How to Decorate a Small Apartment for Christmas

In a small apartment, the goal is a few well-placed pieces, not a lot of stuff. Choose a slim tree, use your walls and windows, and keep floors clear. Here is a plan that works in a studio or a one-bedroom without damaging walls.

Plan your space

1. Walk through the apartment. Decide where guests and family will actually look: the entry, the main window and the table.
2. Pick three focal points. For example, the tree, a window and a shelf.
3. Measure the tree space. Leave 2 feet of walkway.
4. Check your lease. Many leases limit nails or adhesive on paint.
5. Set a storage plan. Choose pieces that pack flat or nest.

Tree options for small spaces

• Slim pencil tree (4 to 6 feet). Takes up little floor space.
• Tabletop tree (2 to 3 feet). Put it on a console or a stack of books.
• Wall tree. Garland, lights or branches arranged in a tree shape on the wall.
• Branch tree. Several bare branches in a large vase with ornaments.
• Real tree in a small stand. See how to choose and care for a real tree for size and watering.

Decorating tips are in how to decorate a Christmas tree: fewer, larger ornaments look cleaner on small trees.

Step-by-step small-space decorating

1. Set the tree first. Place it in a corner or by a window, not blocking a walkway.
2. Add warm lights. A single strand around the window frame, the bookshelf or a mirror gives a lot of glow for little space.
3. Use the walls. Hang garland, paper stars or a wreath with removable hooks.
4. Dress one shelf. Clear a shelf and arrange candles, a small greenery sprig and two or three ornaments.
5. Style the table. A small centerpiece, such as a tray with a lantern and pine cones. Ideas in centerpiece ideas.
6. Add the entry. A wreath on the back of the door and a basket for hats.
7. Add scent and softness. A blanket on the sofa and a simmer pot with orange and cinnamon (on the stove, supervised).
8. Edit. If it looks busy, remove a third of the items.

Renter-friendly hanging ideas

• Removable adhesive hooks for lightweight garland and wreaths.
• Over-the-door hangers for wreaths and stocking holders.
• Tension rods in windows to hang paper snowflakes or ornaments.
• Washi tape for paper chains and cards.
• A freestanding ladder to display stockings and blankets.
• A mirror leaned against the wall with lights draped over it.

Space-saving ideas

• Go vertical. Hang things from curtain rods or shelves.
• Use trays. Corral small items on one tray.
• Choose multi-use items. A throw blanket doubles as decor.
• Skip big sets. One nice wreath beats three small ornaments scattered around.
• Use flat items. Paper snowflakes, cards on a string and framed art take no floor space.
• Pack smart. Keep ornaments in the egg-carton style box; store flat items in a binder.

Safety notes

• Keep tree and lights away from heaters, radiators and the stove.
• Use battery candles in small apartments, where fire escape routes are short.
• Do not overload power strips; check the label for the wattage.
• Keep the path to the door and windows clear in case of emergency.
• Water a real tree daily and unplug lights when you leave.
• Keep pets away from tinsel, ribbon and small ornaments.

Make it feel festive without a tree

No room for a tree at all? A string of lights on a bookshelf, a wreath on the inside of the door, a bowl of ornaments on the coffee table and a few cards pinned along a ribbon are enough. Scent does a lot of work in a small space: simmer orange peels, cinnamon and cloves in a small pot of water on low heat, and keep an eye on the water level so it never boils dry.

Quick Checklist

• Measure the tree spot and leave a 2-foot walkway
• Choose a slim, tabletop or branch tree
• Pick three focal points
• Use removable hooks and check weight limits
• Add warm lights to a window or shelf
• Style one table and one shelf
• Keep exits clear
• Use battery candles
• Edit down by a third