The most wonderful time of the year is right around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about how to decorate your living room for Christmas! Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just getting started, transforming your living room into a cozy, festive retreat is easier than you think.
With expert tips from our store designer Robin and inspiration from our seasonal collection, this guide will help you create a Christmas living room that reflects your style and spreads holiday cheer.
Start with the Tree: Your Christmas Centerpiece
If you’re wondering how to decorate your living room for Christmas, Robin recommends starting with the heart of the holiday: your tree.
“Your Christmas tree is a great place to begin,” she says. “Set it up, place your tree skirt or tree collar, and string your lights, colorful or clear is a total preference.”
After lights, it’s time to layer in the beauty:
- Add garlands, ribbons, or bows.
- Hang larger ornaments first, spaced out for balance.
- Fill in with smaller ornaments and decorative picks like berries or florals.
- Finish with a tree topper if you’re using one.
Don’t forget: your Christmas tree sets the tone for the entire room. Choose 2–3 complementary colors to keep everything cohesive, and mix up textures, matte, shiny, and natural elements for visual interest.
Choose a Color Palette That Fits Your Space
When decorating your living room for Christmas, it’s tempting to go with bold reds and greens or icy blues and silvers. But Robin suggests taking a look around your space before deciding.
“Incorporate the colors you already have in your decor so there’s a flow rather than a disconnect,” she advises. “It’s never good to have too many bosses in the room!”
For example, if your living room has warm neutral tones, a simple Christmas living room decor style using golds, creams, and greenery can feel elegant and inviting. Or, if your space is more modern, you might lean into black, white, and metallics for a sleek holiday twist.
DIY Christmas Decor Meets Store-Bought: Mixing It Up for a Personal Touch
One of the best parts of holiday decorating is getting creative. If you’re wondering how to decorate a living room for Christmas without breaking the bank, a mix of store-bought items and DIY touches is the way to go.
Robin’s tip? Shop your own home first.
“Use a glass vase or vessel you already have and fill it with string lights, pinecones, or ornaments,” she suggests. “You can also add winter stems or picks to enhance the look.”
Other easy DIY Christmas decor ideas include:
- Wrapping books with festive paper to create makeshift risers.
- Filling lanterns with mini trees, figurines, or artificial snow.
- Swapping out every day candles for battery-operated ones with timers (hello ambiance!).
- Adding velvet ribbons to trays, bowls, or even cabinet handles.
Lighting is key, Robin reminds us. “It’s a magical feeling when the string lights and lanterns are glowing, your space becomes hard to leave on a chilly winter’s night.”
Deck the Mantel: Your Festive Focal Point
If you have a fireplace, the mantel is another great spot to add personality to your Christmas living room.
Layer in:
- Garlands (lighted or not).
- Candlesticks with or without candles.
- Ornaments, pinecones, and small signs.
- Framed holiday art or quotes.
- A string of twinkle lights for sparkle.
Choose a “feel” like rustic, glam, or traditional and let that guide your styling. Remember, it doesn’t need to be overdone to feel festive.
“You can go super simple or totally overboard. Your call,” Robin says. “Find a look that fits your style and can carry into the next season.”
Final Tips to Pull It All Together
Still wondering how to decorate the living room for Christmas that feels cozy and fun? Here are a few more of Robin’s expert-approved tricks:
- Bells in a dish or bowl add sound and shine.
- Nutcrackers on risers or books give height and personality.
- Lanterns can be placed on the floor, table, or even hung on the wall. Get creative!
- Add a festive runner to coffee tables or sideboards for extra cheer.
Come Visit Our Winter Wonderland
If you’re feeling inspired but need a few key pieces to bring your vision to life, we’ve got you covered. Our store is stocked with all the holiday essentials, from garlands and ornaments to lanterns and linens. Robin and the team are ready to help you find everything you need to take your holiday decorating to the next level.
Happy decorating! You’ve got this, and we’re here to make your living room sparkle all season long.
