Decorating for Christmas is the magical part of the holiday season.
If you tend to go overboard with oversized or mismatched decorations, or excessive lighting, you might be making a Christmas decor mistake.
Whether you’re just starting or revamping your decorations, two interior design experts, Raf Michalowski at Meble Furniture and Zara O’Hare at Land of Rugs, share 8 decorating mistakes to steer clear of this Christmas.
1. Having no plan
While Christmas is the most wonderful time of year, it can also be stressful. It’s important to avoid the common decorating mistake of starting without a plan by getting organised in advance.
“Decorating without a plan can make things look all over the place.
Make sure you know what goes where and choose the right colours. Just tossing holly bushes in corners without a plan won’t give you a well-designed look,” says Raf.
2. Starting without a cleanup first
Clean up your space before unpacking your Christmas decorations. You want those beautiful decorations on dust-free surfaces, not amidst clutter.
“Start with a clean space. Decorating in dust and clutter can mess up the final look.
Try to tidy up the space before adding your Christmas decorations. Give your home a good clean, and you’ll see the difference in the end,” explains Zara.
3. Neglecting your current interior design
It’s important to align your decor choices with the natural aesthetic of your home to create a visually pleasing living room.
“One common Christmas decorating mistake is forgetting the living room’s current decor.
Go for a style and colours that go well with your current interior design, instead of getting various decorations that look great in the store but will clash at home.
Check out your interior style and decorate in a way that goes well with the colours or design, not against them,” says Raf.
4. Not committing to one theme
While Christmas decorations aim to spread festive cheer, a common mistake is attempting to blend multiple themes.
“Choose one theme and stick to it, whether you like traditional or modern decorations, for a unified look in your home.
Even if you have a big home, you can’t incorporate different themes. Pick one theme and focus on it. Keep things simple by using limited textures and materials, sticking to a single style for a consistent look,” adds Zara.
5. Not adding personal flair
Many popular Christmas decorations are mass-produced and can be found in lots of homes. If you want to be different, try making your own.
“If your Christmas decorations could be in any house, you’re not doing it right. You can place personal items like old framed photos or special mementoes around the living room, things that mean a lot to you or your family.
You can also add personalized baubles, Christmas stockings, and special decorations that have been passed down through generations.
Adding a personal touch to your Christmas tree or decorations can make a big difference,” Raf explains.
6. Going over the top
Another mistake is trying to decorate every inch of the home with too many decorations or lights. Even though you want to use your favourite styles, they can end up looking overwhelming.
The experts advise to not forget your Christmas tree’s size, as a very big, full tree can make a small space feel even tinier.
Additionally, stay away from extravagant dining chair covers; they might look cheap. When styling dining chairs, keep things clean, relaxed, and simple.
7. Neglecting the tree topper
Christmas tree toppers come in various beautiful festive forms, but it’s crucial to choose one that is the right size for your tree.
“Waiting until the last minute without thinking will make the tree topper look off.
Get different shapes and sizes, and keep adding more over the years. Choose from various designs, like star styles, personalized options, and classic angel toppers, based on your tree’s size and shape,” recommends Zara.
8. Keeping summer photos all year round
While family photos add a personal touch, consider switching them for seasonal prints during the holidays.
Summer beach photos will look off compared to your Christmas decorations, so try swapping them for winter family pictures.
It’s a fantastic and free way to bring your living room’s theme together.
