How to Decorate for Winter After Christmas: 8 Simple Steps
How to decorate for winter after Christmas in 8 simple steps: keep the greenery, swap in winter art, layer throws, add candles and create a cozy corner.
When the Christmas decor comes down, many homes suddenly feel cold and empty. The good news is you do not have to wait until spring for your home to feel pretty again.
In this guide I show you 8 simple steps to decorate for winter after Christmas, with real homes from Instagram. Your home will feel calm, warm and cozy all through January and February.
What you need
- Leftover greenery like pine, cedar or eucalyptus
- One or two winter art prints
- Chunky knit or wool throws
- Candles and warm white bulbs
- A few natural pieces like wood, pinecones or branches
- Storage boxes for Christmas decor
How to Decorate for Winter Step by Step
Step 1Pack Away Christmas but Keep the Greenery
View this post by ann_marie_co on Instagram
Photo: ann_marie_co on Instagram
Take down ornaments, red bows, Santas and anything that says Christmas. But keep plain greenery like garlands, pine branches and wreaths without bows.
Greenery alone looks wintery, not Christmassy, and makes the switch feel easy.
✅ Quick tips
- Remove anything red or sparkly first
- Keep plain garland on consoles and mantels
- Take bows off wreaths and keep the wreath
Step 2Swap in Winter Art
View this post by ann_marie_co on Instagram
Photo: ann_marie_co on Instagram
Replace holiday art with a calm winter landscape or a vintage snowy print. One piece above the bed or sofa changes the mood of the room.
Soft, muted colors feel peaceful in the dark months.
✅ Quick tips
- Look for vintage style winter landscapes
- Use frames you already have
- Printable art is cheap and easy to change
Step 3Layer Warm Bedding and Throws
View this post by ann_marie_co on Instagram
Photo: ann_marie_co on Instagram
Winter is the time for flannel sheets, quilts and chunky throws. Layer them on beds and sofas so every seat feels warm.
Warm wood tones and cream bedding make a bedroom feel like a cozy cabin.
✅ Quick tips
- Use flannel or linen sheets
- Add a throw at the foot of every bed
- Put a basket of blankets by the sofa
Step 4Add Natural Greenery
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Photo: stonecottage2250 on Instagram
A big bowl or urn of greenery brings life into the room when it is grey outside. Ferns, eucalyptus and pine all last well indoors.
Put it on a coffee table, a dining table or a kitchen island.
✅ Quick tips
- Choose low centerpieces on tables
- Mix real and faux greenery
- Add a candle or two nearby
Step 5Make the Fireplace the Focus
View this post by rachelrsimon on Instagram
Photo: rachelrsimon on Instagram
In winter, the fireplace is the heart of the home. Light it, add candles on the mantel and pull chairs and blankets closer.
No fireplace? A cluster of candles or a lantern does the same job.
✅ Quick tips
- Keep the mantel simple with greenery and candles
- Stack logs in a basket nearby
- Use LED candles near the fire
Step 6Clear Clutter for a Calm Look
View this post by rachelrsimon on Instagram
Photo: rachelrsimon on Instagram
After the busy holidays, a calm and tidy home feels amazing. Put away extra pieces and leave some empty space on shelves and tables.
A few well chosen things look better than lots of small decor.
✅ Quick tips
- Remove half of what is on each surface
- Keep colors soft and neutral
- Let the light in during the day
Step 7Keep the Glow With Candles
View this post by happily_ever_home_ on Instagram
Photo: happily_ever_home_ on Instagram
Christmas lights may be gone, but you can keep the glow. Candles on the dining table and warm lamps in every room make long evenings cozy.
Swap cool bulbs for warm white ones, about 2700K.
✅ Quick tips
- Light candles at dinner every night
- Use warm white bulbs in lamps
- Turn off ceiling lights in the evening
Step 8Create a Cozy Corner
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Photo: happily_ever_home_ on Instagram
Make one spot in the house the place to curl up. A soft chair, a throw, a lamp and a stack of books are all you need.
It is the perfect place for a cup of tea on a snowy afternoon.
✅ Quick tips
- Pick a chair near a window or fire
- Add a side table for a mug
- Keep a throw and books close by
Winter Decorating Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving Christmas decor up too long
- Taking everything down and leaving rooms bare
- Using cool white bulbs that feel cold
- Adding too many small knick knacks
- Forgetting textiles like throws and pillows
When Should You Switch From Christmas to Winter Decor?
Most people take down Christmas decor in the first week of January. Winter decor can then stay up until early March, when you switch to spring.
💡 Hana’s tip
Pack your Christmas decor and your winter decor in separate boxes. Next year, switching from one to the other will take less than an hour.
FAQs
How do I decorate for winter after Christmas?
Pack away Christmas pieces, keep plain greenery, swap in winter art, layer warm throws, add candles and keep the home calm and uncluttered.
What can I keep up after Christmas?
Plain garlands, wreaths without bows, pinecones, white lights, candles and winter art can all stay up until spring.
How do I make my home cozy in January?
Use warm white lighting, candles, chunky throws, flannel bedding, real greenery and a cozy reading corner.
When should I take down winter decor?
Most people switch to spring decor in early March.
Enjoy a Calm, Cozy Winter at Home
With a few simple changes, your home can feel warm and pretty all winter long. Start with greenery and throws, then add art and candles.
For more ideas, see our cozy winter decor, winter bedroom decor and winter porch decor ideas.
