Non Christmas Winter Decorations: 13 Ideas On a Budget
Let’s face it: winter may bring frosty mornings and snow-covered everything, but your home doesn’t need to feel as cold as the weather outside. If you’re looking for non Christmas winter decorations that keep things festive without the holiday overload during the winter months, you’ve come to the right place.
Imagine transforming your space into a snug winter retreat—think twinkling lights, frosty whites, greenery, and plush textures—all without sending your wallet into hibernation.
Whether you’re embracing the serene beauty of snow days or just need a little extra warmth and charm this season, I’ve got you covered. Ready to cozy up your home in style?
Let’s dive into 13 fun and budget-friendly ways to make your space feel like a magical winter wonderland!
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1. Warm Hues and Cozy Textures
Nothing says “winter warmth” like rich, deep colors. Think deep reds, golden yellows, and earthy browns. Add some texture with chunky knit blankets, fluffy pillows, faux fur, and woven baskets. You can find great deals on these at places like Amazon, Walmart, thrift stores, TJ Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls!
- Color Palette: Don’t be afraid to mix and match colors. A deep red throw pillow can add a pop of color to a neutral-colored couch.
- Texture Play: Layer different textures to create visual interest. A chunky knit blanket paired with a soft velvet pillow can add depth to your space.
Shop Winter Decor With Cozy Textures (below):
2. Scent-national Winter
Fill your home with the delicious smells of the season. Scented candles, potpourri, or even simmering spices on the stove can create a cozy atmosphere. Check out this La Jolie Balsam Fir & Cedarwood wood wick candle and more festive holiday candles I have curated for you below for the winter season.
Shop more winter candles (below):
- DIY Potpourri: Create your own potpourri with dried citrus fruits, cinnamon sticks, and pine cones is one of many easy ideas. Place it in a decorative dough bowl to add fragrance and visual appeal.
- Simmering Spices: Simmer a pot of water with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peels to fill your home with a warm, spicy scent.
3. Layer Up the Cozy
Layer cozy blankets and throws on your couch and bed is an easy way to create non Christmas winter decorations. It’s like a cozy hug for your living room! Look for textured throws, like knit or chenille, to add visual interest.
- Cozy Corners: Create cozy reading nooks by layering blankets and pillows in your favorite armchair.
- Bedtime Bliss: Layer blankets and throws on your bed to create a cozy and inviting sleeping space.
4. DIY Winter Wreath
Grab a grapevine wreath, some evergreen branches, pine cones, and ribbon. Voila! You’ve got the makings of a beautiful winter wreath. You can find affordable supplies at your local craft store or even in your backyard.
- Personalize Your Wreath: Add personal touches to your wreath, such as ornaments, chucky knit yarn, dried flowers, or family photos.
- Hang It High: Hang your wreath on your front door, above a window, or on a wall.
Learn to make this arm knitted wreath which is an easy and simple holiday project!
Shop the Supplies for This Wreath Project (below)
5. Nature’s Free Decor
Pinecones and evergreen branches are nature’s free winter decor ideas. Use them to create unique arrangements in vases, dough bowls or regular bowls, or simply scatter them around your home.
- Forage for Free: Take a nature walk and collect pinecones, branches, birch logs, and other natural materials.
- DIY Centerpiece: Create a beautiful neutral color palette centerpiece using pinecones, evergreen branches, red berries, and candles.
RELATED: Deck the Halls: 15 Naturally Stunning Christmas Decor Ideas
6. Twinkling Lights and Cozy LED Candles
Fairy lights and candles can transform your space into a magical winter wonderland. Wrap lights around your Christmas tree, drape across your fireplace mantel, or staircase. Group candles of different sizes and heights for a cozy winter decor ambiance.
- Fairy Light Magic: Hang fairy lights from your ceiling, drape them over your furniture, or use them to outline your windows.
- Candlelight Dinner: Set the mood for a romantic dinner by using candles to create a soft, warm glow.
Shop Twinkling Fairy Lights (below)
7. Paper Bag Snowflakes
Yes, you read that right! Cut paper bags into squares, fold them into triangles, and cut out snowflake designs. Hang them from your ceiling, on your walls, or windows, or use them as table decorations. Easy, cheap, and super cute!
- Snowflake Garland: String together a garland of paper snowflakes and hang it across your mantel or window.
- Snowflake Mobile: Create a mobile with paper snowflakes and hang it from your ceiling.
8. Festive Banners and Garlands
DIY a banner with felt, fabric, or paper. Or, buy a pre-made garland and add your own flair that works well as a piece of transition winter decor for January.
- Personalized Banner: Create a personalized banner with your family’s names or a favorite winter quote.
- Garland Glam: Drape a garland over your mantel, staircase, or headboard.
9. Pillows with Personality
Swap out your regular throw pillows for winter-themed ones. Think snowflake pillows, reindeer, or cozy plaid patterns.
- Mix and Match: Mix and match different patterns and textures to create a unique look.
- DIY Pillow Covers: Sew your own pillow covers using fabric, felt, or old sweaters.
RELATED: Incredibly Useful & Fun Tutorial: How To Make Perfect Wood Bead Napkin Rings
10. Wintery Artwork
Hang winter-themed artwork or family photos in frames. You can even create your own winter-themed art using paints, markers, or collage materials.
- DIY Art: Create your own winter-themed art using paint, markers, or collage materials.
- Family Photo Gallery: Display family photos in frames of various sizes and shapes.
Shop winter art decor (below):
11. Sweater Weather Decor
Repurpose old sweaters into cozy pillow covers or throws. It’s a great way to give your old clothes a new life.
- Sweater Pillow: Cut the sleeves off an old sweater and sew the sides together to create a cozy pillow.
- Sweater Throw: Sew together several old sweaters to create a warm and cozy throw.
12. Hot Cocoa Station
Set up a hot cocoa station with all the fixings: marshmallows, chocolate chips, whipped cream, and your favorite mugs. It’s a cozy and inviting way to enjoy a winter evening.
- Hot Cocoa Bar: Set up a hot cocoa bar with a variety of toppings, such as sprinkles, candy canes, and cinnamon sticks.
- Cozy Mugs: Use festive mugs to serve your hot cocoa.
13. Winter Wonderland Centerpiece
Create a stunning centerpiece using natural elements like pinecones, evergreen branches, and berries. Add some candles for a warm and inviting glow.
- DIY Table Runner: Create a DIY table runner using fabric, ribbon, or burlap.
- Wintery Table Setting: Set your table with winter-themed placemats, napkins, and silverware.
And there you have it—13 delightful ways to turn your home into a winter haven without splurging!
With these non Christmas winter decorations, you can celebrate the beauty of the season in a way that feels timeless, cozy, and uniquely you.
Whether you’re layering in frosty accents, playing with textures, or adding a little sparkle here and there, your space can radiate all the winter vibes you love—no Christmas tree required. So grab your hot cocoa, queue up a good movie, and enjoy your beautifully decorated space that’s perfect for snuggling through the season!
Which of these ideas are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments below!
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