From Minimalist to Maximalist: 11 Cheerful Holiday Decor Ideas

published Nov 23, 2023
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There are so many directions you can go once you decide to decorate for the holidays. First, you choose if you want to stick to traditional holiday decorations or if you want a more modern look. Then, how much do you do? Christmas living room decor, especially, can easily get overwhelming. You usually have your tree up, and then there’s everything else that complements the star of the show. 

Whether you want to join the “more is more” maximalism camp or simply need a little minimalist-level holiday cheer in your life, here are 11 holiday decor ideas that will brighten up every spot in your space.

1. Choose cheerful, clean lines.

Featured in Hannah Wilson’s holiday House Tour, this geometric house outline showcases a lightly flocked miniature tree, complemented by the natural wood mantel and a thin garland. Love the minimalist vibes.

2. Add a mini tree.

With a little more color than its neutral counterpart, this Kelly green ceramic tree is the only decor on a console with a towering lamp. Its colorful lights bring just enough of the festive vibes.

3. Deck out a low-key cozy corner.

Festive pillows, birch accents, and a wooden garland in Wilson’s Scandi-inspired home create a reading nook you’d want to be in all December long.

4. Go maximalist with double trees.

Color and quantity make this setup from Jennifer Perkins’ House Tour a maximalist’s dream. 

5. Give a small space big impact.

Perkins also showed that you don’t need double faux firs to shout “Christmas!” in your living room. Pack your bookcase with colorful mini trees, old-fashioned snowman bookends, and toy soldier figurines.

6. Match your existing style.

Bring more color to an already vibrant room like Perkins did with ornaments, tinsel, and all the glitter your living room can handle.

Credit: Sandra Regalado

7. Introduce traditional touches.

With a fully decorated tree in the back, this console is not too little or too much in Sandra Regalado’s House Tour.

8. Blend your aesthetic.

Make your decorations work with what you have, like this luxe living room with a gold deer bust and gilded holiday pillows featured in Kelly and Greg’s House Tour.

9. Use comfy, merry accessories.

A tree always adds festive vibes, and here it’s bookended by two festive chairs — one adorned with a pillow with a retro station wagon design, and one with a more traditional plaid blanket.

10. Go for party vibes.

This tree is the star of the show, with bright baubles and a beaded garland. Above it hangs a multi-textured garland that almost looks like streamers. And to bring it all together, there are two simple white gift boxes — because it’s not a party without presents. 

11. Don’t forget coffee-table decor.

There’s so much real estate on top of a coffee table. Make it festive with a box showcasing old-school string lightbulbs, a sprig from your tree, a Christmas figurine, or whatever else puts you in the spirit of the season.