10 Simple Winter Decorating Ideas to Try Once the Christmas Decor Is Packed Away

Some people can’t wait to take down the Christmas decorations on December 26. But others feel blue when it’s time to pack up the trimmings and un-decorate the tree. 

Transitioning to winter decorations that celebrate the season can help you to keep your spirits high until spring rolls around. Check out these easy after-Christmas winter decorating ideas.

Natural Greenery

Simple natural or quality faux greenery, like an undecorated wreath, pine swag, or a garland, can be kept up through winter to add coziness to your home. Just remove any bells and whistles that make it feel too much like Christmas.

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Candles

Many cultures around the world celebrate winter as a festival of light. Cultivate a hygge feel to combat winter darkness with repurposed plain white candles on the mantel, dining room table, or floor lanterns anywhere from the hearth to the front doorstep.

Light a scented candle in a wintry fragrance to enhance the mood.

Extra Pillow and Blankets

The easiest way to decorate for winter is by layering your room with warm textiles. Think warm wool throws or blankets on the sofa, reading corner armchair, or bed, extra throw pillows in plush velvets or chunky knit textures, and fluffy area rugs. Stick to winter white and warm neutrals for a chic chalet vibe.

Metallic Accents

Choose metallic objects that will catch and bounce around light in any weather. Embrace warm metals such as gold, brass, or copper to create an inviting glow during gloomy winter days and early nights. Opt for cool silver or chrome finishes for a crisp and icy winter aesthetic.

Winter Branches

Embrace the melancholy side of winter with a vase of bare winter branches. An extra-tall vase filled with branches will add sculptural drama to a large kitchen island, dining room table, bathroom vanity, or front entry console.

Use found branches sourced from your backyard for a budget-friendly and sustainable decor accent that won’t wilt.

Twinkly Lights

Don’t let anyone shame you into putting away the twinkly lights. LED string lights add another layer of ambient light that will give your interiors a feel-good atmosphere.

Stick to white, non-blinking warm white lights that say winter rather than Merry Christmas.

Rustic Vintage Pieces

Add cool weather charm to your entryway or front porch with vintage or antique items sourced at thrift shops or flea markets. Think rustic items such as antique wooden skis, vintage ice skates, sleds, or toboggans for a timeless feel.

Snowflakes and Stars

While you will want to put away your Nutcracker collection or vintage Santa ornaments until next year, feel free to keep an edited selection of wintry decorations.

A large LED lit star on the mantel or DIY paper bag snowflakes in the windows will keep things cozy without looking like you’re holding on to the holidays.

Fluffy Textiles and Faux Fur

Warm up your living room couch, armchair, dining chairs, or home office chair with a cozy real or faux sheepskin. Add a small sheepskin rug on the side of the bed to keep your toes warm in the morning, or layer your bed with a cozy faux throw to curl up under on cold winter nights.

Dried Foraged Elements

Decorate for winter using foraged and natural dried elements. A bowl of pinecones, a stack of birch logs, a dried wreath, or a bunch of eucalyptus branches that has naturally dried in the vase is a beautiful way to bring a natural element into the home that is tailored to the season and the mood.