12 Simple Ways To Turn Leftover Wallpaper Into The Most Stylish Holiday Decor

The holidays are upon us, which means it's time to bring out all of the garlands, ornaments, and felt snowmen we have in storage in order to make our homes feel festive and bright. However, if you're itching for something new but don't necessarily want to spend your money at a store (especially not when everyone's wish lists seem to grow bigger each year!), you can instead DIY your holiday decor. One great way to do that is to grab some of the leftover wallpaper from your latest wall treatment project and transform it into charming holiday trimmings. 

For instance, you can cut the wallpaper into strips and create paper ring garlands. While kitschy, they fit right into this year's holiday decor trend of old-fashioned and vintage embellishments. Another idea is to use the paper to make unique ornaments for the tree, whether you're creating three-dimensional baubles or flat circles. Are you ready to put your wallpaper scraps to work? Here are all the clever ways to reuse your leftover wallpaper. 

If you want to give your windows a festive treatment, try using your leftover scraps to create jolly circle fans. Simply cut a rectangle, fold it into small horizontal lines, and then fold that in half. As a finishing touch, cut the ends at an angle. When you open it, it will fan out into a circle, and thanks to the angled cuts, it will look more like a snowflake rather than a circle. Hang it from your window on a string. To create some dimension, make the angled cuts deeper on some fans than others, which will create more dramatic flake points.

For an old-school touch straight out of your childhood, repurpose your scraps to create a chain-link garland. This is especially great for wallpaper samples since you likely only have one small sheet and don't have many options on how to repurpose it. This will allow you to mix and match several papers, creating a busy but cheerful garland. Simply cut them into strips and glue them into loops. Hang them anywhere, like on your staircase, window frames, or fireplace mantel.

Rather than buying your Christmas stars from a retailer like IKEA (looking at you, STRÅLA lamp shade), you can DIY your own from wallpaper scraps. Simply create a star template from paper so you can cut the same shape repeatedly. Once you have your star, fold it four times down the middle of each star point. This will give the piece of paper a three-dimensional quality. Put a string through one of the points and hang it up wherever you wish. If you have larger scraps, you can make larger, one-foot stars, adding drama to the space. 

If you want something to put over your fireplace or hang on some bedroom doors, this paper wreath is right up your alley. Use a large bowl to trace the shape of your wreath onto the wallpaper and a smaller bowl to trace the circle of the wreath's hole. Then, cut out small leaf shapes from the same paper and fold them down the middle to make them more three-dimensional. Glue them in repeating rings onto your base, creating a wreath. If you want to give it more dimension, consider using several different scraps to give it more color and depth. 

With more than a little wallpaper left over, you can use it to make your own stylish Christmas crackers. Gather some treats you want to put inside and fold the paper into thirds. Cut out a diamond pattern on both sides to create the perforation needed to rip the package open when it's pulled. Then, roll it up and tie decorative ribbons on either end. You can customize the cracker with different ribbon colors and textures, such as velvet or satin. Use it as a Christmas tree decoration until Christmas day, after which you can open it! 

Those who don't identify as crafters can still make decor out of their wallpaper scraps! You just have to try simpler DIYs. And there is nothing easier than this ornament hack. Simply buy ornament templates from a craft store, such as the Woodpeckers Christmas Ornaments to Decorate. Then, cut out circles of the same size from your wallpaper and use Mod Podge to put them on the template. Thread a piece of yarn through the loop, and decorate everything from your tree to garlands with your one-dimensional ornaments. 

If you're comfortable with something a tad more complex, then try to make a 3D ornament with your scrap papers. To make it, you will need to cut 10 circles of the same size. If you want it to go faster, use a lever punch like Fiskars XL Lever Punch, which automatically cuts out 2-inch circles. Fold the circles in half, and use a glue stick to adhere one side to another. This will create a three-dimensional effect. If you like a funkier look, try mixing several scraps together in one ornament, creating a medley of patterns. 

For gift wrap that looks designer, use your leftover wallpaper to create luxury wrapping paper. Simply wrap your boxes the same way you would if you were using wrapping paper. If you have expensive wallpaper and don't necessarily want to see it ripped to shreds come December 25th, you can also do this to create permanent gift displays. Simply wrap a shoe box or delivery package in your wallpaper, add a matching ribbon, and use it as a gift vignette on your dining table or a shelf. You can bring it out year after year.

Does your mantel or floating shelf look like it needs some holiday trimmings? Take out your favorite wallpaper scraps and make a 3D Christmas tree. First, grab some cardboard scraps and cut out four identical trees. These will be the structure of your tree. Fold each one in half to make it three-dimensional, then trace and cut out the wallpaper to match the tree shape. This is especially great for repurposing your peel-and-stick wallpaper since you can then adhere it to the cardboard without having to worry about glue bumps or adhesive coming out from the edges. 

If you want to DIY some ornaments with a more traditional shape, try creating these circular baubles. All you have to do is cut strips of your paper like you're about to make a chain-link garland. Then, create one loop by gluing the strip into a circle. Create the bauble by layering that loop with another, moving in an X-like pattern. If you like a more maximalist look, consider adding multiple scraps in one, combining contrasting patterns. Don't stop until all gaps are covered, leaving you with a circular ornament. Hang it on your Christmas tree, and it'll blend in with your store-bought ornaments! 

Consider framing wallpaper leftovers that blend in well with your existing holiday decor. For instance, if you have wallpaper with a simple pattern in the right colors or woodland motifs, grab some frames you're not currently using, cut the wallpaper to size, and then frame it. Add the finished product anywhere that needs a festive touch, such as your bookcase, floating shelves in your living room, or your entryway table. If your wallpaper doesn't look very Christmas-y, try using it as a base for a collage, adding your favorite holiday cards, bows, or photos on top. 

For a more involved Christmas craft, use your leftover wallpaper to create a holiday diorama. Cut out shapes and strips to use as the background. Add texture and dimension by also using lace, ribbons, or fabric scraps. Then, add some Christmas figurines inside, such as nutcrackers, angels, or a tiny Santa Claus. Really, anything that you have on hand. Even outside of Christmas, the end result will be a unique display.