Top 15 Minimalist Christmas Decor Ideas 2023

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Being a minimalist has become very misconstrued in recent years. What was once a lifestyle of purpose has become a decorating style of taste. Being a minimalist at heart means ensuring that every item you use has a purpose or meaning. But how does that jive with wanting to create a cozy home? These are the top 15 minimalist Christmas decor ideas that keeps your minimalist heart at ease, while enjoying the holiday spirit!

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How do minimalist decorate for Christmas?

When you think of Christmas decor, most people conjure up images of Santa and snowmen collections, full Christmas trees, mounds of presents, and cluttered spaces.

I’ll admit, Christmas is my favorite season (and only holiday) to decorate for. I’m personally not what most would call a minimalist. I’m content to decorate a space simply because I enjoy it. That is my purpose: enjoyment.

However, most minimalists see extravagant decor as unnecessary, and even wasteful. So today, my goal is to help you create a cozy holiday home that is purposeful and minimalistic.

Here are some minimalist Christmas decor philosophies to get your brainstorming wheels turning. Think beyond physical Christmas decor to a broader definition of holiday decorating.

• Choose one simple color scheme to stick to so as not to overwhelm your home visually.
• Remove and store most of your year-round decorations to make space to replace a few areas with holiday related decor. This helps you cut down on the clutter from the start.
• Rather than buying faux greenery, only use foraged greens and make your own garland and wreaths.
• Consider what creates a cozy environment: focus on lighting, comfort, scent, and touch.

15 Minimalist Christmas Decor IDeas

Now, if you’re looking for more concrete minimalist Christmas decor ideas, try your hand at adding a few of these items to your home this holiday season.

1. Real greenery
2. Realistic garland
3. Evergreen wreaths without embellishments
4. String of bells
5. Stack of blankets
6. Bowl of pinecones
7. Berry wreath
8. Single candle
9. Playful pillows
10. Single art piece
11. Deer antlers
12. Bowl of ornaments
13. Minimalist wire wreaths
14. Bare Christmas tree
15. Tray of pillar candles

Holiday Greenery

Let’s start with the most basic, and yet most impactful, Christmas decor: greenery.

Whether you are foraging and clipping evergreens from your yard, or you buy realistic faux greenery, you will make a quick statement with beautiful garlands and wreaths.

You can quickly dress up a space for the holidays with a simple placement of garland over a window, on a shelf, on top of a cabinet, or on a mantel.

Similarly, a beautiful wreath can pack a punch as well. The bonus to wreaths is that they are off of tabletops and surfaces, leaving space for everyday use.

Decorating Minimalist Christmas Decor with Comfort

Next, think about comfort.

Pillows and blankets are two of the most underutilized items that serve both a purpose and can be pretty.

Blankets and pillows come in so many shapes, sizes, materials, and weights. Choose wisely with blankets and pillows that will add some holiday festivity to your decor and be able to span into the winter months.

I always like to add a stack of cozy blankets that are accessible to my family and guests when they are visiting. They serve a practical purpose, but also look pretty when neatly folded.

Single Bowl or Tray of Decor

Most minimalists don’t enjoy tchotchkes. However, a single bowl filled with pinecones, ornaments or a tray of pillar candles can go a long way in creating a cozy environment.

Make it purposeful by adding cinnamon sticks for scent. Or, create a cozy glow with candles to enjoy in the evenings.

Display a Bare Christmas Tree

A Christmas tree is a staple, even for minimalist Christmas decor.

You can keep it minimal with just a few baubles. Or, you can simply add lights and nothing more for a cozy glow!

Some of my favorite minimalist looks over the years have included tiny live norfolk pine trees on my kitchen counter. You can often find them at your local greenhouse, grocery store, or online at Walmart!

You’ll Also Enjoy…

I hope that this article on how to add minimalist Christmas decor with purpose has been helpful to spark your holiday decorating!

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Next, head over to my Christmas decorating archives for more ideas and inspiration.

~Sarah