In a previous post, we sang the praises of maximalist holiday decor. If you’re a beginner, think bright pink Christmas trees, twinkling Las Vegas-style lights, and life-sized illuminated reindeer.
In this post, we salute minimalism, a holiday decorating strategy that’s completely opposite but just as pretty. Because let’s face it, the holidays are stressful. Why add to the stress with elaborate, expensive light displays and exploding Santa Clauses?
Holiday decorations don’t have to be complicated or expensive. Instead of a noisy, flashy, and bright atmosphere, you can create a cozy, modern, clean, and simple atmosphere. If you think that’s more your speed, let me introduce you to minimalism.
What is minimalist decor?
The basic principle of minimalism, which is the exact opposite of maximalism, a philosophy that follows the principle of “more is better,” is “less is more.”
Minimalist design favors clean lines, open spaces, and natural light. By prioritizing efficiency and functionality, we cut out the clutter and eliminate the unnecessary. Minimalism emphasizes quality over quantity and favors products that are functional, practical, and not flashy for the sake of flashiness.
Minimalist holiday decor usually means decorations that are few in number but meaningful. Minimalism as a Christmas decorating strategy usually costs a lot less and is just as magical.
So what do minimalist Christmas decorations actually look like? Thank you for your inquiry. To give you some inspiration for your decorations, below are some cozy and minimalist Christmas decoration ideas, including DIY.
Minimalist Christmas Tree Ideas
Note: Products reflect pricing and availability at the time of publication..
bare body
What’s the easiest way to decorate a minimalist Christmas tree? Don’t decorate! Skip the ornaments entirely and instead use them as is (or, if necessary, limit your decorations to soft, warm lighting) to highlight the tree’s majestic natural beauty. The key here is to invest in a high-quality Christmas tree, such as a realistic artificial spruce tree. Or, if you want a few decorations, this faux fir tree comes pre-lit with warm white lights.
price: $65 at Wayfair.com (regularly $139.99)
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Decorate with one or two colors
If you like your tree a little less exposed, focus on the color scheme and consider decorating it with ornaments in one or two colors.
If you want to be a minimalist purist, choose warm neutral colors like white or gold, like this mixed gold ornament set from Pottery Barn. The 12 sparkling ornaments are handcrafted from mouth-blown soda lime glass and are worth every penny.
price: $39.50 at PotteryBarn.com
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put wood in a basket
To cover your tree stand, use a simple woven basket instead of a tree skirt. Not only will this help keep the area around the tree clean, but it will also make cleanup quick and easy afterwards. Find a basket large enough to accommodate the stand. A wide, shallow basket, such as a decorative cotton rope basket, is ideal.
price: $22.95 on Amazon.com (originally $35.95)
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Build your own Christmas tree
If you love DIY minimalist Christmas decorations, try making your own tree. We’re all about DIY driftwood Christmas trees that are rustic, creative and super easy. Arrange the driftwood from longest to shortest, drill a hole in the center, and then stack along the center support. (You can find instructions here.) Not near the beach? No problem. Where can I buy driftwood online? —Amazon.
price: $46.50 on Amazon.com
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Minimalist Christmas table decoration ideas
Making a wreath centerpiece
Use real or artificial wreaths as super simple holiday table centerpieces and candle holders. Place it in the center of the table and place three candles in the center. Extra points if it’s a warm, neutral, minimalist color, like this handmade faux gilded eucalyptus and magnolia leaf wreath from Pottery Barn.
price: $149 at Potterybarn.com
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Prepare a mini Christmas tree centerpiece
There are so many directions you can go with your mini Christmas tree centerpiece. You can also cut off the ends of pine trees and place them in glass jars to make DIY minimalist Christmas decorations. Or you can buy this cute mini tabletop sized Christmas tree from Target.
price: $10 at Target.com
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making decorative bowls
Another cool yet easy way to DIY centerpieces is to make ornament bowls. The concept is like finding an elegant bowl and throwing your favorite ornaments and pinecones into it for measure.
price: $21.99 on Amazon.com
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Minimalist outdoor Christmas decorations
Turn on the aisle lights
As we have established, the best minimalist decor is both functional and beautiful. That’s why we love holiday aisle lighting ideas. They brighten up your yard in a warm and glowing way while also guiding guests and carolers to your doorstep on dark, windy winter nights. Wayfair’s traditional white Luminary lights blend well with minimalist styles with their soft glow and clean lines.
price: $34.99 at Wayfair.com
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Hang Christmas light balls
The folding light ball is sophisticated and impressive in a very minimalist way. Hang a few on your tree or on your front porch to create a sparkling nighttime display. This collapsible one from Amazon is adorable and perfect for outdoor or indoor use.
price: $49.95 at Amazon.com (regularly $59.95)
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Decorate your door with a wrought iron bell chime
This wrought iron bell chime can add rustic style or replace your front door wreath in true minimalist style. The sound of this bell chime is carried by the wind, although very faintly.
price: $11.38 on Amazon.com (originally $12.38)
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Decorate your door with a pine wreath
Pine wreaths, especially artificial wreaths from Afloral, make for elegant, minimalist outdoor Christmas decorations and are an energy-efficient alternative to outdoor Christmas lights. Look around door frames, stair railings, and entryways.
price: $39+ at Afloral.com
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More minimalist Christmas decoration ideas
Minimalist nativity scene setting
A minimalist nativity scene makes sense, considering how minimalist the first Christmas was. We love Amazon’s understated six-piece set featuring Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, and the three kings, handcrafted and cast in iron.
price: $99.95 on Amazon.com
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Preparing village tealight candlesticks
West Elm might just be the king of cozy, minimalist Christmas decorations. Case in point: these little tea light candle holders. You can purchase a single tree or house, or choose a three-piece village set to light up your fireplace, windowsill or table.
price: $19 – $45 at WestElm.com
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Chalet Galvanized Christmas Tree Decoration Stocking Holder
For discreetly hanging stockings, our galvanized iron Christmas tree hanger can be hung from a fireplace or shelf. They are sold individually, so you may need several depending on how many stockings you want to fill for Santa.
price: $29.95 at CrateandBarrel.com
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The post Minimalist Christmas Decorations for a Chilled and Luxurious Holiday appeared first on The Real Deal on RetailMeNot.
