This $7 IKEA Find Will Change Your Mind About Holiday Decorating This Year

Every year I make it a point to decorate my apartment for the holidays. I live alone, and I don’t have a ton of space (or storage) for decor — but I like the challenge! Even if no one else sees the decorations, the feeling of coming home to cozy holiday vibes makes it all worth it. It’s my way of treating myself each season. But trust me — it is possible to decorate for the holidays without spending a fortune.  

When friends ask how I do it, I have plenty of tips, tricks, and holiday DIYs to share. But my first recommendation for anyone looking for affordable holiday decorations is always to check out one of IKEA’s iconic star-shaped lanterns. The STRÅLA lampshades are classic and easy to store; plus, they’ll never go out of style. So I was thrilled when I spotted some bold new STRÅLA colors in-store at IKEA last week. They’re perfect for turning even the tiniest of apartments into a whimsical winter wonderland — for just $7 a pop.

The STRÅLA collection is seasonal and consists of all kinds of holiday lighting, from string lights to quirky matchstick lamps. But the star lantern’s an IKEA icon, and they return every year with a new twist. The glowing red lantern I spotted at the IKEA showrooms might just be my favorite new addition. As I recall, most STRÅLA lanterns have traditionally been white. While the classic white lanterns still have a gorgeous glow, of course, something about this rich red just looks even more festive. 

As home trends continue to sway towards maximalism and the handmade, it makes sense holiday decor is getting colorful — and crafty! — again, too. Paper decor is easy to DIY and inexpensive to buy, and it often folds flat for storage. From paper chain garlands to whimsical holiday villages, this trend is a super-affordable way to decorate for the holidays, even in a small space. And the IKEA STRÅLA is made from a high quality paper. So as long as you store it well, it’ll last for many holidays to come. 

Another thing that caught my eye about this festive display at IKEA was that the STRÅLA lanterns were hung in the windows. This is a trick I use every year as well — because I live in Brooklyn, I love the idea that I’m spreading some of that holiday cheer to people out on the sidewalks, too. I also love that by hanging the stars from your curtain rod, you can avoid the possibility of any damage to your ceiling. It’s a win-win!

Wherever you decide to hang your STRÅLA lanterns, these IKEA gems are the perfect way to add some (affordable) whimsy to your space this holiday season. IKEA has other colors in their lineup as well, including this gorgeous green version or this folksy patterned pair. Just don’t forget to pick up some LED lights to go inside, or this STRÅLA base to turn your lantern into a table lamp.