Why do we decorate with red and green at Christmas? Designers weigh in on this coveted color combination that's seeped in tradition

When we think about Christmas color schemes, red and green are the traditional duo that often springs to mind. These two hues are go-to's for the holiday period, capturing an instantly festive look, but what gave these colors so much significance?

We spoke to interior designers and color experts who explain below a few ideas on why red and green are the colors of Christmas, and share their tips for decorating with these bold shades stylishly.

Whether you love to embrace a nostalgic Christmas display or prefer a more modern twist, red and green can be adapted to plenty of styles, and there's still time to refine your own red and green Christmas color scheme.

Why do we decorate with red and green at Christmas?

Decorating with red and decorating with green during the holidays has significant historical roots, hence its seemingly never-ending appeal. From their enduring natural world associations: think red berries and green evergreen branches, to the more symbolic references to Christianity, red and green's prominence can be credited to various origins, as suggested below.

'Red and green have been traditional Christmas colors for centuries, rooted in both historical and symbolic significance. The ancient Celts decorated their homes with holly during the winter solstice to bring good fortune and protection. Holly's red berries and green leaves were also used in midwinter festivals to celebrate the coming of spring. Red also originates from Christian beliefs and later became solidified through Victorian-era Christmas imagery and modern marketing,' explains Patrick Fox, Head of Design at Crafted Interiors.

And while a red and green color scheme at Christmas is a classic choice, that's not to say it's easy to style these two vibrant shades, as Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing (International), Benjamin Moore suggests:

'While red and green are the traditional color schemes of Christmas, symbolizing holly and evergreen trees, it can be quite tricky to incorporate these hues into design schemes without them looking garish or like a scene from Santa’s grotto. However, when done right, for example layering forest tones and using the unexpected red theory, these festive colors flourish and are very usable within the home.'

Ways to stylishly decorate with red and green at Christmas

'We love embracing the classic red and green color palette when decorating for Christmas because it embodies the nostalgia and warmth of the holiday season,' says Miranda Cullen, founder and principal designer at Inside Stories. 'These timeless hues remind us of cherished Christmases past, filling our spaces with tradition and fond memories.'

'That said, incorporating variations like rich berry reds and deep forestry greens adds a modern, elevated touch. These refined shades keep the festive spirit alive while creating a more luxurious and sophisticated ambiance – perfect for celebrating the season in style,' says Miranda.

As Miranda suggests, some subtle considerations can ensure your red and green scheme feels stylish for the holiday season, and not at all garish. Below, we've rounded up a few of our favorite ways to style this classic color combination.

1. Layer forest greens and limit the amount of red

'Celebrate the season by pairing forest hues together to create a look that is both moody and magical,' suggests Helen Shaw. 'Paint an upper border block on a living room wall in a lighter green shade to instantly elevate a plain surface in a rich green hue. Coordinating this with a painted fireplace in a similar green to that of the border brings the scheme together seamlessly, layering levels of green beyond the tree itself.'

'To bring red into the mix try a playful but small pop to draw the eye and distinguish a particular space. Opt for richer shades such as burgundy or berry red to create a luxurious feel in the home, especially when styled with gold accessories. Accentuate the color further by pairing with festive decor flourishes such as bows or candles in a similar red shade,' continues Helen.

2. Choose dark green and rich burgundy

This year's color trends have pulled us toward dark, moody colors, and Christmas is the perfect time to embrace such hues. Instead of vibrant shades of red and green, opt for darker forest greens and rich wine reds for a more sophisticated look, as Patrick Fox suggests below:

'Our tip to make red and green stylish is by selecting moody, darker tones like deep forest green and rich burgundy. These shades create a more refined and elegant look, steering away from the brightness often associated with traditional Christmas decor. Pair them with complementary neutrals like charcoal, cream, or metallic accents in gold or bronze to add depth and warmth. Incorporate these colors through muted ornaments and natural greenery for a modern, festive atmosphere.'

3. Incorporate natural elements

One of our favorite ways to style a red and green Christmas scheme is to layer plenty of natural elements. Bringing the outside in with foliage and evergreen through Christmas wreaths and Christmas garlands feels earthy and allows the natural green tones to form the base of your scheme, which never feels too vibrant or garish.

In this Christmas tablescape by Cathy Nordström, green is incorporated through cut stems displayed on the table, accented perfectly with the deep red table linens and taper candles. You don't need to go to the extreme with red and green – a few additions as seen here will add a festive feel to any neutral room.

4. Lean into a vintage look

It may be counter to some of our previous points, but if you want to have fun and embrace the joyful feel of a red and green Christmas scheme, we love the idea of going all out with vintage Christmas decor.

Take inspiration from this festive tablescape by Nancy & Betty which layers deep green and vibrant reds throughout, with tartan Christmas crackers and napkins. The glassware reflects a vintage look – tying together the whole nostalgic setup.

Red and green have long been the colors of Christmas, so if you want to lean into a traditionally festive display this year, you can't go wrong with these two hues.