How to Decorate your student flat just in time for christmas!
The holiday season is here, and it’s the perfect time to spread some festive cheer by decorating your student flat for Christmas. Whether you’re living in a small dorm room or a shared flat, decorating doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With a little creativity and effort, you can transform your space into a cosy, cheerful Christmas retreat.
Step 1) Friends Who Decorate Together, Stay Together!
First off you need to gather your flatmates around, Christmas is all about spending time with loved ones, and your student flat should be no exception. Decorating with friends is not only a great way to share the festive joy, but it can also make the process more fun. Invite your friends over for a decorating party where you can each contribute ideas, snacks, and help with hanging garlands, putting up the tree, or arranging the table settings.
After decorating, host a small Christmas gathering in your cosy flat. Whether it’s a Christmas movie marathon, a cookie decorating session, or a cosy gift exchange, sharing the holiday cheer with friends will make your decorated flat even more special.
Step 2) Choose A Theme
Before you start decorating, it’s important to choose a theme that reflects your personal style and fits the space. A clear theme will make your decorations more cohesive and ensure you don’t end up with a cluttered look. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Traditional Christmas: Red, green, gold, and silver colours, with classic touches like stockings, wreaths, and Santa figurines.
- Winter Wonderland: Think snowflakes, white lights, and soft blues and silvers for a more serene, frosty feel.
- Rustic Christmas: Incorporate natural elements like pinecones, wooden ornaments, burlap, and plaid patterns for a cosy, homely vibe.
- Crazy Christmas: You and your flatmates might have different tastes, so why not incorporate them all and have one big mismatched festive season. it could be fun!
Step 3) It’s Time To D.I.Y
DIY decorations are a fantastic way to personalize your student flat without breaking the bank. There are tons of easy and fun DIY projects that will add a unique touch to your space. Here are a few ideas:
- Paper Snowflakes: Simple to make and perfect for hanging in windows or stringing up as garlands.
- Jar Snow Globes: Use empty mason jars, glitter, and little figurines to create adorable mini snow globes. It’s a fun project and a great way to recycle old jars.
- Handmade Ornaments: Make ornaments from felt, paper, or even dried oranges. You can hang them on your Christmas tree, on string across the walls, or even on your study desk for a cute, festive look.
If you’re short on time or supplies, consider making decorations using things you already have. A few festive touches like wrapping your books in Christmas paper or using a scarf as a table runner can make a huge difference.
Step 4) Make It Cosy
Student flats can often feel stark and cold, but with a few cosy touches, you can make your space feel like a warm, inviting home for the holidays. Here’s how to do it:
- Throw Blankets: Drape a soft, festive blanket over your couch or bed for added warmth and style.
- Pillows: Swap out your usual pillows for Christmas-themed ones, or just add some extra cushions in cozy fabrics like velvet or knit.
- Scented Candles: Nothing says Christmas like the smell of cinnamon, pine, or gingerbread. A few well-placed candles will fill your flat with delightful holiday aromas. (Make sure to check your accommodations terms on candles!)
- Fluffy Rugs: If your floor is cold or bare, adding a plush rug will instantly make the space feel more comfortable and homey.
By focusing on these little details, you can create a space that feels festive and snug – perfect for a Christmas spent studying, relaxing, and celebrating with friends.
Step 5) Lighting Is Key
One of the easiest ways to create a magical Christmas atmosphere is with lighting. Fairy lights and tea lights are both affordable and versatile options that can turn any space into a cosy, festive haven.
- Fairy Lights: Wrap fairy lights around your bed frame, windows, bookshelves, or even drape them across the walls for a soft, twinkling glow. You can also create a stunning effect by hanging them in jars or using them to form Christmas shapes like a star or a tree.
- Tea Lights: Tea lights add warmth and charm to any room. You can place them in cute holders or create a centrepiece by grouping several in the centre of your table. For extra safety, battery-powered tea lights are a great alternative to real candles.
There are many more lighting ideas for Christmas. Lighting is all about creating a cosy, inviting atmosphere, so go ahead and add lights to every corner of your room.
Decorating On A Budget
Decorating your flat for Christmas doesn’t need to be expensive, especially when you’re living on a student budget. Here are some ideas to help you stay festive without overspending:
- Shop Second-Hand: Charity shops and car boot sales often have great Christmas decorations for a fraction of the price. Look for vintage ornaments, old wreaths, or even fairy lights.
- DIY Decor: As mentioned earlier, making your own decorations is a great way to save money. Using materials like recycled paper, fabric scraps, or natural elements from outside can be both affordable and stylish.
- Stick to Key Pieces: Invest in a few statement items like a small artificial tree, some fairy lights, and a festive throw. These can help set the mood without needing to cover every surface.
- Repurpose Items: Reuse decorations you already own or use everyday items in creative ways. For example, a string of lights can double as a decoration for bookshelves or the window. Old mason jars or wine bottles can become candle holders or vases for festive greenery.
