In a previous post, we sang the praises of maximalist holiday décor. For the uninitiated, think bright pink Christmas trees, glittery Vegas-style lights and life-size light-up reindeer.
In this post, we do a U-turn and pay homage to a total opposite but no less pretty holiday decorating strategy: minimalism. Because let’s face it, the holidays are stressful. Why add to that stress with elaborate, electricity bill-spiking lighting displays and blow-up Santas?
Decorating for the holidays doesn’t have to be complicated or pricey. Instead of going loud, garish and bright, you can go cozy, contemporary, uncluttered and simple. If that sounds like more your speed, let us introduce you to minimalism.
What Is Minimalist Decor?
The exact reverse of maximalism — a philosophy guided by the principle “more is more” — the main principle behind minimalism is “less is more.”
Minimalist design prefers clean lines, open spaces and natural light. It prioritizes efficiency and functionality, cutting out extras and kicking clutter to the curb. Minimalism goes for quality over quantity, favoring pieces that are functional and practical and not being showy for showy’s sake.
Minimalist holiday décor usually means fewer but more meaningful decorations. As a Christmas decorating strategy, minimalism usually ends up costing much less money — and is no less magical.
So, what does minimalist Christmas decorating end up looking like in practice? We’re glad you asked. To help inspire your decorating, we’ve outlined some cozy minimalist Christmas décor ideas below, DIY and otherwise.
Minimalist Christmas Tree Ideas
Note: Products reflect the price and availability at the time of publication.
Go Bare
What’s the easiest way to decorate a minimalist Christmas tree? Don’t decorate it! Skip the ornaments entirely and go bare instead (or, if you must, limit decorations to a string of soft, warm lights), accenting the tree’s majestic natural beauty. The key here is to invest in a quality Christmas tree — like this realistic artificial Spruce tree. Or, if you do want a few embellishments, this artificial fir comes pre-lit with warm white lights.
Price: $65 (reg. $139.99) at Wayfair.com
Decorate With One or Two Colors
If you like your trees a little less naked, consider focusing on a color scheme and decorating with ornaments of just one or two colors.
If you want to be a minimalist purist, go for a warm neutral color like white or gold — like this set of mixed gold ornaments from Pottery Barn. The 12 glittery ornaments are handmade from mouth-blown soda lime glass and totally worth the splurge.
Price: $39.50 at PotteryBarn.com
Set Your Tree in a Basket
To cover the tree stand, go with 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 cleaning up afterward quick and easy. Look for a basket that is big enough to accommodate your stand — ideally, one that is wide and shallow, like this decorative cotton rope basket.
Price: $22.95 (orig. $35.95) at Amazon.com
Make Your Own Christmas Tree
If you’re into DIY minimalist Christmas decorating, consider making your own tree. We’re all about DIY driftwood Christmas trees, which are rustic, creative and super easy. Simply arrange driftwood from longest to shortest, drill holes into the center and stack along a center support rod. (You can find instructions here.) Not near a beach? Not a problem — you can buy driftwood online from — where else? — Amazon.
Price: $46.50 at Amazon.com
Minimalist Christmas Table Decor Ideas
Make a Wreath Centerpiece
For a super simple holiday table centerpiece and candle holder, use a wreath — either real or artificial. Place it in the middle of your table and place a trio of candles in the middle. Extra points if it’s a warm, neutral, minimalist color like this Handcrafted Faux Gilded Eucalyptus and Magnolia Leaf Wreath from Pottery Barn.
Price: $149 at Potterybarn.com
Set Out a Mini Christmas Tree Centerpiece
There are so many directions you could go with a mini Christmas tree centerpiece. You could go the DIY minimalist Christmas décor route by snipping off the tip of a pine tree and setting it in a Mason jar. Or, you could buy a mini tabletop-size Christmas tree, like this cutie from Target.
Price: $10 at Target.com
Create an Ornament Bowl
Another fancy yet easy way to DIY your centerpiece is to make an ornament bowl. The concept is pretty much what it sounds like find an elegant bowl and throw in your favorite ornaments and pine cones for good measure.
Price: $21.99 at Amazon.com
Minimalist Outdoor Christmas Decor
Put Out Pathway Lights
As we’ve established, the best minimalist décor is functional and pretty, which is why we like the idea of holiday pathway lights. They light up your yard in a warm, glowy way while also guiding guests and carolers toward your doorstep on dark, blustery winter nights. These traditional white Luminary lights from Wayfair fit the minimalist bill with their soft glow and clean lines.
Price: $34.99 at Wayfair.com
Hang Christmas Light Balls
Foldable light balls are sophisticated and striking in an oh-so-minimalist way. Hang a few from trees or from your porch to create a twinkling nighttime display. These foldable ones from Amazon are lovely and suitable for outdoor use or indoor use.
Price: $49.95 (reg. $59.95) at Amazon.com
Dress Your Door With a Wrought Iron Bell Chime
This wrought iron bell chime can be a rustic addition to — or, in true minimalist style, a replacement for — your front door wreath. Notice that the bells on this bell chime do ring, albeit only ever so faintly, in the wind.
Price: $11.38 (orig. $12.38) at Amazon.com
Frame Your Door With a Pine Tree Garland
Pine tree garlands, particularly artificial ones like this one from Afloral, make for elegant minimalist outdoor Christmas decor and an energy-efficient alternative to outdoor Christmas lights. Try wrapping them around your door frame, stairway railings and porch.
Price: $39+ at Afloral.com
Even More Minimalist Christmas Decorating Ideas
Set Up a Minimalist Nativity Scene
Considering how minimalist the first nativity had been, a minimalist nativity scene makes sense. We like this understated six-piece set from Amazon, which features Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and the three kings, handcrafted and cast in iron.
Price: $99.95 at Amazon.com
Arrange Village Tealight Candleholders
West Elm just might be the king of cozy minimalist Christmas décor. Case in point: These tiny tea light candleholders. You can purchase a single tree or house or go for the three-piece village set to light up a mantelpiece, windowsill or table.
Price: $19 – $45 at WestElm.com
Chalet Zinc Christmas Tree Ornament Stocking Holder
Just the thing to hang your stockings with care, these zinc-finished iron Christmas Tree hangers can perch on your mantelpiece or shelf. They’re sold individually, so you might need a few, depending on how many stockings you want Santa to fill.
Price: $29.95 at CrateandBarrel.com
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