10 style-savvy ways to decorate a small living room for Christmas, according to design experts

The thought of decorating a small living room for Christmas can feel a little dispiriting. You’re bombarded with blingy festive interiors on TV and social media, loaded up with Christmas trees that can be seen from space and more spruces and pinecones than Sherwood Forest. Meanwhile, you’re sat on your space-saving sofa wondering whether it will be possible to squeeze a tree in at all, or at least not without getting a face full of needles every time you sit down.

‘Sometimes it’s about using what you already have, and if you don’t have the room for grand Christmas decor ideas, metres of fairy lights or even a tree, there are routes you can take to show you’re still in the spirit!’ reassures Joanna Baumard, Co-Founder of Purlfrost. There are plenty of ways to add festive charm without overwhelming a small living room. 

Small living room Christmas decorating ideas

Decorating a spatially challenged room for the festive season definitely isn’t all doom and gloom, as some of the best Christmas living room decor ideas really do look so much better in a bijou setting. And it requires far fewer baubles and bunting to dress a small living room for Christmas, leaving a little more in the pot for presents. 

1. Dress the windows

You may not be looking out onto a winter wonderland this Christmas (finger’s crossed for snow), but your windows are the perfect target for a sprinkling of festive cheer. A generous bay window or any windows with deep sills or seating will provide a little more space to layer up the holly, ivy and evergreen spruces but it’s easy to drape garlands and tinsel across even the smallest frames for a beautiful Christmas window decor look.

‘No matter what style of window you have, there are lots of great opportunities to utilise different types of decorations,’ enthuses Rikke Blaesild, Range and Design Manager at JYSK. ‘Even simply hanging existing decorations such as baubles and other tree ornaments in front of the glass will add festive sparkle without needing to splurge on extra decs.’

The glass itself can also be given a festive makeover using window films and reusable window stickers.

2. Go for gold

It might be tempting to stick to a white and silver scheme for the promise of space-enhancing brightness but the experts believe a cosier vibe is the way forward when seeking out decorating ideas for small living rooms. 

‘You can never go wrong with gold at Christmas and it’s perfect for small living spaces,’ says Jane Rockett, Co-founder of Rockett St George. ‘Gold introduces cosy warmth and maximalist glamour to your home and is, therefore, the ideal choice for your festive colour scheme.’

Rockett St George’s top tip for creating a magical atmosphere at home during the holiday season is to use Christmas candles everywhere. ‘Gold Christmas decorations and garlands reflect this candlelight with a gorgeous golden glow and help set the scene for any occasion – from cosy nights in, to festive house party entertaining with all of your favourite people,’ explains Jane. 

3. Work in a wreath

The classic Christmas wreath is no longer just for the front door – bring the festive greenery inside your living room, on walls, shelving and above the fireplace, to enjoy for longer. Hung or leaning on the walls, wreathes don’t take up any precious floor or counter space, making them a brilliant option when space is restricted. 

‘Each year we see new and creative ways that customers are displaying this simple yet impactful decoration inside. We see a real trend for wreaths as a Christmas tree alternative in smaller spaces to still create a Christmassy feeling at home,’ says Abi Wilson, Head of Buying – Celebrations at Habitat.

‘Christmas wreaths make a great festive focal point, often dressed with personal touches to complement the surroundings. Faux designs are a great option as they don’t perish, and so can be stored and enjoyed year after year.’

4. Add festive sparkle to shelving

Get your shelfie action on and give vertical storage a seasonal glow up – be it a single shelf above the sofa, living room shelving in alcoves or a small dresser. If you don’t have any shelving in-situ, consider investing in freestanding shelves. ‘A slimline shelving unit provides the ideal framework to create a neat festive display while maximising the space in the room,’ says Jonathan Clark, Creative Director of Shelved. 

‘The key is to dress your shelves with items that complement a small space, without compromising on the fun of Christmas décor,’ he adds. Pared back needn’t be joyless. For example, a Scandi-style shelving display featuring white lanterns, pinecones and a sprinkling of battery-operated fairy lights will look absolutely charming, without overpowering your small living room. 

5. Makeover your mantel

No space for a tree? No stress. Drape a fir garland – the bushier the better – across your mantlepiece and load it up with baubles and lights. ‘Framing your mantlepiece with a garland and stockings will add that instant festive flare,’ says Shelley Robinson, Senior Brand Manager at B&M. 

‘We recommend using a variety of textures and colour – and by bringing in festive characters like gonks or nutcrackers you can invite the joy of Christmas so easily into your look.’ To add extra impact to your Christmas mantel decor, carry your garland down to the floor on one side and double up the thickness.

6. Focus attention upwards

You may not want to recreate the festoons of red, gold and green metallic garlands your nan favoured, but don’t overlook the living room ceiling for a dose of festive cheer. Usually white, ceilings are the perfect blank canvas for a splash of colour. Opt for lightweight decorations that won’t cause any damage to the plaster, and make sure any decs that dangle down sit above head height!

‘We love to use Origami paper decorations, which can look simple and elegant and instantly transform a small living space. As they are very light you can hang them using a drawing pin and fine cotton or ribbons from the ceiling, the bright white paper decorations look really striking and add a beautiful touch to festivities,’ says Jamie Graham, co-owner of Graham and Green. 

7. Look for tree alternatives

Christmas trees can swallow up a lot of precious floor space in a small living room – you may even need to rearrange or relocate some furniture to squeeze one in. Instead, why not consider Christmas tree alternatives like a ladder tree from John Lewis or a DIY space-saving tree? Those aimed at small spaces are designed to sit on a sideboard, coffee table or windowsill, so you won’t have to make any seating sacrifices when guests come over. 

‘Using a branch from the garden or local woodland is a brilliant and sustainable alternative to a traditional tree in the home,’ suggests Lou Graham, co-founder of Graham and Green. ‘Decorate with delicate lights and baubles and it will feel just as magical but require much less space.’

8. Layer on the lighting

Decorating with Christmas lights is the secret to establishing a festive atmosphere – everything feels more magical under the soft glow of fairy lights! Battery-powered string lights are affordable and flexible, too. 

They can be draped around windows, doorways and the tops of dressers without having to worry about socket locations or extension leads. Our guide to where to buy Christmas lights is full of options for all types. We love lanterns or vases filled with string lights on a windowsill or table for a cosy glow, and don’t forget the candles. LED or real flame, candles always guarantee the cosiness levels will soar. 

‘Try spreading festive lighting evenly to draw the eye around a small living room and make it appear larger. Evenly spread light is key for opening up a space and lighting up dark corners. Lights that illuminate upwards and outwards will also help to bounce light around a room and create a glow that is soft and flattering,’ adds Camilla Lesser, property expert at Essential Living. 

9. Invest in Christmas cushions

As the largest piece of furniture in your living room, it’s easy to make a big seasonal splash on the sofa. Simply switching out your regular cushion covers for Christmas themed designs can prove a quick win and is a great budget Christmas decor trick. Give them a wash after the holidays, and store with the rest of your decorations to be used every year. 

‘Decorating the sofa can really help dial up the festive atmosphere in a small living room,’ agrees Gareth Coxall, Creative Director at Terrys. ‘Drape a festive throw over the back - maybe a bottle green faux fur or ruby red fleece. Next, arrange a collection of Christmas cushions. Whether you choose neutral cream boucles, neon brights, or more traditional designs - mix, match and layer them to create an inviting and cosy space to relax on a chilly winter’s evening. The last thing you’ll need? A mug of mulled wine.’

10. Practice restraint

While decorating is fun, when it comes to small living room decorating ideas it’s essential not to get too carried away. Less is more, and a few thoughtfully placed decorations can often be far more impressive than an overwhelming visual feast of tinsel, sparkle and bright lights. 

‘Don’t go overboard. A theme is important and decorations are key for occasions like Christmas where you intend to bring some festive cheer into your space, but taking this too far — with large inflatable props and eccentric hanging decorations — can make your already small space, feel even more cramped,’ says Camilla Lesser, property expert at Essential Living. 

FAQs

A small living room can still look beautiful at Christmas, simply think of your room as a jewellery box and fill it with everything that sparkles and brings you job.