Calm and Bright: Holiday Living Room Decor

Get inspiration for holiday living room decor that’s neutral and classic. Easy to put up, and easy to take down! Ideas for small trees, shelf decor, pillows, and more!

holiday living room decor coffee table tray

We’re almost to the halfway point in December, and that means we’re heading into the home stretch. Featured today is our living room, and it’s the last Christmas space I’ll be sharing this year. Our living room doubles as my office…so when it’s decorated for the seasons, I get to enjoy it all day, every day. It’s where I spend most of my time, so to keep things calm, the Christmas decor is simple and neutral. There is, of course, a few fun and necessary pops of red.

living room decorated for christmas

For our living room, in addition to throw pillows, I concentrated on just three zones: the built-in shelves, our coffee table, and our antique dresser. A casual tray on the coffee table holds Christmas mugs and accessories. The lower shelf of the coffee table houses some colorful tartan plaid throw blankets.

round coffee table with christmas accessories

I’ve picked up the throw blankets over the years at places like HomeGoods and TJMaxx. They are stored in a bin in our basement, and it’s always very fun to pull them out at the beginning of each holiday season. They are definitely an investment that has paid off.

holiday living room decor coffee table with accessories

The antique dresser features two small trees placed in Ohio Stoneware. The large tree fits perfectly in the one gallon crock, and to make the little tree work in the striped bowl, I just added some pinecones as filler.

small christmas trees in stoneware

The only adornments on the trees are strings of white lights, and DIY wool felt ball garlands. This simple tabletop Christmas tree vignette glows in the evening, and it’s every bit as enjoyable as any big tree we have ever had.

holiday living room decor tabletop trees

Adding fresh flowers and greenery to the shelves made them all come alive. Red roses are the quintessential Christmas cut flower, so treat yourself to a bunch the next time you are shopping for (or ordering) groceries. 

shelves with ironstone at christmas

Our home was built in the 1960’s, when formal living rooms were very much in fashion. For many years now, this room has been anything but formal. As I said, it’s where I work almost every day.

holiday living room decor shelves and chair

It’s where we watch TV, and sometimes even eat dinner. Kelly makes herself at home on the sofa and chairs, and when our grandchildren visit, it’s where they play. Some say the kitchen is the heart of the home, but for our family, this living room is where we gather as a family, and where most of the action takes place. 

christmas wreaths hanging from shelves on ribbon

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Holiday Living Room Decor Sources

neutral tufted chair with christmas tree pillow
floral element reduced

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7 Comments

  1. It is beautiful and I’m glad you spend time in it a lot. That is truly what makes a room be the heart of your home and makes all the decorating efforts worth while! You’ve done a beautiful job of it, too. I love the tufted chairs you have and the plaid throws. Looks so festive but is something that you can enjoy all the time.

  2. Ann – I’m so glad that Kelly is feeling better! Precious pup. Thank you for sharing your beautiful (and so calming!) home this Christmas season as it’s just what we all need! And thank you for the Vickerman tree link! Just what I was looking for! Merry Christmas to you and your family! You all stay safe and well. :-)

  3. Aww….Mr. Kelly is adorable! We totally understand how they are a part of the family. We lost 4 so far over the years. We’ve rescued before as they need us, but we’ve also saved these last 2 Cockaliers from a busy busy home that needed help. So hard but they are so wonderful. I love the touch of red within your otherwise calm pleasant white. What a great idea to do the decoupage pots then fill them to give away as gifts. A next years idea for me.
    I so enjoy your posts:0)

  4. 5 stars
    What a unique idea! Sounds amazing, I gotta try it!

  5. Elizabeth Pind says:

    What is the name of the lovely piano music playing in the background of your Six Easy Christmas Decor Ideas video clip? Is it George Winston?

  6. Love the ivory and red – all very stunning, yet simple. And now I must include some red roses, too. Hugs and well wishes for Kelly. We are parents to elderly pets and they certainly do bring joy to our everyday lives. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

  7. When I come to your blog to read, I feel relaxed. Your decorating has a calming effect on me. Thanks again for another beautiful post.