There’s a certain magic that comes with winter. The world gets quiet, the air turns crisp, and all you want to do is curl up inside with a warm blanket. But let’s be honest, after the holiday decorations come down, your home can feel a little… bare. Buying a bunch of new decor can get expensive, and who needs that post-holiday credit card bill? That’s where these 19 winter decorations DIY come in. We’re talking about easy, affordable, and seriously stylish projects that will keep your home feeling cozy and magical all season long.
1. Frosted Pinecone Centerpiece
Gather pinecones from your backyard or a local park—this project starts with a free treasure hunt! Give them a quick bake in the oven to evict any tiny critters, then let the fun begin. Dip the tips in white craft paint or a glue-and-Epsom-salt mixture to create a gorgeous, frosted effect. Pile them into a rustic wooden bowl or a sleek ceramic tray for a stunning centerpiece that screams “winter wonderland.”
2. Sweater Sleeve Pillow Covers
Got an old, ugly Christmas sweater you’ll never wear again? Or maybe you scored a beautifully knitted one from the thrift store? Don’t just donate it; repurpose it! Simply cut the sleeves off, stuff them with an old pillow form or poly-fill, and stitch the ends closed. In under 15 minutes, you have the coziest, chunkiest pillow that adds instant texture and warmth to your couch or armchair.
3. Birch Log Candle Holders
This is one of those winter decorations DIY projects that looks incredibly high-end but is surprisingly simple. Find a small section of birch log—you can often buy these at craft stores. Use a spade drill bit to carve out holes on the top that are just wide enough to hold pillar candles. The natural, rustic bark against the flickering candlelight creates an ambiance that no store-bought item can match.
4. Dried Orange and Cinnamon Garland
This garland not only looks beautiful but makes your entire home smell incredible. Thinly slice oranges and dry them in a low oven for a few hours until they’re leathery. Then, simply string them together with whole cinnamon sticks and maybe some bay leaves on a sturdy thread. Drape it over your mantel, along a window, or on your staircase for a pop of natural color and a warm, spicy scent.
5. Eucalyptus and Berry Wreath
Move over, Christmas wreath. For a fresh, botanical winter look, grab a simple grapevine wreath form. Tuck sprigs of seeded eucalyptus and hypericum berries (you can find these dried or faux at craft stores) into the vines. The silvery-green eucalyptus and pops of red or pink berries create an elegant, long-lasting wreath that welcomes guests all season.
6. “Let It Snow” Embroidery Hoop Art
Add a touch of whimsical, handmade charm to your walls. Take a small embroidery hoop and stretch a piece of white or off-white fabric inside it. Using a simple backstitch, embroider a cute winter phrase like “Let It Snow,” “Cozy,” or “Brr.” You don’t need to be an expert; the imperfect, handmade look is part of the charm. It’s a subtle and personal piece of winter art.
7. Yarn-Wrapped Winter Vase
Do you have a plain glass vase or even an old bottle collecting dust? Give it a cozy makeover with this no-fuss DIY. Grab a skein of chunky white or cream yarn and wrap it around the vase, securing the start and end points with a dab of hot glue. Pop in some bare branches, eucalyptus, or pampas grass, and you’ve instantly created a textural, Scandinavian-inspired display.
8. Snowy Village Shadow Box
Remember those ceramic winter village houses? This is the modern, minimalist version. Find a deep shadow box frame. Paint the back panel a deep navy or black to mimic the night sky. Arrange a few simple wooden house silhouettes inside, then sprinkle the “ground” with fake snow or coarse white glitter. It’s a 3D art piece that captures the quiet magic of a snowy evening.
9. Faux Fur Throw Blanket Accents
This is the easiest project on the list, I promise. Buy a quarter-yard of faux fur or sherpa fabric from a fabric store. You don’t even need to sew. Use pinking shears to cut the edges so they don’t fray, and simply drape the luxurious piece over the arm of your sofa or the foot of your bed. This instant upgrade adds a layer of textural warmth that invites everyone to snuggle up.
10. Icy looking Jar Lanterns
Create the illusion of captured ice with just Mod Podge and salt. Coat the outside of a clean mason jar with a layer of Mod Podge, then roll it in Epsom salt or coarse sea salt until it’s fully covered. Once it dries, you’ll have a beautifully textured, frosted jar. Drop a battery-operated tea light inside, and watch it cast a soft, glistening glow, just like moonlight on fresh snow.
11. Scrabble Tile Winter Mantel Display
Raid that old Scrabble game from the closet! This is a clever and personal way to decorate your mantel. Spell out wintery words like “SNOW,” “COZY,” or “FIRE” using the wooden tiles. Lean them against small stacks of books or line them up in front of your other decorations. It’s a quirky, literary touch that adds a lot of character.
12. Branch and Twig Star Ornaments
Bring a piece of the outdoors inside. Collect thin, pliable twigs from your yard. Snap or cut them into five equal lengths and arrange them into a star shape. Secure the points with a generous amount of hot glue. Leave it natural for a rustic look, or give it a light dusting of white spray paint for a frosty effect. Hang them in windows or from your curtain rods.
13. Peppermint Bark Coasters
Protect your furniture in the most festive way. Get some plain white ceramic tiles from a home improvement store. Use painter’s tape to create a striped pattern and then paint the exposed areas with red acrylic paint. Once you peel the tape off, seal the design with a clear, waterproof sealant. They look just like peppermint candy and are a fun, functional conversation starter.
14. A “Gathering of Gourds” Winter Edition
Don’t pack all your fall decor away! White and blue pumpkins and gourds are perfect for winter. Mix them with pinecones, evergreen clippings, and those frosted birch logs we talked about earlier. The cool-toned color palette feels frosty and elegant, creating a seamless transition from autumn to winter.
15. Snow Globe in a Cloche
If you have a glass cloche or even a large, clear vase, you can create a stunning snow globe scene. Place a small, sturdy figurine—like a deer, a tiny house, or a tree—on the base. Sprinkle a layer of artificial snow around it, then carefully place the cloche on top. It’s a classic, enchanting decoration that captures a moment of winter magic.
16. DIY Felted Wool Acorns
These are unbearably cute and satisfying to make. Take a small piece of wool roving, roll it into a ball, and use a felting needle to shape it. Then, hot glue a real acorn cap on top. Scatter them in a bowl, use them as ornament fillers, or add them to a garland. They add a touch of handmade, woodland charm to any space.
17. A Cozy Book Nook Corner
This isn’t a single craft, but a curation that counts as one of the best winter decorations DIY projects. Dedicate a corner to hygge. Layer a fluffy rug, all your throw pillows (including the sweater one you made!), a basket of knit blankets, and a small side table for your tea. Stack a few favorite books nearby. You’re not just decorating; you’re building an invitation to relax.
18. Popsicle Stick Snowflakes
A classic for a reason! Glue white popsicle sticks together in a snowflake pattern—start with a simple asterisk shape and build from there. Once the glue dries, go to town decorating with glitter, buttons, or tiny pom-poms. These are a fantastic project to do with kids, and they look adorable hanging in a window.
19. A Simmering Stovetop Potpourri Station
Your final project is for the senses. Set up a small tray or cutting board with jars of citrus slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. Add a cute little saucepan. When you want your home to smell amazing, just throw the ingredients in the pan with some water and let it simmer. It’s the ultimate “decor” that engages smell, making your home feel warm and welcoming from the moment someone walks in.
And there you have it! Nineteen winter decorations DIY ideas to banish the post-holiday blues and keep your home feeling like a cozy sanctuary. The best part? You didn’t have to break the bank to do it. Each project lets you add a personal touch that no big-box store can replicate. So, which one are you trying first? Grab your glue gun, put on some cozy tunes, and get crafting. Your winter wonderland awaits. 😊