Ready to decorate your apartment for the holiday season? Don’t let worries about how you’ll make it work take away from the magic and wonder. While rentals may come with limitations like skipping nails for garland or avoiding a real tree, that doesn’t mean decorating has to be boring. Apartment Christmas decorations can still sparkle with plenty of charm, and the compact space can even make it feel even more inviting.
We’ve taken out the guesswork with some creative ideas we think you’ll love. So grab a hot chocolate, take notes, and get ready to turn your rental into a festive wonderland.
Apartment Christmas Decorations that Are Festive and Affordable
If you’re renting, you probably aren’t ready to invest in expensive holiday decor (yet). Maybe it’s not your vibe or you’re on a budget.
Whatever the reason, decor for small spaces allows you to decorate without worrying about breaking the bank. No, this doesn’t mean your place will be riddled with tacky plastic ornaments that say “Live, Laugh, Love,” but it does mean your hard-earned money can go towards smaller (and thus more affordable) apartment Christmas decorations.
Here are a few ideas for affordable and simple Christmas decorations that you can feel good about.
Turn your bar cart into a holiday spirit command station
More and more bar carts are being used as a platform for holiday decor. And why not? They’re affordable, stylish, and they hold alcohol – talk about the holiday spirit(s)! Hone in on a color scheme or theme, and use objects of varying heights to style the top of your bar cart.
Try candles, bottles of spiced booze, and small knick-knacks. Drape a garland or a festive banner over the railing, and style some mule mugs underneath.
Let your walls do the work
The easiest way to get the most bang for your buck with simple Christmas decorations is by using walls to your advantage.
And don’t worry, there are several hacks for hanging without creating a ton of holes (like Command hooks and strips, thumb tacks and a few more that we’ll suggest later, so yep, keep reading).
The best perk about vertical decor is it makes a small room appear taller – so look up to walls, windows, arches and door frames for inspiration.
Deck the walls, not the halls
Speaking of walls and windows…
Maybe you have space for a tree, but those faux gift boxes won’t work, or you have tabletop space for just a centerpiece but now the charging plates and holiday printed dishware look cluttered.
If you want to pack in more holiday cheer without risking square footage, focus your decor on windows and walls. Hang a wreath in an open window, or make your own window decals. Hang felt banners on the wall, try your hand at a DIY Advent calendar, or use tape to create festive, temporary imagery.
Swap smaller everyday objects with festive ones
If you already have a decor theme, give it a festive twist by swapping out a few pieces. For instance, pillows with replaceable covers can be changed to match a holiday theme.
Throw blankets, napkins, placements and hand towels are also easily replaced without needing a lot of storage.
Make magic with existing furniture
If your apartment doesn’t include traditional railing or supportive structures like a mantel or a bannister, that’s ok! There are other ways to spread holiday cheer throughout your home, and all you need is your existing furniture.
Yes – your dining table, breakfast table, and even your coffee table are great spots to place decor (like these DIY minimal cone trees, or a small tabletop tree).
Bookshelves, ledges, and media cabinets are great for hanging garlands and greenery from. And if you’re really short on space, you could always start hanging decorations from the ceiling.
Group smaller items for big impact
Grouping decor pieces is a great way to make items feels more intentional, stylish and save on space. Consider tricks like adding a collection of vintage ceramics, a candle centerpiece, or even a bowl full of pinecones as a beautiful tabletop display or coffee table vignette to tie everything together.
Spend big on a dollar store budget
A dollar goes farther when you’re shopping at the dollar store, and just because it cost less doesn’t mean it won’t stand the test of time.
Whether it’s the dollar bin of your local Target or thrift store, or your favorite Dollar Store chain, there’s lots of affordable options. Since ornaments can add up quickly, we recommend starting here first.
How to Decorate (And Keep Your Security Deposit)
Living in a rental means there most likely was a security deposit paid at move-in. And of course, you want to get that money back when it’s time to move out.
You can still deck your place out with holiday flair by hanging decorations that won’t cause permanent damage. Let’s meet some of the other players in the nail-free game:
How to hang a stocking in a rental
For those lucky enough to have a mantel over a fireplace in your apartment, you can avoid adding nail holes by adding a sturdy stocking holder (like this one) to the top of your mantel.
You can also hang stockings with a dressmaker pin by lightly hammering them in place – they are heavy enough to hold lightweight stockings and light enough to avoid a giant hole in your wall.
But if you don’t have a place for santa to receive a glass of milk and warm cookies, there are still a few options to consider. Try hanging your stocking from an existing peg rack. Or off a ladder. Or from a dressing rack. If it’s got a hook, you can hang it. Head over to our article on 16 mantel-free stocking ideas for inspiration!
The magic of tape
Never underestimate the magic of this simple tool: tape! If you’re a stationery lover, chances are you already have washi tape tucked away in a drawer.
It’s easy to use and comes in playful patterns and colors you can mix and match to add personality to your holiday décor.
Washi tape can be used to hang holiday cards, make unique festive graphics, or frame and highlight existing apartment Christmas decorations.
The paper clip trick
Hanging decor doesn’t get easier than using a paper clip. All you need is a small magnet and a piece of masking tape – seriously, it’s that easy. Click here for the visual instructions.
What kind of Christmas tree should I get for my apartment?
Should you opt for the fresh pine scent of a real tree or opt for a fake one? Well, it could be dependent on the conditions of your lease. While some places don’t mind, others might have restrictions, so make sure to either ask your manager or review your leasing contract.
Space is one of the biggest considerations here. A faux tree is great to reuse year after year, but it could be a pain if you’re limited on space.
As you’re deciding, there are some smaller alternatives which could give you the best of both worlds: a super cute Christmas tree and space. There are a few solutions to consider, like mini tabletop tress (here’s a Charlie Brown version!), tree-alternatives, and half and quarter trees.
How to decorate an apartment door for Christmas
The easiest way to add holiday whimsy to your apartment is to start at the entrance. Decorating your apartment door is not only renter friendly, it spreads holiday cheer and your decor is safe from outdoor elements.
You can decorate an apartment door for Christmas in so many ways! Dress it up like a big present. Use temporary contact chalkboard and draw a festive scene or saying (like this festive door here). Buy or make your own holiday-inspired doormat.
Or go traditional with a handmade wreath (using a Command hook to hang, of course!).
One Final Tip: Keep It Cozy
One of the best things about a small space is its cozy charm! Add warm touches like glowing candles and oil warmers with holiday scents such as vanilla, cinnamon, and citrus.
Layer in texture with soft furs and flannels, and sprinkle natural elements like branches, pinecones, and cranberries throughout your home for an affordable, festive feel. You don’t need to buy all-new decor to make your feel space merry.
Simply focus on creating a warm, inviting space you’ll enjoy all season long.
Trying to save money this holiday season? Here’s how to have a wonderful Christmas for under $100.
The post How to Decorate Your Apartment for the Holidays appeared first on Curbly.
