This post shows you the best budget-friendly Christmas decor ideas for small apartments.
Decorating your small apartment for Christmas doesn’t have to mean hours of crafting or spending a fortune on seasonal decor. You don’t need to invest in expensive seasonal decor or spend hours on DIY crafts.
This article is all about using easily accessible, everyday items—things you might already own—to create a cozy and festive ambiance. Best of all, these ideas won’t break the bank, and many can be repurposed after the holidays.
Get ready to deck your halls without cluttering your space or emptying your wallet!
1. Transform Your Space with String Lights
Nothing sets the mood quite like fairy lights. Chances are, you already have some fairy lights lying around from previous holidays or events. Use them to frame windows, mirrors, or shelves. For a unique touch, cluster them inside a clear vase or jar for a glowing centerpiece.
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Post-Holiday Use: Keep them up for ambient lighting or mood-setting in your living room or bedroom.
2. Add Festive Touches with Throw Pillows and Blankets
Switching out pillow covers and adding throws is an easy and budget-friendly way to infuse holiday charm. Look for festive patterns like plaid or solid colors in red, green, or white.
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Post-Holiday Use: Choose neutral patterns or reversible covers to use year-round.
3. Repurpose Books as Holiday Decor
Books can do more than just fill your shelves. Select hardcovers in holiday colors like red, green, or white, and stack them on coffee tables or bookshelves. Add a sprig of faux greenery or a small ornament on top for a festive flair.
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Post-Holiday Use: Books return to their shelves, no storage required!
4. Decorate a Houseplant Instead of a Christmas Tree
Okay hear me out on this. If you lack space for a traditional tree, a tall houseplant like a fiddle leaf fig or monstera can double as a Christmas tree. Drape string lights or lightweight ornaments on its branches for a festive look.
Alternatively, you can also buy a small and inexpensive tabletop plant with LED lights, and place some Christmas ornaments around – which will give you that instant Christmas sparkle in your home!
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Post-Holiday Use: The plant stays, decorations come off! You can also use the LED light tree all year around.
5. Festive Curtains and Windows
Don’t overlook your windows. Attach small ornaments or string garlands along the curtain rod. You can also use suction hooks to hang lightweight wreaths or stars on the glass itself.
Post-Holiday Use: Remove ornaments and keep the garlands for spring or summer decor.
6. Use Everyday Jars and Vases for Decor
Glass jars, vases, or empty wine bottles can easily be transformed into holiday decor. Fill them with ornaments, pinecones, or fairy lights for an elegant display.
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Post-Holiday Use: Use jars and vases for flowers, storage, or other decorations throughout the year.
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7. Light Up Your Space with Candles
Candles create a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for the holidays. Arrange different-sized candles on a tray and surround them with greenery, pinecones, or ornaments for a simple yet stylish centerpiece.
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Post-Holiday Use: Keep candles for cozy nights or as decor in your bathroom or bedroom.
8. Layer Rugs and Blankets for Coziness
Add depth to your living room or bedroom by layering rugs and throws. Neutral or textured rugs pair beautifully with festive-colored blankets, creating a warm holiday look.
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Post-Holiday Use: This layered look works well throughout the winter months for a hygge-inspired home.
9. Style Your Window Sills
Window sills are prime real estate in a small apartment. Arrange candles, small ornaments, or miniature trees on them for a festive touch. Pair with fairy lights for extra charm.
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Post-Holiday Use: Mini trees and candles can be reused as neutral decor.
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10. Greenery Garlands for a Classic Touch
Garlands are versatile and reusable. Drape faux greenery across your shelves, around mirrors, or along your dining table. Add a few ornaments or ribbons to personalize the look.
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Post-Holiday Use: Use garlands year-round by swapping out seasonal accents.
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11. Wrap Boxes as Decorative Presents
Empty boxes can double as decorations. Wrap them in kraft paper or fabric and tie with twine or ribbon. These “presents” can be stacked under a tree or placed on shelves.
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Post-Holiday Use: Use the boxes for storage or recycle the paper.
12. Style Your Kitchen Counter
Use what you already have in the kitchen! Display holiday mugs, a jar of candy canes, or a bowl of oranges with cloves for decor that’s both festive and functional.
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Post-Holiday Use: Kitchen items return to their normal usage.
13. Add Holiday Cheer to Your Bed
Create a holiday cozy vibe in your bedroom by adding a throw blanket, red or green pillowcases or a small wreath above the bed. A strand of fairy lights on the headboard adds a magical touch.
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Post-Holiday Use: Add these to your bedding collection use throughout the year.
14. Decorate with Mirrors
Mirrors can amplify light and make your space feel bigger. Frame your mirror with fairy lights or garlands for a festive touch.
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Post-Holiday Use: Keep the lights for a cozy ambiance or return the mirror to its original state.
15. Simple Centerpieces for the Table
Create a centerpiece with what you already have. Fill a bowl or tray with pinecones, ornaments, or even fresh fruit. Add candles for warmth and elegance.
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Post-Holiday Use: Use the bowl or tray for everyday purposes like holding keys or fruit.
Decorating your small apartment for Christmas doesn’t mean buying loads of new decor or cluttering your limited space.
By repurposing what you already own and focusing on multipurpose items, you can create a festive atmosphere that works during the holidays and beyond. These ideas are proof that a little creativity goes a long way.
Happy decorating!