This post shares 16 quick, easy, and space-saving DIY decor ideas to transform your home into a cozy winter wonderland. Perfect for last-minute holiday decorating!
Christmas is only a few weeks away, and I don’t know about you, but this is my favorite time to get crafty. There’s just something about cozy winter afternoons that makes DIY projects even more fun—especially when they’re festive!
If you’re living in a small apartment like I do, you know how tricky decorating can be. You want the holiday spirit, but without cluttering every inch of your space or spending a fortune.
That’s why I’ve put together these 16 DIY Christmas decor ideas that are affordable, space-saving, and perfect for small apartments. Most of them can be made with items you already have lying around, so you won’t need to run around shopping.
Let’s dive in and get our apartments ready for the holidays!
1. Mason Jar Candle Holders
I love using mason jars for DIY projects—they’re so versatile! Just fill them with fake snow or Epsom salt, pop in a tealight candle, and wrap the rim with twine or ribbon. Add a sprig of greenery, and voilà! Instant festive vibes.
Credit: Pinterest
2. Washi Tape Christmas Tree Wall Art
Who says you need a big tree? I used washi tape to make a tree outline on my wall. It’s so easy and doesn’t take up any space. Perfect activity to do with your partner or children to bring the festive vibe at home.
Credit: Pinterest
Bonus: you can hang lightweight ornaments or string lights on it for extra charm.
Credit: Pinterest
3. Dried Orange Garland
This one smells amazing! Just slice some oranges, dry them in the oven, and string them together with cinnamon sticks (I have explained in a bit more detail below). It’s natural, budget-friendly, and adds a warm, rustic touch to your small space.
Credit: @therurallegend
Materials Needed
- Fresh oranges
- Baking sheet and parchment paper
- Twine or ribbon
- Needle and thread
Steps
- Slice oranges thinly and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Place slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 200°F (93°C) for 2-3 hours, flipping them occasionally until they’re dry.
- Once cooled, thread the dried slices onto twine or ribbon, alternating with cinnamon sticks or star anise for extra charm.
- Hang the garland on a wall, mantel, or shelf for a rustic, fragrant decoration.
4. Pinecone Centerpieces
Pinecones are everywhere this time of year, and they’re free! Collect a bunch, paint them with metallic colors, and sprinkle on some glitter. Arranged in a bowl, they make the perfect coffee table centerpiece.
Credit: Pinterest
5. Holiday Card Display
Instead of letting holiday cards pile up, you can clip them to a string of fairy lights hanging across the wall. It’s such an easy way to display them, and it doubles as decor.
Credit: Pinterest
After all holidays are all about having precious memories with your family and what better way to keep these notes close to you?
6. Mini Wreaths for Cabinets
This might be my favorite hack. Start hanging small wreaths on your kitchen cabinets with festive ribbon. They’re so cute and add holiday cheer to a space I’d never thought to decorate before.
Credit: Pinterest
7. Wine Cork Ornaments
If you enjoy a glass of wine (or two) during the holidays, save those corks! With some glue and tools you can turn them into little reindeer with googly eyes, red pom-poms, and pipe cleaners. They’re adorable on my tree—or washi tape tree, in my case!
Credit: @one_little_project
8. Gift Wrap Station
I hate losing my scissors or tape when wrapping gifts, so I always make sure to create a little wrapping station using a basket. I keep my wrapping paper, ribbons, and tape organized, and it looks cute sitting out.
Credit: freepik
9. Hanging Ornaments from Curtain Rods
This idea is so simple yet so effective! Just tie ribbons to ornaments and hung them from the curtain rods. It looks like the ornaments are floating, and it doesn’t take up any floor space.
Credit: Pinterest
10. Paper Snowflake Garland
Remember making paper snowflakes as a kid? Let’s bring that tradition back and string them into a garland for windows. It’s nostalgic, easy, and practically free. You can also turn this into a fun activity to do with your friends/family!
Credit: @bemakeful
11. Teacup Candles
If you have old teacups lying around, this is such a cute project. To make these, melt candle wax, pour it into the cups, and add wicks. They’re perfect as decor or little gifts for friends.
Credit: Pinterest
12. Holiday Lanterns
Lanterns are one of those things I love reusing for every season. I usually fill mine with fairy lights, small ornaments, and sprigs of greenery. They’re so cozy when lit up in the evening.
Credit: Pinterest
These lanterns are versatile and I use them year around. See how I used them during Halloween.
13. Chalkboard Christmas Art
I have a small chalkboard magnet on my fridge, and I drew a festive design on it with chalk markers. It’s such a fun way to personalize your holiday decor.
Credit: Pinterest
14. Repurposed Glass Bottle Vases
Empty glass bottles can be transformed so easily! Just spray-paint some empty bottles in metallic colors and fill them with twigs and holly. They will look so elegant on your table.
Credit: Pinterest
Or you can also go the extra mile and cover them in twine/wool and make it a whole crafty activity!
15. DIY Snow Globe Ornaments
Get a few clear plastic ornaments (or even mason jars work!) at the dollar store and fill them with fake snow and tiny figurines. They’re like mini snow globes, and they look adorable on any tree or shelf.
Credit: Pinterest
16. Twig Stars
I love the natural look of these! Collect some twigs, tie them into star shapes with twine, and paint them white. They’re lightweight, so they’re perfect for hanging.
Credit: Pinterest
These DIY projects are proof that you don’t need a big space—or a big budget—to make your home feel festive. With just a couple of weeks left before Christmas, it’s the perfect time to work on these quick and easy decorations.
Grab some hot cocoa, turn on your favorite holiday playlist, and let’s get crafting. Your apartment is about to be the coziest little winter wonderland! 🎄
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