What Is A Christmas Aesthetic & What Are the Different Types?
Creating a Christmas aesthetic is one of the best ways to bring holiday cheer into your home. According to a study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, people tend to view those whose homes are decorated for the holidays as more social and approachable, proving that the Christmas spirit is contagious. Are you wondering how to have an aesthetic Christmas? Or maybe you want to know, "What is the most Christmassy color?" We’ve put together the ultimate guide to finding your most beautiful Christmas aesthetic, with a few Christmas decor ideas and inspirartion for your DIY Christmas ornaments.
Whether you’re hosting Christmas and want to impress your guests with a beautiful Christmas aesthetic or you need inspiration for front porch Christmas decorating ideas, a Christmas aesthetic isn’t just about making your house look magazine-worthy. It sets the tone for a magical holiday season filled with laughter, joy and memories.
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How To Have An Aesthetic Christmas?
Everyone has their own idea of the perfect Christmas aesthetic. For some people, a timeless, classic look with a red and green color scheme, ornaments, stockings and garland is their ideal decorating style. Others may prefer a cool, wintry palette with white, blue and silver. At the same time, some draw inspiration from nature by using fresh greenery, earthy tones and natural materials like wood and dried orange peels.
Here, we’ve outlined some different Christmas aesthetic types, from typical color schemes to various decorating styles. But the main point is that there is no set "Christmas aesthetic" to follow. What comes to mind when you hear the word "Christmas?" That’s your Christmas aesthetic, so make it happen.
What Is The Most Christmassy Color?
Color scheme is one of the most important aspects of a Christmas aesthetic (or any aesthetic, for that matter). Red and green are the quintessential Christmas colors, with red representing holly berries and the traditional red suit worn by Santa Claus, while green is associated with Christmas trees. In more symbolic terms, red often symbolizes the blood of Jesus Christ in the Christian faith, while green can represent peace and hope, as in the olive branch brought to Noah by a dove in the book of Genesis in the Old Testament. White is another popular color in the traditional Christmas aesthetic because it represents snow and purity. You’ll also see gold elements, as this color symbolizes light, royalty and the star that guided the Wise Men to Bethlehem.
A Christmas aesthetic room prioritizes these colors everywhere possible, from lights and ornaments on the Christmas tree to DIY Christmas decorations. An outdoor Christmas aesthetic typically includes red, green and white, as well. Create a festive atmosphere with lawn ornaments, lights and themed displays in the classic colors of Christmas.
If you’re going for a more elegant Christmas aesthetic, you may choose to omit the green and stick to red and white. You can wrap your trees or bushes in lights, alternating the two colors, and do the same along the edges of your roof. This pattern is especially festive because it resembles an iconic striped candy cane. White, light-up deer, perhaps with red ribbons tied around their necks, are always a nice, classy touch.
What Is Nordic Christmas Style?
Unlike the colorful, over-the-top Christmas aesthetic types most commonly associated with the holiday (which some people find a bit gaudy), the Nordic Christmas aesthetic is characterized by simplicity, as shown in Scandinavian interior design. The Danish concept of "hygge," roughly translated as "coziness and contentment," is often used to describe this style. A neutral color palette features white as a base, gray and beige accents, and pops of fresh greenery in the form of wreaths and garland.
Decorations usually involve natural materials, such as wood, pinecones, branches and dried orange peels, that align with the winter season. DIY decorations, like handmade paper ornaments and straw angels, are also commonplace because sustainability is a key component of the Nordic Christmas aesthetic. You’ll also see the Yule goat, a Scandinavian and Northern European Christmas symbol, displayed in many homes. Just as Yule is a celebration of the winter solstice, the Nordic Christmas aesthetic is heavily inspired by nature, from earthy tones to materials like wood and greenery, to honor the changing seasons.
Create a warm ambiance with candles and lanterns, and add coziness with knit blankets and wool or sheepskin rugs. "Less is more" is the unofficial motto of the Nordic Christmas aesthetic. You want an uncluttered space that feels relaxing and unchaotic, inviting you to slow down just as nature does during winter.
Cozy Christmas Vs. Cold Christmas
A cozy Christmas is the classic Christmas aesthetic you see in movies and on magazine covers: a roaring fireplace, kitchen tables filled with freshly-baked cookies and holiday movies playing on the TV. This Christmas aesthetic is associated with indoor activities and feelings of nostalgia and comfort. Most Christmas aesthetic pictures depict this style, with immaculately decorated homes (usually featuring warm colors like red, green and gold) and presents under the tree.
In contrast, a cold Christmas is less of an aesthetic and more about winter activities, such as building snowmen, sledding and having snowball fights. Rather than the warmth of a cozy Christmas aesthetic, a cold Christmas is active and invigorating, and its color palette reflects this as well. Red, green and gold are replaced with cooler whites, silvers and blues; it’s more of a "winter" aesthetic than strictly Christmas.
But what if you can’t choose between a cozy Christmas and a cold Christmas? The good news is that you don’t have to. You can incorporate aspects of both styles into your décor scheme. Perhaps you stick to the traditional, cozy Christmas aesthetic indoors, but opt for a cool Christmas look outside. Blue-and-white lights, maybe with some oversized snowflake ornaments hanging from a tree in your front yard, create a polished, elegant look worthy of a postcard.
Whether you prefer a cozy Christmas or a cold Christmas, the most important thing to consider when choosing a Christmas aesthetic is how it makes you feel. Do you associate the holiday season with warmth and coziness? Or does it enliven your senses and make you want to spend more time outdoors in the crisp, refreshing air? For example, those in the Southern Hemisphere, like Christmas in Australia or South Africa, associate the festive season with sun-soaked beaches and outdoor BBQs. Whatever your answer was, let that be your guide; there is no "right" or "wrong" Christmas aesthetic. And when in doubt, don’t settle for one or the other because life is too short not to have the Christmas aesthetic of your dreams.
Christmas Aesthetic Types & Ideas
1. Traditional Christmas
There’s nothing quite like a traditional Christmas aesthetic to help put you in the holiday spirit. This style is what you most often see in magazines and the Hallmark movies we all know and love (or love to hate, depending on how you feel about cheesy love stories). Timeless, elegant décor is what a traditional Christmas aesthetic is all about. Stockings on the mantle, garland wrapped around the staircase banister, a wreath on the front door and, of course, a beautiful Christmas tree to bring it all together. This Christmas aesthetic typically features a red and green color scheme accented with gold and white (for example, gold ornaments, cream-colored lights on the tree and the classic shining star on top).
2. Accent With Greenery
Get creative this holiday season and spruce up your headboard, footboard or even chandeliers with garland for a pop of color. If you have an old-fashioned four-poster bed, you could even drape garland all around it for extra oomph. And how about a wreath in your bedroom? Accenting with greenery is a great way to make your home look festive, but not tacky or cluttered. Draw from the concept of biophilic design for this interior Christmas aesthetic.
3. Cozy Christmas
Channel all the warm and fuzzy vibes with a cozy Christmas aesthetic. Think blankets, hot cocoa, a decorated fireplace, fairy lights, the smell of freshly-baked cookies wafting through the house (choose the best Yankee Candle scent for this) and festive music playing in the background. A cozy Christmas isn’t about creating a magazine-worthy look. It focuses on the sensory aspects of the holiday season and draws attention to what really matters: connection with loved ones, making memories and slowing down to appreciate life’s simple joys.
4. Put a Tree in Your Bedroom
Who says Christmas trees only belong in the living room? A full-size tree in the bedroom may seem a bit overkill, but it makes for an extra luxe Christmas aesthetic. And if you have kids, putting mini trees in their rooms is a surefire way to cultivate holiday magic.
5. Modern Elegance
You can take this Christmas aesthetic in a few different directions. One idea is to go with a sleek, black-and-white color scheme (perhaps with some silver or gold accents) for a touch of sophistication. The best part is that if you’re someone who usually takes down your tree the day after Christmas, you can leave it up a few more days because these colors work perfectly for a New Year’s Eve celebration.
6. A White Christmas
An all-white Christmas aesthetic is such an elegant decorative choice. Turn your house into a winter wonderland with snowflakes, fairy lights around the windows and a tree trimmed up with white lights, ribbon and ornaments.
7. Wrap Garland Around Exposed Beams
If you have exposed beams in your home, give them a holiday makeover with garland. You can also add ribbon, faux berries or any other festive touches to make the greenery pop. This is a great way to elevate a rustic Christmas aesthetic because it has the perfect blend of elegance and charm.
8. Pretty in Pink
We already discussed how red and green aren’t the only acceptable Christmas colors, but most people would never consider pink. However, it can be such a fun Christmas aesthetic if you’re looking to switch things up this year. A pink or rose-colored tree, pink ornaments and pink ribbon create a fanciful, slightly quirky ambiance that will make your holiday season memorable.
9. Whimsical Christmas
Think "Whoville" from "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" or any Chris Columbus Christmas aesthetic (Home Alone anyone?), some classic Christmas movies for kids, for this Christmas aesthetic. Oddly shaped decorations, bright colors, and unique, unexpected elements make for a playful, lighthearted look. You don’t have to abandon red and green completely; feel free still to incorporate some aspects of a traditional Christmas aesthetic while weaving in some whimsical details. This style creates a jovial atmosphere that fits perfectly with the holiday season.
10. Dark Christmas
This Christmas aesthetic is loosely inspired by the German legend of Krampus, a horned creature who punishes misbehaving children at Christmas time. Instead of traditional Christmas décor, which generally evokes feelings of warmth and happiness, a dark Christmas theme incorporates spooky or Gothic elements. A black Christmas tree with a velvet tree skirt and ornaments like skulls and ravens, candelabras for moody lighting and a color scheme that includes deep reds, forest greens and metallics are all great ways to bring this unconventional Christmas aesthetic to life. Think Edgar Allen Poe as Santa.
11. Vintage Vibes
Evoke feelings of nostalgia with this cozy, heartwarming Christmas aesthetic. Vintage ornaments, old-fashioned tinsel and antique Santa and nutcracker figurines evoke timeless charm. Add strings of popcorn to the tree for a major throwback to Christmases past.
12. Minimalist Christmas
Sometimes, the best Christmas aesthetic is the simplest one. Have yourself a minimalist Christmas by selecting just one base color (white is a popular choice) and accenting with a few small décor pieces, such as a single strand of garland on the mantle or fairy lights around the windows. This way, you’ll have a clean and uncluttered space (because, let’s face it, a fully-decorated house can look a bit chaotic), and less to put away after the holidays are over.
13. Farmhouse Chic
Farmhouse chic is one of the most popular interior decorating styles, so why not make it the star of your Christmas aesthetic? Think plaid, galvanized metal, cotton balls, neutral-colored ornaments and mason jars filled with greenery or sprigs of herbs and red berries. A tree collar made from a wooden box is also a nice touch.
14. Maximalism
If there were ever a time of year when doing "the most" is acceptable, it’s Christmas time. Break out the holiday bedsheets and pillowcases, get matching pajamas for the whole family and put mini Christmas trees in every room. This Christmas aesthetic is over-the-top in the best possible way.
15. Coastal Christmas
If you live near a body of water or you just want to add some coastal charm to your Christmas aesthetic, go with beachy colors like blue, white and beige, and hang seashells, starfish and other nautical-themed ornaments on the tree. Swap out the traditional star on top of the tree for a lighthouse or a sailboat, and use rope or twine instead of ribbon to wrap presents.
16. Make the Most of Your Built-In Shelves
If you have built-in shelves in your bedroom or living room, give them a holiday makeover. Create displays with some of your favorite décor pieces (this would be an excellent place for a Christmas village!). You can even use LED strips to illuminate the shelves in festive colors.
17. Bows Aren’t Just for Presents
A bow is a traditional finishing touch on a beautifully wrapped Christmas present, but they aren’t just for under the tree. Adorn your headboard with a big, red bow for a Christmas aesthetic room full of holiday cheer.
18. Cozy Candlelight
Soft lighting is key to creating a warm and cozy Christmas aesthetic. Place LED candles throughout the house for an ethereal glow that evokes a slightly vintage feel.
19. Festive Accents
You don’t need a full-on Christmas aesthetic to get into the spirit of the season. All it takes are a few thoughtfully chosen pieces, like some plaid throw pillows or a simple, unadorned wreath, to transform the ordinary into something special.
Now that you have inspiration and ideas, you can start bringing your Christmas aesthetic to life. Whether you want a timeless, classic look or something unconventional, there’s no rulebook to follow. The best Christmas aesthetic is the one that fills your heart with joy, and now, you have all the information you need to make it happen.
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