13 Winter Decor Ideas for After Christmas

Keep those Christmas decorations out and get inspired with this list of 13 winter decor ideas for after Christmas so you can carry out that cozy feel just a little bit longer! 

Looking to keep the cozy vibes going after the holidays? These 13 easy winter decor ideas will help your home stay stylish and charming as you kick off the new year this winter season!

You may already have many of these items in use for your current Christmas decor, so why not repurpose them for the post-holiday season? Whether your style is rustic, modern, or minimalist, or a combination, there’s something here for everyone. 

From simple wreaths to the quiet beauty of pine cones, these winter decor pieces will help turn your home into the perfect retreat for the winter season ahead!

This post is all about winter decor ideas and how it can still be THE BEST TIME OF YEAR!! 

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1. Pine Trees of All Shapes, Sizes and Materials

First thing, don’t rush to pack away your Christmas tree just yet! Instead of retiring your trees after Christmas, transform them into timeless decor elements for the winter months. Whether real or artificial, use pine trees of varying sizes, placed in rustic wooden planters or metal buckets, to bring the outdoors inside. For a more subtle approach, opt for individual pine branches, which can be woven into wreaths, garlands, or decorative baskets. Solo pine cones also make a stylish addition to any room. Whether in a decorative bowl, as part of a winter centerpiece, or in a wreath, pine cones are a great way to transition your home from Christmas to the winter season and bring some natural elements into your space.

2. Greenery and Garland

Greenery and garland are incredibly versatile and affordable, making them perfect for post-holiday winter decor. Drape a simple greenery garland across your family  room mantel, keeping it minimal with just evergreen branches, or add pine cones and small silver accents to maintain a wintery vibe without the Christmas-specific feel. For a more subtle touch, wrap greenery garlands around candlesticks, staircases, or light fixtures. You can even place garland down the center of your coffee or dining room table and pair it with candles or small winter florals for a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

3. Chunky, Cozy Knits

Chunky knit throws and pillows are the epitome of winter coziness. Layer these knitted pieces on sofas and chairs for a snug, textural accent. Neutral, earthy tones will keep the space serene and understated, creating a peaceful retreat for the colder months. You can even repurpose holiday stockings, hanging them on walls or the living room mantel as simple decorative accents. Stuff them with dried flowers or pine cones for a natural look.

Additionally, add a personal touch by creating painted pillows using our easy-to-follow tutorial. These custom-painted pillows not only enhance your cozy feel but also allow you to showcase your unique style, making your winter decor truly one-of-a-kind.

4. Subtle Snowflakes

The delicate beauty of snowflakes evokes a sense of calm, making them perfect for the winter months following Christmas. Add a few well-placed snowflake ornaments to your mantel setup, pairing them with candles and greenery for a frosty, winter wonderland vibe. Incorporate snowflakes into your dining table setting with snowflake-shaped place settings, napkin rings, or coasters, keeping the winter theme intact while adding elegance.

For a creative twist, try making a bunch of salt dough snowflakes and turning them into a beautiful garland that can drape gracefully over your mantel or windows, adding a handcrafted touch to your decor.

5. Seasonal Signage

Add some charm to your home with seasonal signage. A welcoming phrase like “Winter Wonderland” or “Stay Cozy” near your front door can create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Small wooden or slate signs featuring winter imagery—think snowy mountains or hot cocoa cups—can be placed on a coffee table, console table, or bookshelf, helping to transition from the holiday cheer to a peaceful winter scene.

Click here to check out my Winter Printables!

6. Bare Trees and Logs

Bare trees, logs and all other natural elements you may find during the winter season will offer a rustic, minimalist touch perfect for winter decor. Use logs as candle holders, adding pillar candles to create a soft, relaxing glow. Tall, bare tree branches in large vases or planters create a striking focal point. You can hang crystals, faux snow, or delicate string lights from the branches to add a magical, wintery effect without overwhelming the space.

Looking to dive deeper into post-Christmas decorating? Check out our How to Decorate After Christmas guide for more detailed tips and ideas to refresh your home effortlessly.

7. Wooden Elements

Wooden accents bring warmth and timelessness to your home, making them ideal for post-Christmas decor. Swap out holiday-themed photo frames for natural wooden frames, which can hold family photos or wintery landscapes. Wooden baskets can be used for storage or as decorative pieces—fill them with throws, cozy blankets, or logs for a cozy, inviting look this winter season. 

8. Soft Lighting and Lanterns

Soft lighting is essential to creating a cozy, wintery atmosphere this time of year. Line your staircase with lanterns of varying sizes, using real or faux candles for a warm, inviting glow. For a whimsical effect, fill a lantern with strands of fairy lights. Place lanterns on nightstands or dressers in the bedroom for a calming ambiance, perfect for those cold winter nights.

9. White, Neutral Accent Pieces

Swap out your Christmas-themed throws for soft, chunky knit blankets in neutral tones  or winter whites for a perfect color palette.  These understated pieces will add warmth and texture to your living space and make for the perfect seasonal decor. A neutral-colored rug in wool, cotton, jute or even a faux fur will anchor your room and create a grounded, natural feel. Simple white vases, glass jars or stoneware can hold natural materials such as winter florals, dried branches, or stand alone as elegant, minimalist decor. The thrift store is the perfect place to find seasonal decor for super cheap! 

For an extra touch of creativity, consider making a Christmas Hat Garland. This fun DIY project repurposes old Christmas hats into a charming garland that can be displayed on mantels, doorways, or walls. It adds a playful yet elegant touch to your winter decor, making your space feel both festive and sophisticated.

10. Black and White Plaid Fabrics

Black and white plaid is a timeless pattern that effortlessly transitions from the holiday season into winter. Whether it’s a plaid throw on the couch, plaid pillows, or even a plaid rug, this classic design pairs perfectly with cozy winter decor. Its neutral tones make it adaptable to almost any decor style, from rustic to modern.

11. Simple, Plain Wreaths

Wreaths don’t need to be overly ornate, especially after the holidays. Choose a wreath made from bare twigs, branches or any other natural materials for a rustic touch. A simple wreath of soft, neutral-colored fabric, like linen or burlap, creates a clean, understated look for any door or wall. These simple designs bring a calming winter vibe to your home.

Alternatively, try a DIY approach with our DIY Winter Wreath That Won’t Break Your Budget tutorial or try The Easiest Wreath Tutorial Ever and make one that works for the entire year!

12. Tasteful Fake Snow

Fake snow can be a stylish way to evoke winter’s frosty charm without the heavy holiday decorations and the cold weather. Lightly dust fake snow inside glass vases, mercury glass or jars filled with twigs, branches, or seasonal flowers. It adds a wintery texture without overwhelming your decor. You can also sprinkle a thin layer of fake snow on bookshelves or other surfaces for a soft, seasonal touch that feels natural and serene.

13. Wooden Bead Garland

Wooden bead garlands are a versatile and timeless decor item and a great way to add some warmth to a space. Drape a garland across your fireplace mantel or along shelves for a simple yet stylish look. You can layer the garland with greenery, candles, or small decorative items to add texture and interest. Wooden bead garlands can also be placed in decorative bowls or trays for a unique centerpiece at your dining room table or gently wrapped around candles and vases for a layered, calming effect.

Check out our DIY Wooden Bead Garland Tutorial for more ideas

Share your Winter Decor Ideas Here!

The key to transitioning your decor after Christmas this time of year is to embrace simplicity. Don’t overthink it—get creative with reusing and repurposing items you already own, such as your Christmas decorations or the Christmas tree from last year this winter season. 

These 13 cozy winter decor ideas—from chunky knit blankets and neutral accents to soft lighting with twinkle lights and natural textures like pine cones and evergreen branches—will help your home remain cozy, peaceful, and stylish throughout the winter season. Whether you’re updating your living room with a winter vignette on the coffee table or adding a festive wreath to your front door, these ideas incorporate elements like faux fur, winter whites, and natural materials to enhance your living space during the colder months.​

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