Tips for Decorating Your Apartment for the Holidays

Find a Tree to Fit Your Apartment

Evergreen trees are a quintessential holiday decoration, but full-size real and artificial trees can get too bulky.

Here are some alternatives:

• Slim trees: A skinnier tree still makes a big impression. This style requires less space than traditional-sized trees and is good for narrow rooms.
• Half trees: This type of holiday tree has a flat side that lines up flush against a wall.
• Tabletop trees: Place several miniature trees around your apartment to add a festive touch throughout your home.
• Wall decals: Layer lights, garlands and decals to create a tree design on a wall of your apartment.

Use Tabletop and Wall Space

Tables, desks, bookcases and shelves are great spots to add holiday touches. Swap out your everyday décor for seasonal florals, trinkets and lights. Wreaths create a welcoming atmosphere as soon as you walk in your door.

Hang stockings from a coat rack, bookcase or shelf if you don’t have a mantel. Review your lease agreement to see the policy on using nails or temporary hooks and adhesive strips.

Holiday Themes and Colors

Deciding on a theme will help you choose appropriate decorations and create a cohesive display. Try a single style, or go all out and pair different themes.

Picking a color palette is another good place to start when deciding on festive décor. Red and green are traditional holiday colors, but you may also consider silver, gold, blue, white and purple to add more variety.

You don’t have to splurge on different furniture to create the ultimate holiday home. Use what you have and add pops of festive colors and patterns with throw pillows, blankets and rugs.

Light Up the Night

String strands of lights and garlands around your doorways, windows or mirrors. Drape your patio or balcony with colorful lights to brighten a winter night, or try white lights for a subtler effect. Add lights to a glass bowl or vase to create a sparkling tabletop display.

Candles are another décor option that adds a cozy glow and festive scent to your space. You may need to use battery-powered candles if your apartment community doesn’t allow open flames.

Keep Safety in Mind

Be aware of the following decoration safety tips:

• Never leave a lit candle or wax melting pot unattended.
• Keep candles on a sturdy surface away from flammable decorations.
• Position trees away from air vents and portable heaters.
• Check electric cords for fraying.
• Don’t overload a single outlet with too many extension cords.
• Use a power strip to plug in multiple strings of lights.
• Turn off all lights and decorations before you leave your apartment.

Ardent Communities has apartments in Columbus, Ohio, that provide plenty of space for your holiday décor. Contact us online to learn about available apartments and amenities.