Ready to make your home glow with luck and joy for Lunar New Year 2026?
Starting February 17, the Year of the Fire Horse brings a fresh chance to fill your space with vibrant energy.
Red and gold decorations, symbols of wealth and happiness, set the perfect festive mood.
You don’t need a big budget to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that celebrates tradition and creativity.
From easy Chinese New Year crafts for kids to chic setups for family gatherings, these 22 ideas will help you craft a memorable celebration.
Whether you’re sprucing up your living room or porch, each tip blends classic Chinese decor with modern flair. Let’s get started and make your home shine for the new year!
1. Hang Red Lanterns for a Festive Glow
Red lanterns are a classic Chinese New Year decoration, instantly adding warmth and good luck to your home.
You can hang them in clusters over your dining table or porch for a cozy, festive vibe. Use string lights to make them glow even brighter, creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
For a budget-friendly twist, try crafting your own Japanese lantern-inspired designs with red paper and glue.
It’s a simple project that adds a touch of Chinese decor to any room. Your living room or entryway will feel instantly festive without much effort.
- Use red paper for DIY lanterns to save money.
- Hang lanterns with fairy lights for extra sparkle.
- Place in high-traffic areas like porches or dining rooms.
2. Make Chinese Paper Cuttings for Wall Art
Create stunning Chinese New Year crafts by cutting designs like dragons or the “Fu” symbol from red paper.
These traditional paper cuttings are easy to make and add a cultural touch to your Lunar New Year decor. Kids can join in, making it a fun family activity.
Stick your creations on windows or walls for a bold statement. Use free templates online to guide your cuts, ensuring intricate designs without hassle.
This affordable project turns any space into a festive showcase of CMake Chinese Paper Cuttings for Wall Arthinese decor.
- Choose red paper for luck-focused designs.
- Involve kids for a family-friendly craft.
- Display on windows for a vibrant, visible effect.
3. Set Up a Red Floral Centerpiece
Red peonies or plum blossoms in a gold vase make a gorgeous Lunar New Year decoration for your dining table.
These flowers symbolize resilience and joy, perfect for the season. Pick affordable blooms from local markets to keep it budget-friendly.
Add greenery from your yard to fill out the arrangement and give it a natural look.
This Chinese New Year decoration idea is a social media favorite, blending elegance with simplicity. Your centerpiece will be the talk of your celebration!
- Use local flowers to cut costs.
- Add greenery for a fuller, natural look.
- Place in a gold vase for a festive touch.
4. Turn Red Envelopes into a Garland
Red envelopes, or hongbao, are a staple of Lunar New Year decorations, and they’re not just for gifting.
String them together with gold ribbon to create a festive garland for your living room. This simple craft adds a pop of Chinese decor to your space.
Personalize it with Year of the Horse stickers or small charms for extra flair. Hang it over a doorway or mantel for a welcoming vibe.
This budget-friendly Chinese New Year craft looks stunning and keeps the festive spirit alive.
- Use leftover envelopes for a no-cost garland.
- Add gold ribbon for a luxurious touch.
- Hang in living rooms or entryways for impact.
5. Create a Lucky Fruit Bowl
Fill a glass bowl with oranges, tangerines, or kumquats to symbolize wealth and good luck.
This Lunar New Year decor idea is both edible and beautiful, making it a practical choice. Place it in your entryway to greet guests with festive cheer.
Tie red ribbons around the bowl or add gold-painted leaves for a touch of Chinese decor. This easy setup is budget-friendly and adds a vibrant, welcoming feel to your home.
It’s a simple way to celebrate the season!
- Choose citrus fruits for symbolic wealth.
- Add red ribbons for a festive look.
- Place in entryways to welcome guests.
6. Hang Spring Couplets by Your Door
Spring couplets, or chunlian, are red scrolls with happy phrases that invite good energy.
Write your own with a calligraphy pen or print free designs online for an easy Chinese New Year decoration.
Hang them by your front door for a traditional touch. This simple project adds a poetic vibe to your Lunar New Year decor.
It’s affordable and meaningful, making your home feel ready for a prosperous year. Guests will love the cultural charm it brings.
- Use free online templates for easy designs.
- Write with calligraphy pens for a personal touch.
- Hang by doors to invite good luck.
7. Display Horse Figurines for 2026
Celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse with small statues or plush toys in red or gold.
These make great Chinese New Year crafts if you create them with kids using clay or paper mache. Place them on shelves for a festive Lunar New Year decor touch.
This idea ties your decorations to the 2026 zodiac, adding a personal element. It’s a fun, affordable way to make your home feel special and connected to the season’s theme.
- Craft figurines with kids for fun bonding.
- Use red or gold tones for zodiac flair.
- Display on shelves or tables for visibility.
8. Style a Red-and-Gold Dining Table
Create a festive dining area with a red tablecloth and gold chargers. Add mason jars wrapped in red ribbon as candle holders for a cozy Chinese New Year decoration.
This setup is perfect for family meals and looks amazing in photos.
Use items you already have, like jars or napkins, to keep it affordable. This Lunar New Year decor idea brings warmth and style to your gatherings, making every meal feel special.
- Use existing jars for candle holders.
- Choose red tablecloths for bold color.
- Add gold chargers for a touch of elegance.
9. Add Red and Gold Fairy Lights
Drape red and gold fairy lights over your mantel or windows for a warm, festive glow.
This Chinese New Year decoration is easy to set up and energy-saving. Mix in small paper lanterns for a modern twist on traditional decor.
Hang them in your living room or bedroom to create a cozy vibe. This Lunar New Year decor idea is a crowd-pleaser, adding sparkle to any space without breaking the bank.
- Use energy-saving fairy lights for efficiency.
- Add paper lanterns for extra charm.
- Drape over mantels or windows for warmth.
10. Build a Festive Photo Backdrop
Set up a photo corner with red fabric, gold balloons, and Year of the Horse props.
This Chinese New Year decoration is perfect for capturing party memories. Guests will love snapping pics, making it a fun addition to your celebration.
Use affordable materials like leftover fabric or balloons from a party store.
This Lunar New Year decor idea is a social media favorite, adding a lively, interactive element to your home.
- Use cheap fabric for a budget backdrop.
- Add gold balloons for festive shine.
- Include zodiac props for a personal touch.
11. Use Bamboo for a Green Touch
Bamboo plants or woven baskets with red ribbons bring a natural, eco-friendly vibe to your Lunar New Year decorations.
Bamboo symbolizes growth, making it a meaningful addition to your Chinese decor. Place it in any room for a fresh look.
This idea is perfect for those wanting a greener celebration. It’s affordable and easy to find, adding a modern twist to traditional Lunar New Year decor that fits any home.
- Choose bamboo for eco-friendly decor.
- Add red ribbons for a festive pop.
- Place in living rooms or entryways.
12. Fold Red Origami Stars
Fold red and gold paper into stars or cranes, inspired by Japanese lantern crafts.
These make fun Chinese New Year crafts for kids and add a whimsical touch to your Lunar New Year decor. Hang them as mobiles for extra charm.
Use old wrapping paper or craft supplies to keep it budget-friendly. Display them in kids’ rooms or over the dining table for a playful, festive vibe that’s easy to create.
- Use leftover paper for cost savings.
- Hang as mobiles for a dynamic look.
- Involve kids for a fun craft activity.
13. Arrange Lucky Bamboo in Vases
Lucky bamboo in clear vases with red ties is a simple Chinese decor idea that screams good fortune.
It’s low-maintenance and perfect for small spaces, making it a great Lunar New Year decoration for apartments.
Place them on side tables or kitchen counters for a fresh, festive touch. This affordable idea adds a cultural element to your home without much effort, perfect for a busy season.
- Choose lucky bamboo for easy care.
- Add red ties for a festive look.
- Place in small spaces for versatility.
14. Make a Prosperity Banner
Craft a banner with phrases like “Gong Xi Fa Cai” using red fabric and gold paint.
This Chinese New Year decoration is easy to make and adds a bold touch to your Lunar New Year decor. Hang it in your living room or entryway.
Use old fabric scraps to keep it budget-friendly. This eye-catching banner brings warmth and good wishes, making your home feel ready for a prosperous year.
- Use fabric scraps for an affordable banner.
- Add gold paint for a shiny finish.
- Hang in high-traffic areas for visibility.
15. Add Dragon Motifs to Pillows
Dragons symbolize strength in Chinese New Year decorations. Add dragon designs to red pillows or throws for a cozy yet powerful Lunar New Year decor idea.
They’re perfect for sprucing up your living room.
Find affordable pillow covers at thrift stores or make your own with fabric paint. This simple project adds a cultural touch to your home, blending tradition with comfort.
- Use thrift store pillows to save money.
- Add dragon designs for cultural flair.
- Place in living rooms for cozy vibes.
16. Light Up Your Porch with Lanterns
Hang weatherproof red lanterns on your porch or in trees to welcome guests. This Lunar New Year decoration makes your home feel festive from the outside.
It’s a simple way to share the celebration with your neighborhood.
Use battery-powered lanterns for safety and ease. This Chinese New Year decoration idea adds a glowing, inviting touch to your outdoor space without much hassle.
- Choose weatherproof lanterns for durability.
- Use battery-powered lights for safety.
- Hang on porches or trees for charm.
17. Use Red Candles for Warmth
Place citrus-scented candles in red or gold holders for a cozy Lunar New Year decoration. Group them on a tray or windowsill to create a warm, inviting vibe.
This Chinese decor idea adds both scent and style to your home.
Use old jars as holders to keep it affordable. This simple setup is perfect for creating a festive atmosphere during your Lunar New Year celebrations.
- Use old jars for budget-friendly holders.
- Choose citrus scents for a fresh vibe.
- Group on trays for a striking display.
18. Set Up a Kids’ Craft Table
Create a table for kids to make red paper fans or masks. This Chinese New Year craft for kids keeps them busy and adds handmade touches to your Lunar New Year decor.
It’s a fun way to involve the whole family.
Use cheap craft paper and markers to keep it simple. Set it up in a corner of your living room for a festive, interactive activity that everyone will enjoy.
- Use cheap paper for affordable crafts.
- Make fans or masks for kid-friendly fun.
- Set up in living rooms for easy access.
19. Frame Chinese Art Prints
Frame traditional Chinese paintings or zodiac designs in red frames for a classy Lunar New Year decoration.
This Chinese decor idea adds a cultured touch to your living room or hallway, perfect for a stylish home.
Find free printables online or use thrift store frames to save money. This simple project makes your space feel festive and sophisticated without much effort.
- Use free printables for budget art.
- Choose red frames for festive style.
- Display in living rooms or hallways.
20. Hang Gold Tassel Garlands
Make gold tassels or red streamers from foil or fabric for a lively Chinese New Year decoration.
They add movement and shine to your Lunar New Year decor, perfect for living rooms or dining areas.
Use leftover craft supplies to keep it affordable. This eye-catching idea is popular online for its festive vibe and easy setup, making your home feel celebratory.
- Use foil or fabric scraps for savings.
- Hang for movement and festive shine.
- Place in dining or living areas.
21. Keep It Simple with Red Accents
For small spaces, use red vases, coasters, or napkins with gold touches. This minimalist Lunar New Year decoration is perfect for apartments, keeping things chic yet festive.
It’s a fresh take on Chinese decor.
Shop thrift stores for affordable finds or repurpose items you own. This easy idea lets you celebrate the season without cluttering your space, ideal for cozy homes.
- Use thrift store items for affordability.
- Add red accents for minimalist style.
- Perfect for small apartments or rooms.
22. Create a Cleansing Ritual Corner
Set up a corner with a decorative broom or incense burner to symbolize clearing bad luck.
This Lunar New Year decor idea adds meaning to your Chinese New Year decorations with a touch of tradition.
Add red flowers or gold coins for a festive look. This simple setup is budget-friendly and creates a thoughtful focal point in your home, perfect for the season.
- Use a broom or incense for symbolism.
- Add red flowers for festive color.
- Place in a quiet corner for impact.
Wrapping It Up:
These 22 Lunar New Year decoration ideas bring luck, joy, and style to your home for 2026.
From red lanterns and paper cuttings to kid-friendly crafts and minimalist accents, there’s something for every space and budget.
You can create a festive atmosphere using simple, affordable materials like paper, ribbons, and items you already own.
Whether you’re hosting a big party or keeping it cozy, these Chinese New Year decorations blend tradition with creativity.
Pick a few ideas, get crafting, and make your home shine with prosperity this season!
