18 Cozy and Festive Solutions for Tiny Spaces
Back in the day before I was married with this CRAP TONNA KIDS, it was just me and my lil’ old apartment. I remember those days.
So if you’re in a small space, don’t let it hold you back from creating a festive atmosphere.
With a little creativity, you can transform your cozy home into a winter wonderland! There are plenty of ways to add holiday cheer to your compact living space without overwhelming it.
Let’s get merry, y’all!
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Mini Christmas Tree
A mini Christmas tree is perfect for small apartments. You can place it on a table, shelf, or countertop.
These teeny trees come in many styles, from realistic-looking artificial ones to colorful tinsel versions. We got Charlotte a pink Christmas tree one year (that is still a HUGE hit btw) and they sell a smaller versions of it on Amazon!
Choose a tree that fits your space and decor. Some mini trees are pre-lit, saving you the hassle of stringing lights. Ask me how I know.
Decorate your mini tree with small ornaments and garlands. Or even fun things like miniature candy canes, and thin ribbons work well too!
Garland
Garland adds a touch of nature to your small apartment during Christmas. You can make one easily with items from the outdoors or craft stores if you don’t want to buy one yourself. It’s a simple way to bring some festive cheer to your space.
Plaid Throw Pillows
Say what you will, but plaid is classic and I LOVE it. Plaid throw pillows are a great way to add a cozy, festive touch to your small apartment this Christmas. You can easily swap out your regular pillows for these seasonal ones to instantly transform your space.
Pillow pro tip: Don’t buy pillows, by inserts and pillow covers! That way it’s cheaper and easier to store because it takes up less space! (Here are my favorite pillow inserts that we have in almost every size!)
Look for plaid patterns in traditional red and green colors for a classic holiday feel. Or try modern twists like black and white buffalo check or navy and white tartan for a more subtle nod to the season.
Mix and match different plaid patterns and sizes of pillows to create visual interest. Pair them with solid color pillows in complementary hues for a balanced look.
Don’t limit plaid pillows to just your couch. Add them to armchairs, your bed, or even a reading nook to spread holiday cheer throughout your apartment. Y’all know how I feel about reading nooks 🙂
Stockings by your Fireplace
(If you have one, of course!)
Don’t have a fireplace? No problem! Create a faux mantel using a floating shelf. Hang your stockings from the shelf and decorate it with garland, lights, or small ornaments.
For a personal touch, use embroidered or customized stockings with your name or initials. If your family is still growing, you can get name tags to hang on the stockings individually like we got from Etsy a couple years ago. I LOVE these so much!
Front Door Wreath
This cheerful decoration adds a warm glow to your space without taking up much room.
You can hang the wreath on your front door to welcome guests or place it on an interior wall as a focal point if your space doesn’t have room for a tree. Add twinkling lights to create a cozy atmosphere perfect for holiday gatherings.
Choose a wreath with battery-powered lights so you don’t need to worry about finding an outlet nearby. This allows you to put it anywhere you like. This wreath from Amazon has amazing reviews and looks realistic!
Pick a wreath size that fits your space. Smaller wreaths work well in compact areas, while larger ones make a bold statement if you have more wall space.
Vintage Santa Figurines
Bring a touch of nostalgia to your small apartment with vintage Santa figurines. These charming decorations can add a festive feel without taking up much space.
Look for small-scale Santas made of porcelain, ceramic, wood, or even handmade with felt. You can find them at antique shops, flea markets, or online marketplaces. I’ve seen some of these lil’ retro guys and they’re SO fun!
Not to mention my father in law collects them and has (not even exaggerating) almost 300 of them. A *bit* over the top, but that’s who he is.
If you’re short on surface space, consider hanging vintage Santa ornaments on a small tabletop tree. This allows you to enjoy the classic look without cluttering your apartment.
Remember to mix vintage Santas with modern decor for a balanced look. This blend of old and new can create an interesting and personal holiday style in your small space. Unless you already lean vintage which in that case, do you baby girl!
Candle Holder Centerpiece
A candle holder centerpiece can add a warm glow to your small apartment during the holidays. You can create a festive focal point for your dining table or coffee table with just a few items.
To make this inexpensively, start by choosing a tray or shallow dish as the base. Look for one that fits your space and style. Place a few pillar candles of varying heights in the center of the tray.
Then surround the candles with pinecones, small ornaments, or cranberries. You can also add sprigs of evergreen or holly for a natural touch. This creates a cozy, wintery scene.
For extra sparkle, wrap battery-operated fairy lights around the items on the tray. The soft twinkle will enhance the candlelight and create a magical atmosphere in your apartment. You know I’m a sucker for fairy lights.
If you don’t want to use real candles, my favorite are these LED pillar candles that we have sitting on our table right now! You can use them with a remote too which the kids get a kick out of.
CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO SHOP!
Holiday-Themed Dish Towels
Festive dish towels can add a merry touch to your small apartment kitchen. You can hang them on oven handles or cabinet knobs to bring holiday cheer. They’re an easy and affordable way to decorate without taking up space.
Look for towels with Christmas patterns like snowflakes, reindeer, or Santa designs.
Red and green plaid prints are also popular choices if you’re not into patterns – you could even do solid red and green ones to have the color, but not the kitsch if you know what I’m sayin.
Cozy Knit Blankets
Y’all know I’m a sucker for a comfort item. Loungewear sets, cozy bamboo pajamas, blankets, even an entire cozy woman cave – I’ll take it ALLLL.
Drape a soft knit blanket over your couch or armchair to instantly make your small apartment feel warmer. Choose a chunky cable knit in cream, gray, or burgundy for a classic winter look.
You can also hang a colorful knit throw on a blanket ladder for easy access and added decoration. This saves space while keeping your cozy companion close at hand.
Don’t forget about your bed! Layer a thick knit blanket at the foot of your bed a la Pottery Barn for extra warmth on chilly nights. Pick a pattern or color that complements your existing bedding.
Seasonal Scented Candles
Seasonal scented candles are the perfect way to add decor without taking up a ton of space. These little gems can transform your space into a winter wonderland with just a flick of a match (or my favorite rechargeable USB lighter!)
Choose scents like pine, cinnamon, or gingerbread to bring the holiday spirit indoors. Place them on windowsills, coffee tables, or shelves – whatever makes the most sense in your sweet little apartment.
Festive Doormat
A festive (dare I say snarky?) doormat is a simple way to add holiday cheer to your small apartment. You can place it outside your door or right inside the entryway. It’s a great first impression for guests and gets you in the spirit every time you come home.
Choose a doormat with a fun Christmas design or message. Options include Santa, reindeer, snowflakes, or holiday greetings. Pick colors that match your other decorations for a cohesive look if you’re into that kinda thing.
Over-the-Door Advent Calendar
An over-the-door advent calendar is a fun way to count down to Christmas in a small space. You can hang it on any door in your apartment without taking up floor space. I love this photo advent calendar option!
Christmas-Themed Wall Art
Brighten up your small apartment with festive wall art this Christmas. Try hanging a set of holiday-themed prints or posters to add color and cheer.
For a more elegant look, consider framed Christmas-themed art prints. Choose classic scenes like snowy landscapes or vintage Santa illustrations. These can be swapped out with your regular decor when the season ends.
Plaid Table Runner
A plaid table runner can add a cozy touch to your small apartment’s Christmas decor. They’re perfect for dressing up your dining table if you have one.
You can lay the runner down the middle of your table or drape it across a sideboard. It’s a simple way to make your eating area more festive.
For extra cheer, try placing some small ornaments or pinecones along the runner. You could also (once again) add battery-operated fairy lights for a warm glow.
Christmas Countdown Blocks or Sign
Christmas countdown blocks are perfect for small apartments. These cute little blocks sit on your shelf or table and show how many days are left until the big day.
You can find countdown signs in many styles. Some look like mini wooden houses. Others are shaped like Santa or reindeer. Pick a set that matches your decor.
Changing the numbers each day builds excitement. It’s a great activity to do with kids or roommates. You’ll love watching the days tick down to Christmas.
Countdown blocks don’t take up much space which makes them ideal for apartments with limited room. You can easily move them around or store them away after the holidays.
Decorative Plate Set
Spruce up your small apartment for Christmas with a festive decorative plate set.
Choose a set of 3-4 small plates with holiday designs like snowflakes, reindeer, or Christmas trees. Mix and match different designs or stick to a cohesive theme.
When not on display, stack the plates and use them for serving holiday treats to guests. This dual-purpose decor is perfect for small spaces.
Look for plates in colors that match your existing decor. Red and green are classic obviously, but white, gold, or blue can work well too.
Metallic Reindeer Sculptures
I finally got some of these guys 2 years ago and I love them!
These shiny decorations bring festive cheer without taking up much space. You can find them in various sizes to fit your needs.
Place a small silver reindeer on your coffee table as a centerpiece. For a bolder look, try a gold reindeer statue on your mantle or bookshelf.
Don’t forget about tabletop options! Tiny copper reindeer figurines look great scattered across a sideboard or dining table if your tiny apartment has the space! They’re perfect for creating a winter wonderland scene in a compact area.
String Light Photo Display
You can create a festive and personal touch in your small apartment with a string light photo display.
This easy DIY project combines warm, twinkling lights with your favorite memories.
Gather your favorite photos. Pick a mix of holiday snapshots and year-round memories. Attach them to the wall and add a mix of string lights.
This decor idea works well in any room. Try it above your bed, in the living room, or even in a hallway.
It adds a cozy glow and lets you show off cherished moments in a unique way.
I hope you don’t feel like the size of your apartment means you can’t decorate in a big way. Get festive af, friends!
