Christmas Decorating Ideas For Apartments

20 Brilliant Christmas Decorating Ideas for Small Spaces

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If you have visions of recreating Santa's workshop under your roof, but aren't gung-ho about spending a Saturday morning trying to maneuver a giant tree into your 250-square-foot apartment, you're in luck. An excess of space is not a requirement for embracing the holiday spirit, and even the smallest RVs, apartments, and bungalows alike can join in on the fun.

The key to these Christmas decorating ideas is downsizing and thinking outside the box. Understand that voluminous trees and infinite garlands aren't the only festive items you can deck the halls with—lights, figurines, branches, baubles, and tapestries can all be used to make sure the spirit of Christmas is reverberating from every inch of your home (without losing precious storage or hangout space).

Below are 20 ideas worth copying to make small apartments and homes shine all December long.

1. Make it mini

Even the smallest of small spaces can be prepped for the holidays, and this RV's festive decor is the perfect example. Downsize your traditionally-sized items (like wreaths and trees) and opt for mini versions.

2. Lights everywhere!

If you don't have the outdoor space for lights, simply string them up around the highest parts of your home, just like these Chicago homeowners did in their loft. Ceiling lights add instant holiday spirit and take up very little space.

3. Focus on the mantel

This Dallas abode shows how going all out on your mantel can instantly transform your space and make it holiday-ready. Limiting things like Christmas trees, menorahs, and other festive objects to your fireplace area means you don't have to find space for larger decor items in a small room.

4. Nail down the details

The tiniest details make all the difference. This pint-sized apartment has found a way to incorporate wintry components into every corner, whether it's a tapestry, candle holders, or a wreath hung from a kitchen island.

5. Get festive with your headboard

The bedroom is oft-forgotten when it comes to holiday decor, but this bungalow in Austin makes a worthy case for not overlooking it. Something as simple as a garland can cheer you up and sweep you off to "Whoville" when you fall asleep.

6. Deck out your door

If you're not one to go all out for the holidays, decorating your door is the perfect place to strike a simple but festive note. This modern Christmas tree decor is elegant, simple, and appeals to the most minimal of decorators. There are lots of ways to style your door for the holidays, and the good news is they're all small space-friendly.

7. Downsize to a plant or potted branch

A tabletop tree or even a potted plant is a great way to embrace Christmas without needing to take up a whole corner with a large pine tree. Just add a little reindeer figurine so the greenery feels festive and call it a day.

8. Blend your tree into your decor

Depending on your places's paint colors, you can actually choose a similarly-colored faux tree that blends into your wall and creates the illusion of extra space—all while still letting you indulge in the holiday spirit. Let's be real; it doesn't get much cooler than a black Christmas tree.

9. Swap out your tree for a mantel collection

If you want to go small, do it! This tiny but mighty bottlebrush tree collection still packs a colorful punch and won't make it so you need to find a new home for your ottoman.

10. Designate an underused corner

That random corner by your laundry room or outside of the kitchen door may be one of the best potential holiday decorating spots in your home. If nothing is there in the first place, why not put your Christmas tree in this spot? Just make sure there's a clear walkway so no one in your house trips over presents!

11. Stick to a theme

If farmhouse everything is your look, choosing a groovy mid-century modern tree might not vibe with your space. Instead, opt for a look that matches with the decor you already have. That way, nothing will look superfluous or out of place. Case in point: this cozy Dallas home and its chic, rustic-meets-Scandi tree.

12. Make floral arrangements festive

Swap out your go-to weekly bouquet from Trader Joe's for the month with a few sprigs from a Douglas Fir or another pine tree. It's stunning, seasonal, and super elegant for any small space. You can even add tiny ornaments to the needles!

13. Spruce up a bookshelf

Your bookshelf is prime real estate for holiday decor. Simply remove a few of the items you've already used to style it and swap in things with Christmas tree motifs and other wintry knick-knacks. This will provide a nice hit of holly jolly.

14. Rethink your bar cart

Yes, even your bar cart can conjure the feeling of Christmas. Take a page from this Chicago apartment's book and revive your cart with some holiday liqueurs, coffee add-ins, or even cozy tea bar extras.

15. Deck the halls—literally

If you love simpler styles, a bright star is a glowing reminder of Christmas. Place it at the end of a hallway like in this rustic English home or even hang one over a table to make a simple statement.

16. Think like Charlie Brown

Charlie Brown's tree initially got a bad rap, but this fun student apartment shows just how cute (and manageable) a teeny tiny tree can be. Deck it out with an oversized bauble or wrap a blue blanket around it to make it just like the movie.

17. Add pizzazz to your dining area

Not many people think of their dining rooms or breakfast nooks as spots worthy of Christmas decor, as this festive space shows, however, if you have windows or ledges, they can make for perfect spots for a seasonal garland or string lights.

18. Use white to keep things spacious

This Dutch canal home is another perfect example of how blending a tree into your space can be expansive and stylish. This white tinsel tree is adorned with colorful ornaments, which makes for a playful and fun holiday addition.

19. Up your hygge game

Look to Scandinavian style for the best small space inspiration. This gorgeous apartment in Vienna shows how even the smallest touches can make a huge difference. A mini christmas tree, a small wreath, and a white garland of snowflakes turned this particular living room into a subtle winter wonderland.

20. Add a pint-size poinsettia

Move those poinsettias from your front entryway and find a new home for them. How about your nightstand? Yes, this room in Austin serves as a wonderful bit of inspiration for how to make these mini Christmastime plants work in the most unexpected places.

Melissa Epifano

Contributor

Melissa is a freelance writer who covers home decor, beauty, and fashion. She's written for MyDomaine, The Spruce, Byrdie, and The Zoe Report. Originally from Oregon, she's currently living in the UK.

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