I’m an interior design professional, 9 Christmas Decorating Mistakes Will Make Your Home Look Tacky
There are only 40 days to go until Christmas, with the festive spirit already sweeping across the country.
But according to tradition, Christmas trees may only be put up at the beginning of Advent, which begins on the fourth Sunday before December 25.
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This year Advent starts on December 1.
And before you run the tree out of the coop, or head to the local garden center to pick up a real one, there are some decorating tips you should consider.
Paulina Wojas, interior designer at Beautiful chairshas insisted that there are nine ways your Christmas decorations can make your home look cheap and tacky.
Here, she reveals what to avoid and how to create a tasteful, festive atmosphere at home instead.
Mixed themes
Paulina says: “A common mistake that dampens the appeal of a home is mixed themes.
“Displaying Christmas decorations that don’t fit together can lead to a tacky appearance, making the home look cheap.
“This mistake is usually unintentional; it’s important to choose decorations with a design in mind, making sure you only use decorations that complement each other and the interior style of your home.
“Be intentional and follow a theme with similar styles and colors for a cohesive aesthetic.”
Novelty decorations
“Although new Christmas decorations are festive and fun, they can look tacky,” continues Paulina.
She said that especially ‘unsavory’ baubles or ornaments with cheap slogans can make your home look cheap.
She added: “So avoid these when decorating your home this Christmas. These also lack timelessness and are therefore a bad investment.
“Instead, invest in durable ornaments with sentimental value for a refined interior.”
Wrong size Christmas tree
The Christmas tree is often the centerpiece of the Christmas decoration, so choosing the right size is essential.
Paulina said: “A tree that is too big or too small can disrupt the aesthetic of the room and make the space look cheap.
“If the tree is too large, it can restrict space and appear suffocating to the room and overall decor; A tree that is too small can be overwhelmed by other decorations, missing the opportunity to stand out.
“Finding the right size tree is critical to avoiding a cheap-looking home. Assess the room’s dimensions and consider the tree’s placement before purchasing.”
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Overdecorating
No matter how much you love Christmas, too many decorations can damage your home instead of improving it.
And Paulina emphasizes that this common decorating mishap can lead to a “cluttered look,” as the festive trimmings smother the space.
She said: ‘This ultimately makes your house look cheap and tacky.
“As with mixed themes, being purposeful and taking a less-is-more approach is the key to achieving a beautiful home for Christmas.
“A good rule of thumb is to make an inventory of your Christmas decorations every year. Assess which decorations no longer serve a purpose and should be thrown away or donated, and which ones will have lasting appeal in your holiday setup.
“This prevents over-decorating and allows you to decorate with meaningful garnishes. If you think you’ve gone overboard, chances are you have.”
Tasteless lighting
Lighting is essential for enhancing the interior design of a home and plays an integral role in Christmas decorations.
But there are some strings of lights that Paulina says you shouldn’t even untangle from last year, and instead throw them away.
She said: “While colorful lights in white, red, blue or green may seem festive, they can often make your home look tacky and cheap.
“Flashing or overly bright LED lights in particular can feel more like a storefront than a cozy, inviting space. Even if the rest of your Christmas decorations are tasteful, poor lighting can hinder the overall aesthetic.
“Instead, choose warm white light with a steady glow to create a classic, elegant atmosphere. If you want a touch of sparkle, choose a soft twinkling setting instead of intense flash for a sophisticated and cozy atmosphere.”
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Low quality fake greenery
“Artificial greenery that looks obviously fake or too shiny can cheapen your overall decor,” points out Paulina.
Instead, she suggests investing in high-quality faux greenery or combining real greenery with artificial pieces for a more natural look.
She continued, “Adding real pine or cedar branches adds an authentic touch, and layering them with well-crafted faux elements creates a beautifully polished effect.”
Messy Christmas tree
The interior designer said: “A Christmas tree full of mismatched decorations can look less elegant and more like a mismatched collection.
“To achieve a more sophisticated and thoughtful look, compose your tree by choosing a color scheme or theme and including a few meaningful, high-quality ornaments.
“Leave space between the decorations to create a beautifully balanced and refined whole.”
Excessive use of tinsel
While tinsel can be festive, an overabundance of it can give your decor an “outdated, kitschy feel,” making your space look like a cheap store display, according to Paulina.
She suggested, “Use tinsel sparingly, or replace it with more natural-looking accents like frosted branches, greenery, or silk ribbons.”
“The key is subtlety: let the beauty of the fabric or garland shine, rather than overloading it with excessive embellishments.”
Using too many glitter items
Finally, Paulina said, “While glitter is festive, when used too much it can easily create an overly flashy, tacky aesthetic, making decorations look more like party favors than sophisticated Christmas decorations.
“Choose matte or soft metallic finishes like brushed gold or silver, and use glitter sparingly, perhaps just on a few ornaments or a subtle tree accent. Less is more when it comes to sparkle.”
