17 DIY Living Room Christmas Decorations That Are Cooler Than Mom’s

1. Colorful Forest: Show off your power tool skills (or bribe someone with warm Christmas cookies to help you) with these bright + modern Christmas trees. Dilute your paint with a little water to allow the woodgrain to show through and use the other end of your paint brush to add the dots. (via Inspired by Charm)

2. Tinsel Letter Garland: Add a touch of glam to your holiday decor by wrapping long strips of tinsel garland around wooden letters to create a festive phrase. Staple the letters to another garland, hang and admire. (via A Bubbly Life)

3. Retro Ranch Holiday House: If a snow-covered Christmas isn’t something you’re used to, then put together this tropical village instead. The cardstock ranch-style houses and palm trees are absolutely adorable. Finish it off with gold bead embellishments and bottle brush trees. Now you just have to find a prime location for it in your house. (via Vitamini Handmade)

4. DIY Holiday Throw Pillows: Okay, here’s the deal: If you buy a blank pillow cover, then these are completely no-sew. But if you happen to have extra fabric lying around, go for it and make the cover yourself. You totally got this. (via Style Me Pretty)

5. Christmas Card Holder: Display your Christmas cards in style this year. This project is perfect for your front entryway and will get tons of compliments. When you’re done with it, just roll up the cork board tree, package away the pushpins and put it away until next year. (via A Bubbly Life)

6. Ornament Wreath: Show off your collection of vintage ornaments by turning them into a vibrant wreath. The ornaments are attached with pins so you can remove them if you want, but once you see the finished product you’ll never want to take it down. (via Martha Stewart)

7. Woven Christmas Tree Wall Hanging: This Anthropologie-inspired wall hanging is a great project for anyone wanting to try their hand at weaving. Make your own loom with a picture frame, nails and string, and get to work. Bonus: Since you’re only working with one color, any flubs you make won’t be noticeable. (via Everything Emily)

8. Sequined Wreath: Create this sparkly wreath now and you can leave it up all year long (or at least through Valentine’s Day). Wrap sequined trim around a foam wreath form and glue it in place at both ends. This one is so bright, you just might need shades. (via The Style House)

9. Astronomical Accent: Your guests will never believe you made the huge silver star hanging above your mantel out of paper (and tons of glitter). This project is a prime example of how easy it can be to make high-impact decorations with everyday materials. (via Martha Stewart)

10. Christmas Tree Lanterns: Here’s a project you can totally do during nap time and still have time to eat lunch. All you have to do is cut a dozen Christmas tree shapes out of tissue paper and glue them on plain lanterns for a Scandinavian-esque holiday style. It doesn’t get much easier than this. (via A Bubbly Life)

11. Ornament Garland: String up bunches of ornaments on a long piece of ribbon or tulle to create an eye-catching garland that will look killer regardless of where you put it. You are going to need quite a few ornaments for this one, so keep an eye out next time you hit the local thrift store. (via Brit + Co)

12. Washi Tape Christmas Tree: Put your tree directly on the wall if you’re short on floor space. Strips of washi tape in the same colors make this simple piece look pulled together and Instagram worthy. Just don’t forget the star at the top. (via Nalle’s House)

13. DIY Wooden Trees: If you prefer your decorations on the minimal side, then this DIY is right up your alley. Paint wooden triangle shapes and add gold leaf detail all around. Since these are small, display them in clusters so they don’t get lost among your larger pieces. (via Sugar and Cloth)

14. Mini Present Garland: Add a bit of retro flair to your tree with this adorable package garland. Wrap empty raisin boxes in bright crepe paper and tie with embroidery thread. You’re going to want to make a bunch of these after you see just how cute it is. (Oh Happy Day)

15. Fabric Stag Head: Adorn your wall with a colorful stag head using only half a yard of fabric. Pick a more neutral fabric and keep it up all year long for a fun + funky piece of decor that is sure to become the focal point of your space. (via Pillar Box Blue)

16. Gold-Dipped Bottle Brush: Make your bottle brush trees look even cuter with a little gold leaf action. Brush it lightly on the tips of the bristles, then go back over it with gold glitter nail polish for a bit of sparkle. Now, go grab a cup of tea and admire your work. (via Studio DIY)

17. Popsicle Snow Flakes: Popsicle sticks aren’t just for making birdhouses at summer camp anymore. This project is a great one for the kids to help out with since the snowflakes can be made in any shape or size. Add a layer of gold (or silver) spray paint and hang with double-sided tape. (via Making Home Base)

Which one of these DIYs are you going to tackle first? Leave us a comment. We’d love to hear from you!