19 Christmas Living Room Decor Ideas for Small Spaces

If you love the look of the season but not the price tag that usually comes with it, this list of christmas Living Room decor is made for you. I have tried every idea here at home on a tight budget, using dollar store finds, scraps from the craft box, and things I already owned, and each one looks far more expensive than it cost. (see also: small-space-christmas-decor)(see also: budget-christmas-decor-ideas)(see also: christmas-mantel-decor-ideas) You do not need fancy tools or a whole afternoon free, just a clear table and an hour or two. Save this list before you scroll on, so you can pick your favourites and gather supplies without rushing through the shops.

What this costs at a glance: Every idea here is made for small rooms, and most cost under $10, so you can do the whole living room for about $25.

1. Slim Pencil Tree in the Corner

The trick here is keeping it small and neat, not trying to fill every inch of space. The slim pencil tree in the corner brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Lay out a clean workspace, put the largest pieces down first so the shape is clear, then fill in the gaps with the smaller bits, and give it a gentle shake or tug to make sure nothing is loose before you display it. The best part is how easy it is to take down and store flat, so I will happily pull it out again next year. Pair it with something plain nearby so this piece gets to be the star of the corner.

Cost: ~$6 | Time: 18 minutes

2. Fairy Lights Draped Over the Curtain Rod

I tried the fancy version first and wasted money, so this is the cheaper way that actually looks better in my house. The fairy lights draped over the curtain rod brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. First gather your supplies on the kitchen table so you are not hunting for scissors halfway through, then lay everything out in the order you will use it, and finally step back after ten minutes to check the balance before you glue or tie anything down. My kids helped with this one and their slightly crooked version is still my favourite on the shelf. A quick spray of clear sealant or a dab of extra glue at the joins will help it last through the whole season.

Cost: ~$8 | Time: 32 minutes

3. Mini Wreath on Every Cabinet Door

This works best when you let the colours do the talking and keep everything else plain. The mini wreath on every cabinet door brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Lay out a clean workspace, put the largest pieces down first so the shape is clear, then fill in the gaps with the smaller bits, and give it a gentle shake or tug to make sure nothing is loose before you display it. What surprised me was how much calmer the whole corner felt once this was in place, even though it took less than half an hour. Try it in one spot first and live with it for a day before you commit to hanging it everywhere.

Cost: ~$2 | Time: 60 minutes

4. Stockings Hung From a Tension Rod

I made this last year when I had almost nothing left in the decorating budget, and it turned out to be the piece everyone asked about. The stockings hung from a tension rod brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. First gather your supplies on the kitchen table so you are not hunting for scissors halfway through, then lay everything out in the order you will use it, and finally step back after ten minutes to check the balance before you glue or tie anything down. My neighbour thought I had bought it from a shop, and I laughed because the whole thing cost less than a coffee. Make it in the evening when you can see it by lamplight, since that is how most people will actually see it.

Cost: ~$10 | Time: 10 minutes

Pro tip: Use battery candles instead of real ones near paper, fabric, or dried leaves, because they give the same glow without any worry.

5. Pine Garland Along the TV Stand

This one is so simple that I almost did not include it, but guests keep pointing at it first. The pine garland along the tv stand brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Lay out a clean workspace, put the largest pieces down first so the shape is clear, then fill in the gaps with the smaller bits, and give it a gentle shake or tug to make sure nothing is loose before you display it. Guests kept asking where I found it, and when I said I made it on a Sunday afternoon they did not believe me at first. If it looks a little full, take one piece away rather than adding more, because less really does look tidier here.

Cost: ~$12 | Time: 25 minutes

6. Throw Pillows in Red and Cream Plaid

If you only have one free evening this week, start here because the payoff is far bigger than the effort. The throw pillows in red and cream plaid brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. First gather your supplies on the kitchen table so you are not hunting for scissors halfway through, then lay everything out in the order you will use it, and finally step back after ten minutes to check the balance before you glue or tie anything down. I made two by mistake the first time because I misjudged the size, and the spare one ended up as a gift for my sister. Keep the colours to two or three at most and it will look far more expensive than it is.

Cost: ~$0 | Time: 40 minutes

7. Small Lantern Cluster on the Coffee Table

My first try at this was a bit wonky, which is exactly why I now know the shortcut that makes it look neat. The small lantern cluster on the coffee table brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Lay out a clean workspace, put the largest pieces down first so the shape is clear, then fill in the gaps with the smaller bits, and give it a gentle shake or tug to make sure nothing is loose before you display it. The first time I tried this, I glued one piece upside down and only noticed in the photo afterwards, so now I always check from across the room. Pair it with something plain nearby so this piece gets to be the star of the corner.

Cost: ~$15 | Time: 18 minutes

8. Paper Stars Hung From the Ceiling

I keep coming back to this idea because it uses things I already have at home and still looks intentional. The paper stars hung from the ceiling brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. First gather your supplies on the kitchen table so you are not hunting for scissors halfway through, then lay everything out in the order you will use it, and finally step back after ten minutes to check the balance before you glue or tie anything down. I left mine up a week longer than planned because I liked walking past it every morning. A quick spray of clear sealant or a dab of extra glue at the joins will help it last through the whole season.

Cost: ~$11 | Time: 32 minutes

Pro tip: Make one extra piece while you are set up, because it is handy as a spare or a small gift later.

9. Faux Fur Throw Over the Armchair

The trick here is keeping it small and neat, not trying to fill every inch of space. The faux fur throw over the armchair brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Lay out a clean workspace, put the largest pieces down first so the shape is clear, then fill in the gaps with the smaller bits, and give it a gentle shake or tug to make sure nothing is loose before you display it. The best part is how easy it is to take down and store flat, so I will happily pull it out again next year. Try it in one spot first and live with it for a day before you commit to hanging it everywhere.

Cost: ~$14 | Time: 60 minutes

10. Wall-Mounted Branch Tree to Save Floor Space

I tried the fancy version first and wasted money, so this is the cheaper way that actually looks better in my house. The wall-mounted branch tree to save floor space brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. First gather your supplies on the kitchen table so you are not hunting for scissors halfway through, then lay everything out in the order you will use it, and finally step back after ten minutes to check the balance before you glue or tie anything down. My kids helped with this one and their slightly crooked version is still my favourite on the shelf. Make it in the evening when you can see it by lamplight, since that is how most people will actually see it.

Cost: ~$18 | Time: 10 minutes

11. Battery Candles in the Window Sill

This works best when you let the colours do the talking and keep everything else plain. The battery candles in the window sill brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Lay out a clean workspace, put the largest pieces down first so the shape is clear, then fill in the gaps with the smaller bits, and give it a gentle shake or tug to make sure nothing is loose before you display it. What surprised me was how much calmer the whole corner felt once this was in place, even though it took less than half an hour. If it looks a little full, take one piece away rather than adding more, because less really does look tidier here.

Cost: ~$20 | Time: 25 minutes

12. Red Berry Picks in a Tall Floor Vase

I made this last year when I had almost nothing left in the decorating budget, and it turned out to be the piece everyone asked about. The red berry picks in a tall floor vase brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. First gather your supplies on the kitchen table so you are not hunting for scissors halfway through, then lay everything out in the order you will use it, and finally step back after ten minutes to check the balance before you glue or tie anything down. My neighbour thought I had bought it from a shop, and I laughed because the whole thing cost less than a coffee. Keep the colours to two or three at most and it will look far more expensive than it is.

Cost: ~$3 | Time: 40 minutes

Pro tip: If the colours look too bright together, add one plain cream or white piece to calm the whole display down.

13. Advent Calendar Hung on the Wall

This one is so simple that I almost did not include it, but guests keep pointing at it first. The advent calendar hung on the wall brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Lay out a clean workspace, put the largest pieces down first so the shape is clear, then fill in the gaps with the smaller bits, and give it a gentle shake or tug to make sure nothing is loose before you display it. Guests kept asking where I found it, and when I said I made it on a Sunday afternoon they did not believe me at first. Pair it with something plain nearby so this piece gets to be the star of the corner.

Cost: ~$5 | Time: 18 minutes

14. Cozy Reading Nook With a Plaid Blanket

If you only have one free evening this week, start here because the payoff is far bigger than the effort. The cozy reading nook with a plaid blanket brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. First gather your supplies on the kitchen table so you are not hunting for scissors halfway through, then lay everything out in the order you will use it, and finally step back after ten minutes to check the balance before you glue or tie anything down. I made two by mistake the first time because I misjudged the size, and the spare one ended up as a gift for my sister. A quick spray of clear sealant or a dab of extra glue at the joins will help it last through the whole season.

Cost: ~$7 | Time: 32 minutes

15. Mini Village Scene on the Windowsill

My first try at this was a bit wonky, which is exactly why I now know the shortcut that makes it look neat. The mini village scene on the windowsill brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Lay out a clean workspace, put the largest pieces down first so the shape is clear, then fill in the gaps with the smaller bits, and give it a gentle shake or tug to make sure nothing is loose before you display it. The first time I tried this, I glued one piece upside down and only noticed in the photo afterwards, so now I always check from across the room. Try it in one spot first and live with it for a day before you commit to hanging it everywhere.

Cost: ~$4 | Time: 60 minutes

16. Garland Wrapped Around the Bookshelf

I keep coming back to this idea because it uses things I already have at home and still looks intentional. The garland wrapped around the bookshelf brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. First gather your supplies on the kitchen table so you are not hunting for scissors halfway through, then lay everything out in the order you will use it, and finally step back after ten minutes to check the balance before you glue or tie anything down. I left mine up a week longer than planned because I liked walking past it every morning. Make it in the evening when you can see it by lamplight, since that is how most people will actually see it.

Cost: ~$9 | Time: 10 minutes

Pro tip: Shop your own home first and only buy what is missing, because most of us already own half the supplies in a drawer somewhere.

17. Ornament Bowl as a Coffee Table Centrepiece

The trick here is keeping it small and neat, not trying to fill every inch of space. The ornament bowl as a coffee table centrepiece brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Lay out a clean workspace, put the largest pieces down first so the shape is clear, then fill in the gaps with the smaller bits, and give it a gentle shake or tug to make sure nothing is loose before you display it. The best part is how easy it is to take down and store flat, so I will happily pull it out again next year. If it looks a little full, take one piece away rather than adding more, because less really does look tidier here.

Cost: ~$6 | Time: 25 minutes

18. Small Tree on a Side Table Instead of the Floor

I tried the fancy version first and wasted money, so this is the cheaper way that actually looks better in my house. The small tree on a side table instead of the floor brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. First gather your supplies on the kitchen table so you are not hunting for scissors halfway through, then lay everything out in the order you will use it, and finally step back after ten minutes to check the balance before you glue or tie anything down. My kids helped with this one and their slightly crooked version is still my favourite on the shelf. Keep the colours to two or three at most and it will look far more expensive than it is.

Cost: ~$8 | Time: 40 minutes

19. Scented Pinecones in a Basket by the Sofa

This works best when you let the colours do the talking and keep everything else plain. The scented pinecones in a basket by the sofa brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Lay out a clean workspace, put the largest pieces down first so the shape is clear, then fill in the gaps with the smaller bits, and give it a gentle shake or tug to make sure nothing is loose before you display it. What surprised me was how much calmer the whole corner felt once this was in place, even though it took less than half an hour. Pair it with something plain nearby so this piece gets to be the star of the corner.

Cost: ~$2 | Time: 18 minutes