Winter Decorating
There’s more to the holiday season than the major holidays. Celebrate the start of winter (December 22) and the first snowfall, and keep your house feeling cozy and inviting through the last snowfall. Also keep in mind the tips from the Autumn Decorating guide and make the transition between seasons subtle. The fewer changes you want to make, the less work you have to do. Whatever you choose, enjoy it–it’s winter and it’s too cold to not be completely cozy!
Snow and Ice
Snow is a major part of the winter holiday season for much of North America. Celebrate the imminent falling flakes with a decorative touch. You don’t need to have literal snowflakes–too many will look tacky anyway. Lots of pale blues and purples will set the right tone, while crystal clear and shiny black and white accessories punch up the contrast. Bold patterns and a modern feel are in right now, so skip the baroque candlesticks in favor of a simple, pared-down design. Stay on the natural history theme from the autumn with display-quality pieces of crystal quartz or, appropriately, snowflake obsidian.
Black and White
Black and white, in the abstract, evoke snow and winter shadows. These stark accents can add a modern flair to the room.
Pale Blue (Powder Blue,Aquamarine)
Icy colors call winter to mind instantly, and you’ll soon be on your way towards your very own igloo.
Clear, Modern Glass
Another ice-reminiscent favorite. Glass is a simple way to create a crystal palace feeling in the warmest homes.
Pale Purple (Lilac and Lavender)
A less obvious choice for turning your home into a winter wonderland; great for later in the season and transitioning into spring.
Jewel-Tone Colors
You can also go with warmer traditional winter decor: rich and luxurious elements with a deep forest and jewel-tone color palette.
Dark Woods
Dark wood finishes contrast nicely with icy colors and look great brightened with jewel tones.
Dark Green
A dark shade of green can liven up a room. Don’t mix this tone with too many other color or styles.
Cranberry
A great transition color from fall to winter. Very versatile when mixing with other accent pieces.
Gold
Brushed gold bowls and finely woven gold throws give a room a sunny glow in the winter gloom.
Rich Purple
A deep aubergine bowl or glassware set can set off dark woods and give off a mysterious, moody air.
Textures
Winter textures should reflect either the shiny, sparkly snow and festival season, or the desire to snuggle into your furniture.
Velvet/Velour/Chenille
Another light-touch accent, it can add the right blend of toastiness and shine to a chair or couch.
Thick Wool
The warmest natural fabric; you’ll want to dive into a wool blanket and stay cuddled there for a long time.
Glittery and Shiny
A sparkly way to recall undisturbed snow; look for mirrored, etched surfaces and pale, polished metals.
Textured Wood
Winter is the best season to show off aged or textured wood furniture; these often antique items invite nostalgic feelings.
Layers
You don’t want it to look or feel cold when you’re home. Just as you layer up every morning, your house can put on a few extra layers in the winter; luckily, most of these items can be stored during the summer. Additionally, you can change the slipcovers on your furniture to match the season.
Pillows and Floor Cushions
The best way to weave color into permanent furniture like couches and chairs. You can change these out for seasonally appropriate pillows when spring comes.
Throws
Great for cuddling on the couch or draping over a chair. Throws can come in nearly any fabric, including wool and fleece. A traditional quilt is also an option.
Area Rugs
A good rug can add to the wintery atmosphere of the room while helping to keep the room cozy, at least for feet. Antique-style carpets in warm colors are the way to go here.
Window Treatments
Bare windows in the winter are a surefire way to waste money on heating. With the right window treatment, you can complement the room and reduce your energy bills.