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Fuss-free ideas for a minimalist Christmas.
As the nights draw in and the temperature drops, there's really only one thing on everyone's minds – the build-up to Christmas. And what's Christmas without some decorating?
The minimalists among us (particularly those with already well-curated homes) may feel this invasion of festive decor to be both overwhelming (and far too time-consuming). Your mantelpiece is already carefully adorned with ornaments and your living room has been artfully arranged. Christmas decorations need to fit into a painstakingly thought-through environment. Tinsel just isn't your cup of tea. We hear you loud and clear.
To help you ease into the festive season, we've rounded up expert advice from interior experts, so you can make your minimalist home feel suitably festive without being overwhelming.
'Christmas is excess on excess on excess,' says Etsy's trend expert, Dayne Isom Johnson. 'From the food and drink to the gifts, it can be full on. However, when it comes to interiors, less is often more. Simplicity is often king, so if you’ve got a minimalist home here are my three top tips to make sure your home still feels festive this Christmas.
'When creating a minimalist Christmas setting, focus on only the essentials. Do you need four trees? Probably not. Stick to just one. Fairy lights on every window? Why not try to stick to just a select few?
'Pick a colour and keep to it! The colour palette of a minimalist home is more often than not extremely simple with just one or two tonal variations. Just because it is Christmas doesn’t mean you need to divert into a whole new array of colours.
'Replace, don't add – instead of adding more and more decor items to your home, replace what you've already got. Keep it clean and clutter-free.'
Pictured: Shop Christmas decorations at Nkuku
'Introduce soft fabric and fur accents and accessories to your home for a rustic yet refined hygge-inspired look,' advises Francesca Hadland, styling expert for Bridgman.
'Layer cosy rugs and add throws and blankets to chairs so your guests can wrap up warm as you all relax in comfort. Incorporate Scandinavian-inspired elements like light-toned woods and seasonal foliage to ground this decorating style in nature. Add an unmistakably Christmassy ambience to any space with a warm glow. Use lighting sparingly to create a cosy feel warmed by candlelight, a crackling fire and warm white lights.'
This cosy seat pad is ultra-Scandi and an easy way to add warmth and texture to your minimalist interior. Just the thing for a hygge-inspired look, we think.
It wouldn't be Christmas without a tree, but in smaller spaces and minimalist interiors, they can feel cluttered with ornaments and robbed of valuable floor space.
We suggest forgoing big or bulky styles, and instead opting for a more streamlined Christmas tree. Tall and slim varieties won't overpower your living room and can be decorated with subtle lights and minimalist ornaments.
Alternatively, you can explore non-traditional options, such as twig trees, metal Christmas trees, and mini Christmas trees. Each of these has a unique style and makes a tasteful change to a classic Nordmann fir.
Pictured: Shop fairy lights at Lights4fun
'At Christmastime, I stick to decorating rooms like the kitchen and dining room, where we spend most of our time,' says Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin. 'I’d suggest introducing subtle hints of Christmas throughout the rest of the house, such as winter greenery draped across picture frames and down bannisters.'
Pictured: Maddox Tree, Garden Trading
It wouldn't be Christmas without a full and leafy wreath to update your decor with. It's an easy way to add greenery and can be used year after year.
It doesn’t get much more festive than a candle (or three) – there’s something about the glow of candlelight that is undeniably comforting. Not only does the light soothe the senses on a dark winter's evening, but being dual function, candles also serve as a minimalist ornament, too.
By opting for a Christmas scented candle (we're big fans of anything warming or spiced), you also carry a festive feeling throughout the rest of your home. A win-win choice, we think!
Pictured: Maristela Coffee Table, OKA
This Christmas candle combines notes of sweet cinnamon and spicy clove with zesty mandarin for a classic seasonal scent. The wax is filled with distinctive botanical elements for a stylish, natural aesthetic.
Jonathan Clark, creative director for Shelved, says: 'The transient nature of Christmas allows even the most devoted minimalist to experiment with decorative and novelty items.
'Festive decorations don’t have to be overbearing or garish; opting for nature-inspired and neutral decorations can be just as impactful and kinder on the environment.
'The key is to choose items that suit your taste and that you will enjoy looking at throughout the festive season.'
Pictured: Jigsaw Kitchen Table, Loaf
This understated pair of napkins is made from washed linen with double stitched edges. These work well on a minimalist tablescape, festive or not, meaning you get year-round use.
The pared-back cousin of tinsel, garlands (whether real or artificial) are a minimalist's must-have when it comes to decorating for Christmas.
Drape carefully in areas of your home that need a subtle festive touch, such as your mantelpiece, sideboard, or hallway console table.
We also love the look of garlands woven tastefully along bannisters – a particularly lovely look if your staircase is positioned prominently in your home. Greenery is also a brilliant way of bringing the outside in and adding colour to your home in an understated way. You can also try out swags and leafy wreaths.
This pretty green garland lights up, making it extra special. Drape it wherever you fancy.
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