The 10 Maximalist Christmas Decorating Ideas That Prove More is More

Go all in on color, ribbon, and sparkle this Christmas with these maximalist decorating ideas.

Loads of Saturated Color

DAVID LAND

Color is one of the main components of a maximalist room. Christmas decor doesn't have to consist of only red and green, or even of just any one color. Feel free to go wild with bold, saturated colors, including pinks, yellows, oranges, blues, and purples. Mixing all the colors of the rainbow can work for Christmas when incorporated via ornaments, ribbon, or bottlebrush trees.

Unique, Mismatched Stockings

BALL and ALBANESE

Maximalism is all about layering different textures, patterns, and colors, and hanging unique stockings on your mantel is a great way to bring the aesthetic to your space without much commitment. Stockings allow each person in the household to express their personality. Vintage or handmade stockings offer countless options that fit this eclectic aesthetic.

Graphic Patterns

ADAM ALBRIGHT

Typographic elements like signs or lettered garlands are a fun and easy way to add maximalism throughout your home. Hang a garland on your tree or along a mantel, and hang signs anywhere you'd regularly put your art. Make sure the typeface is bold and colorful to best fit a maximalist aesthetic.

Lots of Ribbon

DAVID LAND

Ribbon (especially velvet ribbon) is quickly becoming the most popular Christmas accessory of the season. It's a simple addition to trees, wreaths, garlands, chairs, and chandeliers—basically anywhere in your home. Tie it in a classic bow or cut it in pieces and drape it over tree branches.

Tinsel for Extra Sparkle

ANNIE SCHLECHTER

Popular in the '50s and '60s, tinsel is back and better than ever. The use of silver tinsel strands is a stunning way to add visual interest to your tree with a bit of shimmer. Use in combination with ribbon and vibrant ornaments for the ultimate maximalist tree.

Vintage Accents

DAVID LAND

Vintage Christmases were full of nods to maximalism. With retro ceramic trees, sequined ornaments, and no fear of bold color, there are so many vintage items that fit seamlessly into a modern maximalist's Christmas display. Scour your local antique stores or estate sales to find one-of-a-kind vintage decor.

Groups of Candles

ADAM ALBRIGHT

Whether they're tapered, votive, pillar, or a combination of all three, candles bring a warm ambience to a room—and more is definitely more. For added interest, find ones in bright colors and funky shapes and styles like twisted or fluted candlesticks. Place them in metallic or chunky candlestick holders.

Colored Trees

DAVID LAND

Green trees aren't the only option available. Hot pink, bright blue, or vibrant orange all fit well into a maximalist Christmas display. With their eye-catching color, you don't even need ornaments. You can find miniature tabletop trees in a variety of solid colors, and they're ideal for bedrooms and offices. Place them on a dresser, desk, or countertop.

Ornate Ornaments

JAY WILDE

Say so long to your plain and neutral ornaments—ornate and meaningful ornaments are a maximalist must-have. You don't need to have a matching color scheme; instead, fill your Christmas tree with sentimental ornaments. Sequins, shiny glass, bright colors, and shapes of real objects like food and buildings make tree decorating more fun. Or start your own collection of ornaments obtained from your travels or ones representing each year's big milestones.

Citrus Fruit Decor

An inexpensive option for a maximalist Christmas is citrus fruit decor. Thinly slice oranges, lemons, and grapefruits and dehydrate them to make DIY garlands, ornaments, and wreaths. If you dehydrate them properly, they'll be good to use for years to come.