We love Christmas as much as the next mortgage lender, but there’s a lot more to the holiday season than just Santa’s big day. And even when the holidays end, you’ve still got months of winter to get through. Whether you’re staging your home for an open house or just trying to make spirits bright after the sun goes down at 4:30 in the afternoon, we rounded up five easy winter decor ideas to help keep you cozy.
5 evergreen winter decor ideas
- Candles, candles, and more candles
- Seasonal throws and pillows
- Natural accents
- Neutral color palettes
- Stunning centerpieces
Ready to deck your halls with non-Christmas decorations? Let’s get into it.
1. Candles, candles, and more candles
There’s nothing quite like candlelight to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, especially if your home doesn’t have a fireplace (you can even put candles in the fireplace if you don’t want to go to the trouble of building a fire). But, before you fill your shopping cart with these wax wonders, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Fire hazards. Make sure your candles are in correctly-sized holders, and be mindful of where you place all those little open flames (especially if you have small children and/or curious pets)
- Scents. One or two scented candles can set the perfect seasonal vibe, but if you light multiple scented candles at once, it’s going to be overwhelming (and possibly the cause of an allergic reaction for some of your more sensitive guests).
- Upkeep. Did you know you’re supposed to trim your candle wicks before each use? This will help prevent tunneling, excessive smoke, and generally helps you get more mileage out of each candle.
If all that sounds like a lot, LED flameless candles are an easy-to-find alternative. You could even splurge on a set with a remote to save yourself the trouble of turning each one on individually.
2. Seasonal throws and pillows
Layers aren’t just for your winter wardrobe. Adding more texture to your space with chunky blankets and accent pillows is an easy winter decor idea to implement on a budget—and it doesn’t hurt that it makes your setup more comfortable, either. From faux fur to flannel, textile accents offer plenty of ways to express your style while visually (and literally) warming up your home.
3. Natural accents
Incorporating elements of nature in your decor can go a long way towards boosting your mental health and elevating your space. While winter isn’t exactly known for its lush plant life, there are still a few ways you can keep your natural accents seasonal. If a carefully arranged bowl of pinecones isn’t your thing, try some of these vibrant winter houseplants that can handle the changing temperatures.
- Jade plant
- Snake plant
- Tradescantia
- Aglaonema
- Oxalis triangularis
4. Neutral color palettes
You might think that bright, bold colors would be the best way to stave off the dullness of winter, but a neutral color palette will give your decor more longevity, create a calming atmosphere, and imbue warmth into your home. Plus, if you’re showing your house, neutral decor can make potential buyers feel welcome while still being able to envision the space as their own. It’s all about hygge.
Hygge (pronounced hooga) is a Danish trend that’s grown in popularity over the past several years. Hygge is a lifestyle, but as decor, it manifests as minimalist palettes, layered textures, and warm-toned lights.
5. Stunning centerpieces
Cozy meals are a big part of what makes winter feel more manageable, so don’t forget to devote some extra energy to your table settings. There’s no wrong way to make a centerpiece, but some reliable seasonal elements include:
- Fresh evergreen trimmings, like cypress, holly, and juniper
- Winter fruits, like apples, pears, and oranges
- Decorative accents, like fake snow, burlap, and string lights
Are there any winter decor ideas I should avoid?
While no winter decor ideas are off the table if they make you happy, you’ll generally want to avoid placing decorations on your windows. Why? The days are short, which means limited natural light. Anything you place in or on your windows reduces the amount of sunlight that makes it into your home, which can have negative effects on even the hardiest of houseplants and humans.
Of course, one of the biggest perks of homeownership is the freedom to decorate as you please. Don’t let one blog post sway you from what feels right—even if it was written by home experts who really know what they’re doing.
Try these tips for evergreen winter home decor to keep the cozy vibes going all season long.
