Unexpected Christmas Color Schemes for 2026
Not all of us align with the most classic of Christmas color schemes. While red, green, and gold feel undeniably festive, they don’t always feel at home with certain design styles, and so turning to some of the more unexpected hues for holiday decorating can offer fresh inspiration.
But what are the unexpected Christmas colors that feel design-led and playful, while still managing to bring festive cheer into a home? We turned to the expertise of interior designers who share all below.
Five Non-Traditional Colors to Inspire Your Christmas Decor
1. Mauve
Use mauve instead of red this year for an on-trend look.
(Image credit: Original BTC)
Mauve, the once-outdated color, has been making a comeback in interiors lately, so it’s only fitting to bring this soft shade to Christmas color schemes. ‘Soft mauve makes a beautiful choice for Christmas,’ says the interior designer Lauren Saab. ‘It has an intrinsically romantic glow that never gets close to red.’
To style this shade, Lauren recommends using it in place of red, alongside classic Christmas colors such as green. ‘Pair it with brass and natural greenery, and you have a holiday look that feels both nostalgic and modern,’ she says. ‘The trick is to keep the palette tight. If mauve appears in accents such as velvet ribbon, florals, and ornaments, you’ve got a look that feels intentional instead of overly used.’
Quince
European Linen Tablecloth
Create an unexpected Christmas table with this mauve tablecloth. Paired with rich greens and metallics, it will set a stylish tone for festive feasting.
Anthropologie
Glass Tree Decorative Object
Bring on-trend mauve to your living room this festive season with this glass Christmas tree ornament.
Terrain
Velvet Ribbon Bow
These mauve bows bring charm and a nostalgic feel to Christmas decor – whether used on the tree or on a garland.
2. Pink
Paired with classic green, pink adds a fresh and unexpected touch to Christmas schemes.
(Image credit: Katie Charlotte Photography. Design: Barrow Interiors)
Another modern twist on red Christmas schemes is pink, which adds softness and warmth. ‘I love the use of pink instead of red, paired with green,’ says interior designer Alexandra Kaehler. ‘It’s a riff on a classic holiday color scheme that feels a bit fresh.’
‘Burgundy and blush are a beautiful way to refresh your holiday decor if you want something beyond the traditional red and green,’ agrees Suzanne Barrow of Barrow Interiors. ‘The deep burgundy adds richness, while the soft pink keeps everything feeling warm and romantic – especially on a fireplace garland.’
‘When trying this at home, keep your greenery simple and let the ribbons introduce the color,’ says Suzanne. ‘Varying the widths and textures, like velvet and silk, adds dimension and makes the whole look feel thoughtful, yet unexpected.’
Terrain
Holiday Velvet Ribbon
The combination of pink and green is timeless, so why not extend it to your Christmas schemes with ribbon attached to evergreen branches?
Lulu and Georgia
Mauree Velvet Stocking
Lulu and Georgia
Fluted Church Taper (Set of 2)
Bring unexpected pink to your Christmas tablescape with these light pink dinner candles.
3. Light Blue
Icy shades of blue are endlessly stylish, bringing a contrast between warm and cool tones.
(Image credit: Studio McGee)
Warm color schemes are so often the go-tos during the holidays, but cool-toned colors can be just as stylish – adding an unexpected and fresh touch that also leans more contemporary. Interior designer Kelly Neely enjoys using light blue and teams it with metallic hues as well as the more traditional green.
‘The trick to using non-traditional colors for Christmas is to pair them with a more traditional tone or metallics,’ says Kelly. ‘This helps to bring the festive holiday look full circle. Think blue and sage green. It’s non-traditional but can be very festive.’
McGee & Co.
4″ Assorted Flocked Baubles (Set of 4)
This set of baubles features various colors, including pale sky blue, which brings a fresh feel to the tree.
Cultiver
Linen Table Napkins
These icy blue napkins would make for a wonderfully modern take on holiday tablescapes, especially when paired with silver instead of gold.
Afloral
Fake Pine Winter Foliage Wreath with Blue Berries
This faux wreath includes blue berries for a subtle touch of this trending shade.
4. Brown
Rich shades of brown are a wonderful alternative to red if you prefer a neutral festive scheme.
(Image credit: Future)
If you prefer decorating with neutrals for the holidays, brown is an on-trend way to go. ‘Browns feel cozy, grounding, and full of warmth, which is exactly what I want at Christmas,’ says color consultant Charlotte Cropper.
‘If you’re using an unexpected color like brown, the key is to use it through accents and materials with plenty of texture,’ Charlotte adds. ‘Think warm woods, amber glass, maroon accents, brass details, and natural fibers. These variations in texture and finish add depth and help the color feel intentional rather than dominant.’
‘An unconventional color can be just as festive (if not more) than the traditional red and green, because when it’s a shade you genuinely love, it feels personal, and you’ll smile every time you see it,’ says Charlotte.
H&M Home
2-Pack Paper Ornaments
Paper Christmas decorations offer a natural look, and this rich chocolate brown hue adds depth and richness.
McGee & Co.
Nevelyn Fringed Tablecloth
This gingham tablecloth would set a stylish, festive table ready for hosting, alongside warm gold and a pop of red.
Terrain
Copper Oak Leaves Garland
If you’re looking to bring brown tones into your Christmas evergreen, weave in this copper garland.
5. Chartreuse
Make a statement with bright Chartreuse this Christmas.
(Image credit: Future)
Decorating with green is one of the most festive hues, but rather than the dark tones that reflect evergreen leaves, why not go for a more playful look with bright tones? This is a favorite style for designer Katie Kiser of Katie Kiser & Co., who highlights chartreuse and olive as a festive pairing. ‘It is unbelievably chic and fresh,’ she says.
‘Think Fraser fir, cedar, and olive leaf garlands and wreaths with luxurious chartreuse satin ribbon,’ says Katie. ‘For an additional pop, tie in smaller olive velvet accent bows with long flowing tails, and crisp Granny Smith apples peppered throughout. I think you can tie this scheme back into your Christmas tree with beautiful chartreuse glass ornaments, and even a table-scape with your Bordallo Pinheiro cabbage plates mixed with your traditional Christmas china paired with a chartreuse linen.’
Anthropologie
2.5″ Velvet Gift Ribbon
Ribbon offers a multitude of uses over the festive season, from adding bows to the tree to attaching it to long candles.
Completedworks
Recycled-Glass Serving Plate
This glass serving plate is in a chic and bright shade of green that would no doubt make a statement on festive tablescapes.
Ferm Living
Host White Wine Glasses (Set of 2)
Continue your chartreuse tablescape with these wine glasses that offer a playful look.
Each of these unexpected colors brings a fresh touch to Christmas schemes and takes things from traditional to playful. Whether you choose warm shades of pink as a twist on red or go for the more unexpected chartreuse, don’t be afraid to experiment and layer colors that bring you joy.
link
