42 Cozy Christmas Living Room Decorating Ideas for a Merry Celebration
It's more than just decorating your tree.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
Let's face it: Christmas decorating can feel routine. Every year, you might settle for the same Christmas tree theme, garland (check out our hanging hacks, by the way) and your run-of-the-mill assortment of stockings. However, this year, push yourself to think a bit outside of the box. Amp up your Christmas living room decor with merry ideas that speak to your personal style and show off your home's best features. There's room to transform everything from your living room sofa to your bookshelves.
Ready to get your living room holiday-ready in time for your celebration? Click through for a slew of decorating ideas for stylish living rooms with and without fireplaces, cozy layouts that are designed with family time in mind and even pointers on how to weave in vintage finds you've collected over the years. Wherever your design sensibilities, you're bound to discover a Christmas living room decor style for you.
Mantel Sign
Bring on the holiday cheer with an oversized sign that captures the spirit of the season.
Window Garland
Your Christmas tree might be all set, but don't miss the opportunity to decorate your windows too. All it takes is framing them with lush garland to complete your Christmas living room decor.
Festive Pinecones
Looking for a no-fuss way to upgrade a basic cabinet in your living room? Set an assortment of pinecones in a stylish bin for a festive look.
Gifts for the Mantel
Stacks of wrapped Christmas gifts shouldn't just be reserved for under the tree. Place your favorites on your mantel for an instant living room upgrade.
Wreaths Galore
Why settle for just one holiday wreath when you can have four? Just be sure to mix sizes and styles for visual appeal.
Elegant Neutrals
A neutral living room doesn't have to be boring. Make yours shine for the holiday season with a flocked tree that's covered in metallic ornaments and garland. Don't forget the twinkling lights!
Galvanized Tree Bucket
Turn a simple Christmas tree into a conversation starter with a galvanized bucket. It's an easy way to give your space a farmhouse flair.
DIY Look
Store-bought decor isn't your only option when it comes to crafting a Christmas living room. Fill vases with DIY paper flowers (stick to red and white), then use string to display your favorite holiday cards on your mantel.
Doses of Red
Whether it's enhancing a drab sofa with red checkered pillows and throws or finally putting your red teapot to use, commit to playing up one accent color.
Citrus Garland
If you've had enough of predictable Christmas decorations, it's time to shake things up a bit. Try bringing attention — and more charm — to your mantel with dried citrus garland.
DIY Advent Calendar
Get in on the advent calendar craze with your own DIY version, including holiday trinkets and paper tags.
Gift Wrap Books
Turn your basic bookshelf into a statement holiday display by wrapping stacks of books in graphic paper.
Decorated Boughs
Don't fret if you don't have any space for a Christmas tree. Simply place decorated pine, fir, or spruce branches in oversized clear jars and rest them on your living room mantel or bookshelf.
A Makeshift Fireplace
In lieu of a traditional fireplace, you can easily hang a cloth mural along with colorful stockings that embody the spirit of the holiday season.
Festive Candleholders
Elevate the glass candleholders you have lying around the house with ornate ribbon and eye-catching buttons.
Hang Eucalyptus
When it comes to decorating with eucalyptus, the possibilities are endless, but our favorite way is to drape a bunch along the side of a round mirror.
Coffee Table Display
Your kids will get a kick out of this snowy display, featuring Santa and reindeer on a bed of fake snow.
Pops of Plaid
Add cozy accents to your space with plaid stockings and throw pillows. A luxurious garland and floral arrangement completes the look.
Hang a Starry Sky
Create a three-dimensional gallery wall by hanging a mix of paper, metal, and wood stars in various sizes and designs along a window frame with twine.
Ornament Overload
String any extra Christmas tree ornaments along the mantel for an unexpected garland. You can also place them in bowls on end tables around the room.
Marisa Iallonardo is a writer, editor, and communications pro covering health, parenting, lifestyle, and more.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
Cute Winter Instagram Captions
Here's When to Take Down Your Christmas Tree
130 Holly-arious Christmas Jokes and Puns
155 Festive Christmas Instagram Captions
