As the year draws to a close, the holiday season is upon us once again. Although we still have two months until Christmas, studies have shown decorating early is actually good for your mood. The vibrant colors and twinkling lights simply trigger the release feel-good dopamine, which in turn, boosts happiness and energy.
I must admit, Christmas decor makes me grin like a kid with ice-cream, until I look at the price tag of tinsel and garlands and baubles. Yikes! Being the frugal person that I am, shelling out big bucks for seasonal decor is just not viable.
So, every year, I repurpose my decor from previous years and throw in a few new elements to freshen the look. This year, I’m excited to share 14 tried-and-true IKEA Christmas decor ideas that will help make your home festive and stylish with just a pretty penny.
14 Christmas Decor Ideas With IKEA
1. Transform Lanterns with Seasonal Inserts
Lanterns are versatile and perfect for seasonal decor. Grab a few IKEA BORRBY lanterns and fill them with different seasonal items. For fall, use pinecones and miniature pumpkins. For winter, try faux snow and small ornaments. It’s an easy and affordable way to change up your decor every season. When holidays are over, your can reuse them as usual.
2. Create a Festive Wreath with Faux Greenery
Wreaths aren’t just for Christmas. The purist will possibly frown on me but I use my wreath for every festivity, even Chinese New Year with plum blossoms and origami cranes woven into the greens. Get a basic wreath like the IKEA SMYCKA and add in artificial flowers and greenery to create your one-of-a-kind wreath. Mix in seasonal elements like berries for fall or ornaments for winter. Hang it on your door, above your fireplace, or even as a centerpiece.
3. Personalize Your Pillow Covers
@sarahepope30 ~DIY Christmas tree pillow~ ???? HOW CUTE. This is extremely affordable to do, and perfect for a craft night out with the girls! I got my pillow case off shein for dirt cheap and the quality is great, then all you need is some yarn and hot glue! It’s as easy as that! Let me know if you give it a try for a night of crafting. ???????? I’ll have exact stuff I used in my LTK in my bio. #christmas #christmas2023 #christmascraft #crafting #crafts #craftideas #craftingideas #craftingfun #craft2023 #easycraft #diy #easydiy #howto #tutorial #cozychristmas #cozyseason #winter #wintercraft #homedecor #home #decor #craftinsperation #inspiration #fy #foryou ♬ original sound – Sarah Pope
Switching out pillow covers is a quick way to update your decor. IKEA has a great selection of affordable pillow covers like the GURLI series. Use fabric paint or iron-on decals to add seasonal designs. Think leaves for autumn and snowflakes for winter. Or like the TikToker above, cute tree-like tassels.
4. Make a Seasonal Centerpiece
@mydiyhappyhome_ My dining room is finally decorated for Christmas!???? I kept the table simple with a runner, garland and a candelabra. I like the table to be beautiful and still functional.???? You can find sources for this space on my LTK page – click the link in my bio. https://liketk.it/3Xy3p •dining table is 15+ years old and I refinished it a few years ago- details on my blog. Stained in @roveanddwell stains- color combo details on the blog post. •chairs and bench are several years old- I have similar options linked on my LTK page. •rug: Barny Cream & Gray washable rug @boutiquerugs. Use: DIYHAPPY for an extra 5% off. •board and batten- DIY- tutorial on blog, painted BM Chantilly Lace. •upper walls- @ppgpaints Gray Heron. •wood ceiling @wallplanks #diningroom #diningroomdecor #diningtable #diningroominspo #diningroomtable #diningchairs #christmasdecor #christmasdecor #christmastablescape #christmastablesetting #holidaydecor #holidayseason #bhghome #bhgholiday #betterhomesandgardens #bhamhg ♬ Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Piano Dreamers
A table runner can instantly transform your dining space. Pick up an affordable runner from IKEA, like their VINTERFINT table runner in red, and create a table centerpiece that fits the season. I like to keep the runner simple, in a single color, so I can layer on the decorations. Shop your home (and backyard) for decorative items to add to it. Seasonal decor like pumpkins or pine cones, candle stands and garlands are great ideas for a beautiful centerpiece.
5. Decorate with String Lights
@gabriela.harrisfam Replying to @Karam3lCutiePi3 hope this helps ❤️???????? Curtain lights -screen shot LAST pic. You can change the colors & 24-hour timer. Used thumb tacks , ornament hooks to hang on lights. #christmaslights #ceiling #ceilinglights #christmasideas #diy #diychristmas #diynavideño #ideasdenavidadfaciles #lucesdenavidad #gingerbread #gingerbreadhouse #candyland #candylandtheme #ornaments #diyornaments #ornamentideas #foam #diyfoam #pastel #pastelchristmas #pinkchristmas #christmasdecor #curtainlights #fairy #fairylights #weddingideas #partyideas #babyshower #party #decoraciondefiestas ♬ Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) – Darlene Love
String lights add a magical touch to any season. Drape IKEA SVARTRÅ lights around your living room, bedroom, or outdoor space. For a fall vibe, weave them through autumnal garlands. For winter, mix them with greenery and ornaments, and festive decor.
6. Create a Seasonal Display with Shelves
Use IKEA picture ledges or floating shelves like LACK or BERGSHULT to create a rotating seasonal display. Change out decor items like small plants, frames, and figurines to match the season. It’s an easy way to keep your decor fresh and festive all year round. Better yet, for the Christmas season, create a hot cocoa and cookie bar for the one bringing the presents.
7. Dress Up Your Curtains
Add a touch of seasonal charm to your windows by dressing up your curtains. Use IKEA RITVA curtains and add seasonal tiebacks or curtain clips. Think acorn and leaf clips for fall, or snowflake and star clips for winter.
8. DIY Advent Calendar
For a fun winter project, create a DIY advent calendar using rolls of corrugated cardboard tubes and the IKEA KOMPLEMENT multi-hanger. Fill each roll with small treats or notes. Slot them into the rings for a festive countdown to the holidays.
9. Craft a Mantel Scape
IKEA glass vases and bowls like the IKEA 365+ are perfect for creating seasonal centerpieces. Fill their iconic glass and gold BEGÅVNING domes with seasonal items like pumpkins and gourds for fall, or ornaments and pinecones for winter. Place them on your fireplace mantel or coffee table for an instant festive touch. If you can’t find the right display tray, you can easily DIY your own with IKEA bowls and plates. See how it’s done in this reel.
10. Update Your Wall Art
Swap out your wall art with seasonal prints. IKEA’s RIBBA frames are perfect for this. Choose artwork or photos that represent the season, and switch them out as the seasons change. If prints aren’t festive enough for you, level up with 3D vignettes in IKEA shadowbox frames.
11. DIY Wrapping Paper
Create unique gift wrap effortlessly using cookie cutters, MÅLA paint, and a MÅLA drawing paper roll. Use the KUSTFYR cookie cutters for Halloween and the VINTERFINT pastry cutter for Christmas. All you need to do is dip the cookie cutter in the paint and stamp onto paper. This fun project is a great way to involve your kids, and they’ll enjoy lending a hand.
12. Decorate with Scent
IKEA’s scented candles come in a variety of seasonal scents. Place them around your bathroom to create a relaxing, festive atmosphere. Think cinnamon and apple for fall like the HOSTAGILLE, or pine and peppermint for winter like the AVMÅLA.
13. Seasonal Planters
Transform basic IKEA planters with a touch of seasonal charm. Paint terracotta pots with autumn colors or wrap them with burlap for a rustic look. In winter, fill them with evergreen branches and fairy lights for a magical touch.
14. Elevate Your Outdoor Space
Don’t forget about your outdoor areas — your porch, balcony, or garden can be equally festive. Create a cozy outdoor seating area using IKEA KRINGSYNT lanterns or string lights to enhance the ambiance. Add a terracotta pot heater, waterproof cushions, and throws to create a comfortable space to enjoy a hot drink during the cooler months.
Taking it Up a Notch
- Repurpose Items: Use items you already have in new ways. For example, a summer vase can hold autumn leaves or winter branches.
- Shop Off-Season: Buy seasonal decor at the end of the season for the best deals. Stock up on items you know you’ll use next year.
- Mix High and Low: Combine IKEA finds with a few splurge items. This creates a balanced, curated look without going over budget.
- DIY It: Don’t be afraid to get crafty. Many seasonal decor items can be made at home with basic supplies from IKEA and the craft store.
What’s your favorite holiday decor from IKEA? Let us know in the comments.
Or, do you have a festive IKEA hack? Share it with us and you may be featured next.