Christmas Color Palettes to Try That Aren’t Red
These Christmas color palettes break the mold of the traditional red, white and green of years past. Switch it up and try these holiday colors this season for a modern, fun twist on classic Christmas.
Christmas is fast approaching, and it’s time to start planning for your holiday decorating this year. I always like to plan a color scheme each year and order wrapping paper and new ribbons for the tree based on that initial decision.
And you’ll always see some pops of red in my decor, but it’s honestly not my favorite color. So, I like to try to think of ways to decorate without using the traditional colors. This year, I’m excited to share my favorite Christmas home trends that aren’t red.
Don’t get me wrong; red has a time and place. It’s a very classic choice for holiday colors, and been faithfully around decorating homes and offices for years. However, it isn’t typically my style or go-to color in my decor. (Although in more recent years red has made a comeback in my traditional Christmas decor!)
I finally added red as a main Christmas color scheme to my decor in 2023, but it still wasn’t my favorite, so I’ll be switching back to a non-traditional color scheme this year.
So, if red isn’t your go-to color for the holidays, grab your favorite pair of PJs, a cup of hot chocolate and your favorite holiday music while you scroll through these beautiful Christmas color palettes. The most wonderful time of the year is about to begin! 🎉
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Christmas Color Schemes That Don’t Include Classic Red
There are many reasons to choose colors other than red and green for your home decor at the holidays, but my number one reason is that they are GORGEOUS and need some love too.
These modern holiday colors will add warmth and tranquility to your space, and home will feel even more relaxing during the holidays. Check out these ideas for inspiration.
Wintery Blues
My favorite Christmas decor I’ve ever done was a blue and white Christmas color palette with golds and brass mixed in for good measure. The non-traditional Christmas color theme works well in classic homes where you don’t often use bright reds.
I’m planning on bringing this color scheme back with a few other additions this year! I can’t wait to reveal it soon!
Copper and Blush
This gorgeous mix of copper, white, and blush is one of the most beautiful modern Christmas color schemes! Ashley at Modern Glam did an incredible job layering in all the different textures and elements in this stunning room.
With the vaulted ceilings and ample space, she did a fantastic job choosing two Christmas trees that are large enough to fill the space. The comfortable pillows with billowy texture add charm and reinforce the color scheme.
Blush and copper are repeated throughout the room and looks beautiful up against the shiplap background. I love the large chalkboard that serves as the focal point on the mantle too. Even the packages under the tree are well thought out with this immaculate decorating style.
The Allure Of Winter Whites
Winter white is a versatile and elegant choice that embodies the purity and serenity of the season. Using white as a primary color in your holiday decor creates a blank canvas that allows other elements to shine, ensuring a sophisticated yet festive atmosphere.
The icy blue walls of Kelley Nan’s home presented the perfect backdrop for embracing winter whites for Christmas! The two white trees were the perfect choice to display white ornaments, icy ribbons and simple white twigs.
I love how she kept the rest of the room simple with hurricane vases and candles on the table and minimal wintery decor on the sideboard. This allowed the twin trees to shine in their elegance and white and snowy decor!
Black And White With Gold Accents
Black and white may not seem like a popular Christmas color scheme, but this classic pairing definitely works! Both colors in this Christmas color palette are neutral enough to be layered into any space.
In this room by Just Destiny, your eye is immediately drawn to the black and white ribbon on this lovely tree. Black, white, gold and silver ornaments give the tree a fresh and rich look. With the hints of gold added in, you have a luxurious, majestic feel to the room.
Everything in this room is so welcoming and classic. My favorite part of this look is all the white frosted greenery throughout the space. It adds a bit of sophistication without going overboard.
Jewel Tones for a Luxurious Look
For those who love a bit of drama and sophistication, jewel tones are a fantastic choice. Rich hues like emerald, sapphire, burgundy and amethyst can infuse your holiday decor with an opulent touch, creating a luxurious ambiance that will impress your guests.
It’s untraditional, and yet it’s entirely festive! Use any combination of jewel tones for Christmas and it’s sure to be beautiful – from magenta to bright teal and emerald green to sunshine-y yellow. I love how Michael at Inspired by Charm create this almost monochromatic jewel-toned tree by sticking to a mostly blue and green palette.
Greenery & Pops Of Color
Who would’ve thought that bright orange would work as a holiday color? When layered with the garlands of eucalyptus, these bright oranges give the perfect contrast of colors. The attractive white fireplace is warm and inviting and serves as the perfect backdrop to this beautiful handmade garland.
As you can see in this photo, Eden at Sugar and Charm chose to skip the traditional red colors and opt for a more modern look. It’s a win!
Bringing nature into your decorating is a lovely way to add so much charm to your space. It just feels more welcoming when you see anything from nature, be it pinecones, leaves, and yes—oranges.
Playful Pink for a Whimsical Twist
If you’re drawn to lighter, more playful colors, pastels can bring a whimsical touch to your holiday decor. Soft pinks, blues, and mint greens can create cheerful and airy color combinations, perfect for those who want to infuse their space with a sense of joy and lightheartedness.
These pretty large pink flowers are layered with gold ribbon, ornaments, and pine cones for a stunning feminine design.
While the colors are subtle, they make a significant impact on the overall look and style of the tree. Don’t be afraid to add some variety other than simple ornaments. Different textures draw the eye, just like Linda at Craftaholics Anonymous used on this tree.
Adding white or amber colored lights give the tree an enchanting look without being overwhelming. The look is charming, and you aren’t going to want to leave the room any time soon.
I went pink in my office Christmas decor and I LOVE it! I will be repeating this color scheme again and again!
Try Blue and Silver Christmas Decorations
If you are looking for classic Christmas colors that aren’t red and green, blue and silver Christmas decorations may be just the thing to reach for this year.
Debbie at Refresh Restyle elegantly added touches of light blue to her beautiful tree. She embraced the rustic feel of her living room and even enhanced it by adding additional items with silver to the room.
I hope the rooms above show you just how vast the Christmas color palette can be this holiday season. There is so much you can do with your decor this year—no red necessary. Try out new things and see how gorgeous it ends up being!
Final Thoughts
Whether you lean towards elegant winter whites, vibrant jewel tones, or playful pastels, there’s a palette to suit every taste and style. By experimenting with colors that resonate with you, you can create a personalized and memorable holiday decor that delights both you and your guests.
Remember, the key is to have fun and express your unique style. Your home is a reflection of who you are, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box and try something new. Happy decorating!
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I know this comment is a few years late, but I love your tree! Our tree has been a sage/lime, blue, and silver tree for a long time. We are Seahawks fans! I’d love to see your “family” Christmas tree. We have our pretty tree in the living room and our family tree in the family room. Thanks for sharing!
I love it!! Love the non-traditional colors you’ve chosen. I’m doing some non-traditional colors this year and I’m excited! 🙂
Laura,
What do you think of the “Copper and Blush” in a Sage Green living room? I think it would work!! Your thoughts?
I think that would look beautiful!!
Wow, wow, and wow. Thank you for sharing these fabulous ideas. Showing us, your followers that Christmas still can be gorgeous without the traditional reds and greens christmas these ideas you post it are amazing thank you. Happy Holidays! From our family to yours, and stay safe!
Thanks for sharing all these intriguing ideas on decorating with non-traditional Christmas colors. You featured some beautiful examples. I have used red, white and silver ornaments with red velvet bows, greenery and pine cones for quite a while and want to do something a little different and more minimal/natural this year so this post was good inspiration. My favorite was Karen’s (Mrs. Rollman blog) home. My house features a lot of white and open space I want to work with. I also have a new cat who at 6 months old is a real “getter into things” so I think all my glass ornaments and old twisted tin icicles will stay boxed up this year as well as other breakables. I have a short needled, twiggy tree with widely spaced branches that I have used for years. I am thinking of using all non shiny, unbreakable ornaments such as burlap bows, styrofoam snowballs, small pinecones, dried orange slices, twig bundles, wood slices or ornaments, etc. I also like the look and simplicity of the baskets or buckets/tubs instead of a tree skirt. Thanks for sharing the Christmas ideas.
Pretty inspiration! I love the traditional red and green with metallic accents and a mix of vintage and rustic Christmas decor, and that works well more my style and home decor colors, but it’s fun to see other color schemes😍. Hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas!
Thank you for including me in this fabulous round up of Christmas ideas! xoxo