Decorating a Small Space for the Holidays
More than ever, people are choosing to live in small spaces. Saving money, environmental impact, and mental health benefits are just a few reasons why more and more people are downsizing. Although there are many benefits to small space dwelling, it can also be a challenge to decorate these spaces for the holidays. But you don’t have to trade one for the other. Spread that holiday cheer without sacrificing functionality and beauty with a few tips from the pros.
The Dos and Don’ts of Designing for Small Spaces
Just because it’s small, doesn’t mean it can’t still feel big. Here are some rules for designing in tight spaces:
Do: add more light. The more the better, and bonus points if it’s natural light. In a pinch, artificial will do—but the goal is to remove as many shadow lines as possible, which create corners and make a space feel smaller. Every “task” area should be well lit (where you eat, where you cook, etc). For an atmosphere that’s particularly cozy, try opting for warm-toned lighting options.
Don’t: add too many items. Small spaces can become crowded fast, and it’s best to avoid clutter whenever possible. Less is more in this case, and you may want to remove some decor before putting out the holiday items. If space is very limited, consider only using your favorite pieces instead of the whole collection.
Do: create a focal point, which will draw the eye and give an interior space a sense of organization. The rule of thumb is that there should be one focal point per room, but for a small enough house or apartment, there may only be enough space for one total. In the case of holiday decor, this is often the tree, but feel free to use something else if you plan to forgo the traditional.
Don’t: forget the walls and ceiling. This is prime real estate in a small space and the perfect canvas for all sorts of holiday decor. Use a product like command strips to avoid permanent fixtures, and then go to town hanging garlands, lights, or holiday paper crafts.
Do: use mirrors. Mirrors make a space feel twice as big and the decor goes twice as far. Place them strategically to lengthen a room, or set them behind your favorite candles to make them appear twice as bright.
Think About Function
Decor and functionality don’t always go hand in hand, but the smaller a space gets the more functionality becomes imperative. A good place to start with decorating for the holidays is thinking about multi-purpose objects and considering whether you already have pieces that can be embellished to celebrate the season.
For example, chances are there are already pillows and throw blankets around your home—since after all, they are an integral part of what makes home feel so cozy. Try swapping out the shams instead of the whole pillow or think about how adding simple adornments, such as ribbon tied neatly around a red or green pillow, might steer the aesthetic toward something seasonally inspired. That way, you can keep comfy and bring on the holiday spirit, without sacrificing space.
Likewise, you can use textiles in other places to transform a room without impeding walkways or shelf space. A table runner can add a flash of holiday color, and they are better than full tablecloths in terms of keeping a room feeling large. The same goes for curtains, towels, and even wall art!
Warm or Cool?
Keep it simple by playing off colors in your existing everyday decor. Use a table runner on your coffee table and an elegant ceramic bowl of scented pinecones to achieve your aesthetic and still get those traditional holiday aromas.
And don’t forget about technology, which can go a long way towards creating a seasonal mood. Bust out the Christmas tunes for instant holiday ambiance, or use your TV to stream a classic yule log video anytime you’re craving a quiet winter evening. While the TV and radio aren’t technically decor, they are still great for transforming a space during a holiday party or fun family gift-wrapping session.
Convert the Space You Have
There are lots of places you may not have considered to throw-up some decorations that won’t negatively impact the size of a space. Small wreaths are wonderful for this purpose. Try hanging them on the backs of chairs, from kitchen cabinet doors, or even bathroom windows. They can also be placed above shelves to accent other decor pieces.
If you have a faux plant, consider turning it into a Christmas tree this year. Not only will it save space (there’s no need to make room for an additional plant or tree), it will add a touch of holiday whimsy to your existing decor. Small twinkle lights are an easy addition that can be powered by batteries, and dried cranberry stalks make the tree undoubtedly festive. You can also hang ornaments from the branches, but be mindful of going overboard since a small plant can become overwhelmed rather quickly. We prefer faux plants for this since live plants can be sensitive to objects touching them.
Add a Touch of Holiday Whimsey
By adding a few battery-powered twinkle lights and some dried berries, this faux fiddle leaf fig goes from houseplant to an alternative Christmas tree in no time.
Go Vertical
Unless the living room features a wall-to-wall art gallery, chances are there is some vertical space that could be prime real estate for holiday decorations. From wreaths to advent calendars, to evergreen garlands, there is a big world of holiday decor perfect for walls and existing shelves. Twinkle lights are especially great because not only do they add holiday warmth to a space, they also double as a light source, which helps make a room feel bigger. Likewise, when putting out candles—go for the tall and skinny ones, which will add height and not depth.
For those feeling adventurous, it’s also possible to hang decor from the ceiling. Mistletoe is a classic option, but ornaments are also fun—especially for somebody skipping the tree or a family with curious toddlers. For moms who want to get the kids involved, consider creating a paper craft together, like snowflakes or stars.
Take Advantage of Walls and Shelving
By using existing shelves, wall space, and even the ceiling you can add decor without sacrificing space.
The Power of Scent
While fragrance may not technically be decor, like music, it has a powerful ability to change the mood and feeling of a space. For smaller homes, consider using items that double as decor and serve delicious holiday aromas, like scented pinecones. Studies have shown that fragrances are deeply tied to memories, so there’s no better way to add instant cozy holiday vibes to a room.
For an easy way to incorporate pinecones or other scented botanicals into the decor, try displaying them in a decorative container as a centerpiece. There’s no reason not to use a bowl or basket already in the home since chances are it will match the existing decor. Alternatively, a nice cake stand can double as a display for decor. Simply fill it with dried flowers, twinkle lights, or other accents of your choice and add a bell jar to contain your bobbles.
Keep it Simple
Unless you are intentionally going for a busy or maximalist aesthetic, the best thing to do in a smaller room is to keep it simple. The less decor used, the smaller the color palette, and the more intentional things are placed—the bigger impact each will have.
In particular, don’t underestimate the power of color. Analyze each room that will be decorated and take stock of the existing color palette. Is the decor prominently warm in tone? If so, choose colors like reds, browns, and golds that will complement warm shades. Or is it on the cool side? In which case, icy colors like bright white, silver, and blue might work better.
Less is More
When decorating a small space, try to limit yourself to a three-color palette. This wreath uses the classic red, green, and gold for Christmas.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with an old-world Christmas aesthetic, and all the colors that come with it. But unless the goal is to go for a look and feel that is decidedly vintage, try limiting the color palette to no more than three colors—including at least one neutral like white or black. This will not only give accent decor pieces a bigger impact, it will help narrow your focus while decorating and give the entire home a sense of cohesion. Use ribbons and other trims to help bring everything together and bridge any gaps between decor pieces.
Small but Mighty
When it comes to small spaces, it’s all about making decor work smarter, not harder. Just because real estate is limited, doesn’t mean there’s no room for Christmas cheer. So turn up the music, get the Youtube fire cracklin’, and transform your space, no matter the size, into the holiday refuge you look forward to every year.
