When the holidays are in the rearview mirror and a few cold months lie ahead, you may feel uninspired and all decorated out. But it IS possible to enjoy winter’s splendor in the warm comfort of your home. These upcycling ideas for winter decor might be just the cozy inspiration you need to make it until Spring.
Winter Color Palette
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Once Christmas is over, the red, green, and gold can get packed away. Winter ushers in a cooler color palette of blues, whites, silver/pewter, and earthy brown. Even clear glass fits in, as a nod to ice covered everything. Think of a snow-covered meadow against a bright blue sky on a sunny day. Even just collecting objects from your own home in this winter color palette can act as winter decor, such as this alpine-inspired shelf display.
Cozy Pine Decor
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Believe it or not, but this bowl started as an aluminum steamer pot insert from the thrift store! But it’s been cleverly painted, embroidered, and filled with pinecones for a charming winter centerpiece on the coffee table.
Unexpected Snow Scene
Image credit: Petticoat Junktion.
A thrifted bird cage might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about decorating after the holidays. But look how beautiful and serene it is when transformed into a snow scene with bottlebrush trees.
Winter Scenes in Silver Plate
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Vintage silver-plated cups, goblets, and bowls are perfect for this wintery (or Christmas-y, if you prefer) craft idea. And the best part is that none of these “snow scenes” are permanent- so your vintage silver plate isn’t altered in any way.
Frosted Branches
Image credit: Virginia Sweet Pea.
If you craft with branches from the backyard, does that also count as yard work? I sure hope so because these DIY frosted branches are STUNNING and the perfect winter filler for your vases and jars.
Winter Decor with Sleds
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Decorating with sleds is often associated with Christmas porches, but with the right color scheme and winter-y stencils, they can easily be used for post-holiday decorating as well. It brings back such wonderful memories of snowsuits, dragging a sled back up the hill, and hot cocoa when you go returned home- frozen, tired, but exhilarated from a day of coasting down hills.
Winter Wreath
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Don’t forget your front door during the winter months- it does such a good job at keeping the cold weather out, after all. And a winter wreath like this is a great way to celebrate cozy season. But the best part? It started out as a plain, green Christmas wreath!
Winter Decor on the Mantel
Image credit: Hearth and Vine.
Your fireplace might get quite a workout during the winter months, so you might as well decorate the mantel above it! Flocked greenery, chubby pinecones, birchbark candle holders, and a nubby white wreath are the perfect cozy combo.
Winter Trees
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A trio of nesting baskets shaped like pine trees could be used for Christmas decor AND winter decor with this thrifty idea. Painted in neutral hues, they’re easy to embellish for the holidays, but are an elegant trio of winter trees without the baubles and glitz.
Cozy Candles
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Clear glass candle holders are a dime a dozen at thrift stores, but thankfully, they are delightfully easy to upcycle into seasonal decor. These Hygge-inspired candles got a frosty makeover and a little flannel treatment- perfect for those dark, frigid days.
Embroidered Baskets
Image credit: Beyond the Picket Fence.
Large, flat baskets that sport an open weave are ideal for this super-simple embroidery upcycle that anyone can do! Thick yarn and a winter landscape are all you need for inspiration and cozy crafting with this upcycling idea.
Winter Decor with a Stenciled Sign
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A plain wooden plaque on a thrift store shelf was the basis for this cozy sign. But a paint job in winter colors and fun with snowflake stencils turned it into the perfect reminder for a cold weekend- don’t you agree?
Winter Decor from Nature
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods for the Charlotte Region ReStores.
Collecting elements from the outdoors- pinecones, dried seed pods, pretty river rocks- is a very thrifty way to decorate for winter. And using clear glass dishes from the thrift store is not only budget-friendly, but adds that icy touch that winter is known for.
Un-Christmas Decorating
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sometimes, pieces of Christmas decor are ideal for a post-Christmas makeover. This sleigh had red, green, and gold embellishments when it was spotted at a thrift store. But now it sports that winter color palette that captures a snowy landscape perfectly.
Winter Snow Globes
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Making waterless snow globes is typically considered a Christmas craft. But making winter versions is just as satisfying- and quite beautiful to look at. These versions are in salvaged light fixtures, but recycled glass jars would work just as well.
Button Art
Image credit: Virginia Sweet Pea.
Winter and mittens go hand-in-hand (pun intended!) so incorporating them into your winter decor is perfectly on brand. But if you don’t have a spare pair for your decorating needs, you could upcycle some mitten art using buttons from your button tin.
Winter Decor for a Cozy Home
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
When you think about it, decorating for winter can be quite enjoyable when the weather outside is frightful. There’s no pressure with endless parties and guests, and you can lean into all the cozy feels that winter brings along with it. And hopefully, these ideas for winter decor will inspire you to embrace the cozy concept of Hygge in your own home, all season long.
Craft on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
These are all great ideas! Thank you!
You’re very welcome, Julie!
Really enjoyed seeing all your winter ideas! I leave my Christmas stuff up so long, I usually graduate to Valentine’s Day stuff as winter is just not my favorite time of year! As I love snow globe scenes, I think your light fixtures were my favorites; it’s time to hit my local Re-store!