Ever since I was a child, paper Christmas decor has been one of my favorite types of holiday decorations. Its handmade look, playful qualities, and light airiness made it so appealing to me. Even decades later, I still find myself drawn to the simple nature of paper Christmas decor, but this time, for a different reason – its versatility.
You see, not many holiday decorating trends can do what paper Christmas decor does so effortlessly. It can lean minimalist in some scenarios, and maximalist in others. Sometimes, paper Christmas decor looks rather traditional, and other times, it takes shape as something modern, fresh, and unique. Paper Christmas decor can seemingly adapt to fit any Christmas decorating idea with ease.
'One of the reasons paper decor is having its moment is because it works almost anywhere,' interior designer Terri Brien tells me. 'If your home leans Scandinavian, the clean lines and natural fibers make perfect sense. If you’re more transitional, that softer, handmade feel slips right into the mix of clean lines and warmer, classic details. Even in more modern spaces, paper, when kept simple, introduces that relaxed, tactile quality that keeps things from feeling cold. They’re incredibly versatile because they don’t compete; they layer.'
One of the reasons why paper Christmas decor is so versatile is because it taps into the current interior design trends that have been influencing how we decorate – both for the holiday season and year-round.
For starters, paper decorations are inherently full of character – something that designers and homeowners alike are yearning for in interior spaces. 'We continue to see that shift toward pieces that feel handmade, textural, and full of character rather than mass-produced characterless pieces. People are craving that sense of charm again, and paper ornaments do that in an approachable way,' Terri explains.
They have a freshness to them, too. 'Because they’re made from natural materials, paper Christmas decorations bring in that organic, slightly imperfect texture that lends to that warm and collected look and feel,' she continues.
Not only that, but these paper Christmas decor ideas are an affordable (and often DIY-able) way to tap into the feeling of nostalgia that's so prevalent during the holiday season. 'There’s something about paper mache ornaments, folded paper stars, or those charming little paper trees that feels nostalgic without being fussy,' Terri tells me. 'They have an artisanal quality, but they’re also light, simple, and usually very affordable, which makes them even more appealing.'
Because of paper Christmas decor's inherent versatility, there are endless ways in which you can incorporate this trend into your home. Paper Christmas decor can take shape as Christmas tree ornaments, festive garland, and even tabletop decor – the list goes on and on.
'I love using paper pieces as the subtle, grounding layer in a holiday scheme,' Terri recommends. 'Think of them the way you’d think of textured neutrals in a room. Paper stars mixed with vintage-style glass ornaments is such a beautiful combination, because the matte and the shine play off each other.'
Another idea? Try a paper Christmas tree display. 'Little paper trees clustered on a console with a velvet ribbon draped around them instantly feels thoughtful and collected,' Terri suggests. And if you want to go all out, consider forgoing your traditional fir tree for a large paper variation instead, like this 4' Honeycomb Paper Tree from Walmart. This'll help you achieve a modern organic Christmas display in no time.
'They’re also great mixed with natural tones like woods, greenery, and soft metallics,' Terri says of paper Christmas decorations, which makes them the perfect complementary detail for the holiday season.
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Paper Christmas decor comes in all sorts of colors, shapes, and styles, and because of its versatility, it's a Christmas decor feature that every home should have this holiday season.
Whatever Christmas decor theme you're looking to develop in your home this winter, paper Christmas decor can help you achieve it. Below, find all the decorations you need to get started.
Made with a repetitive sequence of colorful shapes, this string of paper garland demonstrates how some variations of paper Christmas decor can feel more playful and youthful than others. String this from a mantel or even through your dining room chandelier for a fun and festive look.
Create a stylish arrangement on any tabletop surface with this set of two mini Christmas trees. Made from light green paper with glitter trim on the edges, these trees shimmer with seasonal beauty. Despite their small size, this set of two trees can make a stylish statement anywhere in your home.
From its intricate cutouts to its stark white color, this paper snowflake is a sophisticated rendition of the paper Christmas decor trend. With a little loop on top, this snowflake can gracefully hang from a tree branch or a cabinet pull, adding delicate beauty to any spot of your home.
Measuring 4' in height and made from crisp, cream-colored paper, this is a modern take on the traditional green Christmas tree. Its honeycomb folds can add a unique texture to your Christmas living room setup. Even though there are no branches on which you can hang lights or ornaments, its minimalist charm will make a style statement of its own.
Create your very own winter wonderland at home with these paper snowmen. From their round shape to their minimalist, white forms, they're as sleek as Christmas decorations come. Consider them a Christmas mantel decor idea that can appeal to any design style.
Aside from the playful, two-toned colors of these festive ornaments, I'm obsessed with their shimmering gold edges – making them all the more attractive for holiday decor. Although these ornaments are meant to hang from tree branches, I'd love to see them hang around a doorknob as a festive touch.
This set of six hanging decorations gives you a lot to work with – three paper shapes in large sizes as well as three silver foiled objects. Hung together, they’ll make an elegant holiday display. Even hung separately, these decorations will create a festive backdrop for the Christmas season.
I just love the simplicity of this paper tree garland strand. It’s not too bold, but not too bland, either. It’s a tasteful and refined way to add a bit of Christmas spirit in your home. Hang it from a TV console table, a mantel, or around a large picture frame for a festive look.
With their deep red color, unique shapes, and sparkly details, this set of three Christmas tree ornaments are bound to add some sophisticated elegance to your holiday tree. Plus, their honeycomb shape adds the perfect touch of texture.
Of course, because of the delicate materiality of paper Christmas decorations, you'll need to put effort into maintaining their appearance. While they're out on display, Terri recommends keeping them away from any moisture – this way, they'll retain their shape and structure.
As for storing them, Terri suggests 'wrapping each piece in tissue, or even vacuum seal bags, and placing them in a hard-sided box rather than a soft bin. If they’re collapsible styles, make sure they’re fully closed and secured before storing.' This way, you can ensure the stylish appeal of your paper Christmas decorations year after year.
If you need help determining how to store your Christmas decorations, we've asked professional organizers just how to do so – this way, your ornaments, wreaths, and paper decorations will stay in order for next year's holiday season.
