Now that the holiday season is over and the new year is here, many people are busy packing away those cozy festive decorations, returning their homes to their pre-festive state, while others will be preparing for a winter home makeover.
But why let go of all that cozy magic? Winter days are cold and long, however, there’s no reason your space can’t be as warm and welcoming the entire winter as it was during the holiday season. Instead of packing away every ornament and decoration, extend the best part of the holiday decor to refresh your space.
Through subtle and thoughtful updates, your home can still remain a reflection of holiday warmth, even without those glittery displays.
So, if you’re a fan of hygge vibes, a lover of neutral palettes, or just someone who hates the thought of bare walls and empty mantels, this guide is for you. Let’s keep the cozy vibe going and refresh your space for the season.
Winter Decorating Ideas That Let You Keep the Best Parts of Your Holiday Decor
1. Keep the Twinkle Lights
Twinkle lights are more than just a seasonal decor element—they’re timeless features that add character to any home makeover and sets the tone for a lasting, inviting mood.
In winter we all crave a warm, snug feel and twinkling lights can create that ambience that keeps the cozy allure long after the holiday season fades.
In contrast to harsh overhead lights, they emit a soft glow, ideal for creating intimate settings in living rooms, bedrooms, or even outdoor patios. Pair them with natural elements like pinecones or garlands, and you’ve got winter home decor that excludes effortless elegance and understated warmth.
Lily Notz on Dupe
2. Embrace Green Elements
Once the holiday comes to an end, we box up all the festive decor and spirit, but before you toss those garlands and wreaths, consider making them a staple for your winter home makeover.
Greenery has a way of bridging the gap between seasonal festivity and timeless decor, offering a natural warmth that’s much needed during the colder months.
Natural green brings in a calming, organic vibe that softens the starkness of winter. You can repurpose holiday garlands by removing the overtly festive ornaments and pairing them with winter-inspired decor to transform your space into a serene winter retreat that stays cozy long after the holiday rush.
3. Decorate with Snowy Touches
The snowy accents from your holiday decor can keep the cozy vibe alive while subtly transitioning your space into the new season.
All the soft whites, frosty silver, and a hint of icy blue depicts the serene beauty of a snow-covered landscape, creating a refreshing contrast to the dark, heavy tones of winter. You can scatter the snowflake-shaped or glass ornaments on shelves, or display them on a table, arrange snowy branches in a vase, or keep delicate white garlands around doorways.
These snowy elements also stretch the life of your holiday decor, making it feel intentional rather than seasonal.
Camylla Bhattani on Unsplash
4. Touch Up the Mantel
The mantel stands out as one of the key features of winter home makeover, but you don’t have to overhaul it with each season. Instead, shift your focus to pieces that offer both warmth and texture. A few simple swaps and touches of thoughtful layering will ensure your mantel feels fresh and ready for any occasion—whether it’s holidays, winter, spring, or any season in between.
For starters, you can clean out any holiday-specific decor, like oversized stockings or Santa figurines. Keep candles, neutral-colored garlands, and any lantern to maintain the winter vibe. If you wish you can also string lights along the garland or tuck them in between decor pieces to create a soft, ambient glow.
5. Preserve Rustic Charm
The rustic elements of your holiday decor, with its warm, earthy tones and natural texture adds an undeniable coziness that perfectly complements the cold, crisp winter months.
The natural details of wooden accents, weathered finishes, and cozy textiles like wooden wreaths, burlap ribbons, and stone or metal accents instantly set that down-to-earth vibe that feels timeless. Any rustic signs, wooden deer figurines, distressed wood frames for holiday photos, or even a pile of birch wood can also carry the holiday spirit to the winter season.
6. Reuse Gift Wrap and Ribbons
Repurposing your holiday decor gift wrap and ribbons into your winter decor makeover is a sustainable way to upgrade the seasonal beauty of your home without adding extra clutter.
Find new life for your gift ribbons as stylish accents decor. Satin or velvet ribbons are perfect for creating a rich, velvety texture. Drap them across your mantle or entwine them through garlands to add subtle color and movement, or tie them around candles, vases, or jars for a classic look.
For a more rugged, organic feel, reuse any burlap or twin ribbons for DIY decor projects like wrapping vases or tying napkins. Any wrapping papers with subtle snowflakes, metallic, or plaid patterns can also be used to cover small boxes or even empty containers as a budget-friendly way to maintain that festive yet wintry setting.
7. Spruce Up Entryway Decor
Refreshing your entryway to give it a seasonal makeover doesn’t have to be a whole project if you already have a few warm, earthy hues in your holiday decor. Your entryway itself can make a significant statement with minimal effort.
Revisit your doorway first— swap out your holiday doormat for one that subtly hits the winter theme. Keep the holiday-specific wreath, ones with something evergreen or with soft, muted tones, or any twig and branches that can introduce depth without shouting holiday kitsch.
If you have a small table or console in your entryway, keep it chill with a neutral theme to create a calming, wintery vibe that flows seamlessly with the rest of your home.
Nataliya Melnychuk on Unsplash
8. Create a Wintery Centerpiece
Revamping your holiday decor into winter-themed centerpieces is a playful take to extend the seasonal spirit into the new year. Rather than stashing away every decoration, repurpose them to create a cozy centerpiece that mirrors the peaceful charm of the cold season.
Hold onto the sturdy, neutral base, something simple like a wooden tray or a shallow bowl, then layer in your holiday treasures. All the shining ornaments you used on your tree, gather them together in a bowl or vase. You can also fill it with a layer of white cotton to mimic the crisp snow. Mix in other neutral elements, like pinecones, sprigs of faux greenery, and branches, along with a few pillar or taper candles to enhance the wintery feel.
9. Create a Cozy Winter Reading Nook With Holiday Decor
Holiday decor is full of cozy elements and a touch of nostalgia. Extend those warm touches into your home styling.
In winter, finding a cozy spot to snuggle up with coffee and let the book’s warmth wrap you up can be very comforting. Creating a reading nook using your holiday decor is the best way to unwind during colder days that can offer warmth and the charm of the season.
Cozy up your nook with plush holiday throws and cushions. String those fairy lights along the edges or tuck them into jars and festive lanterns for a soft glow. You can also frame your nook with a natural, earthy charm with a few chosen holiday decor and create a reading nook that mirrors the peaceful spirit of the season.
Keep the Magic Alive Beyond the Holidays
Winter invites us to create a space that welcomes seasonal beauty that goes beyond festive boundaries. Though the festive season may be over, your home can stay merry year-round. By preserving cozy elements of your holiday decor, you can transform your home into an inviting sanctuary that excludes gentle warmth throughout the winter.
