Entertaining + Holiday
30+ Small Apartment Christmas Decor Ideas For A Magical Holiday Season
Forget deck the halls—we say deck it all. There are endless ideas for simple Christmas decorations, but if you live in an apartment where every square foot counts, it may take a bit of creativity to get festive without risking your security deposit.
We have plenty of holiday Christmas decor ideas to choose from, whether you’re looking for something simple and elegant or love to go all out with your festivities. Check out our 31 go-to small apartment Christmas decor ideas for the perfect holiday vibe.
1. Hang a stocking
We love to start holiday decor simple and classic. Hang up stockings for you and your loved ones! It’s an easy, one-and-done way to get in the festive spirit and add a touch of holiday flair to your space. No fireplace? No problem. Hang your stocking over a window or with a simple wall hook. You can even dangle it from a shelf with a stocking holder to keep your decor renter-friendly.
2. Focus on the tiny details
Decorating a small apartment is the perfect opportunity to create a striking vignette. Display small collections—like an array of miniature trees in varying shades and sizes—on a windowsill or bookshelf or in a cozy corner.
3. Opt for a mini tree
When square footage is of the essence, there’s no space for a tree of Rockefeller-esque grandeur. Add some festivity with a mini Christmas tree that can easily be tucked into a corner or sit on top of your dining table. Add mini Christmas tree decorations, like garland and small ornaments, for the perfect seasonal small apartment decor.
4. Dress up your tree
No matter big or small, dress up your tree with a sweet shawl. Add a simple yet festive tree skirt to wrap around the base of your tree. A tree skirt will tie up the whole look and can add another festive pop of color to the room. You can even throw on a dainty tree topper on your tree for some added pizzazz!
5. Hang a holiday wreath
An elegant wreath is one of our favorite pieces of holiday decor. Holiday wreaths can help transform your space into a winter wonderland. Pick a classic style with pinecones and ornaments tucked into the greenery, or go modern with a glittering geometric metal design.
6. Drape some garland
Bring it all together with a few strings of LED garland at varied lengths. This classic piece of holiday decor is low-maintenance yet festive, perfect if you want no-fuss Christmas decorations. Line your mantel, drape it over your TV console or hang it along the top of your headboard for holiday decor throughout your small apartment.
7. Make your mantel the centerpiece
Your fireplace is an easy place to turn up the volume on your holiday decor. Hang a wreath or a banner that reads “Merry Christmas” across the mantel. Plus, this is an easy spot to hang removable hooks that won’t damage your walls!
8. Frame an entryway
Need a little more pep to welcome guests? For a holiday party or just an extra dash of Christmas spirit, hang garland around the door or set up an archway to truly get in the holiday mood. Framing your entryway is a great way to make the most of your indoor and outdoor space.
9. Utilize your balcony
If you’re lucky enough to have a patio or balcony, use it to get in the holiday spirit! Apartment balcony Christmas decorations could include dangling outdoor lanterns or string lights from the railing or setting up an artificial tree for an extra touch of sparkle.
10. Welcome your guests
A seasonal doormat is a simple way to spread cheer. A woven mat that coordinates with the colors of the season is a simple yet impactful decor item that you can easily use next year.
11. Add glee through greenery
Adorn your planters with twinkle lights and wrap votives with garland to add a touch of natural holiday decor. This is a great way to use what you already have in your small space and make the most of your holiday decor.
12. Dress your windows in festive attire
Exchange your regular curtains for a festive patterned pair to bring the holiday spirit in. If you’re going for a more elegant look this year, a set of lush velvet curtains will help tie everything together with a touch of glam. Bonus points for stringing twinkle lights across the top of your curtain rod.
13. ...and your window sills
Your window sills are the perfect place to display decorations for Christmas. Arrange a classic nativity set along the sill and accentuate it with seasonal figurines that coordinate with your window treatments. It’s a great way to add a touch of holiday whimsy to your space without having to hang things up.
14. Bring in cozy comfort
Ready to snuggle up for the season and watch your favorite Christmas movies? Us too. Toss a few seasonal throw pillows on the couch, or shams, and a warm blanket or two over the back of your favorite lounge chair for easy cozy apartment Christmas decor. You’ll be fully set for any snow day that blows in or just an easy afternoon of self-care.
15. Play off your apartment look
Don’t be stressed about redecorating your home to get in the mood for the holidays. You can make a few simple changes that go a long way, like adding a tray of elegant candles and holiday trinkets to your coffee table or bookshelf. This is an easy way to interchange seasonal decor throughout the year.
16. Switch out your bedding
A warm winter’s nap never looked so good. Swapping out your bedding for a set of festive sheets is an easy way to get in the holiday spirit. It’s especially fun for any guests staying with you. Toss a few seasonal throw pillows to complete the look—sweater weather for your bed.
17. Light candles for instant ambience
There’s nothing quite like the glow of candlelight at Christmas. Pick out seasonal scents and elegant candle holders that will help your space glitter all season long. If you have a purely ornamental fireplace, arrange your votives to mimic the warm glow of a roaring fire.
18. Switch on flameless candles
Worried about breaking your lease agreement by burning candles? No problem! Pick out some flameless candles and light-up pieces to display across your coffee table and help bring the magic into your space.
19. Arrange a holiday bouquet
Nothing reflects a season faster than bringing a bit of the outside in. Add poinsettias, snowdrops and greenery to a decorative vase and use as the centerpiece of your holiday dinner table or for a little holiday decor on your bedroom nightstand.
20. Create a holiday bar cart
Bring on the bubbly! Even in a small space, designate a corner of the entertainment area for a holiday drink station. Load up the cart with your holiday favorites for mixing, mingling and making spirits bright.
21. Decorate your bookshelves
If you find that you have a bit of extra space left on your bookshelves, make it another area to add some more holiday decorations. Use festive bookends on the sides of your books and throw in a couple of holiday figurines!
22. Make mealtime merry
Gathering around the table is such a special part of the holiday season. Whether you’re hosting a sit-down family-style brunch or a casual buffet or cocktail hour, make sure your table decor reflects the Christmas spirit, from your plates and napkins to the centerpiece and table runner.
23. Think party favors, but make ‘em festive
Have too many ornaments but not enough room on your tree? Drape soft felt ornaments on the back of your dining table chairs for some unexpected festive flair. Entertaining family or friends?Use monogram ornaments to personalize their table seatings—and serve as a take-home gift after the night ends!
24. Decorate your kitchen
Just like the rest of your apartment, you can spice up your kitchen with simple Christmas decor. If you have space above your kitchen cabinetry, it’s a perfect spot for brass angels or spying yeti figurines. If not, drape mini wreaths on the cabinet doors with red ribbon or hang holiday tea towels on drawer pulls for added pops of Christmas cheer!
25. Plan out your ornaments
Plan your holiday decor so you’re more than prepared for the season. What’s your Christmas ornament theme? Classic and elegant? Or whimsical and cozy? What color palette will best complement your space? Start shopping with a theme in mind so your ornaments work together seamlessly.
26. Deck the walls
Short on floor space? We get it. Opt for a seasonal wall hanging to get in the holiday spirit. It’s easy enough to hang in your living area or maybe along that hallway that you never know how to decorate.
27. Hang it from the ceilings
Add a bit of whimsy and keep your security deposit. Dangle a paper lantern or a few strands of twinkle lights from the ceiling with just a couple of thumbtacks. This will add the perfect amount of soft light to your space as you watch your favorite Christmas movies (caroling optional).
28. Spotlight your fireplace
If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace in your small digs, changes are it’s the place to be during the holiday season. Reinforce the focal point even further with a sleek fireplace screen, fire-tending tools and firewood holder. Bring everything together with lush mantel decor.
29. No fireplace? Create your own frame...
With a bit of garland, anything is possible! You can treat your television like a fireplace by hanging garland above and around the television. Stream your favorite crackling yuletide log video to set the holiday mood. You can also hang seasonal garland around picture frames to bring more life to your apartment walls.
30. Make your own mantel
Create a mantle with long floating shelving that acts as the base. Use holiday figurines and add some strings of garland to give the illusion of an acting mantel. If your shelf is strong enough, hang a stocking or two off of it to complete the look!
31. Think ahead with at-the-ready storage
Eventually, the holidays will give way to a new year, and it’ll be time to pack the seasonal decor away. Think through your storage needs and plan ahead with smart solutions: We love woven baskets that can be easily tucked on a high closet shelf or slid under a bed. That way, when it’s time to decorate again next year, you’ll know where everything is.
Once you get your space holiday-ready, what’s next? Check off your gift shopping to-do list and settle in for a cozy, sparkling Christmas season.
