How to Make A Small Space Cozy For Christmas

When we moved from our large home into a small coastal cottage, I was not thinking about the holidays. I was mesmerized by the ocean, just outside the back door, and dreaming of sunny days soaking up the sea air. As fall turned to winter I began to envision a cozy Christmas in our new home, so I set about collecting my favorite decor from the stacks of boxes I had put in storage. I only brought the things I loved to our new space and last week I set up our first Christmas tree in our new home. Today, I wanted to share some ideas about how to make a small space cozy for Christmas, without adding too much clutter.

1) Scale Down Your Christmas Tree

I typically put up two 9′ Christmas trees in our previous home, but there was no space for a tree that size in this small cottage, so I decided to use a beautiful 7′ tree from Balsam Hill. This tree is rather slim so it fit well in the corner of our living room.

I wanted the tree to melt into the environment of our coastal cottage, so I decided to use colors that complemented the decor in our home. I chose natural wood tones, soft creams, and off-whites mixed with mercury glass and subtle blue ornaments to create a look that fit right in with the ocean in the background. I recommend using colors that complement your existing decor to create that cozy look.

2) Replace Your Existing Decor With Seasonal Elements

Rather than add MORE to your existing decor, consider replacing your existing decor with the seasonal elements you love. I often store 2-3 boxes of my regular decor during the holiday season in order to make space for my Christmas pieces.

I love the idea of filling a dough bowl with shiny ornaments or adding a simple piece of greenery to a stack of books to celebrate a new season. Staying true to the environment is also important, so I kept my seashells on display alongside my Christmas decor.

3) Add Twinkle Lights Wherever Possible

Nothing makes a small space cozier than twinkle lights, so I did not hesitate to put up two of my favorite frosted trees in the corner of our living room. These slim beauties add a gorgeous glow to the room and create an extra layer of winter goodness that helped achieve the cozy feel I was looking for.

4) Make a Statement With Your Fireplace

If you have a fireplace, there is no better way to make a beautiful holiday statement than with loads of greenery on the mantle.

I like to layer several different garlands with a variety of colors to achieve a full look. I let it spill over the front of the mantle and trail off the sides.

The addition of some pretty garland hanging below the garland adds a bit of sparkle and a special touch. I kept the top of the mantle simple and subtle by adding just a few tall wooden pilar candle holders

I finished the look with my favorite cozy stockings and a string of holiday bells.

I hope this gives you a few ideas about how to make a small space cozy for Christmas. In the end, gathering with those you love is the best way to celebrate the holiday season!