When you’re short on square footage, any new additions to your space can quickly made it feel cluttered. So when it comes to Christmas decor, pieces need to be carefully considered—ensuring your space feels festive rather than frantic.

Luckily, the holiday spirit is accessible to us all, regardless of how much room you have to work with. All it takes is a little creativity and contemplation. Read on for designers’ top tips to decorate small spaces for Christmas—from tree swaps to mirror magic, and more.

Create A Simple Yet Stunning Centerpiece

To make meals feel festive, create captivating centerpieces using champagne buckets. Or, indulge in some shimmer by filling a glass bowl with your favorite ornaments.

“This is such a charming way to add color and sparkle without taking up precious square footage,” says Tracy Morris, founder of Tracy Morris Design. “It’s contained, elegant, and can sit beautifully on a dining table, coffee table, or console.”

Morris notes that you can switch out the ornaments to match your holiday palette for a cohesive look.

“I love creating centerpieces made from greenery and mixing in Christmas ornaments, faux florals, and berries to give it a little color and pop,” adds Sallie Lord, founder of GreyHunt Interiors. “Ribbons are always such a beautiful texture to mix in, as well.”

Harness The Magic of Mirrors

Mirrors are well-known for their ability to maximize light and make spaces feel more expansive. Luckily, your Christmas decor can play into the illusion.

“I love placing mirrors in a foyer [or hallway] with garlands or wreaths draped on them to reflect the beauty of the season,” says Lord. “Mirrors are also so stunning in dining rooms or even used as trays to [showcase] lit candles dancing in the reflection.”

Use Greenery Instead of A Tree

Christmas trees can be anywhere from six to nine feet tall, and that’s not counting their volume. Needless to say, not all spaces can fit a grand tree—but that doesn’t mean a small space has to forgo greenery entirely. Morris, for instance, suggests filling glass vases with branches and lights.

“I love this approach because it brings all the magic of Christmas into a small space without overwhelming it,” she says. “Clipping a bit of greenery and tucking it into small vases around your home instantly adds warmth and fragrance, and pairing it with soft white lights keeps things feeling cozy and festive. It’s an easy, low-commitment way to decorate when you don’t have room for a traditional tree.”

Swap Out Your Textiles

Instead of adding inventory to your home, simply switch out pieces you already have on hand—optimizing your space. The textiles on your sofa are the perfect place to start. Plus, they have the benefit of bringing in soft, cozy layers.

“In a small space, swapping out throw pillows or adding a soft holiday blanket is one of the easiest ways to create a seasonal vibe,” says Morris. “Textiles instantly warm up a room and add color or pattern without adding any clutter. It’s a simple trick that makes your space feel festive, cozy, and pulled together.”

Add Sparkle with Glass Decor

If you are shopping for Christmas decor, the piece should offer charm without taking over the room. That means choosing small-scale items with big impact.

“Petite glass trees, mercury-glass votives, and small bowls or trays filled with ornaments add sparkle without adding bulk,” Morris says.

Not a fan of shimmer? “Surfaces like console tables, kitchen islands, and bedside tables are perfect spots for layering a little greenery, a candle, and a decorative object,” Morris adds.

Opt for A Lighter Palette

While red and green remain a timeless, classic Christmas palette, smaller spaces can benefit from a more pared-back approach.

“When it comes to color, soft metallics like champagne, gold, and silver mix beautifully with natural greens and keep the palette feeling light and airy,” Morris says. “These subtle touches let you enjoy the season without overwhelming your home.”

We Asked Designers Their Top Tips for Decorating A Small Space for Christmas – and We’re Doing These ASAP by Shagun Khare | The Spruce