we've polled the nation to find out exactly how Brits are planning to decorate their homes this Christmas.
From Christmas bedding, cushions, and throws through to stockings and table runners, if there’s one thing we look forward to as December draws closer, it’s decorating our homes. After all, it is the most wonderful time of the year...
But when exactly do we start to sprinkle festive cheer throughout our homes? And what Christmas décor fills each room the most?
Well, look no further as we’ve polled the nation to understand how Brits plan to deck the halls over the festive season, including the décor styles that weave throughout our homes, what rooms we decorate more than others, and the impact that decorating for Christmas has on our mood.
That’s not all, our interior expert, Anna Jones and design expert, Rea Bell have shared their top picks for the season and provided tips on how you can embrace joy drenching this year (and beyond).
Perhaps surprisingly, over half the nation (61%) don’t start putting their decorations up until 7th December. That said, three in 10 have admitted that they’ve started to bring their décor out earlier in recent years, some as soon as November, with those aged 18-24 being most likely to do so.
When it comes to the rooms we focus on the most, the living room comes in first place with 85% of the nation prioritising this above other areas. The hallway and dining room tie in second place (32%) followed by the entryway (29%).
One in eight can’t resist putting a seasonal spin on their bedroom — think Christmas cushions, cosy bedding, and festive throws — with 18-24-year-olds (31%) and 25-34-year-olds (22%) choosing to fill this room with Christmas décor more than any other age group.
When asked which décor style Brits opt for the most at Christmas, traditional took the crown as almost half (44%) selected it as their style of choice. We're anticipating a wave of classic colours, elegant bows and ribbons, lush foliage garlands, timeless stars, and warm lights filling homes this season.
Interior expert, Anna Jones shares her top picks for those looking to sprinkle a touch of traditional décor this festive season:
Anna explains: “Decorating your home for Christmas can go far beyond just a tree and twinkly lights — there are so many creative ways to extend a traditional theme throughout every room.
“In the bedroom, consider adding tones that make you feel festive, whether that’s vibrant reds, cosy neutrals or rich greens. Cosy bedding with a seasonal touch can make it feel even more inviting and festive, adding something extra for yourself that you didn’t know you needed. Festive cushions and snuggly throws can enhance your Christmas decorations and turn your sofa into the perfect winter snuggle spot.”
For over a third of Brits (36%) who want to go beyond traditional and uncover new or different ways to decorate their space, design expert, Rea Bell spotlights her favourite pieces:
Rea shares: “I’m always seeking new ways to add a contemporary twist to my traditional Christmas décor, and one of the best ways to do this is through pops of contrasting colour and novelty icons. Think pinks, yellows, and blues as well as animals that you might not expect to see on festive décor, such as leopards.
Another tip would be to experiment with wrapping your gifts under the tree in a bolder style to add layers to any traditional elements you might have.”
Other styles that proved to be popular for Brits include minimalist (16%), rustic (8%), and kitschmas (7%), all of which can be incorporated into any room at home.
With Christmas comes the opportunity for self expression, as the majority of Brits (62%) agree that their Christmas décor allows them to experiment with their individuality. What's more, three quarters (75%) notice positive impacts on their mood when dressing their home, paving the way for festive joy drenching.
Coined by our resident experts Anna and Rea as the sister of dopamine décor, joy drenching is a form of decorating that aims to enhance feelings of happiness and comfort by filling your space with items that spark personal joy — and there's no better time for it than Christmas.
Anna explains: “Unlike trends that focus purely on how something looks, joy drenching explores styles that bring a lasting emotional uplift, whether that's through playful colours, sentimental items, or cosy accents. It's about creating an environment that feels welcoming and authentically celebrates self-expression and individuality.”
Rea continues: “It doesn't just aim for a momentary hit of happiness but instead fosters a sustained sense of delight, warmth, and nostalgia. As long as you're being true to yourself, you can't get it wrong.”
According to our research, 35% of Brits revealed that they decorate more for other people than they do for themselves, and over a third (37%) notice a negative impact when they put everything away.
Joy drenching provides a great opportunity to centre your décor preferences back on yourself, and you don't have to stop at Christmas. In fact, a little over one in three Brits (34%) admit to keeping some of their festive decorations on display in January.
Rea shares what it means to her and how you can make the most of your décor beyond the festive season: “For me, Christmas décor is all about joy and I drench my home with different accessories in every room. I have a mirrorball that stays up all year and I move my Christmas lights into other areas around my house throughout the year, whether it's the mantelpiece or in the window.
“Ultimately, it's finding ways to repurpose the items that you associate with being festive but also have longevity to them based on how you style them. Find the pieces that make you smile the most, and experiment with their placement, as this helps to keep that feeling alive beyond Christmas and the new year.”
Now you know all about how Brits will be decorating this December, what are you waiting for? It’s time to start crafting your dream Christmas home today, and don't forget to share your joy drenching with us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok — we can't wait to see your style.
Using TLF, in October 2024, we surveyed 1,006 UK residents that decorate their home at Christmas, gathering insight from different ages, genders, and cities.
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