So, your bedroom’s looking a little… blah? Yeah, mine too. Every December rolls around and I’m like, “Why does my room look like Christmas forgot about me?” But here’s the thing—you don’t need to drop serious cash at Target to fix that.
I’ve been DIY-ing my holiday bedroom decor for years now (mostly because I’m cheap, but also because it’s kinda fun?), and I’ve figured out what actually works. These 19 ideas will turn your bedroom into a cozy Christmas wonderland without making your wallet cry. Let’s get into it.
Paper Snowflake Window Cascades
Do you recall creating snowflakes in elementary school? It’s time to revive that, but with a more beautiful look. I cut out several snowflakes of various sizes (white, silver, and pale blue are the best) and hang them across my window at different lengths. When the morning light strikes them? A kiss from the chef.
| Image | Product | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
6 Pcs Window Tilt Latch Pairs, White | 6 Pcs Window Tilt Latch Pairs, White Spring Loaded Latch Replacement Sliding Locks Plastic Construction Snap-in Latches Pairs Window Parts and Hardware for Home Windows Accessories |
Check Price |
 |
Maison d’ Hermine Curtains for Living R | Maison d’ Hermine Curtains for Living Room 100% Cotton 124 inch Length One Panel Light Filtering Curtains for Bedroom Windows with Rod and Loop Pockets Drapes (Turin, 50″ W x 124″ L) |
Check Price |
Layering is the key. Instead of making a single row, hang some closer to the glass and others farther back to add depth. It only takes an hour or so, costs almost nothing, and, to be honest, looks like you hired someone. Just so you know, it’s much more magical and almost invisible to use fishing line instead of ordinary string.
Fairy Light Canopy Over Your Bed
This one’s a game-changer. I attached cup hooks to my ceiling (yeah, I know, commitment issues, but hear me out) and draped warm white fairy lights across them to create a canopy effect over my bed.
It completely changes the atmosphere of your space. We’re talking about a warm, romantic, and Christmas-movie-like atmosphere. Additionally, what happens when you only have the fairy lights on and turn off the overhead lights? instant mode of relaxation. Just be sure to get plug-in or battery-operated lights with a timer; it’s much easier to fall asleep when you don’t have to worry about a fire.
Mason Jar Snow Globes
I’m slightly obsessed with these. Grab some old mason jars, mini Christmas trees (the cheap plastic ones from craft stores), fake snow, and glycerin. Glue the tree to the inside of the lid, fill the jar with water and a drop of glycerin, add your snow, and seal it up.
Place these on your dresser or windowsill, and you’ll have an instant winter paradise. The “snow” falls more slowly due to the glycerin, which is strangely captivating. Because you can personalize them however you like, I think these are superior to store-bought snow globes. Additionally, if you already have jars lying around, they are essentially free.
Cinnamon Stick Candle Holders
Do you want the scent of Christmas to fill your room? It’s this. I use twine or ribbon to secure everything after wrapping cinnamon sticks around standard pillar candles. They smell of cinnamon when you light them, and they also have a cute and rustic appearance.
Pro tip: Use real cinnamon sticks, not the fake decorative ones. The real ones actually smell amazing when warmed. I keep a few of these on my nightstand and dresser, and my room literally smells like a bakery. Worth it.
| Material | Cost | Where to Get | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cinnamon Sticks | $3-5 | Grocery store | Amazing scent |
| Pillar Candles | $5-8 | Dollar store | Rustic look |
| Twine/Ribbon | $2-3 | Craft store | Finished touch |
Pinecone Garland
Free ornaments? Sure, please. I gathered several pinecones from my yard (or a park, depending on where I was), sprayed some gold and white, and tied them together with twine. Now that I have this garland above my headboard, everyone asks me where I got it.
The key is variety. Mix painted and natural pinecones, maybe throw in some holly berries or small ornaments between them. It’s that imperfect, handmade look that actually makes it feel expensive. Ever wondered why DIY sometimes looks better than store-bought? Because it’s got character.
Christmas Card Display Wall
I began showcasing Christmas cards rather than stuffing them into a drawer. I used tiny clothespins to secure cards as they arrived and strung twine in a zigzag pattern on one wall.
It’s functional and decorative. Plus, it makes your room feel more personal and loved. As the season goes on, the wall fills up and becomes this evolving piece of decor. Super easy, super cheap, and it actually makes me happy when I look at it.
Ornament-Filled Glass Vases
My lazy-but-looks-fancy trick is this. I filled some clear glass vases with Christmas ornaments that I purchased from the dollar store. That’s all. That’s the entire project.
Any color scheme that complements your space can be used, such as all silver or all red and gold. My dresser has three vases of varying sizes that are adorned with a variety of shiny and matte ornaments, which instantly gives the room a polished appearance. Takes five minutes, looks like you actually tried. 🙂
DIY Advent Calendar
Alright, this one requires a little more work, but bear with me. I used little paper bags to create an advent calendar. I numbered them 1–25, put small notes or treats inside, and hung them from a white spray-painted branch.
I get to open something every day, and it’s in the corner of my room. It has evolved into a small daily routine that adds a special touch to December. Whatever works, you could also do envelopes on a string. The important thing is to have a morning ritual to look forward to.
Wooden Bead Garland
These Scandinavian-style wooden bead garlands are everywhere right now, and for good reason—they’re gorgeous. I made my own by threading wooden beads onto twine, and I draped it across my mirror and nightstand.
The feel of natural wood counterbalances the glitzy Christmas decorations and prevents the scene from becoming overpowering. You can also leave it up all year long if you’d like (don’t tell the Christmas police, though).
Plaid Throw Pillow Covers
Nothing says Christmas like plaid. I sewed simple envelope-back pillow covers using buffalo check fabric—red and black for my bed, green and white for my reading chair.
Don’t worry if you can’t sew; you can use fabric glue or even safety pins on the back, out of sight. These instantly give your bed a cozier, more festive appearance. An added bonus is that you can change them out for different patterns all year long.
Framed Christmas Prints
I designed and printed a few simple Christmas quotes and images, stuck them in cheap frames from IKEA, and swapped out my regular wall art for December. “Let it snow,” “Merry and bright”—you know the drill.
It’s a simple way to update your room for the seasons without making long-term adjustments. I simply replace the standard photos when January arrives. Cost breakdown: essentially only the cost of printing, or nothing if you have a printer already.
Eucalyptus and Pinecone Bundles
I got fresh eucalyptus from the grocery store, wrapped it in pinecones, and tied it with ribbon because it smells amazing and lasts forever. These tiny packages, which are on my dresser and nightstand, give the space a spa-meets-Christmas vibe.
The eucalyptus scent is subtle and refreshing—way better than those artificial air fresheners. Plus, as it dries, it keeps its shape and smell for weeks. Honestly one of my favorite discoveries.
String Art Christmas Trees
Do you have any leftover wood? To make a Christmas tree, hammer some nails into a triangle shape and wrap green yarn or string around them. Top with a yellow string star.
I made three of these in different sizes and propped them up on my bookshelf. They’re quirky, textured, and give off major handmade charm. People always comment on them because they’re unexpected.
Cranberry and Orange Pomanders
Classic yet excellent. I used cloves to decorate some oranges in various designs, such as spirals or stripes. Your room is naturally perfumed by the wonderful scent of citrus and cloves.
I keep these in a bowl on my dresser, and they last for weeks. As they dry out, they turn into these cool, shriveled decorations that still smell great. It’s like historical Christmas meets modern bedroom.
Sweater Stocking Wall Hang
I made tiny stockings by cutting the sleeves off an old Christmas sweater that I was obviously no longer wearing. I attached some ribbon loops, stitched the bottom shut, and used command hooks to hang them on my wall.
| Image | Product | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Amazon Basics Boucle Throw | Amazon Basics Boucle Throw Pillow Covers for Couch, Living Room, Home Decor with Hidden Zipper, Green, 18×18in, Pack of 2 |
Check Price |
 |
100FT LED Outdoor String Ligh | 100FT LED Outdoor String Lights Patio Light with 52 Shatterproof G40 Dimmable Globe Bulb, 2-Pack 50FT Waterproof Outside Hanging String Light for Christmas Backyard Porch Balcony Gazebo Party |
Check Price |
They’re soft, cozy-looking, and gave new life to a sweater that was just taking up closet space. Plus, I stuff them with small treats or notes to myself throughout December. Self-care disguised as decor? I’m here for it.
Book Stack Christmas Tree
For my fellow book hoarders, this one is for you. On my nightstand, I arranged books in descending order of size, placing larger books at the bottom and smaller ones at the top to form a tree. wrapped some fairy lights around it and tossed a star ornament on top.
It’s functional (the books were just sitting there anyway) and festive. Perfect for small spaces where a real tree doesn’t fit. And honestly? It’s a conversation starter when people video call and see it in the background.
Ribbon Chandelier
I hung an embroidery hoop from my ceiling above my bed and tied ribbons in the Christmas colors—red, green, white, and gold. This whimsical, dreamy effect is produced by the ribbons falling at varying lengths.
When I turn on a fan or crack a window, they move slightly and catch the light. It’s surprisingly elegant for something made with craft store supplies. Just make sure you hang it high enough that you won’t walk into it—ask me how I know. :/
Miniature Christmas Village Display
This time of year, I started gathering tiny Christmas houses from thrift stores, and I used a white table runner as “snow” to create a miniature village scene on my dresser. LED tea lights, a mirror for a “frozen pond,” and bottle brush trees were added.
It’s like having a tiny winter town in my bedroom. I keep adding to it each year, and it’s become this ongoing project that I actually look forward to setting up. The nostalgia factor is real.
Peppermint Candy Bowl Lights
Here’s an odd one that works perfectly: I buried a string of white fairy lights in a bowl of peppermint candies that had been wrapped. This gentle, pinkish glow is produced by the light shining through the candies.
Looks cool, smells great (if you open a few candies nearby), and doubles as a snack bowl. Function meets festivity, people. Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best.
Wrapping It Up
Look, I understand that it may seem excessive to decorate your bedroom for Christmas. However, I can tell you that it’s worthwhile after doing this for a few years. During the holidays, when everything outside is cold and chaotic, your bedroom should feel like a warm haven.
The majority of these 19 do-it-yourself decorations take less than an hour to make, and they won’t break the bank. Depending on your personal style, available space, and level of effort, mix and match. Some years, I choose three favorites and call it a day, while other years, I go all out with ten of these.
The goal is to create a space that brings you joy every time you enter, not perfection. And what if, in the best possible way, your room looks like Santa’s workshop? The mission has been completed. Make your bedroom the most comfortable place on earth right now. You’re worthy.