7 Most Popular Christmas Color Schemes of 2023

Designers say these are the hues you should trim your tree with this season.

Red and green will always be an iconic Christmas palette, but the latest design trends are paving the way for fresh color combinations to steal the spotlight. With jewel tones, pastels, crisp blues, and wintry whites flooding this year's decorating scene, there's plenty of opportunity to channel your unique personality.

"Holiday colors for the 2023 season will be classic with a twist," says Liz Williams, interior designer and owner of Liz Williams Interiors. Experimenting with a few pops of unexpected colors will give you a contemporary boost that's still season-appropriate, especially if foregoing reds and greens altogether feels too extreme.

Adam Albright
Adam Albright

"While green is always traditional, pairing it with other unexpected colors is appealing this year," adds Williams, who decorates with citrus to curate a punchy orange and tonal green color scheme. Taking inspiration from design experts, we've rounded up this season's most popular Christmas color schemes to help you create a look you love.

Related: 7 Christmas Color Schemes That Will Never Go Out of Style

<p>David Land</p>

David Land

Jewel Tones

Jewel tones remain a top contender amongst Christmas color trends in 2023. These saturated hues "bring out personality and complement moodier decor," says Maggie Griffin, interior designer and owner of Maggie Griffin Design. To experiment with a jewel-toned palette, start by scouting deeper shades of your favorite colors like ruby reds, emerald greens, eggplant purples, and sapphire blues—all rich hues derived from precious gemstones. Then, infuse these colors through your Christmas throw pillows, blankets and accessories for a surefire way to set an enchanting and dynamic holiday scene.

Related: How to Decorate with Jewel-Tones for a Bold, Gorgeous Home

Sparkling Neutrals

Sometimes, a simple approach makes the best holiday statement. Rely on neutral colors bursting with metallic shine to create a backdrop for this season's Christmas celebrations. Use metallic hues like gold, silver, and copper to create a dazzling effect that feels equal parts cozy and glam.

This is one of Griffin's go-to color schemes, and she recommends combining neutral tones of silver and gold with "lots of sparkle" to complete the look. Depending on your style, you can go all out with glittery accents or stick to a more classic, subtle approach with mercury and pearl-colored glass ornaments. Once the tree is covered in glinting ornaments, dress your fireplace mantel, dining table, and bookcases with groupings of shimmering ribbons, gilded pinecones, and warm twinkle lights for an additional element of sparkle.

Related: The 29 Best Christmas Ornaments of 2023 to Bring New Life to Your Tree

Adam Albright
Adam Albright

Pale Greens

If you can't imagine capturing the essence of Christmas without green, don't limit yourself to the classic shade of evergreen. Instead, experiment with different tints and shades to curate a holly jolly aesthetic. "Pale and turquoise blues with unexpected greens, such as chartreuse, can add interest and freshness," Williams says. Lighter shades of green will still bring in the warmth and sentiment of a classic Christmas palette while creating a modern and fresh display.

Jeff Herr
Jeff Herr

Classic Red and Green

An iconic pairing that never tires, this merry duo is still widely embraced—and continues to top designers' list of the most popular color schemes. While this likely won't come as a surprise— red and green make a perfect partner in Christmas color thanks to their complementary positions on the color wheel and traditional appeal. As a timeless color pair, it may be considered a more sustainable design approach, since trendy colors may only set the scene for some time. On the other hand, you can count on green trees, red poinsettias, berry branches, and red ribbons remaining classics for years to come. "Traditional tabletops will always be welcome, but add in textured elements in neutral tones to make it yours," Griffin suggests.

Blue and White

Taking cues from the Victorian era, a blue and white holiday color scheme makes an ideal companion to chinoiserie lovers and traditionalists alike. This color combination sets a festive Christmas scene, leaving room for traditional green and gold accents. Decorate your tree with blue ornaments, beadwork, and navy ribbon before outfitting your space with blue velvet, snowy lace, and gold accents. If you already own a collection of vintage blue and white chinoiserie or China pieces, put them on display as you create this classic holiday atmosphere.

Marty Baldwin
Marty Baldwin

Chocolate Browns

For a darker, more woodsy approach, choose a color scheme infused with chocolate brown. "Deep chocolate brown can add a richness to your holiday color schemes, whether it's using a simple velvet ribbon or incorporating acorns and pine cones into your decor," Williams says. For an easy start, swap out your tree skirt with a rustic basket and bring your entire space together by adding in a jute or sisal rug. For more of a woodland theme, add varying tints and shades of brown ornaments and throw in a few bronze accents, too.

<p>Courtesy of Brian Bieder</p>

Courtesy of Brian Bieder

Multicolor Palettes

If you can't choose a specific color scheme, try a multi-colored palette spruced up with traditional Christmas elements. Use tartan plaids and textured ribbons to recreate this look, suggests Griffin, who favors layered plaids. Then, set the stage with berry-accented garlands, tonal green fir tree sculptures, and accents in colors that bring you joy. Multi-color palettes give you the freedom to deck your halls with traditional favorites, homemade ornaments, or family collections—anything goes!

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