Nothing captures the holidays like tartan and plaid. These timeless patterns add warmth, nostalgia, and a festive feel to any room—here are ideas and inspiration for bringing plaid into your holiday decor.
This season I fell even harder for plaid. I kept a running folder of plaid finds and it grew so large that I had to share my favorites. Every time I looked I found another charming plaid piece—ornaments, bedding, kitchen accents, and more. If you love tartan as much as I do, this guide will help you incorporate it tastefully throughout your home.
I’m officially obsessed—many of these items are already in my house. Below you’ll find what I’ve added, how I use plaid to create a cohesive holiday look, and quick styling tips so you can adopt the trend without overwhelming your space.
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SOURCES: Plaid Stockings | Plaid Picture Frame Ornaments | Stewart Tartan Plaid Picture Frames | Plaid Lumbar Pillow | Red Plaid Tumbler | Red Plaid Insulated Coffee Mug | Monogrammed Plaid Coffee Mug | Tartan Plaid Table Runner | Plaid Thermos | Plaid Salad Plates | Plaid Wine Bottle Bag | Plaid Apron | Plaid Ornaments | Stewart Tartan Plaid Bedding | Plaid Bath Mat | Plaid Rug/Runner
Plaid Decor in My Home
My collection started small last year with a few plaid picture frames, and this year I expanded it into multiple rooms. I like to add a few well-chosen plaid pieces in every room to create a linked, festive feel without it becoming matchy-matchy or overdone.
This year I added Stewart Tartan picture frames and placed them throughout the house. A framed photo in a plaid frame in the entry sets a welcoming, seasonal tone the moment guests arrive.
I also brought plaid into the primary bedroom with a full bedding set. Holiday bedding is a simple way to make a room feel celebratory and cozy—because plaid reads classic and seasonal simultaneously.
You don’t need to cover every surface in tartan. I prefer to sprinkle plaid throughout each room so the pattern serves as a thread that ties different decor styles together. For example, in my dining room the only plaid is a table runner—just enough to echo the plaid accents elsewhere without dominating the space.
Every room gets at least a touch of plaid. My living room and kitchen have the most—pillows, dish towels, mugs, and small ornaments—because these are high-traffic spaces where seasonal details make the most impact.
Do you decorate with plaid during the holidays? If you’re thinking about trying it, here are some practical tips to help you incorporate tartan tastefully:
- Start small: Add a plaid throw pillow, mug, or ornament to test the look before committing to larger pieces.
- Choose one or two palettes: Classic red-and-black or green-and-navy tartans are festive, while neutral plaids can feel more modern and versatile.
- Mix textures: Pair plaid with cozy knits, velvet, or metallic accents to add depth and prevent the pattern from feeling flat.
- Use as accent, not wallpaper: Balance busy plaids with solid colors and simple patterns so the eye has a place to rest.
- Coordinate across rooms: Repeat a single plaid element (like a table runner or set of ornaments) in multiple rooms to create flow without overdoing it.
- Store carefully: Fold bedding and textiles gently and keep ornaments wrapped to preserve shape and color for future seasons.
MORE POSTS YOU WILL LOVE:
- My Plaid Christmas Kitchen
- Traditional Plaid Christmas Living Room Decor
- My Flocked Plaid Christmas Tree
Plaid is a reliable, seasonal pattern that works equally well in traditional and modern homes. When used with intention—balanced with solids, varied textures, and a consistent color story—it gives rooms an instantly festive, curated feel. Whether you prefer subtle nods or a fuller tartan look, there are plenty of ways to make plaid part of your holiday tradition.