Skip to main content

Post-holiday blues: Let these amazing winter living room decor ideas inspire you

Keep your spirits up after the holidays with these cozy, seasonal design ideas

So, you’ve packed up your fall and holiday decor, and you’re left feeling as if something is missing in your design. After months of additional decorations like Christmas trees, the New Year’s cocktail bar, and all the garland adorning the halls of your home, it can feel empty to leave your space as is. Whether you’re struggling with post-holiday blues or you simply want to keep up the decorations until spring, we have some good news for you! And the best part is you don’t have to wait until spring to feel festive again.

Here are our best winter living room decor ideas to help inspire you and allow you to feel relaxed and rejuvenated come springtime. Decorating after the holidays is certainly a treat, and we want you to know all the exceptional additions you can bring to your home.

Hot cocoa by the fireplace
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How do you decorate after the holidays?

It’s easy to assume that there can’t be any more decoration until spring once the New Year’s festivities have come and gone. However, that’s far from the truth! January and February are beautiful times of the year to take advantage of the last remnants of winter. So why not celebrate the season with a bit of decor?

Recommended Videos

Focus on coziness

One of the best ways to decorate your home after the holidays is to focus on coziness. Winter will likely be in your area for a few more months, so take this as an opportunity to get cozy while the weather permits it. Cozy elements like throw blankets, candles, and fireplaces are a few examples of how you can enjoy the last moments of winter indoors.

Incorporating these elements into your design will definitely enhance the cozy factor. For example, adorn your fireplace with a lovely winter garland and a few candles to complete the winter scene outside your window.

Winter mood decorations
puhimec / Adobe Stock

Use a color palette that reflects the season

Another way you can honor the winter season inside is to use a color palette that reflects the time of year. A popular color palette for winter that isn’t reminiscent of Christmas can include pale blue, navy blue, silver, and white. Try adding some white yarn garlands around the home, decorating with blue and silver ornaments on the table, or opting for a white winter landscape scene on your entry table or fireplace.

Burning candles and Christmas decorations on wooden tray
igishevamaria / Adobe Stock

Take a spin on your existing holiday decor

If you want to save some money this year, consider repurposing your existing holiday decor. Red and gold ornaments don’t have to remind you of Christmas. Instead, use them to fill vases on your dining table or string some up in your hallway. Additionally, evergreens are a timely addition to your space this time of year. Consider draping garlands across the dining table or entry table or adding some small potted shrubs around your home to add a natural vibe.

Warm inviting interior with gas log fireplace
Jodie Johnson / Shutterstock

How do I cozy my living room for the winter?

One of the best ways to beat post-holiday blues is by cozying up your space. Adding cozy elements to your home can help boost your mood while also lending some beautiful decor to your room.

Invite more texture into the space

A cozy way to spruce up your home this winter is to include more texture in your design. Blankets made of wool, knit, cotton, and plush fabrics will add more dimension to a room, while faux fur or quilted pillows can also enhance your design. Additionally, natural woods and wicker decor pieces contribute unique textures that will warm up your space.

Use softer lighting

Softer lighting, like orange or yellow lights, adds a cozy feel to any room. Try switching out any cold or white lights for some softer hues. Gentle lighting allows your space to feel more intimate, making it one of the best ways to increase coziness in your home.

Composition of candles on white table against the background of a sofa
Maya Kruchankova / Shutterstock

Decorate with natural materials

We recommend decorating with natural materials like plants, evergreen garlands, natural or raw woods, logs, pine cones, or other elements from the outdoors. By decorating with natural materials, you’re able to bring a bit of the outdoors in. Doing so has proven to boost moods and increase overall happiness during the winter season. If you’re interested in creating a more biophilic design in your space, we recommend using natural materials in your home during the colder months.

Make use of the outdoors

If you have an outdoor patio or balcony, why not take advantage of the space during the winter season? With proper preparation, you could have a sheltered outdoor space fit for cozying up by a warm fire pit or electric heater. Be sure to hang string lights and add plenty of pillows and blankets where you and your family or friends can gather around. Having a dedicated outdoor space for the winter can help you gain some fresh air while spending some time out of the house.

Getting rid of post-holiday blues is much easier than you think. By updating your decor and reflecting the wonderful season just outside your window, you can create a lively space that feels cozy and magical. Try to bring more plant life into your space, and be sure to make use of the natural materials just beyond your door. With a little prep work, you can have a lovely post-holiday home decorated for comfort and warmth.

Amelia Wilson
Amelia Wilson (author pen name Amelia J. Wilson) is a content writer in Greenwood, IN. She often enjoys topics on…
Whimsical decorating style: Tips for a quirky and cozy space
Add character and charm to your home with these whimsical decorating tips to inspire wonder
Grandmillenial design with vintage floral wallpaper

Whimsical home decor provides a fun, charming space where homeowners can explore their inner child and creativity. This style aims to express whimsy and add character to the home. Many who favor this style forgo what would be considered traditional, polite, and expected for quirky and slightly kitsch items that tell a story instead.

If the whimsical decorating style appeals to you, then we have just the tips you need to pull off this charming and playful aesthetic.
Play with color and pattern

Read more
Midcentury modern home decor: Tips for a timeless look
Hairpin legs, sharp lines, geometric patterns, and wood textures are just some of the midcentury home decor must-haves
Orange couch in retro midcentury modern living room design

Midcentury home decor and aesthetics boast some of the most well-renowned pieces in many interiors. This classic design scheme has become a staple for many homeowners and continues to inspire trends well into the 2020s. If you’re looking to add some midcentury modern flair to your space, we have some bold and exciting tips for a timeless aesthetic.
Furnish your home with wood

Wood is a classic in midcentury home decor. Hardwood floors are a staple of any design and are a great way to add a natural touch to your space. Wood paneling is also trendy, both for the walls and ceiling. You can go classic with dark wood paneling on a feature wall, like behind your TV console. Or, consider installing paneling on the ceiling for a fresh and inventive look.
Opt for hairpin and raised furniture

Read more
How to make slate blue pop: 5 creative home decor ideas
Great ideas and color pairings for using slate blue in your home
Blue door with "Welcome" sign

Slate blue colors are wonderful hues to add to your palette when you're looking to invite more peace and serenity to your space. This faded, cool color focuses on the simplicity of a soft blue-grey tone, perfect for uplifting and neutralizing any room. Unfortunately, the challenge with using this color is that it can sometimes leave your color palette feeling dull and boring due to the washed-out and faded undertones. If you adore this gentle and calming shade and want to add it to your space in a way that works, we have a few tips to help you achieve a lovely aesthetic.

We've gathered five spectacular ways to add a slate blue color to your home to create a relaxing and vibrant space.
What is slate blue?

Read more