Christmas Living Room: How to Decorate with Holiday Metallics

In this post: If you’re looking for fresh and tasteful holiday decor inspiration, this Christmas living room will give you ideas for decorating with holiday metallics.⇒

I’m not a fan of tomato red.

In fact, I feel pretty much the same about red and green for Christmas as I do about orange in autumn decor.  It’s not that I avoid it at all costs, but it’s definitely not my preference. There are so many softer and prettier ways to decorate for the holidays, and for me metallics are at the top of that list.

Today I’m joining with a group of bloggers to bring you a holiday decor blog hop. Please be sure to check out all of the other posts at the bottom of this one.

But first let’s talk about how to decorate with holiday metallics.

Christmas Living Room

Display Vintage Silver

If you want to be festive but give it a light touch, there are several ways to channel the holidays without a riotous display of red and green. You can start very simply by shining the existing metal pieces that are already in your home, like the silver tea set, above. I use vintage silver a lot, and this is the time of year to polish it to its gleaming best. A silver compote or jardiniere could also work well, along with candlesticks or other decorative collectibles.

A tray full of glittered ornaments

One of the most obvious signals of Christmas cheer is the presence of ornaments, and gathered in a bowl or tray they make a lovely statement.  The chunkier and more shapely, the better, if you’re going for a celebratory special-occasion look. Here I selected my largest pieces in glittered gold and silver and scattered them in a tray around a floral arrangement.

Metal candlestick holders

If you want to highlight the season, candlelight is a must, and for my simple mantelscape I chose twig-shaped candlestick holders in an antiqued brass. They’re tucked among the boughs of greenery and serve up faux candles with flickering light. I use real candles in most of my home, but for the areas close to the walls or near the greenery, I opt for battery operated for safety’s sake.

Mini trees with mixed metal orbs

I got it in my head this year that early in the season I would only use tabletop or small container trees, like this pair of 4’ potted trees flanking the fireplace. I limited my colors to rose gold and bronze, along with the traditional whites and golds. I love mixing metals all the time, but especially when using a narrow palette. The mix adds interest and complexity to an otherwise monotone presentation.

Spotlight gilded pieces

Much like the exhibition of collected vintage silver, spotlighting gilded pieces that you may already own, or adding others that are new to your decor assortment, brings a note of conviviality to your Christmas living room decor. In this case the gilded antique mantel mirror is accentuated by the ornate gold clock and brass candlesticks that are placed nearby. One piece alone has a very different effect than a few items playing off each other.

Of course, the metallics are best emphasized when featured against a neutral backdrop including warm textures and seasonal greenery. Nubby throw blankets and fur pillows, linen upholstery and rattan baskets, a subtle animal print rug and chippy painted furniture all conspire to create the optimal staging ground.

Then flick on the fireplace and call it good. 

Additional Tips for Decorating with Metallics

• Metallic Ornaments: Use gold, silver, and copper ornaments exclusively on your tree for a cohesive, shimmering effect.
• Mixed Metallic Garland: Drape garland with a blend of metallic beads or tinsel along mantels or staircases.
• Mirrored Accents: Incorporate mirrored trays or coasters to reflect metallic tones and amplify the sparkle.
• Metallic Candle Holders: Use gold, silver, or copper candlesticks for a refined holiday glow.
• Mercury Glass Decor: Add mercury glass votives or bowls for a vintage metallic feel.
• Foil-Wrapped Gifts: Wrap presents in metallic foil paper with coordinating ribbons for a luxe look under the tree.
• Layered Metallics: Combine all three metallics in your decor for depth and interest while keeping them balanced.
• Metallic Tree Skirt: Choose a tree skirt with metallic embroidery or sequins for a polished finish.
• Shimmering Wreaths: Hang metallic wreaths made of gilded leaves or metal ornaments on doors.
• Gold-Dusted Pinecones: Spray paint pinecones gold or silver for a simple yet chic decoration.
• Metallic Ribbon: Tie gold or silver ribbons onto ornaments, garlands, or wrapped gifts.
• Gilded Greenery: Add metallic spray paint or gilded accents to garlands, wreaths, or floral arrangements.
• Metallic Chargers: Use metallic chargers under dinner plates to elevate your holiday table.
• Copper Utensils: Set the table with copper flatware for a modern metallic touch.
• Sparkling Centerpieces: Fill a glass bowl or vase with metallic ornaments for a centerpiece.
• Metallic Throw Pillows: Add pillows with metallic threading or sequins to sofas and chairs.
• Silver Bells: Place clusters of silver bells on tables or hang them on doorknobs for a festive charm.
• Metallic Place Cards: Use gold or silver calligraphy on metallic cardstock for elegant table settings.
• Shimmering Curtains: Replace regular curtains with ones featuring metallic threading for the season.
• Glittering Snowflakes: Hang metallic snowflake ornaments from ceilings or windows.
• Illuminated Lanterns: Fill lanterns with metallic ornaments and fairy lights for glowing decor.
• Metallic Stockings: Choose gold, silver, or copper stockings for your mantel.
• Gold or Silver Frames: Display holiday-themed art or family photos in metallic frames.
• Metallic Drinkware: Serve holiday drinks in copper mugs or glasses with gold accents.
• Oversized Metallic Bow: Place a large metallic bow on your front door instead of a wreath for a bold statement.

Please be sure to visit all of the posts below!

French Blue Romantic Holiday Entry Way | Maison de Cinq

An Ironstone Christmas Tree | On Sutton Place

Christmas in the Great Room | StoneGable