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 is truly important this season: making memories with your loved ones.
Minimalist Holiday Décor Principles
Make more mindful decorating decisions with these simple tips to guide you.
- Quality Over Quantity: Choose one or two standout pieces to serve as the focal point rather than filling every surface with decorations.
- Decorate With Intention: Highlight pieces that hold special memories or evoke meaningful emotions. Showcase family heirlooms or treasured décor.
- Less Is More: Create a serene and festive environment without overwhelming your space. Leave certain surfaces intentionally bare to allow your home to breathe.
- Embrace Simplicity: Focus on clean lines and uncluttered arrangements for a modern, calming holiday look.
Decorating Styles
Get inspired by these approaches to minimalist and modern Christmas decorating.
Scandinavian
Neutral colours paired with the warmth of natural wood, faux fur, and simple paper decorations define this style. Use unadorned wreaths, wool throws, and candles to create a cozy hygge-inspired atmosphere.
Rustic
Earthy colours and textures paired with natural accents celebrate the beauty of the outdoors. Think vibrant greenery along with farmhouse-inspired wood or metal decorations to create a warm and welcoming look.
Modern Monochromatic
Accents in gold, silver, or white with glamorous finishes such as glass, chrome, or glitter help you capture the festive feel of the season while keeping the look sleek and cohesive.
Minimalist Tree Decorations
Mix and match these simple Christmas tree decorations to create an elegant and understated look.
Monochromatic Ornaments
Sticking to a single colour creates a cohesive look that feels both sleek and modern.
Plain Tree Skirts
Solid colours and simple fabrics create a clean and uncluttered base for your Christmas tree.
Capiz Tree Topper
Capiz features an elegant pearlescent finish and a structural look that suits modern decorating styles beautifully.
Crystal or Beaded Garlands
These add a touch of sparkle and light to your tree in a way that feels elegant and airy rather than heavy or ornate.
Tree Picks and Sprays
Use tree picks and sprays in place of traditional ornaments to add subtle colour and texture to your tree without appearing flashy or overdone.
Gold Tree Ribbon
Wrap your tree with ribbon in a single solid colour to bring a sophisticated shimmer and a clean, polished look to your display.
Minimalist Christmas Decorations
Simple accents in muted colours bring a warm and cozy feel to your Christmas 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 bring understated seasonal flair to your space.
Rustic Lighted Greenery
Rustic evergreen wreaths and garlands with lights work beautifully on doors, mantels, and even as tabletop décor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Minimalists Decorate for the Holidays?
Yes, minimalists often decorate for the holidays, but they do so with intention and purpose. Their decorating style focuses on creating a festive atmosphere with a curated selection of meaningful and high-quality items.
How Do Minimalists Handle Christmas?
It varies from person to person, but minimalists generally focus on experiences and relationships rather than material excess. Their celebrations and décor emphasize simplicity, warmth, and personal meaning.
Do Minimalists Have Decorations?
Yes, minimalists do have decorations, but they choose them carefully and often select pieces that serve multiple purposes. They prefer a few cherished items that are beautiful, sentimental, and well-made rather than a large assortment of generic décor.
How Do You Decorate for Christmas Without Being Tacky?
Focus on a cohesive theme and a curated colour palette. Choose natural materials and quality pieces, and allow for white space so each decoration has room to be appreciated.