Christmas is just around the corner but this year I am trying something different. In the midst of a holiday that seems to revolve around glitz, glam and extravagance, I’m taking a minimalist approach to Christmas decor.
Scaling back and focusing on coziness isn’t a new concept. The Danish principle of hygge is a “less is more” approach to embracing warmth and simplicity. Minimalist Christmas decor focuses on the essentials rather than the in-your-face style of decorating that has been popular for so long.
This holiday season, bring hygge into your home with a look that is calm, inviting and understated, and do it without spending a ton of money. From the fresh greenery to Christmas lights, you can make your living room look and feel cozy. You are going to love these ideas for minimalist Christmas decor on a budget for your small space.
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1. Decorate with Dried Fruit and Flowers
A sparsely decorated tree (or even a bare tree) is the epitome of minimalist Christmas decorations. This beautiful small Christmas tree from Pop Shop America looks stunningly simple with dried flowers and fruit that can be saved all year long. Your tree becomes a time capsule of special moments throughout the year.
2. Simple Christmas Basket
This simple Christmas basket from B4andAfters is lovely for a tabletop or a corner of the room that needs a little sprucing up. All you need is some fresh greenery, a bushel basket, and a big red ribbon.
Another option if you have a very small home – skip the real tree and just use a basket of pine branches for your “tree” instead!
3. Homemade Cinnamon Ornaments
These simple cinnamon ornaments are easy to make and make your home smell wonderful. All you need is ground cinnamon, applesauce, holiday cookie cutters and this easy tutorial from Strength & Sunshine.
4. Make Pomanders
These all-natural great smelling orange pomanders from Simply Beyond Herbs are easy to make and create a wonderful festive spirit. Pomanders are made with oranges and cloves and can be displayed on Christmas trees, gathered in bowls on the dining table, or hang them in the windows.
5. Wooden Trees
These lovely wooden mini trees from the Country Chic Cottage are made with foam cones and wood slices and can be customized to any size. This super easy project is sure to enhance your minimalist Christmas decor with a natural look.
6. Minimalist Christmas Garland
Spruce up the fireplace mantle or add a touch of lovely to the banister with a simple minimalist garland. One Crazy Mom shows you how to use fabric scraps, jute twine and faux green garland to create a love piece that you can reuse from year to year. Perfect for anyone who has a tight budget but wants a more festive look!
7. Wood Bead Wreath
I love to make a new Christmas ornament every year and this natural wood bead wreath is just perfect for a minimalist decor scheme. Hunny I’m Home DIY will show you how to transform wood beads, wire and some buffalo plaid ribbon into a cozy ornament that will make you think of snowclad Scandinavian cottages.
8. Cookie Cutter Display
It’s easy to find inexpensive holiday cookie cutters online and if you pay attention they are often available in antique shops and flea markets at a bargain price. Cookie cutters make beautiful minimalist decor and can be displayed in a number of ways. Restore Decore and More has attached them to dowel rods for a beautiful display or you can hand them with twine or ribbon from your tree.
9. Ice Lanterns
These ice lanterns with winter berries from Lovely Indeed are absolutely adorable. These tiny lanterns are the perfect project to enjoy a wintery glow this season, especially if you live somewhere snowy. Fill them with votive candles and they are perfect for lighting up your front porch or walkway and will last for days in cold weather.
10. Minimalist Table Setting
Julie Blanner has hit the mark when it comes to minimalist entertaining this Christmas. A simple tablescape of plain white linens, pomegranates, cinnamon sticks, and snips of greenery bring coziness and simplicity into the dining room.
11. Minimalist Tree
There is no Christmas decoration more minimalist than Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree. The sad tree just needed a little bit of love and you’re going to love the look from Sustain My Craft Habit. She’s pulled it off using a pine cutting, some wood planks and a red ornament.
12. Winter Luminaries
Light up your holiday table or mantle with these pretty winter luminaries that appear to be covered with freshly fallen snow. Crafts by Amanda shows you how to use mason jars, pine cones, lace, twine, salt and snow texture paint to create these cozy luminaries.
13. Scandinavian Ornaments
These simple yet lovely ornaments are made with craft foam and rivets. You’ll want to check out the simple tutorial from Francine’s Place Blog and make a pile of these lovely minimalistic ornaments today.
14. A Simple Wreath
Large wreaths bursting with greenery and ornaments are lovely but minimalist decor calls for something a little more subtle. This minimalist Christmas wreath is made with a simple wire floral hoop, greenery and ribbon and will look stunning on your front door. Check out the tutorial from Shifting Roots.
15. Small and Simple Tree
For a lovely minimalist look this Christmas, considering paring down the tree. A small tree, sparsly decorated with a few neutral ornaments is simple, yet elegant. Add some soft white string lights to set the tree aglow at night. To continue the look, My Scandinavian Home even wrapped her gifts in plain craft paper.
Which minimalist Christmas decor on a budget project will you do first?
