Christmas decorating often focuses on the tree and fireplace mantel, but don’t overlook areas like windows, staircases, and entryways. These spaces are prime spots to bring holiday cheer into your home, and with thoughtful touches, they can transform into festive highlights. Here’s how to give these often-forgotten areas the attention they deserve for the holiday season.
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Christmas Decorating for Windows
Windows offer a fantastic opportunity to create a festive display visible from both inside and outside your home. Here’s how to make them shine:
Symmetry and Focal Points
Start by selecting the best windows to decorate. Look for windows that are symmetrical or in prominent locations, like those facing the street or in an entryway. Symmetry brings balance, so decorating two windows on either side of a door or fireplace creates a harmonious look. Choose a focal point between the windows, such as a wreath or garland, to anchor the decorations and create visual interest.
Window Decorations: Wreaths, Garlands, and Lights
Decide on the type of decorations you want to use. Wreaths are a classic choice and can be hung using ribbon from the curtain rod. Make them fuller with added picks and ornaments, and consider adding a pendant in the center for an extra festive touch. Battery-operated lights can enhance wreaths, but be sure to hide the battery pack from both the inside and outside for a clean look.
Garlands can be draped across the top of windows or wrapped around window frames. To elevate the design, add decorative lights, vines, and ornaments at varying heights and depths. Camouflage cords along trims or behind curtains for a neat appearance. To create a warm, cozy atmosphere, use yellow lights instead of blue-white ones, mimicking the look of candlelight.
Lighting Tips for a Luxurious Look
Lighting is key to making your window décor stand out. Use a mix of lighting finishes, such as frosted bulbs or different-sized lights, to add dimension. Put your lights on a smart plug to control them with Alexa or other smart devices, making it easy to switch them on or off all at once. Adding extra lights will bring your decorations to life and give them a luxurious feel.
Decorating the Entryway for Christmas
The entryway is the first space guests see when they walk into your home, so make it a welcoming, festive area that sets the tone for the rest of your décor.
Choosing Decorations for the Entryway
Similar to windows and staircases, symmetry works well in entryways. Consider placing two identical wreaths on double doors or using matching garlands around the doorframe. You can also add smaller decorative touches like lanterns, candles, or a festive welcome mat to complete the look.
Lighting for a Cozy Entryway
Lighting once again plays a key role. String lights woven into garlands around the door or on nearby plants can give your entryway a magical glow. Lighting candles—whether arranged along the walkway, in lanterns by the steps, or clustered at the entry—adds a warm, inviting touch. Just like with window and staircase decorations, yellow lights are ideal for creating a warm, candle-like ambiance.
Decorating the Staircase for Christmas
Your staircase is another overlooked area that can be transformed into a festive focal point with the right touches.
Step-by-Step Staircase Decorating
- Decide on Garland Placement: Start by determining where you want to place the garland. Whether you wrap it tightly along the banister or drape it loosely, different placements create different moods. Take pictures to help you decide which style works best.
- Attach the Garland: Use ribbon to attach the garland to the banister, which prevents scratching the wood. If your garland has wired branches, use them to secure the garland for a seamless look.
- Add Lights: Lights are a must. Use a combination of LED fairy lights and traditional Christmas lights to add dimension and depth. The different types of lights will create a layered and dynamic look.
- Decorate the Main Focal Point: The base of the stairs often serves as the main focal point, so decorate it with larger ornaments, oversized baubles, or even a festive basket of pinecones.
- Decorate the Attachment Points: Every point where the garland attaches to the banister is an opportunity to add a mini design moment. Keep these mini moments consistent with the main focal point by using smaller decorations, like ribbons, small baubles, or sprigs of greenery. If it feels too cluttered, you can decorate every other attachment point instead.
- Add Finishing Touches: Baubles, picks, and additional ornaments can be tucked into the garland for extra texture and detail. Consider bringing in extra décor around the staircase, like lanterns, gift boxes, or small Christmas trees, to further enhance the area.
Final Tips for Decorating Overlooked Spaces
- Use Varied Textures: Mix and match different finishes like frosted bulbs, textured ribbons, and metallic ornaments to add depth to your decorations.
- Stay Cohesive: Ensure that all decorations, from windows to staircases to entryways, tie together in a cohesive design. This means using similar colors, finishes, and styles throughout your home.
- Focus on Placement: Be strategic about where you place your decorations. Not every window, banister, or corner needs to be decked out—sometimes less is more, and focusing on a few key areas can make a bigger impact.
In conclusion, by thoughtfully applying Christmas decorating touches to overlooked spaces like windows, staircases, and entryways, you can create a cohesive holiday ambiance throughout your home. These small, often forgotten areas become captivating focal points that welcome warmth and joy into every corner, setting a festive tone for all who enter. Embrace the details, blend textures and lighting, and let your holiday spirit shine in each space.
