| |

Best Christmas Bedroom Ideas For a Festive Design

Article may have affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. Big thanks for supporting my small business.

Want to know the easiest way to give your bedroom serious Christmas vibes? Start with bold bedding and work backward. That’s what I did when I fell in love with red plaid Christmas bedding from HomeGoods. I painted my entire bedroom white to make it pop.

Family in matching Christmas pajamas in decorated bedroom

The Main Event: Red Plaid Christmas Bedroom

Here’s what I did: Found gorgeous Christmas bedding at HomeGoods, realized it clashed horribly with my blue bedroom walls, and painted the whole room white instead of returning the bedding. Unconventional? Sure. Worth it? Absolutely.

The white walls turned this room into a blank canvas that works year-round but really shines during the holidays.

And honestly, white walls are more forgiving if you change your mind about color schemes next year (which, let’s be real, you probably will).

Before: The Blue Bedroom

Navy blue bedroom before Christmas transformation with red plaid bedding

The blue walls looked great for everyday, but they fought with every holiday color scheme I tried. Navy blue and red plaid?

Not as cohesive as Pinterest makes it seem.

After: White Walls + Red Plaid Magic

White bedroom with red plaid Christmas bedding and decorated spruce tree

The bedding layers: Red velour blanket as the base, white ruffled duvet for texture, red and white plaid quilt on top, matching plaid sheets underneath. Then I piled on the Christmas pillows because more is more during the holidays.

If you want bedding sources and specific product recommendations, check out my full post on how to decorate a Christmas bedroom with all my favorite sheets and quilts.

The Details That Made It Work

Red plaid Christmas bedroom with gold snowflake ornaments on white walls

See those gold snowflakes on the wall?

They’re actually flat Christmas tree ornaments stuck up with 3M double-sided tape.

This trick works for any flat ornament and saves you from buying separate wall decor. When Christmas is over, they come down clean (if you use the right tape—don’t cheap out here).

Christmas bedroom decorated with plaid bedding, tree, and festive pillows

Other touches that didn’t require a second mortgage: A wreath hung above the headboard, string lights tucked into a glass jar on the nightstand (way better than those decorative balls everyone uses), and a full-sized Christmas tree in the corner because if you’re going to commit, commit.

Garland on the Dresser

Christmas garland and red reindeer decorations on white bedroom dresser

A simple strand of green garland plus two red reindeer.

That’s it. Sometimes the dresser top is the easiest place to add Christmas cheer without overwhelming the room—just don’t go overboard or it looks cluttered instead of festive.

Red plaid bed with festive Christmas throw pillows

You can shop everything in this room on my curated Amazon Storefront Christmas Bedroom List.

More Christmas Bedroom Ideas: Three Totally Different Styles

The red plaid look isn’t for everyone (though it should be). Here are two other Christmas bedroom transformations I’ve done that prove you can make the holidays work with basically any color palette.

For the non-traditional crowd: Navy blue walls with gold accents create a sophisticated, almost moody Christmas vibe. This was the bedroom before I went full red plaid, and honestly? It was gorgeous too—just a completely different energy.

Navy blue and gold Christmas bedroom with white bedding and gold accents

Navy and gold feels more grown-up, less “Santa’s workshop.” If you’re decorating a primary bedroom and want Christmas cheer without going full Hallmark movie, this color combo is your answer.

Brown Plaid Nature-Inspired Guest Bedroom

Perfect for a guest room: This nature-inspired brown Christmas bedroom uses varying shades of brown, touches of blue, and pops of red. The faux fur throw and rug tie everything together without screaming “IT’S CHRISTMAS” the second someone walks in.

Nature inspired brown plaid Christmas bedroom with Scottish Highland artwork

The Scottish Highland artwork makes this feel cozy and seasonal without being overtly Christmas-y. Good choice if your guests aren’t massive holiday people but you still want a festive guest room. See the full makeover details here.

Pastel Plaid Teen Girl Christmas Bedroom

For the teens who think red and green is basic: Pastel-colored plaid blankets, soft neutrals, and just enough Christmas decor to be festive without being “childish” (according to my daughter, anyway).

Teen girl Christmas bedroom with pastel plaid and neutral decor

The one thing I wish I’d added? Fairy lights. Teen rooms basically require fairy lights during the holidays. Learn from my mistake. Get the full breakdown in this teen Christmas bedroom post.

How to Decorate a Bedroom for Christmas: Quick Wins

If you’re starting from scratch, here’s what actually makes a difference (not just what looks good on Pinterest but requires three trips to HomeGoods):

Start with bedding. A Christmas quilt or plaid throw blanket instantly transforms the room. Layer a holiday-themed quilt over your regular bedding if you don’t want to swap everything out.

Add string lights somewhere. Draped across the headboard, tucked in a jar, wrapped around a mirror frame—doesn’t matter. Twinkling lights = instant Christmas vibes.

Throw pillows are your friend. Way easier than redecorating the whole room. Three or four festive pillows on the bed, and you’re 80% of the way there.

Wreath above the bed. Works as a headboard focal point if you hang it high enough. Use a simple evergreen wreath or go bold with ribbons and ornaments.

One statement piece. Could be a mini tree in the corner, a basket of ornaments on the nightstand, or garland across the dresser. Pick one thing that feels special instead of spreading tchotchkes everywhere.

Candles for ambiance. Christmas-scented candles make the room smell festive even if your decorating is minimal. Pine, cinnamon, or peppermint—pick your poison.

Christmas bedroom with decorated tree and festive bedding details

Christmas Bedroom FAQs

How do I decorate my bedroom for Christmas on a budget?
Start with what you already own—swap in a plaid throw blanket, add pine branches from your yard to a vase, and use flat Christmas ornaments as wall decor with double-sided tape. String lights and a few throw pillows from discount stores can transform a room for under $50.

What colors work best for a Christmas bedroom?
Red and white (classic), navy and gold (sophisticated), brown and cream (nature-inspired), or even pastels for teens. The key is picking a color scheme and sticking with it instead of throwing every Christmas color at the wall.

Should I put a Christmas tree in my bedroom?
If you have space, absolutely. A full-sized tree in the corner makes a bedroom feel special during the holidays. If space is tight, a tabletop tree on the dresser or nightstand works just as well.

How do I make my bedroom look festive without it being too much?
Pick three elements: bedding, lighting, and one statement piece (like a wreath or tree). Adding more than that risks crossing into “Santa’s workshop explosion” territory.

Can I decorate a bedroom for Christmas without changing the bedding?
Yes. Layer a Christmas quilt or throw blanket over your existing bedding, add festive pillows, and focus on lighting and small decorative touches like garland or a wreath.

What’s the easiest way to add Christmas cheer to a guest bedroom?
Fresh bedding (even just a plaid throw), a small tree or garland on the dresser, and good lighting. Guests appreciate festive touches that don’t feel over-the-top.

More Christmas Decorating Ideas Around the House

If you’re decorating beyond the bedroom (smart move), here are a few other spaces I’ve tackled:

Coastal Christmas Dining Room

Sandy tones, driftwood decor, and a Sea Salt green wall color. Check out the full coastal Christmas dining room tour if you want non-traditional holiday vibes.

Coastal Christmas tree with rope garland, wooden ornaments, and burlap bow

Red + Gold Christmas Living Room

Classic red tones with rustic wood accents. This is the cozy, festive living room setup that makes everyone want to sit by the fire with hot cocoa (even if you don’t have a fireplace).

Red and gold woodland themed Christmas living room with decorated tree

Buffalo Plaid Christmas Entryway

Buffalo plaid decor and a woodland theme that greets people the second they walk in. See the full Christmas entryway post for details.

Woodland Christmas entryway with flocked tree, red lantern, and vintage pillows

So there you have it—proof that you can create a Christmas bedroom that actually feels special without spending a fortune or turning your room into a holiday store display.

Start with one bold choice (for me, it was painting the walls), layer in the details, and don’t be afraid to go all in. It’s Christmas. If you can’t be extra now, when can you?

Red plaid Christmas bedroom with white walls and decorated spruce tree

More Christmas Decorating Ideas You Will Love

Meet Jessica

What started as a hobby, Jessica’s blog now has millions of people visit yearly and while many of the projects and posts look and sound perfect, life hasn’t always been easy. Read Jessica’s story and how overcoming death, divorce and dementia was one of her biggest life lessons to date.

76 Comments

    1. I love the white walls! Looks amazing! Canโ€™t wait for Christmas this year!!

  1. Jacquelyn says:

    Both rooms are gorgeous and done with a lot of hard work. That being said, I am partial to the colors of last year’s look. Merry Christmas…and your husband is a real good sport!

    1. THanks so much! Yes I do like both too ๐Ÿ™‚ Ha on my husband. He doesn’t even know he is on the blog today! lol

    2. Where is the plaid quilt from?

      1. This one is from HomeGoods…I have linked several in the post that are similar.

  2. Jessica, I absolutely LOVE the white walls and plaid bedding! GREAT JOB! I really think the CHRISTMAS TREE in the bedroom is beautiful and romantic! LOVE IT ALL!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!?

    1. Thanks Karen! It’s super cozy at night with just the tree lights on ๐Ÿ™‚

      1. Lisa E Hoffee says:

        If you Ever, ever want to sell that plaid bedding….pleeeeeease think of me!!!!

  3. LOVE the new look! Good job!

  4. Judy Scott says:

    BEAUTIFUL!!! The white opens up the room. I can relate about painting over a dark color, UGH. I too love the tree in your bedroom.

    1. Thanks Judy! Yes the blue was painful but well worth the time painting it ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. I just bought white paint to paint my bedroom, so of course I’m loving your new look! And the plaid bedding is beautiful, too.

  6. Love the plaid bedding! Glad I’m not the only one with issues. Happy Holidays!

  7. I love both looks but I have to say I like the navy walls better. Love the big tree in your room ! I might do a big tree in my room. Why not!โค๏ธ??

  8. Very Merry and Bright! So pretty! I love the plaid and the tree. The white makes the room look larger. Great job as usual.

      1. Kim Schaub says:

        Where did you buy the plaid bedding? It’s so cute

        1. Hi, this is from Homegoods last season! I have linked in the post to a bunch of similar ones ๐Ÿ™‚

  9. Love this Jessica! The bed looks amazing.

  10. Can you tell me what shade of white you used? There are so many.
    Thanks

  11. Wow, and wow, I want these two gorgeous bedrooms. What a fabulous job! Kudos to you…

  12. I love the transformation; the white with the plaid is lovely! I so admire you, as I spent over an hour at Sherwin-Williams deciding on the perfect white for my bedroom (who knew there were soo many shades of white?) We recently moved, and the bedroom I will be painting was professionally painted the colors of the German flag! So, I will be painting over RED walls that have a stripe of black and a stripe of deep gold! Although the paint has primer in it, I am first applying a coat of primer. Your post was just what I needed to motivate me, as this is our Black Friday project, and I am dreading it! Thank you, Jessica, and happy holidays to all of you!

    1. Hi Jeri! Thank you! This is PURE WHITE by SHerwin-Williams ๐Ÿ™‚ Good luck with your project and you will be so happy once it’s done! Happy Thanksgiving!

  13. Love the plaid bedroom. Where can that comforter be purchased?

  14. Judy Mazzari says:

    LOVE IT I GOT THE SAME SET THIS YEAR AND MY CARPET IS DARK GREEN SO IT’S JUST PERFECT… DIDN’T DO MY WALLS BUT AFTER SEEING YOURS I WILL BE AND A TREE BUT MINE ARE SMALLER BUT SO IS MY BEDROOM… IT’S GREAT.. LOVE THE NAUGHTY HUBBY TOO!!!

    MERRY CHRISTMAS AND THANKS FOR SHARING

    1. haha Thanks Judy! Happy Thanksgiving ๐Ÿ™‚ That is awesome that you have a FESTIVE bedroom !!!!

  15. Kathy over in North Attleboro says:

    Loved the blue, but change is ALWAYS good! The white is crisp and clean and will be super fun come spring as you change things up once again. I may do a trio of wreaths over my king bed! And kudos to your cutie pie husband! I’m sure if you took his picture he has some clue where that picture may end up! ๐Ÿ˜‰ Enjoy your little refuge from the world! Its lovely!

  16. Juanita in OH says:

    Oh my goodness! Jessica you have outdone yourself. This room is magical just like Christmas. I LOVE the plaid room because it is so Christmasy and joyful. Your Hubby looks so comfortable. I have one of the naughty guys too. You did a magnificent job…I think you would be an excellent person to do staging. TFS the beauty.

    1. Aww thanks Juanita! I appreciate your sweet comment! THat is funny you have a naughty guy too. lol. Have a great night ๐Ÿ™‚

  17. Charlotte M says:

    I love the plaid bedding and the room looks super duper cozy! I know you said you got the bedding from Home Goods but do you know who makes the bedding? Every store is different and this is probably the best plaid I’ve seen this season. Thanks for sharing!

    1. Thank you ! The brand is WHite Pine. I know many readers have googled it and found it ๐Ÿ™‚

      1. I’ve been searching for this bedding! Could you ask your readers if one could share the link where they found it?
        The room looks so awesome!

        1. The brand is White Pine. I know one reader googled plaid White Pine Bedding and found it ๐Ÿ™‚ I will see if any of them respond though!

  18. Your bedroom looks amaaazing! Although I love both rooms, I have to say the plaid one takes the cake! ooh la lah

  19. Definitely white, very updated look!

  20. Love the white & red plaid….so festive but not necessarily “Christmassy.” I’ve been wanting some bedding like this & now I know where to find it. =)

  21. Hi Jessica, I love the ‘It’s the most wonderful time of the year’ sign above your bed! Is that something you made? I tried the link you provided but it lead to a different sign. It would be perfect for our entryway so I would love to purchase one ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. Thank you! No I bought the sign from Nordstrom and it looks like it’s sold out (the link I provided isn’t working and says sold out :(..) Here is a similar one from Wayfair ๐Ÿ™‚ http://rstyle.me/n/b8huvexqin (affiliate link).

  22. I disagree with your husband, This is EXACTLY what any normal, sane person would do. Paint the walls to match the bedding!! I know I would! If I found such awesome bedding ๐Ÿ™‚

  23. You have great design style! Love the white!

  24. Lisa white says:

    Hi Jessica ! I am desperate to find the plaid bedding and have failed at home goods and googling white pine . Do you know where it can be found?
    Thx Lisa

    1. I don’t but I just emailed a reader who left a comment on my facebook fan page that she found it!!! Hopefully she gets back to me ๐Ÿ™‚ This bedding has generated so many people wanting it! Your are like the 20th person who has emailed me. Fingers crossed!

    2. Hi, the other reader said she ordered it online at TJMAXX.com but it looks like it’s sold out ๐Ÿ™

  25. Brooke Barrere says:

    I LOVE this bedroom!!!! Do you know who made the bedding?

  26. Was wondering where you got the bedding in the first picture? I love it

  27. I’d love to know the maker and pattern of the bedding in the before picture. I love the plaid also, but I’ve been searching for non holiday options!

    1. Thanks in advance for the info ????

  28. Hey Jessica, I wanted to let you know that I searched high and low for your 2016 plaid comforter. I found it! They have it right now at Pottery Barn Kids in queen size. Hooray!! I got mine before I posted this ????

  29. Debra kurtz says:

    Love your style of decorating.

  30. Your bedroom looks amazing and so inviting!! ๐Ÿ™‚

  31. So cozy and cute! I would love to sleep in that room.

  32. I am obsessed with the plaid Christmas bedding! Can you tell me where I can purchase it?

      1. I found this bedding on amazon under the name max studio I bought the last king I think for more than than she paid it bet, but oh well. they have full/queen on amazon and also found queen on eBay and the Merry Christmas pillow I found on Sierra Trading Post .I love the look .Hope this helps anyone happy holidays

  33. Since Home Goods never has the same merchandise ever, can you please tell us the manufacturer of the Plaid bedding you bought there last season? It really is a show stopper.

  34. Mary Jane McMillon says:

    I love the white bedspread with red trim in the blue room. Where can I find one?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *