12 Christmas doorscaping ideas for a sophisticated look
Attention is typically on decorating the tree at Christmas time, but don't forget about the exterior of your home to bring the magic of the season outdoors. Decorating the front door sets the tone (first impressions and all), and while there are no hard and fast rules, avoid anything OTT or garish. Instead, create a tasteful, sophisticated look that relies on balance and symmetry and a consistent colour scheme. If you're ready to up your kerb appeal, wow your neighbours, and create a wonderfully stylish and festive entrance, tap into the growing doorscaping trend (the art of dressing your door) and get inspired with these Christmas door decoration ideas.
Nature's Green
Christmas is a time to spread joy, and a welcoming, elegant entrance can set the perfect tone.
'Greenery is a wonderful way to enhance your windows and porch. Drape garlands of fresh pine or holly over your windows or frame the edges of your front door for a luxurious, festive feel,' says Jo Trotman, marketing manager at premium window and door designer, The Residence Collection. 'For homes with larger porches, you can add potted evergreens or even a pair of outdoor planters filled with seasonal plants. Decorate them with ornaments, ribbons, or twinkling lights to bring everything together in a cohesive design.'
• Shop the full look at Habitat
Traditionally Red
Father Christmas knows a thing or two about colour that captures the spirit of the season. Red is fabulously bold and daring, and it's the perfect colour to build on for your outdoor Christmas decor.
'Vibrant reds in a high gloss finish look amazing on a front door and you can let the colour do all the talking with a contrasting simple green foliage wreath, which will definitely get the thumbs up from the elves and your neighbours,' says Marianne Shillingford, creative director at Dulux.
• Weathershield Cranberry, Dulux
Fir Delight
Go full-on festive and add a Christmas tree by your door, porch or patio. The potted varieties can be planted into the garden once the festivities are over.
'Real trees (even a cute little one if you haven't the space for a whopper) love being outside and if your door faces the sun, you can use solar fairy lights and lanterns to add extra sparkle once the sun goes down,' says Marianne.
You can buy pot-grown Christmas trees delivered straight to your door from Christmas Trees Direct. If you'd prefer to go faux this year, head to Lights4fun for a good selection of pre-lit potted Christmas trees that will look fabulous year after year.
• Read more: How to care for your potted Christmas tree
The Wow Factor
A homemade wreath is far more rewarding and much easier than you think.
Create a masterpiece with Nordmann spruce, conifer and berried eucalyptus, alongside whole and sliced oranges, dried lavender and natural pine cones. Alternatively, you can create a large floral wreath with colourful dried stems that capture the spirit of the season.
Wreath DIY kits are easily available with all the materials supplied (try these kits from Notonthehighsteet.com or The Real Flower Company), but if you don't feel like making your own, you can browse our roundup of the best Christmas wreaths.
Midnight Magic
Create a magical, festive atmosphere by framing your door and porch with soft, twinkling lights. 'String fairy lights around door frames, or wrap them around columns if you have a porch,' suggests Jo.
Less is more when it comes to lighting. Stick to one colour — warm white or cool white — for a look that is effortlessly stylish.
• Lumify DualWhite Christmas range, The Solar Centre
Bountiful Bows
Tap into this year's hottest Christmas decorating trend by wrapping your front door in a giant bow. It'll mean ditching your wreath, but when it looks as fabulous as this, it's a decision you won't regret. With a supersized bow like this, you'll want to pare it back on other decorations (and stick to a tight colour palette) to create a refined look.
• Red satin door bow, Mrs Mermaids via Etsy. Also available in blush pink and hot pink.
Bauble-tastic
For a modern, maximalist twist, tie colourful baubles together with metallic accents for an extra touch of sparkle. Cluster a few giant baubles for maximum impact, or play with scale by combining smaller baubles with larger ones. You could also add these to a garland framing the door. Try this bauble cluster from Dobbies, these red and white candy cane set from Dunelm, or these giant baubles from Amazon.
• Shop Christmas decorations at Dobbies
Dramatic Black
A classic black door will create the perfect canvas for your seasonal decor and contrast wonderfully with white and red accents. Plus, nothing looks better than a green fir tree or foliage against a black backdrop. Celebrating the festive season outside has never looked more stylish!
If you want to create a Christmas scene, we love this simple idea: This red wooden sledge is topped with decorated gift boxes. It's a lovely way to nod to the tradition of gift-giving.
• Rapid Dry Gloss in Black, Sandtex
Lantern Glow-Up
Don't forget about the pathway to your home. If you have steps leading to your door, line them with LED candles and lanterns; it'll create impact without overpowering your entrance.
Knock Knock
Sometimes, it’s all in the details. Switching out your door knocker is a low-key way to update your door. We love this brass pine cone design, which is a wonderful nod to winter, and Christmas of course. The scales are tipped in polished brass and lacquered for extra protection.
• Solid brass pine cone door knocker, Black Country Metalworks. Also available via Amazon
Upcycled Charm
Feeling extra creative? Use up your leftover paint to give your plant pots a new look. Go festive with green or red, or paint it black to create a striking contrast.
Floor Appeal
Spread a little joy with a Christmas doormat. From pared-back to more novelty designs, it's the perfect welcoming entrance, and it'll set the mood and theme for your home.
• Shop outdoor Christmas decorations at Wayfair
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