The best holiday decorations for modern apartment living

Photo via Pexels

So maybe you dont have room for a Norway spruce big enough to rival Rockefeller Centers. Maybe you dont even have a chimney from which to hang stockings with care. Or maybe holiday decorating seems a little old fashionedwhich might be just what youre looking for. The good thing about the season is that adding sparkle doesnt take up a lot of space. The choices are nearly endless; what you choose should reflect nothing so much as your own personal style. From classic to retroto contemporary to some more out-of-the-box picks, here are some fun ideas for small-space holiday decorating.

holiday, xmas, christmas, festive, decoration, dImage viaPixabay

Start with the basics:

  1. Lights: wind strings of battery-powered tiny fairy lights aroundanythingand everything. Turn your favorite plants into tropical holiday trees, wrap your wreaths and garlandsand roll them up inside glass vases. Light somecandles, realor flameless, to bring a perfect glow to any room.
  2. Decide whether you want a tree, whetherreal or faux (just know faux is better suited to city living).
  3. Garlands are pre-made strings of holiday greenery, baubles, balls, leaves and lights. Run them along a fireplace, weave them into a stair rail, use them as table decor, or circlethem for an instant wreath.
  4. Wreath: Its round, and you can put it anywhere, butthe front door makes a statement.Mistletoe, of course, is always an option.

And if the spirit moves you to add more:

Scandi/minimal

These battery-operated LED String Lights turn anything into an ethereal, sparkly holiday statement.
This minimal, flexible wire wall treetakes up zero space and can be the backdrop for any kind of sparkle you like, from lights to foraged branches and shiny baubles. Ornaments and lights are included to get you started.
These minimalist wire wreaths are all the rage; yes, you could make your own, but this set of three keeps your decorating time to a minimum, too.
6' Mercury Tree Garland Color: White/Gray This vintage-y mercury glass garland, strung together on pale twine, can be intertwined with lights on a mantle, strung on a tree or draped anywhere youd like understated shimmer.
This pretty leaf garlandis all about a natural glow.
Who wouldnt want these little woodland critters to help them celebrate the season.
Bake your own tabletop decorations with this sugar cookie tree kit.
These bohemian-chic ceramic birds add a Scandinavian vibe, and theyre seasonless.
Hanging Christmas Card Holder Raw Metal If it takes up any space, put it to work: Display your holiday cards on this raw metal card hanger for all to enjoy.

Elegantcontemporary

This wintry birch branch tree is non-traditional and gorgeous.
A black holiday tree is every bit as chic as it looks.
Matte Shatterproof Christmas Ball Ornament Color: Lavender Purple Trim the tree in subtle hues like these lavendermatte Christmas ball ornaments or with this monochrome black textured version.
This glowing snowball garland can be gathered in a bowl or strung anywhere.
This sleek, silver wreath says, Modern lives here.
These peacockfeather table trees are a sophisticated addition to an elegant parlor.
This LED star hanging light will glow up any space.
Sleek, sculptural candles are just right in any seasonbut especially this one.

Retro

What could be more retro than a tinsel tree?
Perhaps thisretro fridge ornament?
Or this tiki-tastichula dancer ornament?
It never hurts to have a box of old-fashionedretro Christmas ball ornamentson hand.
These vintage Christmas lightsare made for indoor or outdoor use.
Youll have to find your own inserts (zippers included, though), but these vintage-y pillow covers summon another era without leaving the couch.
12 This silver ball wreath ties the whole theme together.

Over-the-top colorful

You can never have too many rainbows in your life. This rainbow Christmas tree isnt the only colorful contender (they come in, pink, orange, and ombre, just for starters), but it is every color in the rainbow.
Holiday Ornaments Full Sun Emotion Ball Ornament Glass Emoji 650030A O These sunshine-bright yellow emoji ballornamentswill let your tree do the talking.
These ball ornaments come in every color you can imagine, so you can mix or match.
Lights dont have to be white. These colorful LED globes are programmable for an in-house light show or just a gently blinking wonderland effect.
And wreaths dont have to be green. This ones a cool blue.

Classic/traditional

Sullivans Mixed Foliage Pine Cone and Berry Wreath This mixed foliage, red berry, and pine cone wreath is holly and jolly all over.
9' Fresh Pre-Lit Garland This pre-lit faux pine garlandis nine feet of holiday cheer.
Youll probably want a genuine, live tree, and these red-and-gold balls will complement it nicely. They come in silver, too.
These pillar candleshave just a bit of glow.
Winter House With Timer 17 The lights in this winter village come on via timer when your own lights are low.
This Moravian star tree-topper will give everyone something bright to look up to.

Hanukkah festive

This pretty tree of life menorah adds an Art Nouveau sculptural look to your decor.
Zion Judaica 45 Piece Premium Hand Made Hanukkah Candles Something different: These premium handmade Hanukkah candles add an eye-catching bit of artistry to the celebration of lights.
Children's Menorah KidKraft This childrens menorahis colorful and fun, we can see how it might not be just for kids.
Jewish Star Rope Light The Holiday Aisle ThisStar of David rope lightwill give your days and nights a festive glow.

RELATED: