The right holiday decorations can make a home feel warm and festive, but the wrong ones can have the opposite effect.
Certain décor pieces may be popular in stores, yet once they’re in your living room, they can make the space look cluttered or even cheap.
To help you avoid spending money on items that drag down your holiday style, we’ve rounded up 11 decorations that often hurt more than they help.
1. Over-the-Top Inflatable Yard Decorations
Giant inflatable Santas or Rudolphs can certainly grab attention, but they can also cheapen the look of your yard. While they might be fun for kids, they often lack the elegance and sophistication of more subtle decorations. Moreover, they can look tacky when they start to deflate or get blown over by the wind. Check out this article for more ideas on tasteful outdoor decorations.
Instead of these oversized inflatables, consider opting for smaller, more tasteful yard decorations. Classic wreaths, elegant string lights, or a beautifully decorated front door can all add festive cheer without looking cheap.
2. Clashing Color Schemes
Color coordination is key to a stylish holiday look. When decorations of different colors are thrown together without consideration, the result can be a jarring and cheap appearance. This is especially true when bright neon colors are mixed with traditional holiday shades like red, green, or gold.
To avoid this, stick to a consistent color palette when decorating for the holidays. Choose two or three main colors and ensure all decorations, from your tree ornaments to your outdoor lights, fit within this scheme.
3. Tacky Novelty Christmas Lights
While novelty Christmas lights – like those shaped like Santa or candy canes – can be fun, they can also cheapen the look of your home. They often lack the timeless elegance of simple white or colored bulb lights. Plus, they can give off a vibe of commercialism rather than the warm, cozy feeling that traditional holiday decorations should evoke.
For a more sophisticated look, stick with traditional string lights. There’s a reason they’ve become a holiday decor staple: they’re classic, versatile, and always in style.
4. Faded and Worn-Out Decorations
Old decorations can hold sentimental value, but if they’re faded, chipped, or worn out, they can make your home look neglected rather than festive. For instance, a Christmas tree skirt that’s seen better days or a wreath that’s lost its berries and leaves.
Investing in new decorations every few years can keep your home looking fresh and festive. If you’re on a budget, consider DIY decorations. A handcrafted ornament can look far more stylish than a faded store-bought one.
5. Cheap Plastic Ornaments
Plastic ornaments can be a cost-effective way to decorate a large tree, but they often lack the sparkle and charm of glass or metal alternatives. Not only can they look cheap, but they can also feel cheap to the touch, lowering the overall quality of your decor.
Consider investing in higher-quality ornaments, even if it means having fewer of them. Glass, metal, or handmade ornaments can add a touch of class to your tree and make a big difference in the overall look of your holiday decor.
6. Excessive Tinsel Usage
Tinsel can add a touch of sparkle to your tree, but too much can make it look gaudy and cheap. Not only can excessive tinsel overpower the other decorations, but it can also create a mess, especially if you have pets or young kids who might be tempted to pull it down.
Instead of overloading your tree with tinsel, consider using it sparingly as an accent. Or, you can ditch the tinsel altogether and opt for ribbon or garland instead for a more elegant look.
7. Mismatched Outdoor Lighting
Mismatched outdoor lights – in terms of color, size, or style – can create a chaotic and cheap look. For example, mixing icicle lights with traditional string lights or combining different colored lights can create a lack of cohesion and aesthetic appeal.
Stick to one style and color of outdoor lights for a more cohesive and sophisticated look. If you want to add variety, do so within the same style or color palette.
8. Overcrowded Display of Decorations
An overcrowded display can cheapen the look of your decor. When decorations are piled on top of each other, it can be overwhelming and give the impression of clutter rather than festive cheer. This is particularly true when it comes to tabletop displays or the area around the Christmas tree.
Remember, less is often more. Choose a select few decorations that complement each other and arrange them thoughtfully for a more polished look. You can find some great ideas for tasteful holiday displays in this Southern Home magazine..
9. Outdated Artificial Christmas Trees
An outdated artificial Christmas tree can instantly downgrade the look of your holiday decor. Whether it’s the unnatural color, sparse branches, or the visibly fake look, an old-fashioned artificial tree can look cheap and uninviting.
If a real tree isn’t an option, consider investing in a high-quality artificial tree. Look for one with full, lifelike branches and a natural color. This can serve as a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday decor for many years to come.
10. Low-Quality Holiday Tablecloths and Linens
Low-quality holiday tablecloths and linens can cheapen the look of your dining area. Whether it’s the cheap fabric, faded colors, or tacky patterns, poor-quality linens can detract from the overall look of your holiday decor.
Invest in high-quality holiday linens for a more sophisticated look. Look for natural materials like cotton or linen, and choose understated patterns or colors for a more elegant look. You can also use cloth napkins and table runners to add a touch of class to your holiday table.
11. Uncoordinated Indoor and Outdoor Decorations
When your indoor and outdoor decorations don’t match or coordinate, it can create a disjointed and cheap look. This lack of coordination can be particularly jarring if you have different themes or color schemes for your indoor and outdoor decor.
To avoid this, try to maintain a consistent theme or color scheme throughout your holiday decor. This will create a cohesive look and make your home feel more inviting. For more tips on how to coordinate your decor, check out this Country Living article.
Decorating for the holidays should be a joyous activity that reflects your personal style and the festive spirit of the season. Avoiding these common decor faux pas can help ensure your home looks tasteful and inviting throughout the holiday season. Happy decorating!