12 Stylish Ideas to Decorate for Winter After the Holidays
The festive whirlwind is over. The last of the glitter is vacuumed up, the tree is gone, and… what now? Many homes fall into the “January void”—that bare, cold feeling that comes after the holiday decor is packed away.
The post-holiday “January void” can make your home feel a bit empty and cold once the tree is down. However, this is the perfect time to pivot. By focusing on winter decoration after holidays, you can transform your space into a peaceful, cozy sanctuary that celebrates the quiet beauty of the season.
1. Clean the Slate with a Color Edit
The first step is to remove anything that screams “Christmas.” Pack away the bright reds, glittery Santas, and themed ornaments. This clears the visual clutter and makes room for a more sophisticated winter vibe.
- Decor Tip: Invest in heavy-duty plastic storage bins with dividers to keep your ornaments safe and organized for next year.
2. Keep the Right Greenery
You don’t have to get rid of all your plants. Plain cedar, pine, or eucalyptus garlands look beautiful all winter long. Just strip away the red ribbons and berries to keep the look natural and fresh.
- Decor Tip: A preserved eucalyptus bundle is a great way to add greenery that lasts months without any maintenance.
3. Embrace Soft “Winter Whites”
Switch out your holiday-themed pillows for a calm, neutral palette. Think creamy whites, oatmeal, and soft beiges. Focus on high-texture fabrics that feel warm to the touch.
- Decor Tip: Look for bouclé or chunky cable-knit pillow covers to add instant “cozy factor” to your sofa.
4. Focus on Natural Textures
Since the festive sparkle is gone, bring in organic elements to fill the space. Wood, stone, and woven fibers provide a grounded, intentional feeling that makes a room feel “full” without being cluttered.
- Decor Tip: A raw wood decorative chain or bowl adds a beautiful, structural element to a coffee table.
5. Add Back the Glow Sustainably
When the Christmas tree goes away, the house can suddenly feel very dark. Replace that lost light with “fairy lights” in glass containers or soft LED candles to keep that warm atmosphere alive.
- Decor Tip: Try a glass cloche with battery-operated fairy lights to create a magical glow on a bookshelf or side table.
6. Try a New Wintry Palette
Winter doesn’t have to be just white. This “in-between” season is perfect for moody, sophisticated colors like icy blues, slate grays, or deep forest greens.
- Decor Tip: A deep forest green velvet throw blanket adds both rich color and warmth to your favorite reading chair.
7. Style a Simple “Naked” Mantel
The mantel often looks the loneliest after the holidays. Keep it simple with a few birch logs, a plain green garland, and some elegant candlesticks for a look that is classic and uncluttered.
- Decor Tip: A set of matte black or brass taper candle holders provides height and elegance to a bare mantel.
8. Focus on Sophisticated Scents
Move away from “Candy Cane” or “Christmas Cookie” scents. Choose more earthy, grounded fragrances like sandalwood, cedarwood, or spiced orange to match the calm mood of January.
- Decor Tip: A wood-wick soy candle in a cedarwood scent provides a soothing crackling sound alongside a wonderful aroma.
9. Use Baskets for Instant Warmth
Baskets are a designer’s secret weapon for making a room feel lived-in and cozy. Fill them with extra pillows, blankets, or even pinecones to add texture to empty corners.
- Decor Tip: A large hand-woven seagrass basket is perfect for storing your winter throws next to the couch.
10. Bring in Bare Branches
For a minimalist and modern look, use what is in your backyard. Tall, sculptural bare branches look like pieces of art when placed in the right container.
- Decor Tip: A heavy stoneware or ceramic floor vase is essential for supporting tall, dramatic branches.
11. Layer Your Rugs
Cold floors make a house feel uninviting. Adding a second, smaller rug on top of your existing one adds an extra layer of insulation and visual softness.
- Decor Tip: A faux sheepskin rug layered over a jute or area rug adds a luxurious, plush feel under your feet.
12. Double Down on Lamps
With the sun setting earlier, overhead lighting can feel harsh. Ensure every corner of your room has a dedicated “pool” of light from a table or floor lamp.
- Decor Tip: A mid-century modern floor lamp with a warm-white LED bulb creates a soft, inviting glow for dark winter evenings.
For a complete plan to style your home this season, see
Mastering winter decoration after holidays is all about shifting your mindset from “celebration” to “serenity.” By leaning into soft textures, natural elements, and warm lighting, you can turn the “January void” into the most relaxing time of the year. Your home shouldn’t feel empty; it should feel like a deep breath of fresh air.
