When Christmas moves in: 9 enchanting Finnish homes to delight and inspire
An evergreen bouquet on the table, a decorative deer vignette, and a cluster of paper rosettes—the magic of Christmas springs from small details. Take a peek at photos of gorgeously atmospheric Finnish homes.
1. A home with three Christmas trees
An orange-red tiled stove welcomes you in the entryway of this 1850s log house. There’s room for plenty in this Loviisa home—including three Christmas trees. The ambience and warmth of a live fire are second to none. Layered, cozy styling and beautiful details set the tone.
2. Candlelight everywhere
Every empty spot holds a candle arrangement or a bowl of treats. If you want twice the glow, place a mirror behind the candles. The kids’ room in the background is papered in Boråstapeter’s blue-toned Nocturne wallpaper. The mirror is a flea market find.
3. A place of peace
Natural materials, thrifted finds, and warm textiles frame Christmas beautifully. In a semi-detached house in Naantali, [in Finnish]the wall shows the homeowner’s clay-paint experiments. The tree is brought in from the nearby forest.
Tip!
Tie a short twig to support the amaryllis stem so it stands upright.
4. A Christmas vignette draws the eye
The homeowner of this log cabin along a forest road admits she’s a true Christmas fan who loves decorating, the scents, and giving gifts. A playful decorative deer vignette was set up on a side table in the living room. The less traditional colors of the ornaments harmonize with the interior. Take a peek at the festive feel throughout the home here. [in Finnish]
Tip!
Build a Christmas vignette from candles, gingerbread cookies, holiday flowers, or decorative objects. You don’t have to spread Christmas across the whole house—concentrate it on a dresser or on a single tray.
5. Coffee filter, you’re the star
In this townhouse, different paper stars brighten every room. [in Finnish] Plump stars folded from coffee filters are eye-catchers on the tree, too. They’re easy to make. Find the coffee filter star tutorial here! [in Finnish]
Tip!
You can also turn coffee filter stars into a lovely garland.
6. Warm, cozy atmosphere
In a semi-detached house in Porvoo, the warm atmosphere is savored. Paper stars are part of the holiday decor every year. The dining table set before the large windows began life as an old door. It took six people to carry the heavy door to its new home.
7. Paper-folded ornaments set the mood
If you want an easy, mood-setting decoration, make paper rosettes. They look stunning on their own or clustered together. Fold them from leftover wallpaper rolls, gift wrap, and kraft paper. In the cozy library, the wallpaper rosettes are hung on a drop-front bureau. See the paper rosette tutorial here! [in Finnish]
8. A table full of treats
Create an inviting setting with a generous platter of treats, candles, and a stately bouquet. A tiered stand and slim candles add eye-catching height. Take a peek at this foodie’s Christmas home in Porvoo! [in Finnish]
Tip!
A tiered stand gives your treats a lift and adds height to the table setting.
9. The tree stand tucked away
In this charming log house in Hirvilahti, the tree always reigns in pride of place in the main room. Its stand is cleverly concealed in a traditional Finnish birch bark basket.
