Here's a list of winter decor ideas that are inexpensive, simple, and make for an easy way to transition into the new year.

1. Switch To Neutral Colors

Nothing says Christmas more than a bright color palette of red, green, and white. The most effective way to keep your home feeling cozy and wintry after the holidays is to switch your colourful winter decorations to the more subdued hues found in nature at this time of year. 

Instead of shimmery reds or shiny golds, incorporate a color scheme of forest greens, rustic browns, and warm winter whites. It might be as easy as just removing all of the vibrant items in your holiday decor and leaving the greenery, mini trees, and small pine cones on your tabletops. 

There's nothing that says you can't keep a Christmas wreath up on your front door too. Just remove any decorative bows and ribbons give it a simpler winter look.

There's no longer the shimmer of the Christmas tree to get you through the remaining winter months but you can create that warm glow with candles. 

Decorating with candles is one of the simplest and cheapest winter decor ideas. Pillar candles or brass candle holders on the fireplace mantel is a classic look. It's an easy way to create a focal point and add a little bit of decor to the fireplace which can feel very barren and empty after the garlands were removed.

Don't hesitate to add candles into other areas of your home. Stack white candles on books, arrange them on your shelves, or tuck one on your coffee table tray. Light them up for a simple way to make your home feel warm and cozy even when its an arctic freeze outside.

You can also use fairy lights or twinkle lights sparingly to keep that winter feeling. Here on the porch, I've replaced colourful Christmas lights with twinkle lights in a rustic lantern. I keep them on a timer and it helps the exterior of my home feel wintry but not festive.

3. Rustic and Natural Accents

Decorating with natural elements is a sound approach for any season. In the winter time, you can forage bare trees for dramatic looking branches, hunt for red berries, birch logs, and fallen pine cones. These non-Christmas winter decor accessories bring texture, shape, and character to the hard surfaces of your home.


If you choose to keep displaying some of your faux greenery or mini evergreen trees, keep them simple. Remove ornaments and place the trees in simple terracotta pots or pails. And while creating abundant clusters of trees was the way to go for the holidays, a good rule of thumb post Christmas is "less is more" so stick to a single small tree or two.

4. Cozy Textiles

A family room is not complete without cushy pillows and cozy throw blankets, especially in winter. It's the time to sink into the sofa, surrounded by soft throw pillows with a warm throw on your lap. 

Switch out your decorative Christmas pillow covers for solid tones, cable knit covers or velvet pillows. You might also trade out the plaid blankets of the holiday season for ones made of faux fur or wool. Adding lots of texture makes a space feel more inviting and is an effective way to ward off the cold weather.

Cozy textiles are especially effective at creating a warm winter bedroom. Adding an extra quilt or knit throw to your bed linens will help you stay snoozy on cold winter mornings.

5. Shiny and Bright

One of the simple ways to counter those winter blues is to add in shiny or bright accessories that reflect or bounce the light. Mercury glass vases, mirrored picture frames, and shiny candlesticks all do the trick. 

On my coffee table, I've kept the polished silver coasters I found at the thrift store. They not only provide a place to rest that hot cup of cocoa but they add a bit of sparkle to the living room.

6. Wood Tones

Another way to add warmth to your winter home is to bring in warm wood tones. While white washed and light woods definitely lend a cool winter Scandi vibe, cozy winter decor focuses on darker and richer wood tones. 

You can bring in wood through non-Christmas items like wooden boxes, trays, decorative figures, or picture frames. I especially love wood mixed with vintage items that have some patina, like candlesticks or silver vessels.

7. Winter Art

There's nothing like the right piece of art to invoke those winter feels. It's the perfect time to switch out your Christmas sayings art prints for ones with more general art scenes. Think horses galloping in the snow, a field of frosted trees, or wintry vistas. 

This site is one of my favourite sources for free public domain art. Place a print in a wood frame for a simple look that will last you until spring.

8. Decluttering

9. Reuse and Edit

Winter decorating doesn't have to be elaborate or difficult. With a few choice accessories, some careful editing, and a focus on less is more, you can create a winter theme in your home that will keep you cozy into the next year. Have fun with your decorating and stay warm!