When selling a home in December, Christmas décor can work for you or against you. The proper styling makes a property feel warm, welcoming, and memorable. But overdone decorations can distract buyers, reduce space, and make rooms feel cluttered.
At REMAX Estate Agents, we help sellers strike the perfect balance, festive but still professional. If you’re thinking of listing your home this Christmas, here’s how to get the presentation exactly right.
🎄 1. Choose Understated, Neutral Christmas Décor
Buyers should feel reassured that your home’s space, layout, and light are the focus, not the size of your tree or the tinsel, fostering trust and comfort.
Do:
- Use neutral-coloured decorations (gold, white, champagne, sage).
- Stick to warm-white fairy lights.
- Keep the tree elegant and straightforward.
- Limit ornaments on shelves and windowsills.
Avoid:
- Bright, multi-coloured lights
- Oversized decorations
- Busy, themed displays
A clean, modern festive look makes your home feel aspirational without overpowering the space.
✨ 2. Keep the Christmas Tree Proportional to help buyers see the room’s actual size and avoid visual clutter. A Christmas tree can enhance a room, as long as it fits.
Best rule: The tree should never take up more than 25% of a room’s floor space.
If it blocks walkways, covers windows, or hides radiators, buyers will see it as a flaw in the room rather than a feature.
If your room is smaller, consider:
- A slim tree
- A half-tree in the corner
- A tabletop tree to save floor space
🕯 3. Use Soft Lighting to Create a Cosy Atmosphere
Winter viewings often happen in low light, so ambience matters.
Warm lighting helps your home feel calm and welcoming.
Try:
- Lamps instead of overhead lights
- Candles (real or LED)
- Warm-fairy lights
- Neutral lampshades
The aim is to make buyers feel instantly comfortable the moment they step inside.
🏡 4. Keep Windows, Sills, and Radiators Clear
Buyers are judging natural light, heat, and airflow, so avoid anything that blocks:
- Curtain space
- Radiators
- Window exposures
- Patio doors
Even beautiful décor will work against you if it hides your home’s strongest features.
🌟 5. Enhance Kerb Appeal With Simple Festive Touches
Your exterior sets the tone before buyers even step inside.
Consider:
- A fresh wreath (eucalyptus or pine)
- Simple white doorway lights
- A clean driveway and decluttered porch
- Seasonal planters (winter flowers or evergreens)
Avoid anything inflatable or overly bold; subtle is always more effective.
🩵 6. Keep Hallways and High-Traffic Areas Clear
Hallways can make or break a first impression.
Remove:
- Piles of shoes
- Bulky coats
- Extra furniture
- Hallway Christmas displays
Your hallway should feel wide, bright, and easy to navigate.
🔧 7. Don’t Delay Photography, Winter Light Is Limited
Winter days are shorter, meaning photography windows are tighter.
We recommend:
- Booking photos midday for the best light
- Using warm lamps to avoid dark corners
- Ensuring no harsh shadows from low sunlight
- Clearing outdoor areas before frost or snow
Presentation is essential for online listings, especially around Christmas when buyers scroll more than they view in person.
🎁 A Well-Staged Christmas Home Sells Faster
The goal is to create a warm, festive environment without distracting from the property itself. Subtle seasonal décor helps buyers imagine spending their own Christmas there, and that emotional connection can drive quicker offers.
If you’re preparing to sell this December, REMAX Estate Agents can help you plan your staging, photography, pricing strategy, and launch timing to capture the Boxing Day surge.
