Festive decorations are as much a part of the holiday season as the jolly, fat man coming down the chimney delivering presents. Decorating is especially fun for apartment dwellers.
But before you start picking out decorations and creating your own winter wonderland, it hits you — you have to pay for your own decorations? Well, fear not. Here are some inexpensive DIY decorations even the Grinch would love.
1. Mason jar snow globes
Source: Mason Jar Crafts
Sometimes, the small details are the best. This DIY snow globe from Mason Jar Crafts is easy-to-make and adorable. You likely have the main component, a mason jar, in your cupboards already. And the other elements are easy to find and won’t break the bank.
Go to a toy or craft store, get a selection of small toy cars, buy some fake snow, mini pine trees, twine and you’re set! Once you’ve made your mini snow globes, place them on the window sills, kitchen counter or coffee table. These decorations are trendy, cute, and can fit anywhere inside your apartment!
2. Popsicle stick snowflakes
Source: Simple MOM Project
Do you live in a city where you hardly ever see snow? Are you missing out on a traditional white Christmas? If so, these DIY snowflakes are the perfect craft to create a white winter wonderland, no matter the weather outside.
All you need is glue, white paint and some popsicle sticks. Make as many as you’d like and create the perfect snowy apartment for this holiday season.
3. Pinecone Christmas trees
Source: Lauren J Photography on Babble
Have you ever wondered how to use a pinecone as a decoration? Sure, they smell good and can be used as potpourri, but can you make them festive? Yes, you can. Next time you’re out for a nature walk, pick up some pinecones to transform them into miniature Christmas trees for your apartment.
While a big Christmas tree is great, it’s sometimes not feasible for the size of your apartment. So, these DIY pinecone trees come in handy. Gather your pine cones, spray paint them green and glue them to corks for a base. Scatter them throughout your apartment and you’ve got yourself a whole forest of Christmas trees.
4. Coffee filter wreaths
Source: How to Make a Burlap Wreath
Apartments come in all shapes and sizes, but no matter the size, they all have front doors (if they don’t, you should probably move). While you may have limited space to decorate inside, you can always spice up your front door with a festive wreath. If you’re looking for a fun DIY project, consider making this wreath out of coffee filters.
All you need is coffee filters and a foam core center and you’ll bring Christmas cheer to your apartment complex’s hallway. It’ll have all your neighbors knocking on your door asking where you got it. The best part is that you can get everything you need from your local grocery store. It’s just as fun to make as it is cute.
5. Flat Christmas tree
Source: Hildur.K.O
Some apartments won’t have enough space for a large Christmas tree. However, being that it’s one of the most iconic decorations, there has to be an alternate solution. Luckily Hildur.K.O has the perfect solution — the flat Christmas tree.
It’s a great way to save space in your apartment and have a tree to decorate and put gifts under. It’s easy to make and requires minimal items that you can purchase at your local craft store. Spend a December evening decorating the tree with ornaments without feeling cramped in your living space.
6. Decorated letters
Block letters are always cute decorations. Luckily, Christmas has great phrases you can spell out and display to make your apartment more festive. From simple phrases like “Joy” to “Deck the halls with boughs of holly,” you’ll have plenty of options for this block letter craft. They’re fun to make and also inexpensive.
All you need for this DIY decoration is the block letters to spell out the word you wish to write, and what you want to decorate them with. You could decorate with candy-like peppermints or really do whatever your imagination wants. Whatever you end up with, you can rest assured you’ll end up with great decorations your neighbors will be envious of.
7. Mittens Christmas garland
Source: Craft Create Cook
If it’s not cold enough where you live to wear your mittens, repurpose them into an adorable garland to hang. Craft Create Cook has you covered with all the steps to make your perfect, unique garland.
This garland will make you want to cozy up in your apartment with a cup of cocoa and a great Christmas movie.
8. Christmas Tree advent calendar
Source: Michael’s
Advent calendars are a holiday favorite for many with the anticipation of waking up every day in the month of December to find a little surprise. Whether it’s waxy chocolate or little gifts from your mom, it’s exciting nevertheless.
If you miss this childhood favorite Michael’s has your back. Their Christmas tree advent calendar is every DIYer’s dream. It comes plain leaving it up to you to decorate it however you want. Think of all the possibilities you could put in those drawers. It could be fun to do with your roommate or if you live alone, to treat yourself for the 24 days leading up to Christmas.
Decorate for the holidays on a budget
Each of these eight ideas is simple, festive and inexpensive. You can have a beautifully decorated apartment without feeling guilty about spending too much money on decor. They’re also small so your apartment won’t be overcrowded and instead, it’ll feel like Santa’s workshop.
All of these DIY ideas are sure to make your apartment have a little more Christmas cheer.
