Black and White Christmas Decor: 16 Easy Ideas That Feel Fresh, Cozy and Classic

Black and white Christmas decor is the fresh look so many people are searching for this season, and it is easier to pull off than you might think. Picture crisp buffalo check stockings, a tree full of black and white ornaments and a porch that looks sharp from the street. Paired with lots of green pine and warm wood, these two simple colors feel cozy, not cold. The best part? You probably already own white dishes, black frames and a pile of old newspapers. Below are 16 easy ideas, from paper chains and painted pinecones to a cocoa bar and a gingham table, each with a supply list and simple steps. Try one corner or do the whole house..

Black and White Christmas Decor for the Whole Room

Black and white Christmas decor might sound bold, but look at how fresh it feels next to real green pine. The trick is to keep the palette tight: black, white and lots of greenery, with natural wood to warm it all up. Buffalo check on the tree skirt and stockings, stripes on the gifts and a black lantern by the hearth tie the room together. Start with one big piece, like a ribbon or a rug, and build from there. Once you see it all together, it is hard to go back..

You will need: Black and white buffalo check ribbon, a check tree skirt, black and white ornaments, check stockings, striped wrapping paper, a black lantern with a battery LED candle, fresh greenery.

How to make it: 1. Pick one main pattern, like buffalo check, and use it in two or three places. 2. Add a second pattern in a smaller size, like stripes or gingham. 3. Keep everything else solid black or solid white. 4. Fill in with lots of fresh or faux greenery so the room feels warm.

Black and White Christmas Decor on a Monochrome Tree

A monochrome tree looks expensive but uses one of the cheapest tricks around: only two colors of ornaments. Matte black and glossy white balls look great together because the textures play off each other. Instead of wrapping ribbon around the tree, tuck long tails of white ribbon in from top to bottom. It looks soft and elegant and takes about ten minutes. Decor writers named monochrome a breakout festive look last year, as Ideal Home reported, and searches keep climbing. Would you try it on your main tree or a second one?

You will need: Matte black and glossy white shatterproof ornaments, small striped ornaments, 10 yards of white ribbon, warm white lights, a black metal star, a basket tree collar.

How to make it: 1. Put the lights on first. 2. Cut ribbon into lengths about the height of the tree. 3. Tuck one end in at the top, let it fall and tuck it in again every foot or so. 4. Hang black ornaments deep inside and white ones near the tips.

Buffalo Check Stockings on the Mantel

Black and white buffalo check stockings are a classic for a reason. The big checks read clearly from across the room, and a white faux fur cuff makes them feel soft and cozy. You can sew a simple set from flannel in an afternoon, or dress up plain stockings with a check cuff. Hang them under a fresh garland with small gingham bows for a mantel that feels finished. If you love red tartan too, our plaid Christmas decor ideas have more cozy pattern tricks. How many stockings will your mantel need this year?

You will need: Black and white buffalo check flannel, white faux fur, an old stocking to trace, a sewing machine, ribbon for loops, a pine garland, small gingham bows.

How to make it: 1. Trace an old stocking onto doubled flannel and cut it out. 2. Sew the two pieces right sides together, leaving the top open, then turn it right side out. 3. Sew a band of faux fur around the top. 4. Add a ribbon loop and hang it under the garland.

Newspaper Star and Fan Ornaments

Old newspaper is the free secret behind some of the prettiest black and white ornaments. The tiny print turns into a soft gray texture when you fold it, so stars and fans look like they came from a boutique. Kids can help with the fans, which are just accordion folds pinched in the middle. Hang them with black and white twine next to plain white ornaments for a simple, homemade tree. Old book pages or sheet music work the same way. Do you have a stack of papers waiting for recycling day?

You will need: Old newspaper or book pages, scissors, a glue stick, a ruler, black and white twine, a hole punch.

How to make it: 1. For a fan, cut a strip 3 by 12 inches and fold it back and forth like an accordion. 2. Pinch the middle, fold it in half and glue the edges to make a circle. 3. For a star, fold five paper diamonds and glue them points out. 4. Punch a hole and add twine.

Striped Ribbon Bows on the Stair Rail

The staircase is often the first thing guests see, and it is easy to dress up. Wrap a pine garland along the banister, then tie big black and white striped bows every couple of feet. Let the tails hang long so they move a little when people walk by. Wired ribbon holds its shape best and can be fluffed each morning. Use soft garland ties so the rail does not get scratched. It is one of the quickest ways to bring black and white Christmas decor into a hallway. Would your stairs look better with stripes or gingham bows?

You will need: A 9 to 12 foot pine garland, 4 inch wide black and white striped wired ribbon, soft garland ties or zip ties, scissors.

How to make it: 1. Lay the garland along the rail and attach it with ties every 18 inches. 2. Cut the ribbon into 1 yard pieces. 3. Tie each piece into a large bow over a tie point. 4. Trim the tails at an angle and fluff the loops.

Black and White Christmas Decor for the Dinner Table

A gingham tablecloth turns a holiday dinner into something cheerful without any fuss. Pair it with white plates on black chargers and the table looks crisp and grown up. Roll gingham napkins and tie them with a sprig of rosemary, which smells wonderful as people sit down. Keep the centerpiece low so everyone can see each other, using greenery, white ornaments and a few little white ceramic trees. Do you already own a set of black chargers or plates?

You will need: A black and white gingham tablecloth, white plates, black chargers, gingham napkins, fresh rosemary, twine, greenery, white ornaments, small white ceramic trees.

How to make it: 1. Lay the tablecloth and center a charger at each seat. 2. Stack the plates on top. 3. Fold each napkin, wrap it with twine and tuck in rosemary. 4. Run greenery down the middle and tuck in the ornaments and little trees.

A Houndstooth Bow on a Black Front Door

If your front door is black, or you have been thinking about painting it, a fresh wreath with a black and white bow is all it needs. Houndstooth ribbon is a fun change from plaid and still feels classic. White berries and white ornaments keep the wreath bright against the dark door. Add a buffalo check doormat and two potted evergreens, and your entry is done. Use an over the door hook so you never need to drill. Will your neighbors notice the change?

You will need: A 22 to 24 inch evergreen wreath, houndstooth wired ribbon, white berry picks, white shatterproof ornaments, floral wire, an over the door hook, a check doormat.

How to make it: 1. Wire the berry picks and ornaments into the wreath. 2. Make a large bow and wire it to the bottom of the wreath. 3. Hang the wreath on the over the door hook. 4. Add the mat and the potted evergreens.

Snow Tipped Black Pinecones

Free pinecones from the yard become modern decor with a little black paint. Paint them all over in matte black, then dry brush the tips with white so they look like they caught a bit of snow. Pile them in a white bowl with cedar sprigs, tuck them into garlands or hang them on the tree. They are a cheap way to add texture to black and white Christmas decor. Bake them on a foil lined tray at low heat first to dry them out, which is an adult job. Where will you put your bowl of pinecones?

You will need: Pinecones, a foil lined baking sheet, matte black craft paint, white craft paint, a dry brush, a white bowl, cedar sprigs.

How to make it: 1. An adult bakes the pinecones at 200 F for 30 minutes and lets them cool. 2. Paint them black and let them dry. 3. Dip a dry brush lightly in white paint and brush only the tips. 4. Arrange them in a bowl with cedar sprigs.

Black and White Christmas Decor With Polka Dot Clay Ornaments

Air dry clay ornaments are a great rainy day craft, and black dots make them look so modern. Roll out white clay, cut shapes with cookie cutters and poke a hole at the top. Once dry, paint dots with the end of a brush handle, or thin stripes with a fine brush. They make sweet gifts and add handmade charm to your black and white Christmas decor. Kids can do almost every step on their own. Which shapes will your family cut out first?

You will need: White air dry clay, a rolling pin, cookie cutters, a drinking straw, black acrylic paint, a fine brush, black and white twine, fine sandpaper.

How to make it: 1. Roll the clay to about 1/4 inch thick and cut out shapes. 2. Poke a hole at the top with a straw. 3. Let them dry for 24 to 48 hours, turning once, then sand rough edges. 4. Paint dots and stripes and add twine.

Checkerboard Paper Chain Garland

Paper chains are not just for kids. Made with black and white checkerboard paper and plain white strips, they look graphic and fun draped across a shelf or window. This is a great project for family movie night, since everyone can glue loops while they watch. Print a checkerboard pattern at home or buy patterned scrapbook paper. A long chain costs almost nothing, folds flat for next year and fits right in with the rest of your black and white Christmas decor. How long can your family make yours?

You will need: Black and white checkerboard paper, plain white cardstock, a paper cutter or scissors, a glue stick or small stapler, removable hooks.

How to make it: 1. Cut strips 1 by 8 inches. 2. Glue the first strip into a loop. 3. Thread the next strip through, switching patterns, and glue it closed. 4. Hang the finished chain with removable hooks.

Black Bead Garland on a Flocked Tree

A small flocked tree with a black and white bead garland is a perfect pick for an entry table or a small apartment. Wood beads are cheap, easy to string and look great year after year. Mix big black beads with small white ones, then add a tiny tassel at each end. The snowy flocking makes the black beads pop, and a black pot finishes the look. Could this be the little tree that greets everyone at your door?

You will need: A small flocked tabletop tree, a black pot, 20 mm black wood beads, 12 mm white wood beads, cotton string, embroidery floss for tassels, clear glass ornaments.

How to make it: 1. Cut a piece of string about 6 feet long. 2. String the beads in a pattern, two white then one black. 3. Make tiny tassels from floss and tie one at each end. 4. Drape the garland around the tree and add a few glass ornaments.

Black and White Christmas Decor Under the Tree

Gifts are part of the decor, so why not wrap them to match? Plain white paper, black paper and black and white stripes look great together, and plain rolls often cost less than printed ones. Change up the ribbon too: black velvet, white satin and gingham. Tuck a pine sprig and a few white berries under every bow. The pile under the tree will look like it is ready for a photo shoot. Will you wrap everything to match this year?

You will need: White, black and striped wrapping paper, black velvet ribbon, white satin ribbon, gingham ribbon, pine sprigs, white berry picks, blank tags, tape.

How to make it: 1. Wrap the gifts in the three papers so you get a good mix. 2. Pair each paper with a different ribbon. 3. Tie the bow and slide a pine sprig and berries under the knot. 4. Add a blank tag and write the name in black pen.

A Black and White Hot Cocoa Bar

A cocoa bar is the friendliest corner of the house in December, and black and white keeps it looking tidy and stylish. Stack black and white mugs together, fill glass jars with marshmallows and peppermint sticks, and set spoons on a black tray. A gingham runner and a bit of pine garland make it feel festive. Keep the cocoa warm on the stove nearby and let everyone help themselves. It is black and white Christmas decor you can actually drink from. What topping would you add first?

You will need: Black and white mugs, glass jars, mini marshmallows, peppermint sticks, a black tray, white spoons, a gingham runner, a short pine garland.

How to make it: 1. Clear a stretch of counter and lay down the runner. 2. Stack the mugs at one end. 3. Fill the jars and line them up in the middle. 4. Set the tray of spoons in front and add the garland behind.

Black and White Christmas Decor on the Front Porch

Your porch is the first hello, and black and white makes it look sharp from the street. Layer a plain coir mat on top of a big buffalo check rug, a cheap trick that makes any entry look designed. Add two black lanterns with battery LED candles on timers so they glow every evening. A bench with check pillows and a chunky throw makes it feel lived in. Hang garland with white ornaments on the rail. Which piece will you start with?

You will need: A buffalo check outdoor rug, a coir doormat, two black lanterns, battery LED pillar candles with timers, a bench, check pillows, a throw, garland, white shatterproof ornaments.

How to make it: 1. Center the check rug at the door and lay the coir mat on top. 2. Place a lantern on each side and set the LED timers. 3. Style the bench with pillows and a throw. 4. Hang garland on the rail and wire on the ornaments.

Open Kitchen Shelves in Black and White

Kitchen shelves get a holiday makeover with things you probably already own. White enamelware with black rims, striped tea towels and a black cutting board set the color scheme. Add little white ceramic houses and sprigs of pine and eucalyptus for life. A short garland of white felt balls is easy to make and soft to look at. Tuck the everyday clutter into the cupboards for a few weeks so your black and white Christmas decor can shine. Which of your kitchen pieces are already black or white?

You will need: White enamelware, striped tea towels, a black cutting board, white ceramic houses, pine and eucalyptus sprigs, white felt balls, a large needle and strong thread.

How to make it: 1. Clear the shelves and wipe them down. 2. Place the biggest pieces first, like pitchers and the cutting board. 3. Fill the gaps with houses, towels and greenery. 4. String felt balls on thread and drape the garland along a shelf.

Black and White Christmas Decor in the Bedroom

Do not leave the bedroom out of the holiday fun. A buffalo check throw at the foot of a white bed and a couple of gingham pillows are all it takes to make it feel festive. A small tree on the nightstand with tiny ornaments and battery fairy lights makes the best night light in December. Drape a simple pine garland over the headboard. It is calm, cozy and easy to pack away in January. Which room will you decorate next?

You will need: A buffalo check throw, gingham pillow covers, a small tree, a white basket, mini black and white ornaments, battery fairy lights with a timer, a pine garland.

How to make it: 1. Make the bed with white bedding. 2. Fold the throw across the foot and add the pillows. 3. Set the small tree in the basket on the nightstand and add the lights and ornaments. 4. Drape the garland along the headboard.