How to create winter décor for your apartment on a budget

You don’t have to be into Christmas to add a little winter touch to your apartment. Nor do you need a lot of space or an unlimited budget. There are many ways and DIY projects that you can get into to add a little magic to your rental. Not only will the result be easy on the eye, but you’ll also get to relax by using your hands to create a beautiful object. We’ve put together some winter décor ideas and tips for a smooth experience.

The best thing about this is that you can create new winter décor from scratch, upcycle a common household item or spruce up an affordable find. So, why wait? Start exploring these ideas today and transform your space into a cozy winter haven. Your creativity is the only limit and the rewards are immensely satisfying.

No winter décor is complete without snowflakes

Nothing says winter quite like snowflakes. Make your own magical designs at home using paper and scissors. All it takes is folding a letter-size piece of paper in half diagonally, then folding it into triangles. Make strategic cuts and folds to create intricate patterns, then carefully unfold it to display your snowflake design. Hang these homemade winter décor pieces around your apartment with clear thread or string. Add glitter for some sparkle or spray paint them in icy shades like silver, white and light blue. Voilà! You now have showstopping homemade winter décor!

Shape twigs into mini trees

Winter décor often features pine trees, but buying full-sized evergreens can be pricey. Recreate the look with DIY mini trees using materials found in nature. Gather small twigs from your backyard or your local park during a leisurely winter walk. Collect twigs of varying sizes: skinny pieces for trunks and branches and bushier pieces to form the tops. Stand and shape branches using floral foam inside vases or secure them with glue dots. Add string lights, pinecones, berries or pom-poms as ornaments to achieve that quintessential winter charm. Sprinkle fake snow on the branches or around the vase rims for a frosty effect. Your tiny trees will be an affordable yet attractive winter décor option for tabletops in your apartment.

Knit cozy pieces from thrifted yarn

Knitting is a perfect hobby for long winter nights that also enables you to craft winter décor. Head to your local thrift store where you can find cheap yarn for just a few bucks. Choose chunky wool in creamy ivories, frosty blues and deep reds to create a winter vibe. Work up some quick pieces like pillow covers, simple patterned blankets, hat and scarf sets, or even a chunky wreath. Perfection isn’t necessary — your items can have a rustic and handmade look. These are DIY winter decorations, after all. Your custom knits will lend a crafty, homemade feel that helps make any space more cheerful and bright for the season.

Make winter décor pieces from common objects

Ornaments are a winter décor staple, but purchasing an entire set can put a dent in your wallet. Create budget-friendly stand-ins using materials you likely already have at home — from paper and wood circles to metal jar lids and plastic caps. Cut circles out of old book pages, wrapping paper or magazines, then coat them with decoupage or Mod Podge to seal and add sheen.

Next, paint wood slices from the craft store, then glue on bells, beads, pom-poms or fabric scraps. Finally, spray paint the inside of mason jar lids, plastic bottle caps even round oatmeal container lids in metallic sheens. Add ribbons or string to hang your upcycled ornaments. Mixing them with a few store-bought or heirloom pieces will add pops of color and texture. The beauty lies in the eclectic nature of handmade winter décor.

Classic winter décor: the rustic winter wreath

The wreath is a classic piece of winter décor and its versatility allows for so much creativity. For example, you can welcome guests with a gorgeously full and frosty wreath on your front door without going over budget. Simply go for a walk through your local woods to gather fallen sticks, acorns, pinecones and other natural materials. Create the base wreath form by using affordable grapevine from the craft store. Attach your collected items by tying them on with floral wire or hot gluing in place. Accent with a big plaid bow or fabric scraps cut into strips that you either sew or glue to the wreath form. Add faux silver birch stems or eucalyptus around the edges for texture and movement. Finally, mist your creation with fake snow spray for glistening icy sparkle.

Plant an inexpensive winter porch pot

The winter porch pot is a delightful alternative to the winter wreath. An eye-catching display on your apartment entry helps incite instant winter cheer. To craft a stunning winter pot without spending much green on flowers, head to your nearest home improvement or grocery store. Get some cold-hardy pansies, violas, ornamental kales and cabbages that hold up beautifully to frigid temps. Combine these plants in a large plastic pot from the dollar store, packing the soil tightly around the stems.

Weave pine, cedar and magnolia trimmings throughout as filler. Top dress the pot with pinecones, red winter berries tied to picks and mini-Christmas ornaments. The result is a living and growing winter decoration sure to delight.

Drape evergreen fronds for instant ambiance

Skip expensive pre-made garlands and create the dreamy winter décor of a snowy pine forest indoors using clippers and local pine, spruce or fir boughs. Ask neighbors for trimmings or source remnants from Christmas tree lots. Drape the greenery above door frames and mantles for an instant woodsy aroma in your space. Alternately, create a layered forest floor by laying pine fronds on shelves, console tables, dressers and side tables. Glue tiny woodland figurines like deer, snowy owls or rabbits into your evergreen display. Accent with fake snow, velvet ribbons, pinecones, stacked books and glass cloches for a magazine-worthy winter vignette. These all-natural materials release an exhilarating evergreen scent that will surely delight you and your guests.

The holiday season sparks inspiration for DIY projects that add cheer on a budget. Use these simple yet creative tips to craft elegant winter décor from items you can easily find at home or at a nearby store. Let your imagination run wild and enjoy the fruits of your labor all season long while saving money. What wintery pieces will you design this year?