12 Brilliant Holiday Decorating Tricks for Small Spaces

1) Embrace Your Entry

You might not have a yard or even a bedroom but everybody has a doorway. A dramatic enveloping of handmade garlands, offers all the holiday magic we need.

2) Try a Midsize Tree

This might go against everything you’ve been told, but hear us out on this: While small trees leave more room for walking around, tiny trees lack the bravado of a large tree.

3) Improvise a Mantel

Missing a mantle? While Santa has perfected the fire escape entrance into your apartment (fear not, city kids), he’s also an expert stocking detector—so be inventive with your stocking placement.

4) Take Advantage of Vertical Space

As you gear up for the big day of eating and gifting (and more eating), think beyond the traditional table centerpiece by hanging ornaments and pendants from the ceiling.

5) Keep It Light and Bright

Rule number one of small space decorating dictates that lighter colors make a room feel more spacious. And this delightful nautical vignette offers many lessons to be learned in the neutral-toned department.

6) Add a Touch of Twinkle

Tis the season to sparkle! Christmas lights are the ultimate mood lighting, and the warm glow of this gleaming wreath will level up the festive cheer in any room.

7) Double the Decor

Mirrors are multitaskers. A tall mirror not only draws the eye upward, but it also reflects, creating the illusion of a much larger room. Hot tip: Place your tree in front of the mirror and you’ll have twice as much evergreen cheer!

8) Work the Decor Around Your Lifestyle

You needn’t sacrifice personality for a few square inches of space. If a tree in your kitchen comes at the cost of sink access, we’d suggest instead embellishing the nooks and crannies that won’t inhibit your ability to function.

9) Slumber in Style

Mission accomplished in this cozy bedroom with a few simple accents—an above-bed wreath, tartan pillows, and a bright red blanket (linens compliments of Lark & Linen)—that require no furniture rearranging.

10) Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

If there’s one holiday vignette your guests will all gather around at a Christmas party, it’s the wine and spirits. Take inspiration from Hank and Hunt and add a little holiday flair to your favorite area in the apartment.

11) Go Bold with Color

The best way to make a small room feel festive is to go big on color. Even if your home has a relatively neutral color palette, adding a few vibrant pieces will shock your design system...in the best way possible.

12) Dress Up the Chairs

Jazz up your everyday furniture with Christmas flair without taking up any extra space. In this festive vignette, Burnett’s Boards adds a a sweet touch to wooden dining room chairs with a small wreath and neutral ribbon.

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