The traditional Christmas colours of red and green have a long history, with their association evolving over time. Their use in interior design from the Georgian era to the modern day reflects changing tastes, social customs, and design trends.
Origins of Red and Green as Christmas Colours
The link between red and green predates modern Christmas traditions. Green symbolised eternal life (evergreens like holly and ivy were used in pagan winter celebrations), while red was linked to Christian symbolism—notably the blood of Christ and holly berries.
By the medieval period, holly and ivy were commonly used in churches and homes during Christmas, further entrenching red and green as festive colours.
Georgian Era (1714–1830)
During the Georgian period, interiors were influenced by neoclassical and symmetrical design with a restrained elegance.
Christmas Decor: Festive decorations were modest, as Christmas was not yet as elaborate as it became in the Victorian era. Homes incorporated natural decorations like holly, ivy, and mistletoe. Garlands and wreaths of greenery adorned fireplaces, doorways, and staircases. Red came from holly berries or the occasional use of ribbons.
Interior Design: Georgian interiors featured muted, earthy tones. Walls were painted in soft greens, creams, and greys. Red was introduced in furnishings, like deep crimson damasks for upholstery or Persian rugs.
Victorian Era (1837–1901)
Christmas as we know it today blossomed during the Victorian era with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert popularising elaborate festive traditions, including the Christmas tree.
Christmas Decor: The Christmas tree, adorned with handmade decorations, candles, and small red-and-green trimmings, became a focal point. Garlands of holly, ivy, and fir branches decorated mantels, walls, and staircases. Red velvet ribbons, bows, and berries complemented the greenery.
Interior Design: Victorians favoured rich, bold colours like deep reds, greens, and gold in their interiors. Walls were often papered in dark green, burgundy, or florals, while furnishings and draperies followed similar palettes.
Edwardian Era (1901–1910)
The Edwardian period shifted towards lighter, more delicate interiors, influenced by Art Nouveau.
Christmas Decor: Natural greenery was still prominent, but red was softer—seen in details like ribbons and berries. The aesthetic was less cluttered than in Victorian times.
Interior Design: Edwardian interiors used pastel greens and creams on walls. Red appeared sparingly, often in fabrics or small details, maintaining an overall airy and elegant feel.
1920s–1950s
The early-to-mid 20th century saw significant shifts with Art Deco, post-war simplicity, and Mid-Century Modern design trends.
Christmas Decor: In the 1920s and 30s, Christmas trees remained central, but tinsel, glass ornaments, and electric lights brought glamour. Red and green were traditional, but gold, silver, and jewel tones gained prominence. The 1950s saw an explosion of commercial Christmas decor with bright reds and forest greens. Bold colour schemes reflected the optimism of the era.
Interior Design: Art Deco introduced geometric shapes and metallics, with red appearing in lacquered furniture or bold accents. Mid-century modern interiors featured clean lines and earthy greens paired with neutral tones. Red often acted as a pop of colour in artwork, textiles, or minimalist decor.
1960s–1980s
Christmas Decor: The 1960s embraced vibrant colours, with bright, synthetic greens and cherry reds dominating festive decor. The 1970s saw rustic and natural trends return, with handmade decorations, natural greenery, and muted reds and in the 1980s, Christmas became glossier, with bold, shiny decorations. Red and green remained staples, but were often joined by metallic gold and silver.
Interior Design:
- 1960s: Bright, playful colours and mod patterns.
- 1970s: Earth tones—forest green, olive, and deep reds.
- 1980s: Bold contrasts, including hunter green and cherry red against white interiors.
1990s–Present Day
In modern times, red and green remain symbolic of Christmas, but their application in interiors has evolved.
Christmas Decor: Traditional red and green themes are still popular but often reinterpreted with modern aesthetics—such as minimalist greenery (simple fir garlands or wreaths) paired with soft cranberry tones. Scandinavian trends have emphasised neutral palettes with greenery, wooden accents, and muted reds. Red is often softened into burgundy, and green includes sage or eucalyptus tones.
Interior Design: Modern interiors favour clean lines, neutral walls, and natural materials, making red and green accents stand out beautifully.
Modern Applications of Red and Green
- Traditional: Deep reds (like garnet or burgundy) with dark greens and natural garlands for a timeless look.
- Scandinavian: White interiors with subtle green foliage and muted reds (cranberry or terracotta).
- Rustic: Reclaimed wood, greenery, and vintage red accents (like plaid patterns).
- Contemporary: Monochrome or neutral interiors using small pops of red and green for contrast.
From the refined Georgian garlands to the opulence of Victorian trees, and modern minimalism, red and green have endured as the quintessential Christmas palette. Their use in interior design mirrors broader trends—from natural simplicity to bold commercial interpretations—making them both timeless and versatile. Today, red and green remain firmly rooted in festive tradition while offering endless possibilities for contemporary design.
