Bright red is loud; burgundy is rich. This deep wine tone does what classic red tries to do, only warmer, calmer, and far more expensive-looking, especially next to antique gold and cream. These burgundy christmas decor ideas build the palette room by room, tree, mantel, table, textiles, and candlelight, so your whole home ends up feeling like a candlelit old-world hotel: layered, glowing, and completely intentional.
Quick Idea Summary
- The key takeaway: Burgundy works as a full palette, not an accent. Repeat it in at least three places per room (tree, textile, candle or ribbon) and pair it with antique gold and cream so it reads rich instead of heavy.
- The detail most people miss: Finish mixing matters more than color matching. Matte, velvet, and shiny burgundy ornaments layered together give the depth; a single finish in a single shade looks flat and cheap.
- What it costs or how long it takes: Most ideas below cost $10 to $45. A full burgundy scheme built around ornaments, ribbon, and candles runs $100 to $200 and goes up in one weekend.
At a glance
| ZONE | IDEAS | BUDGET |
|---|---|---|
| The burgundy tree | 01–08 | $25–$90 |
| Mantel, stairs and entry | 09–14 | $15–$60 |
| The dining table | 15–20 | $15–$55 |
| Textiles and quiet corners | 21–25 | $10–$50 |
| Candlelight and finishing touches | 26–30 | $8–$40 |
The ideas
01
A Burgundy Christmas Tree as the Anchor
Build the whole scheme around a burgundy christmas tree: a natural green tree dressed almost entirely in burgundy and gold. Aim for roughly 70 percent burgundy ornaments, 20 percent gold, and 10 percent cream to break up the depth. When the tree carries the palette this confidently, every other room only needs echoes of it.
Try it: Decorate the tree before any other surface. The tree sets the exact burgundy shade, and everything else in the house should match its tone, not the other way around.
02
Burgundy Velvet Ornaments as the Base Layer
Burgundy velvet ornaments are the piece that makes this palette feel luxurious instead of just dark. Their matte, light-swallowing surface is the perfect base: hang them first, deep inside the branches, then layer glass and metallic ornaments over the top. A set of 12 to 24 velvet balls covers a 7-foot tree’s base layer.
Try it: Place velvet ornaments where tree lights sit closest. Velvet glows against a bulb instead of reflecting it, which creates the lit-from-within depth designers charge for.
03
Burgundy Christmas Balls in Three Finishes
A tree hung with only shiny burgundy christmas balls looks like a shop display. Mix three finishes instead: matte for depth, glitter for sparkle at the tips, and glossy glass to catch candlelight across the room. Keep all three in the same burgundy family so the mix reads as texture, not chaos.
Try it: Follow the stylist’s ratio: half matte, a quarter glitter, a quarter glossy. It works on any tree size and keeps the sparkle from taking over.
04
Large Burgundy Ornaments Low on the Tree
Small ornaments everywhere is the most common tree mistake. Use large burgundy christmas ornaments, 4 to 6 inches across, on the bottom third where the branches are widest, then step the sizes down as you climb. The graduated sizes make the tree look professionally decorated and far fuller than it is.
Try it: Hang the largest ornaments in clusters of three at the same height. A cluster reads as one deliberate moment; singles scattered around read as leftovers.
05
The Burgundy and Gold Christmas Tree
The burgundy and gold christmas tree is the classic version of this palette, and the secret is the gold’s finish: antique or brushed, never bright yellow gold. Warm metallic baubles, a gold bead garland, and a weathered gold star topper keep the tree in candlelight territory instead of casino territory.
Try it: Choose one gold and commit. Mixing antique, rose, and bright gold on one tree is the fastest way to make an expensive palette look accidental.
06
A Softer Tree: Burgundy and Champagne
If burgundy and gold feels too formal, a burgundy and champagne christmas tree softens the whole scheme. Champagne ornaments sit between gold and cream, so the contrast drops and the tree turns romantic instead of regal. This pairing suits lighter rooms, white sofas, and anyone who finds gold heavy-handed.
Try it: Add a handful of blush ornaments to the burgundy and champagne mix. The blush bridges the two tones and photographs beautifully in daylight.
07
Velvet Ribbon Woven Through the Tree
Ribbon is the cheapest luxury on this list. Weave wide burgundy velvet ribbon, 2.5 to 4 inches, through the tree in soft vertical cascades, about 3 yards per foot of tree height, tucking it deep every 12 inches. Ribbon fills the gaps ornaments miss and gives the tree its flowing, designed shape.
Try it: Cut ribbon ends in a dovetail V notch and let the last 12 inches spill onto the tree skirt. The spill is what makes it look styled rather than wrapped.
08
A Burgundy Tree Skirt to Ground It
The tree base is where budget trees confess. A burgundy tree skirt in velvet or heavy linen hides the stand, catches falling needles, and ties the tree to the room’s textiles. Size it at least 6 inches wider than the lowest branch spread on each side so the proportions look generous.
Try it: Layer a cream throw or faux fur over one edge of the skirt. The cream break stops the base from becoming a dark pool under the tree.
09
Burgundy Garland on the Mantel
Carry the tree’s palette to the mantel with a full green garland dressed in burgundy: velvet ribbon woven through, burgundy berries tucked in clusters, and a few gold ornaments wired into the greenery. The mantel becomes the tree’s partner instead of a competing display in different colors.
Try it: Wire the burgundy elements into the garland before hanging it. Decorating the mantel on the floor first is three times faster and the garland arrives finished.
10
Burgundy Velvet Stockings
Swap the novelty stockings for burgundy velvet ones with cream cuffs. Stockings hang at eye level for a month, and matching velvet ones read as part of the decor rather than clutter waiting for Christmas Eve. Five stockings suit a standard mantel; hang them at staggered heights for a relaxed line.
Try it: Put a small weight or a handful of tissue inside each empty stocking. It holds the elegant drape instead of the sad flat hang.
11
Velvet Bows on the Staircase Garland
Run garland down the banister and finish it with burgundy velvet bows at every swag point. The staircase is the most-seen vertical in most homes, and bows in your palette color make it look like the tree’s ribbon escaped and decorated the hall on purpose. Use wired ribbon so the loops hold their shape all season.
Try it: Make every bow the same size with a simple template: two loops, two tails, 10 inches across. Uniform bows look expensive; random sizes look homemade.
12
A Burgundy Wreath on the Front Door
Set the palette before guests step inside: a greenery wreath loaded with burgundy berries, velvet ribbon, and a few gold bells. A burgundy christmas wreath reads warm and welcoming from the street, where bright red can turn orange under porch lights. Size it to at least half the door’s width.
Try it: Hang the wreath, then stand at the curb and check it. Burgundy reads darker outside; if it disappears against the door, add a cream ribbon bow to lift it.
13
Burgundy Candles on the Entryway Console
The entryway is where the color story gets introduced, so give it the trio: a small stack of burgundy candles in brass holders, a sprig of greenery, and one gold object. Guests register the palette here and then recognize it in every room after, which is exactly how a scheme feels designed.
Try it: Use flameless candles on a timer in the entry. They are on when you come home, which no real candle routine survives past week one.
14
Garland Draped Over a Mirror
Swag a length of garland over the top of a large mirror or piece of art and finish the corners with burgundy bows. The mirror doubles the greenery and the candlelight in the room, and the burgundy over glass is the most photographed look in this entire palette. Adhesive hooks on the frame’s top edge hold it invisibly.
Try it: Keep the swag asymmetric, lower on one side. Perfect symmetry over a mirror looks like a hotel lobby; a slight drop looks like a home.
15
A Garland Runner Down the Table
Skip the formal centerpiece and run a garland down the table’s center as a living runner, dressed with burgundy ornaments, berries, and gold votives. Guests sit inside the decoration instead of looking at it, and the burgundy against green and gold candlelight is this palette at its best. Keep the garland under 8 inches wide so plates still fit.
Try it: Build the runner on the table the morning of the dinner, not the night before. Real greenery stays perky for about 48 hours at room temperature before it dulls.
16
Burgundy Ornaments in Glass Vases
Fill tall glass vases and hurricane jars with burgundy christmas ornaments and stand them down the table or along a sideboard. It takes five minutes, costs nothing if you raid the ornament box, and the glass magnifies the color and candlelight. Mix matte and glossy balls inside each vase for the layered finish effect.
Try it: Put a string of battery fairy lights inside one vase in the middle. The lit vase becomes the table’s lantern and anchors the whole arrangement.
17
Burgundy Napkins With Gold Rings
Burgundy napkins are the highest-impact table purchase per dollar: a set of 8 cloth napkins runs about $20 and puts your palette at every single place setting. Pair them with simple gold napkin rings and white or cream plates so the burgundy stays the star. Cloth beats paper here; the weight is part of the luxury.
Try it: Fold napkins in a simple rectangle and slide the ring to the top third. It looks tailored, takes seconds, and survives being picked up and moved.
18
Burgundy Candles Down the Table
Line the table’s center with burgundy pillar and taper candles at varied heights between the greenery. Burgundy candles do double duty: they are the color and the light source at once. Keep tapers in brass holders and pillars in glass so flames stay safe around the garland.
Try it: Use odd numbers per cluster, 3 or 5 candles grouped, then a gap, then another group. Even spacing reads as a runway; clusters read as styling.
19
Burgundy Glassware
Colored glassware is the finishing touch most tables miss. Burgundy goblets or deep red wine glasses catch candlelight and turn even a plain white plate setting into an occasion. A set of 6 costs $25 to $40 and works for every winter dinner, not just Christmas.
Try it: If a full set feels like too much color, use burgundy only for the water goblet and keep wine glasses clear. One colored glass per setting is the sweet spot.
20
Gold Chargers Under Burgundy Settings
Gold charger plates under cream dinnerware, finished with a burgundy napkin, is the place-setting formula behind every burgundy table photo you have ever saved. Chargers cost $1 to $3 each, never touch food, and store flat. They give the table its metallic layer without a single extra ornament.
Try it: Set the full table two days before the dinner and live with it. You will spot the missing piece (usually height in the center) while there is still time to fix it.
21
Burgundy Velvet Pillows on the Sofa
Move the palette onto the sofa with burgundy velvet pillow covers over your existing inserts. Two burgundy pillows flanking one cream or gold pillow is the whole formula. Velvet is the right fabric here: it matches the ornaments’ finish and makes the room’s color story feel woven in rather than placed on top.
Try it: Buy covers, not pillows. A $12 cover over the insert you already own beats a $40 stuffed pillow, and covers store flat in January.
22
A Burgundy Throw on Every Seat
Drape a burgundy throw over the sofa arm and one across the reading chair. Throws are decor people actually touch, and a deep wine knit or velvet throw carries the palette into the room’s soft layer where ornaments cannot go. Fold in thirds lengthwise for the tailored look.
Try it: Keep throws to one per seating zone. A throw on every cushion crosses from styled into blanket fort.
23
Burgundy Touches in the Guest Room
Guests remember the room you decorated just for them. A burgundy throw folded at the foot of the bed, one velvet pillow, and a small candle on the nightstand take ten minutes and make the guest room part of the house’s Christmas. You do not need bedding sets; the folded throw does the work.
Try it: Add a tiny wreath or a sprig of greenery on the guest room door handle. It signals the room was prepared, which is the entire point of guest decor.
24
Layer Maroon Ornaments for Depth
Burgundy and maroon are close cousins, and using them together is a depth trick, not a mistake. Maroon christmas ornaments sit a shade browner and deeper; place them inside the tree’s shadowed interior and keep true burgundy on the outer branches. The two-tone layering makes the tree look twice as deep.
Try it: Hold ornaments side by side in daylight before hanging. Under warm evening light the two shades merge; if they clash at noon they will clash at dinner.
25
Burgundy Poinsettias and Amaryllis
Living color beats plastic color. Burgundy poinsettias (often sold as winter rose or burgundy varieties) and deep red amaryllis bring the palette to side tables, the hearth, and the kitchen counter in a way no ornament can. Wrap the nursery pots in burlap or drop them into brass or cream planters.
Try it: Cluster three small poinsettias instead of one big one. A trio at different heights looks designed; a single supermarket plant looks like a gift you forgot to deliver.
26
Pillar Candles in Brass Holders
Group burgundy pillar candles on brass trays and holders wherever the room needs a glow point: the hearth, the coffee table, the sideboard. Brass is burgundy’s natural partner metal, and candlelight is what this whole palette was designed for. Three pillars at staggered heights per group is the reliable arrangement.
Try it: Set flameless pillars on timers for the spots you forget, and save real candles for the table where you will actually light them nightly.
27
Burgundy and Cream Gift Wrap
Wrapped gifts are three weeks of free decor, so wrap in the palette: burgundy paper with cream ribbon, cream paper with burgundy velvet ribbon. A coordinated pile under the tree extends the burgundy scheme to the floor and makes the tree base look styled from the first week of December, not just Christmas Eve.
Try it: Wrap a few empty decoy boxes in week one. The tree looks finished immediately, and real gifts join the display as you wrap them.
28
Velvet Bows Everywhere Else
Once the big pieces are done, a roll of burgundy velvet ribbon finishes the house: bows on dining chair backs, on wreaths, on lantern handles, on the ends of the mantel garland. This repetition is what makes a color scheme feel like a scheme. One roll of wired velvet ribbon, about $10, covers a whole room of bows.
Try it: Pre-make all the bows in one sitting with the same loop template. Twenty matching bows take 30 minutes and deploy in seconds each.
29
Berry Branches in a Tall Vase
Fill a tall vase with burgundy berry branches and bare winter stems for the corner that ornaments cannot reach. The vertical spray of deep red berries echoes the tree’s color at standing height and costs about $12 for a bundle that lasts all season. Entryways, fireplace sides, and bathroom counters all take this arrangement well.
Try it: Add two or three stems of real evergreen into the arrangement. The green makes the burgundy berries read as Christmas rather than autumn.
30
Burgundy in the Kitchen
The kitchen hosts half of Christmas and gets a tenth of the decorating. Fix it with the palette’s small pieces: burgundy towels on the oven handle, a mini wreath on a cabinet or window, burgundy candles near (never on) the cooking zone, and a bowl of burgundy ornaments on the counter. Ten minutes, and the kitchen joins the scheme.
Try it: Keep one element repeatable: the same burgundy ribbon tied on two cabinet handles ties the kitchen to the dining room next door.
Pro tip: Burgundy lives or dies by light. Decorate in the evening with the lamps on, not at noon: this palette is designed for candlelight and warm bulbs, and a shade that looks perfect at midday can go muddy or black after dark. Check every room once at night and move one candle or lamp before you move any decor.
Burgundy sits naturally beside the other warm reds: see our red and gold christmas decor ideas for the brighter metallic version, and our red christmas tree ideas if you want the classic red statement. For the whole picture, browse all our christmas decor ideas and the full Christmas Decor collection.
Three rules for burgundy Christmas
- One gold, one cream, no bright red: Burgundy pairs with antique gold and cream. Bright Christmas red next to burgundy makes both look wrong, so retire the red pieces for this year or give them their own room.
- Repeat the color three times per room: One burgundy piece is an accident; three make a scheme. Tree or mantel, a textile, and a candle or ribbon hit is the minimum repeat per room.
- Layer finishes, not just colors: Every burgundy surface should mix at least two finishes, velvet with glass, matte with glitter. Single-finish burgundy is what reads as heavy and flat.
After Christmas: packing up the burgundy
- Velvet ornaments in tissue, never plastic: Wrap velvet and flocked ornaments in acid-free tissue and store them unstacked in a single layer where possible. Plastic bins with tight lids trap moisture and crush flocking.
- Ribbon on spools: Wind velvet ribbon back onto its spool or a piece of cardboard and pin the end. Reused next year, unspooled ribbon is still perfect; wadded ribbon is trash.
- Label by palette, not by room: Pack burgundy together in one labeled bin. Next year the whole scheme comes out at once and you can redecorate room by room without hunting through mixed boxes.
Questions readers ask
What colors go with burgundy christmas decor?
Antique gold, cream, and deep green are the classic partners. Gold adds the metallic warmth, cream gives the eye a rest between dark tones, and natural greenery keeps burgundy grounded in Christmas. Champagne works as a softer stand-in for gold, and blush pink creates a romantic version of the palette.
Can I mix burgundy with traditional red Christmas decor?
Carefully, and usually not side by side. Bright red makes burgundy look muddy and burgundy makes red look cheap. If you own red pieces you love, give them a separate room or zone and let burgundy own the main living spaces; the two palettes can share a house but not a mantel.
How many burgundy ornaments do I need for a tree?
About 10 ornaments per foot of tree height in total, with roughly 70 percent of them burgundy for a true burgundy tree. A 7-foot tree wants around 70 ornaments: about 50 burgundy across matte, velvet, and glossy finishes, plus 14 gold and a few cream to lift it.
What is the difference between burgundy and maroon christmas ornaments?
Burgundy is a deep red with purple undertones, like red wine; maroon leans browner and darker. They layer beautifully together, maroon deep inside the tree and burgundy on the outer branches, but if you want one clean shade, buy from one brand’s line so the dye lots match.
Is burgundy too dark for a small room?
No, as long as cream and light come with it. Use burgundy on the tree, pillows, and candles, keep walls and large textiles light, and make sure the room has warm light sources at two heights. A small room in burgundy and cream feels cocooning, not cramped.
How do I do burgundy and gold without it looking dated?
Keep the gold antique or brushed, never bright and shiny, and let velvet and matte finishes do the richness. Skip the gold tinsel and glitter overload; the modern version of this palette gets its glow from candlelight and texture, not sparkle.
Can burgundy christmas decor work in a modern home?
Yes. Use burgundy as the single strong color against a neutral modern base: a cream sofa, clean-lined furniture, one burgundy velvet cushion set, matte burgundy ornaments, and brass accents. Restraint is what makes it read modern instead of traditional.
How do I store velvet ornaments so they last?
Wrap each one in tissue, store in a single layer in a rigid box, and keep the box somewhere cool and dry. Never stack heavy ornaments on velvet ones and never store them in sealed plastic while they are even slightly damp; the flocking crushes and mildews.
People Also Ask
What is the most popular way to use burgundy at Christmas?
On the tree, as velvet ornaments and ribbon. Burgundy velvet ornaments are the single most searched and saved piece of this palette because they change a standard green tree into a rich, candlelit one for the cost of one ornament set.
Does burgundy christmas decor work with silver?
It can, but it changes the mood completely: silver cools burgundy down into a formal, frosty scheme. If you use silver, commit to it as the only metal and add plenty of cream to keep the room from feeling cold. Gold remains the warmer, easier partner.
What ribbon width is best for a burgundy christmas tree?
Wired velvet ribbon at 2.5 to 4 inches wide. Narrower ribbon disappears into the branches; wider ribbon is hard to tuck. Plan on roughly 3 yards per foot of tree height for full cascades.
loved these ideas? ✿
Save this guide for later
Pin it to your board so it’s there when you’re ready to recreate it.
Curated by
Hey! I'm Sanaullah — visual curator and content creator. I search, curate, and test the best aesthetic ideas across Pinterest so you can easily transform your living space, style daily outfits, and try simple creative DIYs without the overwhelm.
