Colour evokes emotions and memories. When you see gold and red together, you probably think of Christmas trees and the smell of freshly fallen snow. It’s no coincidence that the colours we typically use for Christmas decorating are what we associate most with the season – but that doesn’t mean you have to use them.
Choosing the right colours for Christmas decorating is one of the first steps in creating a cohesive and festive atmosphere. Before you buy your tree or pick out baubles, it’s important to decide on a colour palette. Knowing which colours work together and which ones clash can help bring your vision to life.
The Classic Christmas Colours: Red, Gold, and Silver
When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with the classic Christmas colours: red, gold, and silver If you want to add a touch of nature to your colour palette, add a dark shade of green. However, these three main colours can easily be mixed and matched with other shades for your Christmas decorating.
Red: A popular choice for Christmas decorating, red brings warmth and festivity into your home. It pairs wonderfully with gold, green, or white but should be avoided with neon or bold purple tones, as these can be too stark.
Gold: Gold is perfect for adding a luxurious feel to your décor. It mixes beautifully with ivory, green, red, navy, and light pink. While pairing gold with silver can be effective, it’s important to balance the two metals to avoid a chaotic look.
Silver: For a sleek, contemporary touch, silver is a great option. It complements cool tones like blue, lilac, and white. Just be cautious when pairing silver with warm tones like yellow, as it can lead to a clashing effect.
Accent Colours for Christmas Decorating:
Accent colours are an excellent way to introduce a bit of fun to your Christmas decorating without straying too far from the traditional hues. As a general rule, it’s best to keep your main colours to two primary shades and one or two accent colours to maintain balance.
-
Black: For a dramatic touch, black can add a hint of sophistication and is great for a more modern Christmas style.
-
Green and White: These colours are perfect for a nature-inspired theme or for creating a cosy, minimalist atmosphere.
-
Blush Pink and Icy Blue: Want a pop of whimsy? Blush pink and icy blue are soft tones that bring a charming, light-hearted touch to your Christmas decorating.
What Doesn’t Work: Common Christmas Colour Mistakes
Now you know how to choose colours for your Christmas decorating, it’s important to touch on the mistakes you want to avoid. Having too many colours in your Christmas decorations can make them look unbalanced, as if they’re not tied together by a theme or aesthetic. Clashing tones, such as warm hues and icy colours, can also be harsh on the eyes.
If you’re adding contrasting colours like metallics, you want to use them intentionally. Placing them randomly on your Christmas tree will make them lose their impact.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when decorating for Christmas is not considering the current style of the room. Your Christmas tree will become the focal point, but it should work with the rest of your décor. Choose a theme or colour palette that complements your furniture and doesn’t stray too far from your room’s aesthetic.
When to Go Outside the Colour Box
While it’s important to have a colour palette for your Christmas decorating, there are times when you can experiment outside the box. If you have a themed tree, especially as your second Christmas tree, it’s a great opportunity to embrace maximalism and incorporate different novelty ornaments without worrying about colour cohesion.
If you’re decorating a children’s room or a cosy corner of your home, don’t get too caught up in choosing the right colour palette. Choose decorations that spark joy and feel intentional, reflecting your personality and favourite colours or themes. There are no hard or fast rules for Christmas decorating – just follow your creativity.
Choosing the Perfect Colours for Christmas Decorating
Selecting the right colours for Christmas decorating is all about creating a festive and cohesive atmosphere that complements your home. Start with two main colours and an accent shade, then feel free to experiment with different combinations. Whether you stick to traditional colours or explore new trends, make sure your choices reflect your style and enhance your holiday spirit.
Remember, Christmas is a time for creativity, so embrace your unique style and let your home shine with the perfect colour palette for the season.
