The holiday season is the perfect time to bring warmth and cheer into your rental apartment. Whether it's the sparkle of lights, the scent of pine, or cozy, festive accents, decorating for the holidays can transform any space, big or small, into a winter wonderland.
If you're living in apartments for rent, don't let limited space or rental restrictions dim your holiday spirit! With a little creativity, you can deck the halls in style without breaking the bank or worrying about damaging your walls, windows, etc.
In this blog, we're sharing five small-space holiday décor ideas and decorating tips that are budget-friendly and perfect for any rental apartments—guaranteed to bring extra magic to your holiday season. Let's get started!
Tip 1: Go vertical with decorations
When decorating for the holidays but space is at a premium, think vertically! Walls, doors, and ceilings offer plenty of opportunities to add festive flair without taking up precious floor space.
- Use removeable adhesive hooks: Removable adhesive hooks are your best friend for hanging lightweight wreaths, garlands, or even stockings without damaging your walls—perfect for renters! You can even drape fairy lights around doorframes to create a warm, inviting glow.
- Hang decor from curtain rods: For an extra touch of holiday magic, suspend ornaments or decorative snowflakes from your curtain rods using a clear fishing line, or festive ribbon. These hanging decorations add a festive element to your space and are easy to remove once the holidays are over. (Plus, as an added bonus, they are out of reach of your pets, who might like to play with your new decor!)
By decorating your apartments for the holidays vertically, you can make your apartment feel festive and cozy without overcrowding your living space or accidentally damaging anything.
Is it your first Canadian winter living in a rental apartment? Check out our guide offer tips for winterizing your space: 9 Apartment Winter Maintenance Tips.
Tip 2: Opt for a small or DIY holiday tree
Who says a holiday tree has to be full-sized to bring the festive spirit? If you're short on space, a smaller, more creative option can be just as magical.
- Mini tabletop tree: These little trees fit perfectly on side tables, kitchen counters, or even your desk. These compact trees are charming, easy to decorate, and won't overwhelm your apartments for rent.
- Create a DIY tree: For a truly unique touch, go the DIY route! Craft a wall-mounted tree using string lights, washi tape, or garlands arranged in the shape of a tree. You can even pin photos, ornaments, or paper cutouts to complete the look.
With these options, cleanup is a breeze, leaving you with more time to enjoy the holiday cheer.
Tip 3: Incorporate multi-functional decor
When decorating apartments for the holidays, it's smart to choose items that add both festive charm and everyday functionality.
- Cozy throw pillows and blankets: Buying pillows and blankets in holiday-themed patterns or seasonal colours is a simple way instantly elevate your rental apartment, making it feel warm and festive while still being practical for lounging on chilly winter nights.
- Scented candles or diffusers: Buying fragrances like cinnamon, pine, or vanilla not only fills your apartments with the comforting scents of the season but also doubles as decorative accents for your coffee table, shelves, or kitchen counter. Bonus points if you find candles in festive containers that complement your décor!
With multi-functional pieces, you can enjoy decorating for the holidays while keeping your apartment cozy, stylish, and clutter-free throughout the holidays. Each of the items above serves a purpose while bringing holiday cheer to your home.
Tip 4: Add pops of holiday colours
When decorating apartments for the holidays, one of the easiest ways to transform your rental apartment is by incorporating pops of festive colors. Classic holiday colours like red, green, gold, and silver can instantly bring the holiday spirit into your space!
You don't need to overhaul your entire décor—small, intentional touches can make a big impact.
- Swap out your everyday curtains: Buy new curtains in deep red or emerald green to transform your space without overdoing it.
- Holiday-themed rug: Adding a new holiday-themed rug or runner for your entryway or living area brings a cozy, seasonal vibe to your apartment.
- Colourful table settings: Dress up your dining nook with colourful table settings, such as plaid napkins, gold-rimmed plates, or vibrant centrepiece arrangements.
These little bursts of colour create a cohesive, holiday-ready atmosphere without requiring a major investment of time or money.
Trying to save some money this holiday season? Checking our blog, 7 Ways to Save Money with Boardwalk This Holiday Season.
Tip 5: Decorate your outdoor space
Spread holiday cheer both inside and out by decorating your door, windows and balconies! These visible spaces are perfect for sharing your festive spirit with neighbours in your apartment buildings.
- Battery-operated lights: These are ideal for balconies because they're safe, energy-efficient, and easy to hang. Wrap them around railings or place them in decorative shapes to create a warm, inviting glow.
- Adhesive holiday decals: These are a renter-friendly option that's simple to apply and remove. Choose designs like snowflakes, reindeer, or festive trees to turn your windows into holiday art.
- Hang a wreath: Hang up a festive wreath on your front door. By using a command strip you can hand a wreath or other holiday decor in a renter-friendly way!
By giving these overlooked spaces some festive love, you'll extend the holiday magic beyond your rental apartment buildings, creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere for yourself and your neighbours.
Do you rent an apartment in Calgary? Check out our guide for fun winter activities in Calgary this holiday season.
Enjoy the holiday spirit with Boardwalk
Living in an apartment for rent doesn't mean you have to scale back on holiday cheer. With a little creativity, decorating apartments for the holidays in even the smallest spaces can radiate big holiday vibes. Remember, decorating for the holidays should be fun, and we hope these small-space holiday décor ideas offered you some inspiration!
And why keep all that holiday spirit to yourself? Share your festive apartments with us on social media to inspire others and spread the cheer, find us on Instagram @bwalkcommunity.
Are you looking for more tips on making the most of apartment living? Check out Boardwalk's blog for more renter-friendly ideas and resources!