15 Cozy Early Spring Decor Ideas for That Awkward Time Between Seasons

Winter can feel long and cold after you take down all the holiday decorations. Your home might look bare and empty in those weeks between January and when spring really arrives. That’s when early spring decorating comes in handy.

You don’t need to wait for Easter to refresh your space with touches of nature and light colors. Early spring decor is all about adding fresh greenery, bringing in simple natural elements, and switching out heavy winter textures for softer ones. These changes help your home feel brighter and more alive without going too far into full spring mode.

Simple updates like forcing bulbs to bloom indoors, swapping dark branches for lighter ones, and adding touches of citrus or birds can make a big difference. You can keep things cozy while still welcoming the new season ahead.

1. Force Bulbs Indoors (Paperwhites & Hyacinths)

You can bring spring inside your home weeks early by forcing bulbs. Paperwhites and hyacinths are perfect for this because they’re easy to grow and smell amazing.

You don’t need any gardening experience or outdoor space. Just grab some bulbs, a glass jar or vintage bowl, and a handful of river rocks. Set the bulbs on top of the rocks and add water until it touches the bottom of the bulbs.

Place your container in a cool spot for a few weeks, then move it to a sunny window. Soon you’ll have beautiful flowers filling your home with color and fragrance while snow is still on the ground.

Paperwhite bulb kits and clear glass cylinder vases make this project even easier. You can find everything you need to start growing your own indoor spring garden.

2. Swap Pine for Eucalyptus or Olive Branches

Winter decor often features dark pine and evergreen branches. When spring arrives, it’s time to replace them with something lighter.

Eucalyptus and olive branches give your home a fresh, airy feel. Their soft green colors work better for the warmer months. Silver dollar eucalyptus has round leaves that look great in any room. Olive branches have a simple elegance that fits well in vases or containers.

You can use faux stems if you want something that lasts longer. Place them in your entryway, on your mantel, or as a dining table centerpiece. The lighter greenery makes your space feel more open and ready for spring.

Both options are easy to find and simple to style. Just remove your winter branches and put these in their place.

3. Use Moss Balls as Organic Filler

Moss balls are perfect for early spring because they bring green into your home without being too bright. They have an earthy, natural look that works as you transition from winter to spring.

Try filling a wooden dough bowl with moss balls of different sizes. This creates a simple centerpiece that looks good on your dining table or coffee table. You can also place them in a farmhouse basket or a large glass vase.

The green color adds life to your space while keeping things calm and natural. Moss balls work with almost any decorating style, from modern to farmhouse. You can find preserved moss balls that don’t need any care or watering, making them an easy choice for busy homes.

4. Transition to “Greige” and Cream Textiles

Switching out your winter textiles is essential for transitioning from winter to spring. You want to keep the cozy warmth but move away from the heavy reds and greens of the holiday season.

Greige is a mix of gray and beige that gives you that soft neutral look. It works well because it still feels warm without being too dark or wintery. Try swapping your old throw blankets for greige chunky knit ones that add texture to your sofa or chairs.

Cream boucle pillow covers are another easy update. They bring in a lighter spring feel while staying comfortable and soft. You can layer these with your greige blankets to create a fresh but still inviting space.

5. Display Faux Magnolia Wreaths

Magnolia leaves bring a fresh look to your home in early spring. Their deep green color and glossy shine add natural beauty without much effort.

A large 24-inch faux magnolia wreath works perfectly on your front door or above your mantel. The structured leaves create a clean, polished appearance that feels both elegant and casual. You don’t need to worry about wilting or maintenance since faux versions stay looking good all season.

These wreaths are simple on their own, but you can dress them up if you want. Try adding a grosgrain ribbon in a spring color or weaving in some floral wire with small seasonal accents. The deep green base works with almost any style, from farmhouse to modern.

Magnolia wreaths transition easily from winter to spring and can stay up year-round if you like the look.

6. Create a Citrus Centerpiece (Lemons/Limes)

You can bring early spring vibes indoors with a simple citrus centerpiece. Fill a clear glass vase or white ceramic bowl with bright lemons and limes for an instant mood boost.

If you want something that lasts, grab some realistic faux lemons from Amazon. They look fresh all season without the worry of them going bad. A white ceramic pedestal bowl shows them off nicely on your kitchen table or counter.

For a fancier look, try slicing some citrus fruits and placing them in a clear vase with water. Add a floating candle on top for extra style. The yellow and green colors naturally brighten up your space after months of gray winter days.

This setup works for both casual meals and nicer gatherings. Plus, it gives your home that “fresh start” feeling spring is known for.

7. Add Glass Cloches for a Greenhouse Vibe

Glass cloches bring that charming Victorian greenhouse feeling right into your home. These glass domes were originally used to protect delicate plants outdoors, but now they make perfect decorative pieces for early spring.

You can place a small succulent under a cloche with a wooden base for a natural look. The glass keeps your plant protected while showing it off beautifully. If you don’t want to use live plants, try putting a candle inside instead for a soft, glowing display.

Mini succulents work especially well because they’re low-maintenance and add a fresh pop of green. The wooden base adds warmth and makes the whole setup feel grounded. You can find these cloches in different sizes to fit any space in your home.

8. Style with Vintage Terracotta Pots

The warm orange-brown color of terracotta adds instant coziness to white or neutral rooms. These classic pots bring a natural, earthy feel that works perfectly for early spring.

Stack different sizes of vintage terracotta pots on open shelves to create visual interest. You can also line them up on your kitchen windowsill and plant fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme.

Look for aged or distressed terracotta pot sets that have that weathered, timeless look. The worn finish gives your space character and makes new plants look like they’ve been growing in your home for years.

Group three pots together on a side table or use a single large pot as a centerpiece. Fill them with early spring flowers or leave them empty as sculptural decor pieces.

9. Brighten the Entryway with a Layered Doormat

Swap out your winter doormat for something fresh and spring-ready. A simple “Hello” coir doormat or one with bright florals can instantly update your entrance.

The layered doormat look adds style and depth to your front porch. Try placing a colorful floral mat on top of a black-and-white buffalo check rug runner. This combination creates a welcoming look that catches the eye.

You’ll need to measure your space before shopping. Most doormats come in standard sizes like 17″ x 30″, so check your entryway dimensions first.

The best part about layered mats is how easy they are to change. When you’re ready for a new look, just swap the top mat while keeping the base layer in place. This simple update brings spring vibes right to your doorstep without much effort or cost.

10. Incorporate Bird Motifs (Subtle Nature)

Birds are often the first sign that spring has arrived. You can bring this feeling indoors without going overboard.

Try placing a small ceramic bird figurine on a bookshelf or coffee table. These simple touches add a natural element to your space without demanding attention.

Bird print throw pillows work well on sofas or chairs. They bring in the spring theme while staying comfortable and functional.

You can also add bird-patterned wall art if you want something more visible. Keep it simple with one or two pieces rather than filling every wall.

The key is choosing items that feel natural to your existing decor. Birds should blend in as a gentle reminder of the season rather than taking over the room.

11. Switch to Fresh Scents (Rain or Herbs)

It’s time to pack away those heavy cinnamon and pine candles from winter. Spring calls for lighter, cleaner scents that feel refreshing and crisp.

Try scents like basil, rain, or clean cotton to bring that early spring energy into your home. These fragrances smell natural and airy without being too sweet or floral. They work great in any room.

Mrs. Meyer’s Basil soy candle is a solid choice if you want an herby scent that’s not overpowering. For something hands-off, grab a fresh linen reed diffuser. It sits on your counter or shelf and keeps your space smelling clean for weeks.

You’ll notice the difference right away. Your home will feel more open and ready for the new season.

12. Use Woven Seagrass Baskets

Swap out heavy metal bins or dark wood containers for light, woven seagrass baskets. This simple change instantly makes your space feel brighter and more open for spring.

Seagrass belly baskets work great for storing blankets, magazines, or toys. Their natural blonde color adds warmth without weighing down your room visually.

You can also use rattan storage boxes on shelves or under tables. These pieces bring in texture and a relaxed, coastal feel that fits perfectly with early spring decorating.

The woven patterns catch the light differently than solid materials. This creates visual interest while keeping your storage solutions practical and stylish.

13. Add Yellow Forsythia Branches

Forsythia is one of the first bloomers of the season, making it a classic early spring decorating idea. These bright yellow branches show up when most plants are still dormant.

Cut fresh forsythia stems and place them in a tall vase with water. You can also buy faux yellow forsythia branches if you want something that lasts longer. The yellow stems look striking against a neutral wall or in a white ceramic pitcher.

Put your forsythia arrangement on a windowsill, entry table, or mantel. Change the water every few days if you’re using real branches. The cheerful yellow color instantly brightens any room and reminds you that warmer weather is coming.

14. Style a “Garden Book” Coffee Table

You can’t dig in the dirt yet, but you can still bring garden vibes inside. Stack a few books about gardens and plants on your coffee table to create an easy spring display.

Look for books with green covers since they work like decor on their own. The colors remind you of fresh grass and new leaves without trying too hard.

“Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden” makes a great choice for your stack. Any beautiful coffee table book with gardens or flowers on the cover will work well too.

Mix in a few different sizes of books to add visual interest. You can place a small plant or candle on top of the tallest stack to finish the look.

15. Crisp White Towels in the Bathroom/Kitchen

Swap out your old holiday towels for fresh white ones. This simple change makes your bathroom or kitchen feel clean and spa-like.

White towels work with any decor style. They add a bright, airy touch that signals spring has arrived. Plus, they’re easy to keep looking nice since you can bleach them when needed.

Turkish cotton hand towels are soft and absorbent. They last a long time and get fluffier with each wash. For your kitchen, waffle weave towels dry dishes quickly and look good hanging on your oven handle.

You can fold them neatly on a shelf or roll them in a basket. Either way, crisp white towels instantly freshen up your space without much effort or cost.