Cheap Winter Decorations to Cozy Up Your Home for Winter

Inside: Cheap Winter Decorations to make your home feel special on a budget

Oh, winter! That magical season where everything glistens, we sip hot cocoa like it’s a full-time job, and our homes transform into cozy wonderlands—or at least they should. But who has the budget for those fancy Instagram-perfect setups?

Fear not, my fellow winter enthusiasts! I’m here to sprinkle some humor, enthusiasm, and budget-friendly brilliance into your seasonal decor plans. Get ready for cozy vibes without blowing your holiday gift fund!

Photo of christmas themed mantel with evergreen garland, and diy snowflakes

Cheap Winter Decorations to Cozy Up Your Home for Winter


1. Start with What You Have—The Art of Cozy Reinvention

Before we run to the nearest dollar store (don’t worry, we’ll get there), take a good look around your home. Got any old scarves? Wrapping paper scraps? Pinecones from last year’s ill-fated nature walk? These are your new decor superstars.

Cozy Tip: Wrap your throw pillows in scarves for an instant wintery look. Bonus points if they have snowflakes or plaid patterns. It’s like giving your couch a cozy sweater!

DIY Alert: Use last year’s wrapping paper to line trays or create festive wall art. Pop it in an old frame, and boom—classy holiday cheer for free!


2. Embrace the Magic of Mason Jars

Mason jars are the MVPs of cheap winter decorations. Seriously, is there anything they can’t do?

Idea 1: Fill them with fairy lights and place them on windowsills or shelves.
Idea 2: Layer in some fake snow (or sugar if you’re out of snowflakes), a sprig of pine, and a tea light. Instant rustic charm!
Idea 3: Use them as vases for evergreen branches or twigs you “borrowed” from your neighbor’s yard. (Just kidding! Kind of.)

Pro Tip: If you don’t have mason jars, clean out those pasta sauce jars. They’re basically the same thing, minus the artisanal vibes.

Dollar Tree winter decor ideas. Photo of candle jar craft.


3. Cheap Winter Decorations: Raid the Dollar Store Like a Pro

Dollar stores are treasure troves of winter decor goodness. From faux snowflakes to garlands that sparkle like your childhood dreams, you can find it all for next to nothing.

What to Look For:

  • Twinkle lights (seriously, stock up!)
  • Miniature ornaments for tabletop trees
  • Cheap wreaths you can DIY into something fabulous
  • Candles in wintery scents like “Frosted Pine” or “Cozy Mystery Vanilla”

DIY Winter Decor Hack: Grab a plain wreath and hot glue some pinecones, faux berries, and a big bow. Congratulations, you just made a $50 wreath for $5.


4. Nature Is the OG Decor Guru

Nature is the cheapest supplier of winter decor, and it delivers right to your doorstep. Sticks, pinecones, evergreen clippings—these are all begging to be part of your winter wonderland.

DIY Inspiration:

  • Arrange pinecones in a bowl for a centerpiece that says, “I’m effortlessly festive.”
  • String up twigs and fairy lights for a boho-chic wall hanging.
  • Make a garland out of dried orange slices for that cozy cottagecore vibe. Plus, your house will smell amazing!

Cozy Home Tip: Bake those orange slices at a low temp for a couple of hours, and you’ll have free decorations and a home that smells like Christmas.

For a guide on cozy hygge living, click here!

winter decor windowsill


5. Upgrade Everyday Items

You don’t need fancy decorations when you’ve got creativity and a glue gun. Look around your house and think, “How can I winterize this?”

  • Plain White Candles: Wrap them in cinnamon sticks and tie with twine.
  • Old Picture Frames: Remove the backing and fill with fairy lights or greenery.
  • Glass Bottles: Pop some twigs or fairy lights inside for instant winter charm.

DIY Bonus: Paint wine bottles white, let them dry, and then dust the tops with glitter for a snowy effect. You’ll feel like Martha Stewart, minus the tax evasion.


6. Blanket Forts Are for Adults Too

Let’s be real—nothing screams cozy like a blanket fort. Gather all your spare blankets, drape them strategically (or haphazardly; it’s a fort, not an architectural marvel), and toss in a bunch of pillows.

Cozy Home Tip: String up some fairy lights inside your fort for maximum hygge. This is your space to sip hot cocoa, watch holiday movies, or hide from holiday stress. No kids? Even better—it’s yours all night.


7. The Power of Seasonal Fabrics

Winter is the season of flannel, fleece, and faux fur. A single throw blanket can transform a room into a cozy haven. The best part? You don’t need to spend big bucks.

Thrifty Tip: Check out thrift stores for plaid or winter-themed blankets. Drape them over couches, chairs, or even as a makeshift table runner.

DIY Fun: Make your own pillow covers with old sweaters. No sewing machine? No problem! Hot glue is your new best friend.


8. Wall Art That Costs $0

Pinterest-worthy wall art doesn’t need a big budget. Print out wintery quotes like “Baby, it’s cold outside” or “Hot cocoa is my love language.” Pop them in frames you already have, or clip them to some twine for a minimalist vibe.

Funny Idea: Write “Let It Snow” on a chalkboard, then cross it out and add “But not too much.” You’ll get a laugh andcozy decor.


9. Cheap Winter Decorations: Go Big on Candles

Candles are the unsung heroes of cozy winter vibes. The flicker of candlelight makes everything feel warm and magical—even if you’re just binge-watching Netflix.

Cozy Home Tip: Group candles of different heights on a tray with some pine sprigs and mini ornaments for a classy centerpiece.

Hack: Battery-operated candles give you the same effect without the fire hazard. Plus, you can find them at the dollar store for cheap.

Here is a list of the best cozy candles!


10. Festive Food Displays

Decorations you can eat? Yes, please! Fill glass jars with candy canes, gingerbread cookies, or marshmallows. Not only does it look cute, but you’ve also got snacks at the ready.

DIY Winter Decor: Arrange citrus fruits (like oranges and lemons) with greenery on a tray for a natural, cheerful centerpiece. You’ll feel like you’re living in a holiday magazine spread.


11. Make It Smell Like Winter

A cozy home isn’t just about how it looks; it’s about how it smells. Make your home smell like a winter wonderland with DIY stovetop potpourri.

Recipe: Simmer water with orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a sprig of rosemary. Your home will smell like a Hallmark movie set in no time.

Cozy Drink: If you are looking for an adorable touch to a classic drink, check out these hot cocoa marshmallow snowmen!


12. Lights, Lights, and More Lights

If you only do one thing on this list, let it be this: Add more lights. Twinkle lights are the secret weapon of winter coziness. Drape them over mantels, weave them through garlands, or just pile them in a basket. There’s no wrong way to use twinkle lights.

Alrighty, now that everything is all set up…how about a cozy movie night?!

Photo of christmas themed mantel with evergreen garland, and diy snowflakes


Wrapping It All Up (Pun Intended)

See? You don’t need a massive budget to turn your home into a winter wonderland. With a little creativity, some dollar store finds, and a few DIY hacks, you’ll be cozying up in style without spending more than the cost of a fancy coffee.

So go forth, my thrifty winter warriors, and deck those halls like the budget-savvy queens and kings you are! Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a mason jar to fill and some twinkle lights to untangle. Happy decorating!

Oh and for more visual inspo, check out our pinterest!