8 Holiday Decorating Ideas for Festive Built-In Cabinets and Shelving

Written by Artisan Contracting on December 12, 2024

As the holidays approach, your built-in cabinets and shelving can become the perfect canvas for festive decor. From incorporating greenery to showcasing themed displays, you can transform these functional spaces into eye-catching holiday highlights. Let’s explore how to style your built-ins with flair this season. 

Incorporate Seasonal Greenery 

Nothing says the holidays like fresh greenery. Adorn the top of your built-ins with garlands of pine, cedar, or eucalyptus. Add small wreaths to cabinet doors for a cohesive look. For a low-maintenance option, consider high-quality faux greenery that lasts year after year. 

Create Holiday Vignettes 

Use your built-in shelves to showcase small holiday vignettes. Mix and match decorative elements like candles, miniature trees, nutcrackers, or snow globes. Arrange items in odd-numbered groupings for balance and layer pieces of varying heights to create depth. 

Add Festive Lighting 

String fairy lights or battery-operated LED candles within your built-ins to create a cozy glow. For a bolder statement, line the shelves with twinkle lights or install puck lights to illuminate decorative elements. Lighting instantly evokes a festive ambiance, especially when you use dedicated Christmas lights! 

Transform Your Built-Ins into a Snow Wonderland 

Bring a touch of winter magic to your built-ins by creating a snow-themed display. Use artificial snow, white garlands, and frosted ornaments to mimic a snowy landscape. Add miniature winter village pieces, such as tiny houses, figurines, and trees dusted with faux snow. For an extra cozy feel, incorporate soft textures like faux fur accents or white knit stockings hanging from the sides. 

Showcase Holiday Dishes and Glassware 

Built-in cabinets are an ideal space to display your holiday china or seasonal glassware. Arrange plates, bowls, and glasses neatly for a polished look. Incorporate pops of red, green, gold, or silver to tie into your holiday theme. 

Incorporate Personal Touches 

Add a sentimental touch by displaying family holiday photos, framed seasonal prints, or DIY crafts. Incorporate handwritten notes or cards from loved ones as part of the decor. These personal elements make your built-ins uniquely yours. 

Experiment with a Color Palette 

Choose a cohesive holiday colour palette that complements your room’s decor. Traditional red and green, modern white and gold or rustic earth tones can guide your choices for ornaments, garlands, and other accents. Pastel hues and whites can also accentuate the brightness of a snow-covered haven. The important thing to remember is that consistency in colour creates a unified and elegant appearance. 

Rotate Decor for a Festive Countdown 

For a fun, interactive twist, change your decor weekly as a countdown to the holidays. Start with a harvest-themed set up in early December, transition to winter wonderland decor mid-month, and finish with a festive New Year’s theme. 

Build Your Holiday Dreamland with Artisan Contracting 

Whether you’re enhancing your built-ins or dreaming of adding new ones, Artisan Contracting can help create beautiful custom cabinetry to suit your style and needs. Contact us today to start your project in time for next year’s holiday season.