Holiday Decor Ideas Renters Will Love: Stylish, Simple & Deposit-Safe

Christmas will be here before you know it. So, why not start thinking about your apartment holiday décor? It’s understandable that as a renter, you may not want to invest in expensive pieces or make any permanent changes to your space. That’s why we’re here with some stylish, simple, and deposit-safe apartment decorating tips that will get you in the spirit without any hassle.

Key Takeaways:

• Removable adhesives and tension rods are renter favorites for hanging garlands, wreaths, and lights without risking wall damage or losing a security deposit.
• Elegant minimalism is trending this holiday season—neutral palettes, natural elements like pinecones and twigs, and simple gift wrap elevate festive style without clutter.
• DIY decorations like salt dough ornaments, handmade wreaths, and festive centerpieces offer budget-friendly ways to personalize your space and maximize creativity.
• Lighting options like flameless candles, string lights, and paper lanterns provide cozy ambiance without violating lease agreements.
• Storage-savvy renters are embracing collapsible décor, dual-use furniture, and year-round pieces like fairy lights and neutral wreaths to keep holiday magic manageable post-season.

Renter-Friendly Holiday Décor Basics

To kick things off, let’s discuss renter basics and damage-free holiday decorating. As a renter, you may hesitate to go all out for the holiday season and risk violating your lease. However, if you follow these key decorating rules, you should be able to add festive touches that comply with your lease:

Use removable adhesives

Adhesives are a staple for damage-free holiday decorating. Rather than using nails or screws to hang your Christmas wreath or festive stockings, opt for adhesive hooks or command strips to do the job. These tools will be strong enough to hold up lights and garlands and can be easily removed without damaging walls when it’s time to take them down.

Experiment with tension rods

Tension rods are another great tool for renter-friendly holiday décor. Traditionally used for curtains, these adjustable rods can also hang garlands, lights, and stockings without marking up your walls. They work especially well in doorways for draping festive fabric, garlands, or even a piece of mistletoe.

Make use of furniture and existing décor

If you want to avoid altering your space further, try adding festive touches to your existing furniture and layout. For example, drape garlands over bookshelves, hang ornaments from chandeliers, or simply throw a festive pillow or two on your couch. There are plenty of ways to transform your existing space into a winter wonderland – it just takes a little creativity and imagination!

Elegant Minimalist Holiday Decorating Ideas

When most people think of holiday décor, they think of flashy lights, bold shades of green and red, and excessive amounts of tinsel. However, current holiday decorating trends lean more toward an elegant and minimalistic look. Think cozy and inviting, rather than gaudy and over-the-top. To achieve this simple and sophisticated holiday aesthetic, here are some helpful tips:

Neutralize your color palette

You aren’t limited to just bright reds and greens when decorating for the holidays. Instead of going the traditional route, opt for neutral shades like white, cream, gold, and silver. This palette will still achieve a festive look while creating a sophisticated and homey vibe.

Use natural elements

Natural elements are another tool for achieving a simple and sophisticated holiday look. Think of adding pine cones and evergreen branches to a floral centerpiece or hanging a wreath made of twigs and berries. These elements are subtle yet effective, as they bring a touch of nature and rustic charm without overpowering the space.

Embrace simple gift wrapping

Gifts should not be an eyesore as they accumulate under your tree. Rather, they should serve as a complementary accent to the rest of your minimalistic holiday décor. Choose gift wrapping in neutral tones, metallics, or natural materials like kraft paper and twine, which work well with any aesthetic. Skip excessive tape or large bows, and arrange gifts neatly for a tidy, cohesive look.

DIY Holiday Decorations for Small Spaces

The holidays are a great time to get crafty! Creating DIY holiday decorations not only saves money, but it also gives you complete creative freedom. From choosing color palettes to adding the just-right amount of sparkle, here are fun and straightforward DIY decorating ideas for your apartment:

Create a festive centerpiece

Centerpieces are a great way to add some holiday cheer to your home. They can be simple or extravagant, depending on your preference and budget. Here are a few ideas for festive centerpieces:

• Fill a glass vase with colorful ornaments and top it off with fresh greenery.
• Arrange pinecones, cinnamon sticks, and cranberries on a wooden tray for a rustic centerpiece.
• Place candles in different sizes and colors on a mirrored tray for an elegant touch.
• Create your own winter wonderland by filling a large bowl with fake snow, miniature Christmas trees, and small figurines.

Design your own holiday wreath

Wreaths are not just for the front door; they can be used in various ways to add a touch of festivity to your home. Here are some DIY wreath ideas:

• Use a wire hanger and wrap it with garland, then add embellishments like bows, ornaments, or lights.
• Create a dried fruit wreath by stringing dried oranges, apples, and cranberries onto a wire wreath frame.
• Make a yarn-wrapped wreath by wrapping different colors of yarn around a foam wreath form and adding felt flowers or other decorations.
• Use an embroidery hoop as the base for a unique and modern wreath. Wrap it with fabric or paper and add decorative elements.

Make handmade ornaments

Ornaments are an easy thing to make at home. Whether you want to add a personal touch to your Christmas tree or give them as gifts, there are many ways to create beautiful handmade ornaments. Here are some ideas:

• Salt dough ornaments: Make a simple salt dough with flour, salt, and water. Roll it out and use cookie cutters to create different shapes. After baking and cooling the dough, paint the ornaments with acrylic paint or decorate them with glitter.
• Cinnamon stick ornaments: Use cinnamon sticks as the base for cute holiday decorations. Glue on small pine cones, dried orange slices, or other accents for a festive touch.
• Beaded ornaments: String colorful beads onto wire or thread and twist into different shapes like stars, snowflakes, or candy canes. Add a string for hanging and these ornaments are ready to adorn your tree.
• Paper ornaments: Get creative with colorful paper and scissors to create unique and intricate designs. You can also use templates found online for more elaborate shapes like angels or reindeer.

Lighting That Sets the Holiday Mood (Without Damage)

It’s impossible to get in the holiday spirit without some festive lighting. Whether it be from the branches of your Christmas tree or the holiday candle on your coffee table, lighting is critical for achieving a cozy, warm winter feel. If you need some inspiration for illuminating your space this holiday season, consider these options:

Flameless candles

Some landlords might prohibit lighting candles on the property. In this case, flameless candles are a great alternative. They provide the warm glow of traditional candles, come in various sizes and designs, and instantly add a cozy touch to any space.

String lights

String lights are a timeless holiday staple. Whether wrapped around your Christmas tree or hung from your ceiling, string lights bring an elegant, whimsical feel to any space. You can even leave them up all year for an ongoing cozy glow.

Paper lanterns

Paper lanterns are another great tool for achieving festive lighting. They’re delicate, lightweight, and come in a variety of colors and sizes. Whether hung up on your chandelier or used as a centerpiece for your dining table, paper lanterns add a unique, playful touch to your apartment holiday décor.

Decorating Shared Spaces in Apartment Communities

Depending on your apartment community, you may be able to decorate shared spaces this holiday season. Check with your landlord or property management about decorating guidelines. If allowed, here are some decorating ideas for communal spaces to consider:

Door wreaths or festive mats

Apartment hallways are great places to foster holiday cheer. By hanging wreaths on each door or putting out festive doormats, you and your neighbors can create a homey, holiday atmosphere throughout your shared space.

Communal lobby tree

A communal Christmas tree in your apartment lobby will instantly bring holiday cheer. This installment will typically be organized by your property management, but feel free to inquire if you can help decorate in any way. Perhaps pitch a resident tree decorating event or offer to contribute ornaments or lights.

Festive window displays

If your apartment is street-facing, consider decorating your windows with festive displays. This can help spread holiday cheer to your neighbors as they enter and exit the building. Plus, it's a great opportunity to get creative and showcase your personal style this holiday season.

Storage-Friendly Holiday Décor Ideas

Storage can be a concern when decorating an apartment for the holidays. Before you go all out, make sure you have enough room to store things once the season is over.  If your apartment lacks closets or built-in storage fixtures, here are some ways to get creative when storing your holiday decor:

Use collapsible or stackable décor

When it comes to storing your holiday décor, look for collapsible or foldable items you can easily put away once the season is over. For example, a small artificial tree that collapses into a compact box can be stored in a closet or under your bed. Similarly, collapsible wreaths and garlands can be easily stored in small spaces.

You can also look for stackable storage bins or boxes that can be neatly stacked on top of each other. This will help maximize vertical space and keep your holiday décor organized and compact.

Find décor that you can keep out year-round

The beauty of having simple holiday décor is that it often can be kept up year-round! Rather than having to store away items at the end of the season, look for pieces that can be repurposed and displayed throughout the year. For example, a string of fairy lights can add a cozy touch to any room, not just during the holidays. Or, a decorative wreath can be hung on your front door all year long.

Invest in multi-purpose furniture

If your apartment lacks built-in storage, invest in functional furniture that can do the job. Think of a storage ottoman, a bed frame with built-in drawers, or a coffee table with hidden compartments. These pieces can securely store your holiday décor and also serve other purposes, like providing guest seating or holding extra bedding.

Ace Apartment Living with Apartments.com

Decorating for the holidays is a great way to make your space feel cozy, welcoming, and personal. Simple touches like string lights or seasonal natural elements can effortlessly transform your apartment and create a festive atmosphere.

Need more decorating ideas? Check out the Apartments.com blog for renter-friendly décor tips that are stylish and practical. From DIY projects to choosing the perfect indoor plants, we’ve got everything you need to make your apartment feel like home this holiday season.