Burgundy and Tartan Christmas Decor: A Cozy, Classic Look, Room by Room

Some Christmas color schemes feel fresh for one season and then look dated the next. Burgundy and tartan is not one of them. Deep wine red, a classic plaid, a little greenery and the warm glow of brass feel cozy and a bit nostalgic, and they suit almost any home, from a farmhouse living room to a small apartment.

This year, deep reds are getting a moodier update. Gifts & Decorative Accessories, reporting from the Christmasworld 2026 trade show, noted that holiday reds are shifting toward darker wine and mulberry shades. Burgundy fits right into that, and tartan gives it a pattern to play off.

I’m sharing a simple, room-by-room way to bring the look into your home: the tree, the mantel, the sofa and the table. You don’t need to do all four. Even one corner styled this way can make the whole room feel like Christmas.

Why Burgundy and Tartan Work So Well Together

Bright Christmas red can feel loud next to everyday furniture. Burgundy is deeper and softer, so it blends with wood tones, cream walls, leather and greenery instead of fighting them. Tartan brings in a pattern that already contains several colors, usually red, green, navy and a thread of cream or gold, which ties the whole palette together for you.

Here’s the palette I’d work from:

• Burgundy: the main color, used in ornaments, ribbon, candles and velvet.
• Red tartan: the one pattern, used in ribbon, a throw, pillows and a table runner.
• Deep green: from pine garland, wreaths and real or faux greenery.
• Warm brass or gold: candlesticks and a few metallic accents for glow.
• Cream: a neutral resting place for the eye, so the reds don’t feel heavy.

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What You Will Need

• Red tartan wired ribbon: a 2.5 inch red and green tartan with a gold wired edge, for full tree bows that hold their shape. Shop this option
• Burgundy velvet wired ribbon: a 2.5 inch wine colored velvet for weaving through the garland and tying mantel bows. Shop this option
• Burgundy glass ball ornaments: a set of 3.15 inch glass balls in a mix of glossy and matte finishes. Shop this option
• Red berry picks: flexible wire stems for tucking into the tree, the garland and the table. Shop this option
• Faux pine and cedar garland with red berries: a full 9 foot garland for the mantel. Shop this option
• Brass candlestick holders: a set of 6 in three heights, enough for the mantel and the table. Shop this option
• Burgundy taper candles: 10 inch unscented tapers that fit standard candlestick holders. Shop this option
• Red Stewart plaid throw with fringe: a soft 50 by 60 inch chenille throw for the sofa. Shop this option
• Red tartan pillow covers: a pair of 18 by 18 inch covers to slip over pillows you already have. Shop this option
• Red tartan table runner: a 13 by 72 inch runner in a plaid that pairs with the pillow covers. Shop this option
• Burgundy linen napkins: a set of 12 linen and cotton blend napkins for the table. Shop this option

How to Style a Burgundy and Tartan Christmas, Room by Room

1. Dress the Tree

Start with the tree, since it’s usually the biggest piece of Christmas in the room. Hang burgundy glass ornaments first, tucking some deep into the branches and some near the tips so the color has depth instead of sitting on the surface.

Next, add tartan bows. Tie them from wired tartan ribbon and space them evenly around the tree, roughly one every 12 to 18 inches. Wired ribbon holds its shape, so the loops stay full all season. If you’ve never tied a full bow, my guide to making ribbon bows for your tree walks through it step by step.

Finish with a few red berry picks pushed into the gaps. They fill holes and add a natural texture next to all that shiny glass.

2. Style the Mantel

Lay a pine garland across the mantel and let it drape slightly past each end. Weave burgundy velvet ribbon loosely through it, or tie a few velvet bows at the corners and the center. Velvet reads richer than satin in this palette and catches the light beautifully.

Add a cluster of brass candlesticks with burgundy taper candles at one or both ends. I’d group them in odd numbers and vary the heights, which looks more relaxed than a matching row. Tuck a few berry picks into the garland to repeat the red from the tree.

3. Cozy Up the Sofa

This is the easiest step and makes a big difference. Swap in tartan pillow covers on your existing inserts, and drape a red tartan throw over the arm or back of the sofa. If you already have cream or neutral pillows, keep one or two of them in the mix so the plaid has room to breathe.

Pillow covers are a budget-friendly way to do this, since they fold flat and store easily after the holidays.

4. Set the Table

Run a tartan table runner down the center of the table. Set brass candlesticks with burgundy tapers along it, then scatter a few sprigs of greenery and berry picks between them. Cream or white plates keep the setting from feeling too dark, and a burgundy linen napkin or a small tartan bow on each place setting pulls it all together.

If you’d like a handmade touch for the table, the ideas in my crochet table decor post work with this palette, too.

Tips for Keeping It Classic, Not Dated

• Pick one tartan: matching plaids across the ribbon, throw, pillows and runner look intentional. Mixing three different plaids can start to feel busy.
• Let burgundy lead: use tartan as the accent and burgundy as the main color. Too much plaid can tip into a costume look.
• Add texture: velvet, glass, brass, wool and greenery keep a two-color scheme from looking flat.
• Keep some cream: a neutral base gives the reds contrast and keeps the room feeling light.
• Use warm light: candles and warm white string lights make burgundy glow. Cool white bulbs can make it look brown.
• Start small: if you’re on a budget, ribbon and pillow covers give the most impact for the least money.

Keep the Cozy Going

Once the living room is done, this palette carries nicely into a quieter corner. A tartan throw and a burgundy candle are all you need to turn a chair into a winter reading nook for the rest of the season. I hope this gives you a simple starting point, and I can’t wait to see how you make it your own.