7 quick and easy hacks to help you decorate a small space for the holidays
Decorating a small home, or room for the holidays is much like decorating it any other time of the year. You don’t want to let outdated design rules tell you how it’s done, but smaller dimensions do often mean you have to go about things slightly differently than if you had plenty of room to play with.
So how do you give your small spaces a quick and easy festive flourish that won’t totally overwhelm the room, but will make them feel decidedly Christmassy? We spoke with interior designers to get their Christmas decorating hacks that will help you decorate small spaces for the holidays.
7 easy hacks to help you decorate a small space for the holidays
Let us preface these tips by saying, holiday decor is for pure enjoyment so if you are ever going to break the decorating rules, this is the time to do it. Of course, you want your space to still function and feel welcoming to your guests but you want that to be balanced with ensuring your space feels just as festive as a room twice its size.
As designer Emily Henderson rightly points out ‘I don’t think decorating a small space is all that different from a large one. If you like a calmer vibe then don’t overdecorate, keep some areas non-holiday, and go for a consistent color palette. That will help your eyes be at ease so you can fully take in all your festive decor.’
1. Choose decor that’s multipurpose
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
This is a tip you will always see when it comes to small room decor. If you can make something multipurpose you can save on space, and designers say the same approach can apply to your Christmas decor.
Designer Kati Curtis explains, ‘Choose holiday decorations that serve multiple purposes. For example, a decorative bowl can be filled with ornaments or pinecones and placed as a centerpiece or on a shelf. This way, you can add holiday flair while also avoiding clutter.’
‘In a small space, less is more so try decorating with everyday items. Everyday items can be transformed into holiday decor, saving both space and money,’ adds Nina Lichtenstein. ‘Wrap books on your shelves in festive paper to create a “holiday library.” Display your favorite holiday mugs or plates as part of your decor. Or Use holiday-themed linens, like tea towels or napkins, to add a festive touch to a small kitchen.’
2. Use mirrors to create illusions
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
Again decorating with mirrors is a small room design 101 but it can really enhance your holiday decor, creating that busy, sparkling feel to a room without it actually overwhelming the space and making it unusable.
‘Decorating for the holidays in a small space can feel like walking a fine line –there’s a desire to embrace the season’s magic without overwhelming your limited square footage. But the good news is that with a bit of creativity and intentionality, you can make your home feel festive and stylish without feeling cramped,’ says Nina.
And one of her top tips is mirrors. ‘Mirrors are a secret weapon in small spaces, reflecting light and making your decor appear more expansive,’ she explains. ‘Place a mirror near your holiday lights or tree to double the twinkle effect. And decorate the mirror itself with a small garland or holiday decal to tie it into the season.’
Kati agrees with this technique, saying ‘Hang mirrors strategically to create an illusion of more space and reflect the holiday decor, making the area appear larger and more magical.’
3. Opt for smaller versions of traditional decor
(Image credit: Future / Tom Leighton)
‘Decorating a small space for the holidays can actually be a fun challenge,’ says Kati Curtis. ‘Opt for smaller-sized, or “skinny” trees and wreaths that fit well in compact spaces. Miniature trees can be placed on tabletops or in a small corner, while wreaths can be hung on doors or windows, adding a touch of cheer without overwhelming your space.’
Designer Kathy Kuo agrees, ‘In a small space, it’s important to remember that less is often more when it comes to holiday decor! Consider a half-size tree on top of an ottoman or trunk you already have.’
‘A full-size tree isn’t always practical in a small home, but there are plenty of alternatives to bring the holiday spirit without sacrificing space,’ adds Nina. ‘Try Tabletop trees – small but mighty, they can sit on a console table, coffee table, or even a kitchen counter. Or go for a wall-mounted tree – Create the silhouette of a tree on a wall using string lights, garlands, or ornaments hung in a triangular shape.’
4. Focus on a few impactful pieces
(Image credit: Future)
‘Less is always more!’ says designer Becky Shea. When decorating a small space, the key is to focus on a few impactful pieces that bring holiday cheer without making your home feel cluttered.’
‘A Christmas tree is a classic holiday centerpiece, and even a small 3- to 4-foot tree can create that magical winter vibe. Opt for a tabletop version if floor space is at a premium, and keep the decorations minimal yet festive. Christmas wreaths are another excellent choice for small spaces. They can be hung on doors, windows, or even mirrors, adding a seasonal touch without taking up any floor space. Consider incorporating greenery, berries, or ribbon into your wreath for a personalized and festive look.’
5. String up all the lights
(Image credit: Future)
Nothing brings a festive feel to a room quite as quickly and easily as string lights. And luckily, they take up zero square footage so perfect for decorating a small space at Christmas.
‘String lights can add a cozy, festive glow without requiring much space,’ continues Becky. ‘Drape them over shelves, mantels, or even along the edges of a window. Small decorative accents, like candles, miniature ornaments in a bowl, or a festive throw pillow, can also make a big impact without overwhelming your space. The goal is to create a holiday atmosphere that feels intentional and welcoming, even in a compact setting.’
6. Don’t forget the scents
(Image credit: Jon Day)
‘Don’t forget the scent,’ is Nina’s final hack. ‘In small spaces, creating a Christmas scent can be just as impactful as visuals. Use stovetop potpourri with cinnamon, oranges, and cloves to fill your home with holiday aromas. Light a festive candle or plug in a holiday-scented diffuser. Or decorate with dried citrus garlands or cinnamon stick bundles for a natural fragrance.’
‘The best way to make your small space feel festive is to keep it from feeling overcrowded. Focus on a few key areas, such as your dining table, mantel, or a corner with a small tree, and let those shine,’ advises Nina.
‘And remember, decorating a small space for the holidays isn’t about the size of your decor – it’s about the intention behind it. By being creative and selective, you can create a festive atmosphere that feels both cozy and stylish, no matter how limited your square footage.’
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