Plaid Christmas Decor: 16 Cozy Cabin Ideas That Look Way More Expensive Than They Are

Plaid Christmas decor has a way of making a plain room feel like a mountain cabin the minute you hang it up. Maybe it reminds you of a grandpa in a red flannel shirt, a wool blanket on the back of the couch, or a tree that smelled like the woods. The best part is that plaid looks rich and classic even when it costs almost nothing. An old shirt, a thrifted blanket and a few yards of ribbon can carry a whole room. These 16 ideas are simple, cozy and friendly to any budget, and most of them take less than an hour. Pour a warm drink, pull out your scrap fabric, and let us make this the coziest Christmas your house has seen in years..

Plaid Christmas Decor Starts With a Tartan Ribbon Tree

If you only do one thing this year, wrap your tree in wide tartan ribbon. It is the fastest way to pull a whole room into that cozy cabin look, and it ties every other plaid piece together. Run the ribbon in loose swoops from top to bottom and let it tuck in and out of the branches. Add warm white LED lights first so the plaid glows at night. Even a plain green tree from the attic suddenly looks like it came from a fancy lodge..

You will need: 2 or 3 rolls of wired tartan ribbon (2.5 inch), warm white LED string lights, a few plain red or white ornaments.

How to make it: 1. Put the LED lights on the tree first, close to the trunk. 2. Start at the top and tuck the ribbon end deep into a branch. 3. Swoop the ribbon down and around, pinching it into branches every 12 inches, then add ornaments in the gaps.

No Sew Buffalo Check Tree Skirt

Every room full of plaid Christmas decor needs a base under the tree. A store bought tree skirt can cost more than the ornaments. This no sew version uses one big square of buffalo check flannel and takes about 20 minutes. The fringe edge hides any wobbly cuts, so it is very forgiving for beginners. If you want to see another take, this no sew buffalo plaid tree skirt on Hometalk uses the same simple idea. Which color check would you pick, red or black and white?

You will need: 1.5 yards of buffalo check flannel, fabric scissors, string and a pencil, a ruler.

How to make it: 1. Fold the fabric into quarters and tie the pencil to a string to draw a big arc. 2. Cut the circle, then cut a small circle in the center and one straight slit to the middle. 3. Pull threads along the edge to make a soft fringe, then wrap it around the tree stand.

Flannel Shirt Pillow Covers With the Buttons Still On

Some of the coziest plaid Christmas decor starts in your closet. Those old flannel shirts in the back of the closet are perfect pillow covers. Keep the button placket on the front and it doubles as the pillow opening, so you never have to sew a zipper. Each one ends up a little different, and that mix of reds and greens looks like it came from a mountain store. If the shirt belonged to someone you love, it makes the pillow extra special. Do you have a shirt that deserves a second life?

You will need: 1 large flannel shirt per pillow, a pillow form, pins, a sewing machine or needle and thread.

How to make it: 1. Button the shirt and lay it flat, then set the pillow form on top with the buttons centered. 2. Cut a square 1 inch bigger than the form on all sides, through both layers. 3. Turn inside out, sew all four edges, unbutton, turn right side out and stuff in the pillow.

Plaid Christmas Decor on the Mantel: Blanket Stockings

A thrifted wool blanket can turn into four or five stockings, and the thick fabric holds its shape all season. Mixing a few different plaids on one mantel looks planned and cozy, not messy. Add a fluffy white cuff and they look like the ones in pricey catalogs. If you want more ideas for shapes and cuffs, check out our DIY Christmas stockings gallery. Would you give each person their own plaid?

You will need: 1 or 2 old wool or flannel blankets, white faux fur scraps, a paper stocking pattern, needle and thread or a sewing machine, ribbon loops.

How to make it: 1. Trace a stocking shape on paper, then cut two pieces of blanket for each stocking. 2. Sew the sides together with the right sides facing in, then turn it out. 3. Stitch a strip of faux fur around the top and add a ribbon loop for hanging.

Plaid Christmas Decor for the Dinner Chairs

Big plaid bows on the back of each dining chair make a holiday dinner feel like a celebration before the food even comes out. It is one of those small touches guests always notice. Tuck a sprig of fresh pine into the knot so the room smells like Christmas, too. This works on wood chairs, metal chairs and even folding chairs for the kids table. Why not tie one on every chair this year?

You will need: Wide plaid ribbon (about 1.5 yards per chair), small pine or cedar sprigs, scissors.

How to make it: 1. Wrap the ribbon around the top rail of the chair back. 2. Tie a big loose bow with long tails in the front. 3. Tuck a pine sprig into the knot and cut the ribbon ends at an angle.

Plaid Fabric Covered Ornaments

Plain plastic ball ornaments are cheap, but they look a lot better dressed in plaid fabric scraps. Little squares of flannel go on with decoupage glue, and the patchwork look feels warm and handmade. Kids can help with this one at the table, and it is a great way to use up the leftovers from your pillows and stockings. A set of six plaid Christmas decor ornaments makes a lovely gift tied with twine. How many scraps are hiding in your sewing box?

You will need: Plain plastic ball ornaments, plaid fabric scraps cut into 1 inch squares, decoupage glue, a foam brush, jute twine.

How to make it: 1. Brush a small patch of glue on the ball and press a fabric square on top. 2. Overlap the squares until the ball is covered, smoothing each one with more glue. 3. Let it dry overnight and add a jute loop for hanging.

Plaid Christmas Decor for the Table: A Tartan Runner

A tartan runner is the easiest way to make a long table look dressed for the holidays. Lay fresh pine branches down the middle, add a few red berries and pinecones, and you have a centerpiece that looks like a magazine spread. You can cut the runner from a thrifted scarf or a plaid throw. Afterward, fold it up and use it again next year. What would you add to yours, bells or little brass stars?

You will need: A tartan scarf, throw or 2 yards of plaid fabric, fresh pine branches, faux red berry picks, pinecones, small bells.

How to make it: 1. Cut or fold the fabric to about 14 inches wide and lay it down the center of the table. 2. Layer pine branches along the runner, overlapping the stems. 3. Tuck berries, pinecones and bells into the greenery.

Kraft Paper Gifts Tied With Plaid Ribbon

Plain brown kraft paper is cheap, and plaid ribbon makes it look like boutique wrapping. Mix three or four plaids under the tree and everything looks coordinated with the rest of your plaid Christmas decor. A small pine sprig and a round tag finish it off. You can buy one big roll of kraft paper and wrap every gift in the house. Doesn’t a pile of these look cozy under the tree?

You will need: A roll of brown kraft paper, 3 or 4 plaid ribbons, pine sprigs, round paper tags, tape.

How to make it: 1. Wrap each gift in kraft paper with neat folded ends. 2. Tie a plaid ribbon around both directions and finish with a bow. 3. Tuck a pine sprig under the bow and add a tag.

Cedar Door Swag With a Big Plaid Bow

A door swag is a nice change from the usual round wreath, and it is easier to make. Just gather a bunch of cedar and pine branches, bind the stems, and hang it upside down from the door. A huge buffalo check bow at the top is what makes neighbors slow down when they walk by. It is a welcoming first look at the plaid Christmas decor waiting inside. Ready to greet your guests in style?

You will need: A bundle of cedar and pine branches, floral wire, a few pinecones, 3 yards of wide buffalo check ribbon, an over the door hook.

How to make it: 1. Lay the longest branches first and stack shorter ones on top so it looks full. 2. Wrap the stems tightly with floral wire and wire in the pinecones. 3. Tie a big bow over the wire and hang the swag on the door hook.

Plaid Ribbon Bows Tied Right on the Branches

If you have extra ribbon after the big projects, cut it into short pieces and tie little bows right on the tree branches. It is a cheap trick that fills empty spots and makes the tree look full and finished. Mix them with a few shiny ornaments for a little sparkle. This works great on small trees, garlands and even houseplants. How many bows do you think your tree needs?

You will need: Leftover plaid ribbon, scissors, a few shiny ornaments.

How to make it: 1. Cut the ribbon into 14 inch pieces. 2. Tie each piece in a small bow around the tip of a branch. 3. Space the bows evenly and add an ornament next to some of them.

Black and White Check Lantern Bows

For outdoor plaid Christmas decor, black and white check is the fresh, modern side of plaid, and it looks crisp against snow. Tie a bow on the handle of each porch lantern, set a battery LED pillar inside, and tuck pine around the bottom. The glow at night is warm and safe, with no flames to worry about. Group three lanterns in different sizes so it looks layered. Would this look good on your front steps?

You will need: Two or three metal lanterns, battery LED pillar lights, black and white check ribbon, pine branches, pinecones.

How to make it: 1. Set a battery LED pillar inside each lantern and turn on the timer. 2. Tie a full bow on each handle and trim the tails. 3. Group the lanterns on the steps and tuck pine and pinecones around them.

Plaid Napkin Rings With Tiny Jingle Bells

These plaid Christmas decor napkin rings take five minutes each and make a table feel special. A strip of plaid fabric wraps around a rolled napkin, and one small jingle bell gives a little sparkle. Add a sprig of rosemary on top and it smells wonderful, too. Guests can take them home as a small keepsake. They are a perfect way to use up skinny leftover strips of fabric. Who will you be setting a place for this year?

You will need: Plaid fabric strips 2 inches wide, small jingle bells, hot glue (adult help), rosemary sprigs, cloth napkins.

How to make it: 1. Roll each napkin and wrap a fabric strip around the middle twice. 2. With adult help, glue the end down and glue a jingle bell on the seam. 3. Tuck a rosemary sprig under the ring and set it on the plate.

Plaid Christmas Decor for a Cozy Guest Room

Do not forget the guest room. A plaid quilt or duvet cover on the bed turns a plain spare room into a holiday retreat. Add a couple of red pillows, a strand of greenery on the headboard and a small tree in the corner. Your visitors will feel like they checked into a cozy inn. Thrift stores are full of plaid blankets this time of year. Who is coming to stay with you this Christmas?

You will need: A plaid quilt, blanket or duvet cover, red throw pillows, a strand of faux greenery, a small tree with LED lights.

How to make it: 1. Make the bed with the plaid quilt folded down at the top. 2. Stack two or three red pillows against the headboard. 3. Drape greenery on the headboard and set a small lit tree in the corner.

Layered Plaid Throws in a Basket

Throws are the easiest plaid Christmas decor of all because they are also useful. Fold three or four different plaids and stack them in a basket by the couch, then tuck a few pinecones and red ornaments around them. The mix of patterns looks warm and collected, like a cabin that has been loved for years. Everyone can grab one on movie night. Which plaid would you reach for first?

You will need: 3 or 4 plaid throws or flannel blankets, a large basket or wooden crate, pinecones, a few red ornaments.

How to make it: 1. Fold each throw into a long rectangle. 2. Roll or stack them in the basket, mixing colors and patterns. 3. Tuck pinecones and ornaments in the gaps and set the basket by the couch.

Plaid Fabric Covered Wooden Stars

Plain wooden stars from the craft store are a great canvas for plaid fabric. A layer of decoupage glue holds the fabric flat and smooth, and the edges get a quick trim. Set three of them on a mantel or shelf with some greenery and you have a cheerful display that looks custom made. They last for years, too. This is one of the most budget friendly plaid Christmas decor projects in this list. Which shelf will get the stars?

You will need: Unfinished wooden stars, plaid fabric, decoupage glue, a foam brush, a craft knife (adult help), greenery.

How to make it: 1. Brush glue on the front of the star and smooth the fabric on top. 2. Let it dry, then have an adult trim the extra fabric with a craft knife. 3. Seal the top with one more coat of glue and display with greenery.

Tartan Covered Lamp Shade on a Thrifted Lamp

A thrifted lamp with a fresh tartan shade looks like a designer piece. Plain drum shades are easy to cover with fabric and spray adhesive, and the glow through the plaid at night is so cozy. Pick a shade made for LED bulbs and keep fabric off the bulb itself. When the season ends, you can leave it out all winter. Isn’t that the kind of upgrade that makes a room feel brand new?

You will need: A plain drum lamp shade, tartan fabric, spray fabric adhesive (adult help, use outdoors), fabric glue, an LED bulb.

How to make it: 1. Wrap paper around the shade to make a pattern, then cut the fabric 1 inch bigger. 2. Outdoors, spray the shade and smooth the fabric around it. 3. Fold the extra fabric inside the top and bottom edges and glue it down.