Six space-saving Christmas decorating trends

1. Alternative Christmas trees

Add an element of surprise to your decor with a non-traditional Christmas tree. Google searches for “upside down hanging Christmas tree” attracted a 5,000% increase in the UK over the last 30 days. A great way to utilise vertical space, the bulk of the tree sits closer to the ceiling, freeing up more floor space - a savvy solution to still having a traditional Christmas tree. 

Investing in a half, slim, or curved Christmas tree can also be a clever way to maximise space in your apartment. Another space-saving alternative would be a wall-mounted tree, whether you create the illusion of a tree by mounting foliage to the wall or LED lights. You can get artistic with what you use to create the outline of your tree, whether it be with tinsel or fairy lights. 

2. Book-mas trees

For book lovers, a creative and space-saving solution to a traditional Christmas tree is to create a tree out of books.This sustainable trick consists of stacking your favourite reads in the shape of a tree and then decorating it. Opt for the closed book stacking method and make a circle then stack them into a point to replicate a tree. You can scale this up to create your bespoke size of book tree. 

Alternatively, create a mini book tree by opening the books to their middle and stacking them on top of each other face down. This works best as a mini display Christmas tree, perfectly sat upon a shelf or on a side table. This trend not only makes use of things you already have but also adds a literary charm to your holiday decor.

3. Festive fabrics

If you don’t want to commit to a Christmas tree, soft furnishings such as festive cushions, throws, table runners and even tea towels add a festive touch to your home. Adding little odes to Christmas goes a long way, especially when accompanied by a festive-scented candle. It's all about ambiance. 

The homemade decoration trend is an excellent way to get into the festive spirit while unleashing your creativity. In the last 30 days, UK Google Trends shows a breakout level of searches for ‘paper Christmas decorations’, 'how to make a bauble garland,' and 'Christmas tension rod'. The beauty of DIY decorations lies in the creative freedom it offers, you can tailor each piece to fit your space, creating bespoke ornaments perfect for your apartment.

4. Garlands and Wreaths

Garlands are versatile decorations that typically hang from the ceiling, another apartment-friendly decoration that utilises free vertical space. Traditional foliage garlands, dried fruit garlands, and paper chain garlands can be draped anywhere in your home. Another space-savvy placement would be around mirrors, cabinets and door frames.

Christmas wreaths come in a multitude of sizes, another great addition for decorating in an apartment. Whether you opt for a traditional wreath adorned with pinecones and berries or take a modern approach featuring bows or disco ball baubles, these timeless decorations instantly add a festive feel to your home.

A top tip for a DIY wreath is to stretch out a wire coat hanger into a circle for your wreath base, then get crafting. Try hanging your wreath from a mirror, their reflection creates the illusion of more space.

5. Put a bow on it

Bows are making a big comeback in 2024. Trends like ‘Christmas tree bow decorations’, ‘bow room decor’, and ‘bow garland’ have all seen a breakout in UK Google search volume over the past month. By simply tying velvet ribbon into a bow or doing the viral 'bow made out of bedsheet' trick, it’s easy to add festive flair to your apartment without cluttering your space.

Swap baubles for bows on your tree, they take up less space and can be repurposed. You can hang bows from the ceiling to utilise vertical space, loop ribbon around cabinets and tie at the front to create an integrated cabinet bow, or tie bows around cupboard handles for a streamlined pop of colour.

6. Take a minimalist approach 

Gwyneth Paltrow’s Christmas tree has gone viral this year for showcasing the ‘quiet luxury’ aesthetic, which focuses on understated elegance, highlighting that holiday cheer is meant to be felt, not evoked by possessions. This trend lends to those living in an apartment wishing to maximise space this holiday season. 

To achieve this quiet luxury style, dress your space with minimalist ornaments, this clean aesthetic prevents clutter, creating the illusion of more space. Refrain from the traditional Christmas reds and greens and steer towards a more neutral colour palette. Neutrals contour a room, again creating the illusion of additional space. Lighting also plays a big part in making a room feel smaller, the quiet luxury trend is all about using multiple light sources around the room to open up the space and make it feel bigger.