If over-the-top kitschy style Christmas decor is not for you, you may want to consider having a cool modern holiday instead.

For those not in the know, minimalism is the defining trait of modern style. Modern decor and design are about uncluttered, clean lines with an emphasis on form and function. Natural materials–like wood, wool, leather, and steel– are emphasized. Modern spaces also tend to be open with few rugs and include accessories that have a purpose. Modern Christmas decor may sound like an oxymoron, but the holidays do have a place in modern decor. Modern Christmas decor is unfussy, sleek, chic, and has an emphasis on the useful and practical.

It should be noted that modern decor is distinct from contemporary decor. Modern refers to a period of time; it is a design style that was created in the mid-twentieth century. It is a defined style that is fixed in time, and modern actually refers to “Mid-Century Modern.” On the other hand, contemporary design and decor are ever-changing, as they are of the moment.

Looking for a modern styled holiday? Read on for some modern Christmas decor trends and ideas.

Modern Christmas Decor Ideas

Image: West Elm

1. White Christmas – Consider all white Christmas decor for the modern look. If you already have some Christmas decorations, then try spray painting them matte white instead of buying new stuff. Add other all white twists, like a white star garland and white, felted stockings.

Image: Blackboard with Lights via Shutterstock

2. Black and White – The simplicity of black and white decor is tres modern. Use the color scheme to keep your Christmas decor in check and not too fussy. Try adding a blackboard marquee, on which to scrawl a message of good cheer, along with some simple white lights and brown paper wrapped presents for a modern take.

Image: Pottery Barn

3. Metallic – Metallics are a staple of modern decor. For modern Christmas decor, forgo the cut tree and instead try adding metallic trees and other holiday tchotchkes. Just don’t overboard with the metal theme, that wouldn’t be in keeping with fundamentals of modern decor. Add greenery to add balance to the metal.

Image: Crate & Barrel

4. Wood – Wood adds warmth to the somewhat cooler modern decor, and you can get the same effect with laser-cut wooden Christmas decorations. Combine with white lights and fake snow for a perfectly modern, yet charming, take on Christmas decor.

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Image: White Christmas via Shutterstock

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Need some inspiration for Christmas decorating ideas that are fresh and elegant, but completely simple? Read on.

For those of us who celebrate Christmas, it’s way past time to stop procrastinating and deck those halls with boughs of holly in preparation for all our holiday entertaining functions. Your guests are expecting some festive holiday cheer after all.  But what if you are stumped for fresh Christmas decorating ideas that are both simple AND elegant? Don’t worry, we have you covered for all 12 Days of Christmas!

Use these Christmas decorating ideas as inspiration to deck your space with elegant holiday festivity.

12 Simple & Elegant Christmas Decorating Ideas

1. Glass Apothecary Jars – Using glass apothecary jars to store everything from Christmas tree bulbs and candy canes to strands of ribbon and pine cones to add an elegant touch.
2. Simple Natural Elements – Use nature elements as much as possible because sometimes nature is the simply the most elegant decorating muse of all.
3. Simple Window Wreaths – Use pine boughs to make your own simple indoor wreaths. Hang them from every window with elegant ribbon.
4. White Birch Wrapped Candles – Use white birch bark to wrap mason jars filled with simple and elegant white candles.
5. Bulb Mobile – Use pretty bulbs to create an elegant and colorful mobile by hanging a cluster of bulbs from ribbon. Add some mistletoe for bonus points.
6. Banister Decoration – And don’t neglect the stair railings and banisters when decorating with greenery.
7. Lighted Hallway – Affix streaming white strand lights from the ceiling for a magical glow this season.
8. Glitter – Add spray glitter to pinecones, faux fruit and other other baubles to add some sparkly elegance.
9. Crystal Ornaments – Use crystals to decorate a table top tree for a stunning and elegant centerpiece.
10. Repurpose Bottles – Repurpose wine bottles as vases to hold holly berry branches for a green and elegant idea.
11. Monochromatic Decor – Monochromatic holiday decor can be very elegant.
12. White as Snow – And by the same token, keeping everything white can be as stunning as freshly fallen snow.

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Image: Pottery Barn

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