15 Modern Christmas Decorations That Are Perfect for Minimalist Homes

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While many love to decorate the halls with festive decor around Christmas time, those that prefer to have a cleaner, more understated style can find it to be a challenge. Minimalism is about simplicity; that is, clean lines, neutral hues and subtle beauty. This can be the case with the holiday season. In fact, having minimalist Christmas decorations can turn your home into a serene seasonal wonderland without taking over your space.

For minimalist Christmas decor, the secret is to choose pieces that add to the natural beauty of your home without disturbing your home’s sense of calm and balance. Instead of an extravagant display or the most over the top theme, a minimalist approach honors the season in a way that is both sophisticated and relaxed. Here are a few tips.

Festive Candle Holders

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Minimalist homes can never have enough candle holders, and the holidays make them even better. Choose sleek, modern designs in muted metals or glass which provides sparkle without unhealthy excess. A beautifully simple and elegant candle holder will cast a warm glow that sets off your seasonal celebrations perfectly. White, grey or soft gold candles only add to a tranquil festival vibe.

Minimalist Christmas Tree Ornaments

If you’re going to have a Christmas tree, make it minimalist, with clean shapes and subtle textures. Ornaments of simple geometric forms, wooden or ceramic, are beautiful without being distracting from the decor. And, you can just hang a few choice pieces, like delicate metallic stars or understated glass baubles, without having to overwhelm a room with an overly loud presence.

Neutral Stockings

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Your minimalist approach can extend to Christmas stockings too. Garish, colorful versions are a no no, swap the stockings for natural materials such as linen, cotton or wool and monochrome shades of cream, grey or beige. If you prefer a more simple look you can use stockings with minimal embroidery or even plain ones with a leather loop or nothing at all.

String Lights With a Twist

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String lights are a Christmas classic, but they don’t have to be the standard colorful, or bulky, kind. You can always try switching to soft whites or warm ambers so you will have the perfect cozy atmosphere without spoiling your decor. Drape them across a mantel, use them along a staircase, or wrap them around a minimalist wreath for that last dose of festive fun. If you want an almost invisible effect, choose thin wire versions so the lights can blend into your home’s decor.

Simple Wreaths

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The wreath doesn’t have to be over the top, obnoxious and full of decorations. Go for a wreath of fresh greenery, simple twigs, or even a simple metal frame with a little bow instead. A pared down wreath design can bring the outdoors beauty in your home and add an organic component to the entire space without being fussy.

Subtle Holiday Scents

Holiday decor wouldn’t be the same without fragrance, and it doesn’t always come in the form of candles. To recreate a holiday atmosphere, try using diffusers with scents like cinnamon, pine or vanilla as they will be without the need of over decorated accessories. Scents also contribute to making your home a warmer, cozier place, which is so important during this season of welcoming.

Modern Advent Calendar

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There are few more fun ways to count down the days to Christmas than with advent calendars, as traditional versions can be a little heavy on the flashy decorations. If you’re looking for a minimalist home, opt for a modern version with clean lines and neutral tones. Minimalist advent calendars come in the form of small cloth pockets or wooden compartments that hold treats or small gifts, a simple way of getting in the holiday spirit.

Minimalist Tree Skirt

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If you chose a tree, the base is as important. Instead of a bright red tree skirt, try a neutral toned linen or wool that will match the natural beauty of your tree. A solid, solid-colored tree skirt is another simple way to add a grounded element to the bottom of your tree, and let the focus stay on the tree itself, not the excess decorations.

Geometric Garlands

Not everything about garlands has to be flowing with tinsel and baubles. Draping minimalist garlands made of simple materials such as wood, metal or fabric across a mantel, banister, or around windows in your home can be stunning. Instead, geometric shapes like small wooden cubes or small wooden triangles sit alongside a clean, sophisticated aesthetic.

Minimalist Snow Globes

Most snow globes have over the top scenes, but if you’re looking for a minimalist version, go for a simple, understated design. For instance, a snow globe with a small winter scene, or even just a hint of a metallic design will add that much needed whimsy without making your space feel cluttered. Put it on a mantel or shelf, and it makes for elegant minimal holiday cheer.

Monochrome Christmas Tree

Instead of using the typical rainbow tree, choose a monochrome tree with a single color palette. For instance, white or silver ornaments will make for a sleek and sophisticated holiday look that fits right in with minimalist decor. If you want to keep the tree simple, you can mix in some natural things, like pinecones or small little wooden pieces.

Minimalist Christmas Table Setting

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If you’re hosting a holiday meal, a minimalist table setting will absolutely set the perfect tone. Choose simple, elegant, neutral tone dinnerware, like white or grey, and steer clear of over cluttering the table with tons of centerpieces. A few candles or a small vase with just a sprig of greenery can do the trick to make you feel welcome.

Faux Fur Throws

A faux fur throw tossed over a sofa or chair will add a bit of cozy texture to your minimalist decor. Faux fur is wonderfully soft and warm while adding just a touch of holiday luxury without taking over your space with clutter. Neutral tones such as ivory, grey and beige are an easy choice to keep things clean and serene.

Minimalist Holiday Cards

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If you send holiday cards, this can also be a minimalist tradition, just choose cards with simple designs and clean typography. Neutral colors, white, black, metallic accents or another calm color, exude elegance rather than extravagance. You can even show the cards on a string or a minimalist cardholder so it remains tidy and chic.

Holiday-themed Art Prints

If you are looking to decorate your home for the holiday season in a more minimalist way, think about using holiday themed art prints that go with your minimalist aesthetic. Instead of a more elaborately decorated Christmas tree, you can jazz things up with a simple line drawing of a winter scene, a subtle depiction of a Christmas tree or abstract prints in holiday colors to brighten up your space. These prints can be hung up in chic frames that will complete the look of your home.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.