I almost decided not to add a single bit of Christmas greenery to our bedroom this year. Between finishing the exterior makeover and preparing for Christmas Eve dinner — plus a busy calendar full of family activities — it felt unnecessary. “No one will see it but Robert and me,” I thought. “We mostly keep the lights off in here anyway.”
But last week I hit one of those anxious, frazzled days, and my usual cure was to decorate. It always helps: cleaning, organizing, or styling a small corner lifts a weight off my chest and makes the house feel calmer. Winter seems to amplify that urge to refresh things, and a few subtle holiday touches were exactly what I needed.
I pulled out three preserved boxwood wreaths we brought from our old house and hung them with Command hooks and ribbon. They add fresh greenery without overwhelming the space, and preserved foliage keeps maintenance to a minimum — perfect for a bedroom.
The blue throw pillows were leftover from our summer styling, and solid-color pillows are such a versatile piece for seasonal layering. I also found a long lumbar pillow at HomeGoods with a ripped zipper and a small stain — major discount, and it works perfectly on the bed where the back isn’t seen. Little thrifty finds like that make budget-friendly decorating fun.
On our nightstands, I placed small tabletop trees purchased during Michael’s sale alongside our lamps. They’re simple, seasonal accents that don’t compete with the rest of the room. I also keep a small jewelry box on my side to catch earrings and rings before bed — practical and pretty.
I also found a few tabletop trees that fit perfectly on our dresser, and a magnolia wreath and white pedestal bowl that came with us from the old house add classic texture and shape. Simple grocery store bouquets — usually $5 a bunch — are an inexpensive indulgence I can’t resist; they brighten the space instantly.
Leftover metallic ornaments from our living and dining room trees found a home in the pedestal bowl. They catch candlelight and create a soft, festive glow when we light the candles in the evening. Small reflective accents are an easy way to add holiday sparkle without going overboard.
Our master bedroom isn’t large — just enough room for a king bed that barely fits — but the winter styling makes it feel cozy and inviting. We found most of the furniture at a local shop clearance, and after searching for similar pieces online I’m convinced we lucked into a unique mix of wood tones that feel warm and lived-in. It’s funny how tastes change: in our last house I wanted to paint everything, and now I’m loving natural wood everywhere.
After the holidays I’ll likely tuck away the small trees and ornaments but leave the blue pillows and boxwoods in place — blue and green work well for January and beyond. A few seasonal swaps can keep a room feeling fresh through winter without a complete redesign.
It’s always surprising how much a little change in your surroundings can help your mood. Creating a peaceful, comfortable nook makes it easier to relax, slow down, and enjoy the season.
If you want to know about any of the sources in our bedroom, you can see them all here:
- Wall color: Benjamin Moore Moonshine
- Trim/ceiling color: Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Door color: Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron
- Bed (similar listed; ours was purchased locally)
- Dresser (similar)
- High boy dresser (similar)
- Ceiling fan
- Curtains
- Rug (similar; ours came from HomeGoods)
- Duvet set
- Blue throw pillows
- Blue/green tartan throw
- “Antique” gold bedside mirrors (DIY)
- Nightstands (DIY)
- Large boxwood wreath
- Small boxwood wreaths
- Arch mirror (similar)
- Tall tabletop trees
- Small tabletop trees
- Bedside lamps
- Sugared birch candle
- Mercury glass vase (similar)
- Pedestal bowl (similar)
- Gold antler candleholder
- Magnolia wreath
- Hat stand
Did you decorate your bedroom for the holidays this year, or did you focus just on the main living spaces? Now that ours is done, I wish I had done it sooner — it feels like a quiet seasonal escape. I’m also excited for Christmas morning: Olivia will likely pounce on us at sunrise to see what Santa left, and I can’t wait to be there for it.
