The holidays are such a wonderful time of year, but once the Christmas decor comes down, I love leaning into decorating for January and the winter months.
Soft rugs, warm lighting, candles, brass accents, plush throws, and simple greenery are my go-to winter decor ideas for making our home feel inviting and comfortable.
AKB Design Studio – similar chair
If you love a home decor style that’s warm and inviting without being too busy, I hope you’ll be inspired by the soft, neutral winter decorating ideas in today’s post.
Rejuvenation – pendants – counter stools
From winter kitchen decor to bedrooms, living rooms, and entryways, this timeless style brings a sense of calm, coziness, and elegance to January and the winter season.
Simple January and Winter Decorating Ideas to Instantly Warm Up a Space
These easy home decor ideas will help your home feel cozy, inviting, and beautifully lived-in for January and February, without feeling heavy or overdone:
Layer in soft rugs
Add an area rug or runner to anchor a room and introduce warmth underfoot.
Layering rugs works beautifully in living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and entryways during the colder months.
Embrace cozy lighting
Short winter days call for extra glow.
AKB Design Studio – Sylvie Li Photography – pendants
Table lamps, floor lamps, and soft ambient lighting make spaces feel warmer and more welcoming, especially in the evenings.
Use candles generously
Candles instantly create a cozy winter mood.
To modify this kitchen styling idea for winter, you could simply remove the figurines — and, as we get closer to spring, replace the greenery with small flowering branches or flowers.
Style them on coffee tables, dining tables, mantels, nightstands, or kitchen islands for a soft, flickering glow.
Add warm metallic accents
Brass, antique gold, and warm-toned metals bring subtle richness to winter spaces.
Alice Lane Home – Brass Clawfoot Dish
Candlesticks, trays, bowls, and small decorative objects add warmth without overwhelming a room.
Swap in plush pillows and throws
Winter is the perfect time for luxurious textures — think chunky knits, faux fur, velvet, or brushed linens.
These cozy layers make sofas, chairs, and beds feel extra inviting.
Bring in simple greenery
A few stems of magnolia leaves, olive branches, or winter greenery (real or faux) add life and freshness when the outdoor landscape feels quiet and bare.
Keep the color palette calm and neutral
While a classic red and green color palette was popular this holiday season, soft, neutral decor is trending for winter 2026, a look that feels calm, timeless, and effortlessly elegant.
Soft whites, warm beiges, light woods, and muted tones help create a peaceful winter atmosphere that feels serene rather than seasonal.
Beautiful Winter Decorating Inspiration for Every Room in Your Home
Once the Christmas decor is packed away, winter becomes a season for slowing down and adding gentle layers of warmth and comfort.
1. Winter Bedroom Ideas
The foundation of winter decor is a soft, soothing color palette.
Alexis Andra Austin – similar stools – similar bedding
Think creamy whites, warm beiges, taupe, ivory, and soft gray, accented with natural materials like wood, linen, and rattan.
AKB Design Studio – Sylvie Li Photography
This subtle color palette works beautifully in both modern and traditional homes, creating a winter look that feels chic yet cozy.
I love the cozy look of layered throws and bedding in a winter bedroom.
For more bedroom decorating ideas, see my posts, Beautiful Master Bedroom Ideas and Trends for 2026 and 2026 Bedroom Color Trends and Decor Ideas You Will Love.
2. Winter Kitchen Ideas
The kitchen is the heart of winter decorating, and adding extra lighting, via table lamps, candles, and pendants, makes it feel warm and inviting.
AKB Design Studio – Sylvie Li Photography
Add a few magnolia leaves in soft shades for texture and depth.
AKB Design Studio – counter stools
AKB Design Studio – Sylvie Li Photography – pendants
Here’s a beautiful way to add a touch of seasonal decor to the kitchen via a winter-themed art print.
A neutral winter coffee bar with seasonal mugs, a small evergreen in a clay pot, or a bowl of winter citrus adds a warm, cozy feeling to the kitchen.
Stoffer Interior Design – Stoffer Home Cabinetry
Use greenery or dried florals for a natural touch in the kitchen.
Don’t forget to add in a beautiful rug or runner for warmth and softness.
Wood elements, like cutting boards, salt & pepper mills, and wooden utensils, bring a grounding, natural touch to the kitchen for the winter months.
Shimmering copper pans and utensils are another beautiful addition to a winter kitchen.
AKB Design Studio – Sylvie Li Photography
Even without bright colors, non-Christmas kitchen decor can be just as cozy and inviting — it’s all about texture and layering.
For more kitchen decorating ideas, see my posts, Kitchen Countertop Decor and Styling Ideas and 2026 Kitchen Trends and Design Ideas You Will Love.
3. Winter Living Room and Mantel Decor Ideas
Keep your winter living room minimal and elegant with greenery, candles, and neutral accents.
And don’t forget to pile on the throw pillows.
I can’t think of anything that adds warmth and coziness to a space faster than adding in a few pillows in soft, luxurious textures and colors.
To make your living room feel more inviting for winter, add in a large rug or two. I love the elevated feeling a vintage rug brings to a space.
One of the best ways to warm up your home for winter is with throws and blankets — particularly ones made of soft fabrics like cotton, cashmere, linen, or faux fur.
I’m a big fan of velvet — especially for winter decorating. Its soft, luxurious texture adds the perfect touch of warmth to the living room.
Ali Henrie Design – Lindsay Salazar Photography
Ali Henrie Design – Lindsay Salazar Photography – coffee table
On the mantel, incorporate candles in glass hurricanes or brass candlesticks for a soft winter glow.
A pared-back approach to winter decorating keeps things cozy without overwhelming the room.
Ali Henrie Design – Lindsay Salazar Photography
For more living room ideas, see my post, 2026 Living Room Trends and Decor Ideas You Will Love.
4. Winter Entryway Table Decor Ideas
Bring an inviting look to your home for winter with an entryway table featuring florals or greenery.
AKB Design Studio – Sylvie Li Photography
Layer with books, and neutral-toned pottery and accent pieces.
Keep your color palette warm and welcoming through wood furniture pieces, artwork, and decor.
For timeless simplicity, I love the look of candles in hurricane lanterns.
This under-the-stairs nook features warm touches of brass for a modern look.
Pinterest
Shimmering candles, a brass-framed mirror, and a warm jute rug create a lovely and elegant welcome in this beautiful entryway.
AKB Design Studio – Sylvie Li Photography
For more entryway table decor ideas, see my post, Stylish Entryway Ideas for a Beautiful First Impression.
5. Winter Decor Ideas for the Dining Room
Use a linen tablecloth or runner in ivory, oatmeal, or soft gray.
A woven vase filled with greenery creates a beautiful winter table display, adding a natural touch.
Some greenery and bowls of fruit create lovely and natural dining table centerpiece.
AKB Design Studio – Sylvie Li Photography
For timeless simplicity, use greenery and tapered candles.
A few throw pillows add a cozy touch to this breakfast nook.
Styling a sideboard or console table with candles, greenery, a bowl of fruit, and warm lighting brings a modern winter touch to your dining room.
For more dining room ideas, see my post, 2026 Dining Room Ideas and Trends You Will Love.
6. Winter Home Exterior and Porch Decor Ideas
Your home exterior and front porch are the perfect spots to add a welcoming touch of winter decor.
Depending on where you live, flank your front door with planters filled with evergreens, olive trees, or boxwood topiaries.
Mindy Gayer Design – Garden Studio Design – welcome mat – similar option
Hang wreaths of mixed greenery or eucalyptus finished with a linen or velvet ribbon.
These details create a winter home that feels warm and welcoming without bold colors.
Whether your style leans modern, farmhouse, or classic, adding in a few cozy textures, soft lighting, and natural touches can transform your home into a welcoming retreat all winter long — and I hope you found these ideas helpful and inspiring.
Wishing you a beautiful, blessed 2026! xo Jane
P.S. If you love neutrals, but want to add a hint of seaside charm, you might also enjoy my post, Neutral Coastal Decor Ideas: Inspiration for Every Room in the Home.
Where to Shop for Winter Decor
Below are a few of my favorite places to shop for winter decor for the home.
For more decor ideas and trends, you might also be interested in these popular posts from Jane at Home:
2026 Interior Color Trends: The Hues Defining the Year
Top 10 Interior Design Styles and Trends for 2026
Stunning Kitchen Remodel Ideas for 2026: Layouts, Styles, and Inspiration
Timeless Warm White Kitchen Ideas, Paint Colors, and Inspiration
A Simple Guide to Mixing Metals in the Bathroom
A Simple Guide to Mixing Metals in the Kitchen
Beautiful Bathroom Remodel Ideas for Small Bathrooms and Master Baths
2026 Kitchen Trends and Design Ideas You Will Love
2026 Bathroom Trends and Design Ideas for Master Bathrooms and Small Full Baths
Warm White Bathroom Ideas: Timeless Paint Colors and Design Inspiration
The New Studio McGee Collection at Target
The New Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Collection at Target
Quiet Luxury Interior Design: How to Bring the Look to Your Home
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2 Comments
Barbara C
December 28, 2025 at 11:48 amI’m always happy to see your emails. I have taken down Christmas decor and thinking about what to do next for winter and, as always, your posts provide an abundance of beautiful ideas. Thank you so much!
Jane
December 29, 2025 at 6:53 amThank you for your lovely comment, Barbara! I’m so happy to hear you found this post helpful (and it’s nice to know I’m not the only one who wonders what to do after the Christmas decor comes down!). Your kind words started my day off in the best possible way, and I truly appreciate you taking the time to write. Wishing you a beautiful, blessed new year! xo Jane