After season after season of grand traditional holiday décor, choosing a more minimal or modern approach to Christmas decorating can be a refreshing experience. Here is Balsam Hill's guide to decking the halls without excess, and how keeping it simple can leave more room for what's truly important this season: Making memories with your loved ones.
Minimalist Holiday Décor Principles
Make more mindful decorating decisions with these tips to guide you.
- Quality Over Quantity: Make one or two standout pieces the focal point, instead of piling on decorations.
- Decorate With Intention: Place emphasis on pieces that hold specific memories or evoke certain emotions. Showcase family heirlooms or treasures.
- Less is More: Create a serene and calm environment that still feels festive, without overwhelming the space. Leave certain surfaces intentionally bare and allow spaces to “breathe.”
- Embrace Simplicity: Focus on clean or basic lines and uncluttered arrangements.
Decorating Styles
Get inspired by these approaches to minimalist and modern Christmas decorating.
Scandinavian
Neutral colors complemented by the warmth of natural wood elements, faux fur, and paper-centric decorations. Try unadorned wreaths, wool throws, and candles to create that hygge atmosphere.
Rustic
Earthy colors and textures, with natural accents that celebrate the beauty of the outdoors. Think vibrant greenery and farmhouse-inspired wood or metal decorations.
Modern Monochromatic
Accents in gold, silver, or white, in glamorous finishes like glass, chrome, or glitter that allow you to capture the festive feel of the season.
Minimalist Tree Decorations
Mix and match these simple Christmas tree decorations for an elegant look.
Monochromatic Ornaments
Sticking to a single color creates a cohesive look that is both sleek and modern.
Plain Tree Skirts
Solid colors and simple fabrics create a clean and uncluttered base for your tree.
Capiz Tree Topper
Capiz offers an elegant pearlescent finish and structural look perfect for more modern styles.
Crystal or Beaded Garlands
These add a touch of sparkle and light to the tree in a way that feels elegant and airy rather than heavy or ornate.
Tree Picks and Sprays
Consider using these instead of ornaments to add subtle color and texture to your tree without looking flashy or overdone.
Gold Tree Ribbon
Bring a sophisticated shimmer and a clean look to your display by wrapping ribbon in one solid color around your tree.
Minimalist Christmas Decorations
Simple accents in muted colors bring a warm and cozy feel to your holiday festivities.
Tabletop Trees
Unadorned mini trees elevate the festive feel of your space without adding too much visual clutter.
Neutral Mantel Décor
Homespun wooden mantel accents paired with knitted or wool stockings give the area understated seasonal flair.
Rustic Lighted Greenery
Rustic evergreen wreaths and garlands with lights work great on doors, mantels, and even as tabletop décor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Minimalists Decorate for Holidays?
Yes, minimalists may choose to decorate for the holidays, but they do so with intention and purpose. Their decorating style often focuses on creating a festive atmosphere with a curated selection of meaningful and high-quality items.
How Do Minimalists Handle Christmas?
It's still a matter of personal preference, but generally, minimalists handle Christmas by focusing on experiences and relationships rather than material excess. Their celebrations and décor emphasize simplicity and personal meaning.
Do Minimalists Have Decorations?
Yes, minimalists have decorations, but they are chosen carefully and often serve multiple purposes. They prefer a few cherished pieces that are beautiful, sentimental, and well-made, rather than a large collection of generic items.
How To Decorate for Christmas Without Being Tacky?
Focus on a cohesive theme and a curated color palette. Choose natural materials, quality items, and allow for white space so each decoration has room to be appreciated.
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