix of plain, geometric and patterned papers with wide, generous ribbons and coordinating gift tags.
Christmas gift wrap provides the ideal opportunity to get creative and have fun with the selection and colour coordination of papers, ribbons and gift tags. When set all together on a sideboard, rarely used formal dining table or occasional chair, these gifts will make for a colourful display. Select a colour scheme and introduce a mix of plain, geometric and patterned papers with wide, generous ribbons and coordinating gift tags.
Attaching a Christmas decoration to each gift will make presents extra special for the lucky recipients.
13 adorable gift wrapping ideas
13 adorable gift wrapping ideas
3. Decorate from above
Decorations hung at eye level attract instant attention, so consider adorning an existing pendant light with decorations hung at varying heights. This striking feature will ensure the floor space remains clutter-free. Glass baubles are an excellent choice to allow light from pendant globes to filter through, and feathers or mistletoe will introduce a contrasting textural element.
Decorations hung at eye level attract instant attention, so consider adorning an existing pendant light with decorations hung at varying heights. This striking feature will ensure the floor space remains clutter-free. Glass baubles are an excellent choice to allow light from pendant globes to filter through, and feathers or mistletoe will introduce a contrasting textural element.
Be sure to position decorations a safe distance from electrical wiring and the heat of globes.
4. Festive-up the mantle
A fireplace mantle is a focal point in a living, dining or bedroom space. Replacing your usual display of accessories for one month of the year with Christmas stockings, ornaments, lighting and even a wreath, will make it clear to all that Christmas has arrived, without being disruptive to the day-to-day functioning of the room.
See more lovely living room decorations
A fireplace mantle is a focal point in a living, dining or bedroom space. Replacing your usual display of accessories for one month of the year with Christmas stockings, ornaments, lighting and even a wreath, will make it clear to all that Christmas has arrived, without being disruptive to the day-to-day functioning of the room.
See more lovely living room decorations
5. String garlands of evergreen
A garland of freshly cut holly or mistletoe winding down a staircase stringer or balustrade will add a splash of Christmas to a busy transitional area, while introducing the nostalgic scent of evergreen. This idea can also be applied over a window, above a doorway or along a dining table as a centrepiece for the Christmas feast.
A garland of freshly cut holly or mistletoe winding down a staircase stringer or balustrade will add a splash of Christmas to a busy transitional area, while introducing the nostalgic scent of evergreen. This idea can also be applied over a window, above a doorway or along a dining table as a centrepiece for the Christmas feast.
6. Suspend decorations in the windows
Spread the joy of Christmas with wreaths and decorations hung over windows for all the world to see. Use simple string, fishing line, or colourful ribbon and hang whatever you like – as long as it’s Christmassy.
Spread the joy of Christmas with wreaths and decorations hung over windows for all the world to see. Use simple string, fishing line, or colourful ribbon and hang whatever you like – as long as it’s Christmassy.
7. Christmas-up a sideboard
Slot decorations and candle lighting into an existing display on a sideboard or console table for Christmas, or perhaps consider creating a completely new display to be enjoyed specifically over the festive season. To avoid creating a cluttered feel, take the time to select particular decorations of a similar style and colouring to your existing scheme for a seamless flow.
Slot decorations and candle lighting into an existing display on a sideboard or console table for Christmas, or perhaps consider creating a completely new display to be enjoyed specifically over the festive season. To avoid creating a cluttered feel, take the time to select particular decorations of a similar style and colouring to your existing scheme for a seamless flow.
8. Embrace an existing palette
Decorations introduced into a small space can easily make it feel cluttered and take away from the original elegance of a room. Consider sticking with the room’s existing colour scheme, with coordinated ornaments and decorations interspersed among existing items to introduce plenty of Christmas spirit. This will allow you to add cheer to any room without closing in the walls or busying up the space.
21 adorable Christmas decorating ideas
Decorations introduced into a small space can easily make it feel cluttered and take away from the original elegance of a room. Consider sticking with the room’s existing colour scheme, with coordinated ornaments and decorations interspersed among existing items to introduce plenty of Christmas spirit. This will allow you to add cheer to any room without closing in the walls or busying up the space.
21 adorable Christmas decorating ideas
9. Give shelves a festive makeover
Transform an existing bookshelf into an enchanting showpiece with a few decorative ornaments. Or why not go over the top and replace the entire unit’s contents with Christmas sparkle? Decide on a theme and colour palette and work within this idea.
Group smaller items together in among larger ones, and aim to achieve a sense of balance and symmetry overall – allow a feature piece to pop where appropriate. Ornaments with lighting and music will be a pleasure to enjoy, and the addition of pine needles will introduce the aroma of Christmas.
Transform an existing bookshelf into an enchanting showpiece with a few decorative ornaments. Or why not go over the top and replace the entire unit’s contents with Christmas sparkle? Decide on a theme and colour palette and work within this idea.
Group smaller items together in among larger ones, and aim to achieve a sense of balance and symmetry overall – allow a feature piece to pop where appropriate. Ornaments with lighting and music will be a pleasure to enjoy, and the addition of pine needles will introduce the aroma of Christmas.
10. Display treats in glass
Christmas treats, biscuits, cakes, chocolates and candy canes are all delicious, colourful delights that can be put on display for maximum enjoyment on a kitchen bench or sideboard. Do keep in mind that these enticing goodies will be a constant source of temptation to everyone in the house, so don’t be surprised if your display dwindles as time goes by.
Christmas treats, biscuits, cakes, chocolates and candy canes are all delicious, colourful delights that can be put on display for maximum enjoyment on a kitchen bench or sideboard. Do keep in mind that these enticing goodies will be a constant source of temptation to everyone in the house, so don’t be surprised if your display dwindles as time goes by.
11. Decorate the table for
Christmas
The dining table centrepiece is an important feature to set off the Christmas feast on the big day, but is there any reason why it should not be introduced the week before, as part of the home’s overall Christmas decoration scheme? Fill tall bowls with brightly coloured ornaments, incorporate a long box or garland of greenery and intersperse with candles all the way along.
Christmas lunch table settings
Christmas
The dining table centrepiece is an important feature to set off the Christmas feast on the big day, but is there any reason why it should not be introduced the week before, as part of the home’s overall Christmas decoration scheme? Fill tall bowls with brightly coloured ornaments, incorporate a long box or garland of greenery and intersperse with candles all the way along.
Christmas lunch table settings
12. Spread words of Christmas cheer
Festive banners proclaiming ‘Joy to the World’ and ‘Merry Christmas’ strung around walls and from the ceiling celebrate Christmas without impacting too greatly on a small space. Christmas cards are another way to spread the word, and are a warm reminder of the gift of giving and receiving at this special time of year. Cards on display can quickly clutter up even an oversized room, so group them together into one single-wall display that reads like an artwork.
Festive banners proclaiming ‘Joy to the World’ and ‘Merry Christmas’ strung around walls and from the ceiling celebrate Christmas without impacting too greatly on a small space. Christmas cards are another way to spread the word, and are a warm reminder of the gift of giving and receiving at this special time of year. Cards on display can quickly clutter up even an oversized room, so group them together into one single-wall display that reads like an artwork.
13. Put pegs to good use
Having Christmas cards pegged onto a small tree all together is another way to keep them neatly contained for all to see and enjoy.
TELL US
Have you decorated a small interior space for Christmas? Please share your ideas with us in the Comments.
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Read more about small space decorating
Having Christmas cards pegged onto a small tree all together is another way to keep them neatly contained for all to see and enjoy.
TELL US
Have you decorated a small interior space for Christmas? Please share your ideas with us in the Comments.
MORE
Read more about small space decorating
In a home with limited space, a Christmas tree can be overbearing, so it’s important to select just the right size and shape. Lop the top off a too-large artificial tree or break with tradition and choose one on the shorter side if you’re shopping for a real one. Also consider looking beyond the traditional shapes to suit your space. A super-skinny tree can slot into a tight corner, while a half-circle tree with only one face side and a flat back can be positioned against a wall – taking up only half the room.