I’m an interior designer – these nine Christmas decoration mistakes make your home look tacky and cheap, tinsel’s OUT
THERE’S only 40 days to go until Christmas, with the festive spirit already sweeping the nation.
But according to tradition, Christmas trees shouldn’t be put up until the beginning of Advent, which starts on the fourth Sunday before December 25.
This year, Advent begins on December 1.
And before you get the tree hunted out of the loft, or head to the local garden centre to pick up a real one, there’s some decorating tips you should consider.
Paulina Wojas, interior designer at Stunning Chairs,has insisted there are nine ways your Christmas decorations could make your home look cheap and tacky.
Here, she reveals what to avoid and how you can create a tasteful, festive atmosphere at home instead.
Mixed themes
Paulina says: “A common mistake that dampens a home’s appeal is mixed themes.
“Displaying Christmas decorations that don’t flow together can lead to a tacky appearance, making the home look cheap.
“This error is usually unintentional; it’s important to choose decorations with a design in mind, ensuring you only use trimmings that complement each other and your home’s interior style.
“Be intentional, and follow a theme with similar styles and colours for a cohesive aesthetic.”
Novelty Decorations
“While novelty Christmas decorations are festive and amusing, these can look tacky”, continues Paulina.
She said that “distasteful” baubles or ornaments with cheesy slogans, in particular, can make your home look cheap.
She added: “So avoid these when decorating your home this Christmas. These also lack timelessness and therefore are a poor investment.
“Instead, invest in lasting ornaments with sentimental value for a refined interior design.”
Wrong-sized Christmas tree
The Christmas tree is often the focal point of holiday decor, so choosing the right size is essential.
Paulina said: “A tree that’s too large or too small can disrupt the room’s aesthetic and make the space look cheap.
“If the tree is too large, it can limit space and seem suffocating to the room and its overall decor; a tree too small can be overpowered by other decorations, missing its chance to stand out.
“Finding the right-sized tree is crucial to avoid a cheap-looking home. Assess the room’s dimensions and consider the tree’s placement before purchasing.”
Overdecorating
No matter how much you love Christmas, overdecorating can hurt your decor rather than enhance it.
And Paulina insists that this common decorating mishap can lead to a “cluttered appearance” as the festive trimmings suffocate the space.
She said: “This ultimately makes your home look cheap and tacky.
“Similar to mixed themes, being intentional and following a less-is-more approach is key to achieving a beautiful home for Christmas.
“A good rule of thumb is to conduct an inventory of your Christmas decorations every year. Assess which decorations no longer serve a purpose and should be thrown away or donated, and which ones hold lasting appeal for your holiday setup.
“This prevents overdecorating and ensures you decorate with meaningful trimmings. If you think you’ve gone overboard, chances are you have.”
Tacky lighting
Lighting is key for enhancing a home’s interior design and plays an integral role in Christmas decorations.
But there’s some strings of lights that Paulina says you shouldn’t even bother untangling from last year – insisting you should bin them instead.
She said: “While colourful lights in white, red, blue, or green may seem festive, they can often make your home look tacky and cheap.
“Flashing or overly bright LED lights, in particular, can feel more like a storefront than a cosy, inviting space. Even if the rest of your Christmas decorations are tasteful, poor lighting can hinder the overall aesthetic.
“Instead, opt for warm white lights with a steady glow to create a classic, elegant ambience. If you want a touch of sparkle, choose a gentle twinkle setting rather than intense flashing for a refined and cosy atmosphere.”
Low-Quality Faux Greenery
“Artificial greenery that looks obviously fake or too shiny can cheapen your overall decor”, insisted Paulina.
Instead, she suggests investing in high-quality faux greenery or mix real greenery with artificial pieces for a more natural look.
She continued: “Adding real pine or cedar branches brings an authentic touch, and layering them with well-made faux elements creates a beautifully polished effect.”
Cluttered Christmas Tree
The interior designer said: “A Christmas tree overloaded with mismatched ornaments can look less elegant and more like a mismatched collection.
“To achieve a more refined and thoughtful look, curate your tree by choosing a colour scheme or theme and incorporating a few meaningful, high-quality ornaments.
“Leave space between the decorations to create a beautifully balanced and sophisticated display.”
Overusing Tinsel
While tinsel can be festive, an overabundance of it can give your decor an “outdated, kitschy feel” making your space look like a cheap shop display, according to Paulina.
She suggested: “Use tinsel sparingly, or replace it with more natural-looking accents like frosted branches, greenery, or silk ribbons.
“The key is subtlety — let the beauty of the fabric or garland shine, rather than overcrowding it with excessive decorations.”
Using Too Many Glittery Items
Finally, Paulina said: “Glitter, while festive, can easily create an overly flashy, tacky aesthetic when overused, making decorations look more like party favours than refined Christmas decor.
“Choose matte or soft metallic finishes like brushed gold or silver, and use glitter sparingly, perhaps only on a few ornaments or a subtle tree accent. Less is more when it comes to sparkle.”