Moody Christmas Color Palettes Are Trending: Get the Look

A moody color palette might not be a look we immediately associate with Christmas, but prepare to see deep hues everywhere this season. Over the past year, moody tones have taken over interior design—and it seems they’re here to stay for the holidays. “Moody colors in holiday decor create a sense of depth, elegance, and sophistication that elevates traditional festive settings,” says Jen Derry, chief merchandising officer at Balsam Hill.

From deep forest greens to captivating midnight blues, dramatic hues are making an appearance through ornaments, ribbons, and decorative accents this year—and they’re actually more fitting for the season than you may think. “A moody color palette is particularly well-suited for Christmas decor and the holiday season for several reasons; it creates warmth and coziness, it adds a bejeweled touch of elegance to a room, and it sets a cozy tone for holiday gatherings,” says Lewis Puleo, vice president at Puleo International.

New holiday trends can sometimes make us feel like all our existing decorations are outdated or need to be replaced. But both Puleo and Derry say that’s not necessary, offering simple ways you can implement a moody color palette into your existing Christmas decor. Making small swaps like using a deep burgundy ribbon instead of a bright red one on wreaths or adding black ornaments to a collection of mercury glass baubles is a simple (but impactful) way to put a moody spin on you Christmas decorating this season.

How to Implement a Moody Color Palette Into Your Existing Christmas Decor

It’s always fun to see new holiday trends emerge, but sometimes it can make us feel like we need to start from scratch in order to be on-trend. Not only is replacing all of your existing decor incredibly expensive, it’s also unnecessary. “You don’t have to completely overhaul your holiday decor to incorporate the rich, moody colors trending this season,” Puleo says. Instead, heed his advice and introduce moody shades into your existing holiday set up in creative ways with a few simple updates.

1. Choose Dramatic, Rich Hues

“This holiday season, the trend for dark and moody colors is leaning toward rich tones with a slightly dramatic vibe,” Puleo says. Some of the key colors he expects to be popular are deep burgundy, midlight blue, charcoal gray, forest green, luxurious plum, burnt sienna, and black. Puleo suggests layering this moody color palette with metallic accents, which you can incorporate through glass ornaments, candle holders, or festive ribbon.

While visually dramatic, Derry points out that a moody color palette can have a surprisingly calming and restful effect, infusing your home with the peaceful atmosphere we all long for after the hustle and bustle of the holiday countdown. “As the holiday season can often be hectic, creating a serene and peaceful environment at home can provide a much-needed escape,” she says. Unlike brighter colors, moody tones bring warmth and intimacy into a space, no matter its size or style. “The richness of the colors invites relaxation, which is perfect for unwinding with loved ones during the holidays,” Derry adds.

2. Embellish Wreaths with Moody Accents

Wreaths occupy prominent spots in our homes during the holiday season, whether on the front door, on windows, or above a mantel. They also present the perfect opportunity to implement a moody color palette in a simple, inexpensive, yet impactful way. “Festive wreaths can be updated using a deeper colored ribbon as an accent,” Puleo says. For an extra luxe feel, go with velvet ribbon whose elegant texture will highlight the moody color.

3. Incorporate Dark Foliage

“You can also incorporate dark green foliage that you can tuck into the (wreath) ring for extra fullness,” Puleo suggests. Bring a dark forest green hue into your home this holiday season with fresh greenery in your mantel garland, go for an organic approach and display branches in a pitcher on your kitchen table, or take Puleo’s suggestion and tuck some dark green branches into one of your existing Christmas wreaths.

4. Choose Ornaments with Deep Hues

Create holiday magic with moody jewel tones that bring a sophisticated note to Christmas decor. Puleo suggests channeling this bejeweled elegance through ornaments. “Include small ornaments in either a plum, midnight blue, or metallic shades which add a festive flair,” he says.

Derry also suggests using ornaments to create a moody color palette. “You can incorporate this look without redecorating your entire house simply by refreshing your tree with a new set of ornaments,” she says. To complete the aesthetic, she suggests adding in a faux fur skirt and velvet bows for a layered, textural, and luxurious look.

5. Give Garlands a Moody Makeover

“Seasonal garland can also be wrapped with deep-colored ribbons, or add small baubles in berry, forest, plum, and burgundy tones,” Puleo suggests. Complete the look with lots of twinkling lights and add metallic accents which Puleo says make the garland, “more festive without completely changing up the design.”

6. Opt for Dark Gift Wrap

Extend the moody Christmas color palette to your gift wrap and place gifts wrapped in dark and moody shades under the tree. Wrapping paper, gift bags, tissue paper, and ribbon are all a great way to implement a holiday trend in a non-permanent way and without a major investment.