Decorating & Design
20 Small-Space Holiday Decorating Ideas For Big Style This Season
Updated on July 7, 2020
Less space doesn’t have to mean less festive. Bring seasonal style to your compact quarters with these small-space holiday decorating ideas that will make your home feel just as glitzy as its larger counterparts.
If you lack floor space for a full-sized tree, try propping a small one on a tabletop. Place evergreen branches in a large vase or glass demijohn to achieve the look above.
Bar carts are genius additions to small spaces because they offer attractive, accessible storage and they can be easily wheeled out of the way during a party so as not to impede the flow. Swap out decanter tops with a few colorful baubles to add an extra-special touch.
Multipurpose items are the mantra of small spaces, so why not ditch the traditional evergreen for a potted topiary that can be used year-round? Wrap the pots with burlap and colorful ribbon, and weave lights through the leaves to inject holiday flair.
Collections of holiday cards can look cluttered. Create breathing room (and save surface space) by stringing them along a ladder or mantel. Bonus: they’ll double as holiday decor!
Transform tree cuttings into a statement arrangement by tying boughs with leftover burlap and a wisp of ribbon. The bonus is the boughs lie fairly flat against the wall, so precious surface areas — always at a premium in small spaces — are kept clear.
Just because a home is diminutive doesn’t mean you can’t make a big statement with a lush, long garland. This cedar version instantly gives this small converted shed a Scandi-holiday vibe. A garland is also a great way to evoke the scent of fresh greens if a tree isn’t in the cards.
Designer Philip Mitchell has no qualms about letting his Christmas tree gobble up some prime real estate in front of the hearth in his 900-square-foot condo. While it means his mantel is slightly hidden, his magnificent tree more than makes up for it.
If your space doesn’t allow room for a tree, group fresh florals in a traditional holiday hue, like this bold red assortment of Gerbera daisies, carnations and roses, for a strong festive focal point.
If things are tight under a tiny tree, consider moving the gifts into a location that’s dead space, such as under a console. In this entry hall, it’s easy to dole out the gifts as guests arrive or leave a party.
Load a bar cart or small table with glasses and slide it under a higher table to max out space when entertaining.
No room for a towering spruce? A small white tree is perfectly scaled for a child to decorate, and is a magical sight to wake up to.
Turn a shelf into the prettiest gift storage ever by stacking boxes in a tree shape, eliminating the need for an evergreen.
For a cohesive, impactful effect in a small space, draw colors from shades already in your decor and tuck away any accent pieces that don’t mesh with the holiday palette. Here, an edited collection of white tableware gets a holiday spin with the addition of a family of snowmen.
Pieces like mercury glass urns and shiny ornaments are eye-catching and impactful in a small space, and have the added benefit of reflecting light.
They won’t stay wrapped for long on Christmas morning, but until then, a gorgeous gift wrap and coordinating ribbon inject color and life into a room, whether it’s in a big or small space. Embellish bows with natural accents, then scatter a few gifts on tables, chairs, ledges or shelves.
When floor space and counter surface is in high demand, you can still display a festive arrangement without sacrificing prized real estate (especially in a kitchen, where everyone congregates and prep space is at a premium). A long branch adorned with frosty blue baubles is a great way to decorate an often overlooked room.
Attached to a wall with clear removable hooks, fresh-cut cedar boughs have the look and woodsy scent of a full tree — no floor space or watering required. Decorate them with lightweight ornaments to enhance the tree-like effect.
Get 8 Christmas Tree Alternatives Perfect For Small Spaces.
This home has a hearth, but if your small space lacks one, hang stockings on a cabinet. This vintage glass-door breakfront offers a jolly spot to display festive gear, favorite antiques and knickknacks for a unique alternative to the traditional fireplace setup.
If things are cramped inside a small home, shift the sparkle outside for impact. Ice lanterns are simple to make and cast a soft, romantic glow that greets guests.
Easy DIY: To make the candles, lace a small plastic container inside a larger one and fill the space between them with water, then allow it to freeze. Once solid, flip the large container over and pour warm water over the containers until they melt free, and place a candle inside.
A simple wreath has even more impact in small bathrooms and adds a naturally aromatic pine scent. To make a grocery or hardware store ready-made wreath look luxe, remove the standard-issue red felt ribbon and swap in a satin version in an unexpected color, like peacock.
Luis Albuquerque
House & Home November 2014
Sarah Hartill and Lauren Petroff