15 Modern Christmas Decor Ideas for a Very Merry Holiday

Just because you prefer modern holiday decor ideas doesn’t mean you have to eschew all the typical hallmarks of Christmas. The trick? Look for pieces that incorporate modern shapes or materials to ensure your decorations don’t feel too traditional. These graphic wooden trees feel fresh and of the moment, thanks to their extra-angular shape and vibrant shiny lacquer finish.

Bottle brush trees make excellent additions to your festive mantel, tabletop, or entryway display. These speak to the modern holiday decorator thanks to their color scheme, which includes both classic and bright shades.

What’s the holiday season without a little sparkle and shine? If you’re looking for a modern twist on traditional Christmas lights, shop for standout designs that incorporate fresh shapes. These starbursts would look amazing dangling from trees outdoors or lining a hallway inside. They’re reminiscent of modern design’s iconic Sputnik chandelier, making them a great choice for homeowners who prefer to do something a bit different.

Goodbye old, quilted tree skirt. Hello brass tree collar. This seasonal swap is a fantastic modern Christmas decor ideas, trading the traditional fabric tree accessory for one with a decidedly funkier finish. It’s so cool and eye-catching, you can probably get away with skipping ornaments altogether.

Stockings are about as classic as you can get, but there are ways to make them feel chic and modern, These patterned stockings are the perfect example, as their color and pattern is trendy without losing that essential touch of nostalgia.

There’s something undeniably charming about a tree filled with vintage childhood ornaments—but it’s not for everyone. If you prefer a uniform look, consider a slew of ornaments in modern shapes and patterns instead. This set of eight glass baubles from CB2 are angular and graphic, with a bold black-and-white stripe pattern that catches the eye from across the room.

Nothing puts the “happy” in “happy holidays” quite like a peppy seasonal pillow. The best part? Swapping the accents on your couch or bed is one of the easiest ways to transition your home to the holiday season. This find looks like it was made by grandma (in the best way possible), with colorful tufted letters that let everyone know your Christmas decorating ethos.

A well-dressed holiday home starts with a warm greeting—in this case, a charming doormat. A mat made of natural coir fibers will be durable enough to withstand even the most blustery winter storm, while a modern pattern—like these line-drawn pine trees—will set your desired mood from the start.

When it comes to decorating for the holidays, swapping out your artwork brings you to an elite level of holiday cheer. It doesn’t have to be complicated, either—sites like Etsy have tons of printable downloads you can sneak into frames already around your home to add an additional layer of merriment. This collection is particularly modern, thanks to bold typography and a slew of rainbow happy hues.

Mixing in elevated neutrals is an easy way to make your room feel modern. Take these gold tabletop trees, for example: They’re simple, but add such a pop to any mantel, coffee table, or other area they’re placed.

No Christmas tree is complete without a glittering topper. While rustic-themed trees may feel complete with a wooden or natural-fiber star, firs that are meant to be modern need an edgier finishing touch. This brass tree topper brings a bit of edge—and a whole lot of sparkle—to the tip of your spruce.

Love all the traditional motifs of the holiday season? That’s great! Give ‘em a modern twist by seeking them out in modern materials like brass, silver, or black metal, instead of more typically traditional ones (like wood, cotton, or wool). These brass reindeer objects add a bit of shine to your console table, built-ins, and more.

When in doubt, go for shine—metallics are a surefire way to make any aesthetic feel more modern. This tree from Joss and Main is a stunner, thanks to its tinsel-like branches and tall, lean shape. Allow it to hold court in your entryway or dress it up in your living room with a bold array of colorful ornaments.

This Christmas village may look modern, but it’s designed and built so well that it’s bound to become an heirloom in your family for generations. Each of the five houses is made from upcycled wood and American copper for a graphic display that will look stunning in the center of your dining table.

Airy and elegant, this handblown glass ornament is the perfect example of a modern holiday aesthetic at work. The colors are bold, the shape is unique, and—best of all—it pairs easily with whatever pieces are already in your collection.