A Childhood Tradition Just Got a Chic Upgrade — Shop Paper Ornaments, the Holiday Trend to Watch Right Now
From humble paper chains to something so much chicer. Shop the origami-inspired ornament trend gracing our trees this season
I have fond memories of crafting homemade paper chains with my family during the holidays. They still hold a certain charm for me, and apparently, I’m not alone in this nostalgia. Paper has undergone a major revival this festive season, but this time in ornament form — a far cry from the simple links of our youth.
Forget the staples, tape, and glue — these paper ornaments are mesmerizingly detailed, ranging from geometric honeycomb shapes to sleek stars and delicate snowflakes. Brands like Anthropologie and Pottery Barn are leading the charge, transforming simple paper into artful, avant-garde ornaments that offer a nice break from the usual glass and ceramic Christmas tree fare.
There are two major upsides to paper ornaments: 1) they’re feather-light — so no droopy branches! And 2) paper is incredibly affordable, so although these are, in many ways, bona fide art pieces, they come at a fraction of the cost of other high-end Christmas tree decorations.
Prepare to fall in love with your favorite family pastime all over again.
Price: $16
While browsing countless paper ornaments for this edit, I came across very few with prints, which is what makes this one from Anthropologie's holiday collection such a standout. Its peachy pink, orange, and moss green palette strikes that rare balance of playful yet refined, and it’s a perfect match for metallic garlands, tinsel, and other ornaments — the more sparkle, the better!
Price: $28
Suddenly, I feel a wave of calm. This muted palette brings a chic serenity to the holiday color scheme — still festive, but elevated. This set of four ornaments breaks down to just $7 each, a great deal given their intricate beauty. They’re so stunning, in fact, they’d make perfect individual stocking stuffers — an unexpected, artful holiday gift.
Price: $2.99
If you’re eyeing these paper ornaments and want an entire collection at an unbeatable price, beeline it for H&M Home. This Art Deco-inspired star is just one of many stylish options; most are under $5.99! I chose this one for its originality—the black hue brings a modern edge that’s perfect for shaking up a treescape. Pro-tip for storage: keep these paper ornaments in a plastic box to protect those delicate points for seasons to come.
Price: $9.95
These Pottery Barn ornaments are proof that glitter truly does make everything better. It adds an extra dimension to their honeycomb design, giving your tree a pop of sparkle. Choose from three festive shapes: a short, wide green, a bulbous red, or a sleek pointed white. My advice? Invest in the bunch. When it comes to Christmas decorating ideas, more is definitely more!
Price: $15.99, Was: $16.99
Paper meets tassels, and it’s pure magic! The long, flowing strands add an elegant, almost YSL-like touch to this intricate ornament design. Granted, this bold fuchsia isn’t for everyone, but the hue is a Christmas trend I’ve been spotting more and more this season. Perfect for the design-forward, the playful, or anyone who loves a pop of daring color.
Price: $39
These West Elm snowflake ornaments are really something special — the photos don’t do them justice. Click through to see for yourself! Sold in a set of nine, each one is unique, just like real snowflakes. The level of detail West Elm has achieved with paper is impressive, especially given the sweet $40 price tag. Act fast, because I have a hunch these beauties won't stay in stock for long.
Be The First To Know
The Livingetc newsletter is your shortcut to the now and the next in home design. Subscribe today to receive a stunning free 200-page book of the best homes from around the world.
Formerly covering fashion at L’Officiel USA, style maven Julia Demer brings her love of design to Livingetc’s world of interiors. As the title’s New York-based Style Editor, Julia's work reflects a sharp eye for detail and an innate passion for aesthetics. Her journey began with a strong foundation in design, honing her craft at renowned establishments like The Row and even establishing her own eponymous fashion brand. Julia’s design background is evident in the way she thoughtfully curates shopping edits, always maintaining a focus on emerging trends while preserving timeless sensibilities. For Julia, fashion and interiors go hand in hand, reflecting her lifelong commitment to perfecting the art of style.
-
This 100-Year-Old "Dust Corner" Idea Is Going Viral — They're Practical, Inexpensive, and Like Jewelry for Your Stairs
We all know how hard vacuuming the corners of the stairs is, and this genius fixing that dates back to the Victorian ages might just be the answer
By Olivia Wolfe Published
-
The Bauhaus School May Have Been Short-Lived, but Its Influence on Design Has Endured — Our Editor Explores Why
The Bauhaus design movement may have been a short lived period, but it is still informing how we think about architecture and décor today
By Pip Rich Published
-
I Instantly Doubled the Capacity of My Kitchen Cabinets With This Sleek $15 Storage Hack
I'm a self-confessed 'lazy organizer,' but thankfully this affordable find does all the hard work for you
By Emma Breislin Published
-
The Best Stationery Brands — 9 Labels to Know for a Designer-Approved, Playfully Aesthetic Desk Upgrade
Step up your organization game with these colorful buys for paper goods and design lovers
By Gilda Bruno Published
-
The Chicest Parisians All Have This Flatware Brand in Their Kitchen Drawers — And It's Massively on Sale Now
Beloved by people in the know, this Sabre flatware sale is one for the books. Shop the French-coded staple for your table and serve yourself a slice of Paris
By Julia Demer Published
-
And Just Like That, All the Chicest People I Know Are Styling Their Kitchens With Brown Décor — Here's Where to Shop the Look
Providing both a touch of pretty as well as full-on function, these brown kitchen accessories are an easy way to update your kitchen
By Devin Toolen Published
-
A 100% Silk Throw For How Much?! — Score 25% Off Luxurious Layers in McGee & Co.’s Limited-Time-Only Bedroom Sale
Featuring whimsical block prints and cotton coverlets, McGee & Co.’s first sale of the year has all the ingredients for the bedroom of dreams
By Julia Demer Published
-
Ooooh! MARLOE MARLOE's Delicate Ceramics Look Just Like Bouclé — and They’re Currently 40% Off at Net-A-Porter
The increasingly-divisive fabric has found a whole new life (and look) in the Australian designer's ceramic collection
By Maya Glantz Published
-
“Scandifornia” Rugs Are the Next Big Thing — Get Ready for the Lovechild of Scandi Minimalism and Coastal Charm
“Scandifornia,” the lovechild of Scandinavian minimalism and coastal charm, is the hottest rug aesthetic you’ve never heard of
By Julia Demer Published
-
Bobby Berk’s Debuts a New Wall Art Collaboration — It Will Look Just as Good Hung in a Gallery, as It Does Your Home
Bobby’s fourth installment of his LeftBank Art collection captivates with character-rich motifs, grounding color palettes, and gallery-caliber craftsmanship
By Julia Demer Published