How to decorate your windows like a pro this Christmas
Christmas window decorations can transform bland windows into exceptionally festive displays that will be appreciated by neighbours and passers-by alike.
As decorating the exterior of our homes (from door garlands to outdoor Christmas trees) becomes the norm, the windows of a house deserve just as much festive attention.
Sprucing up your windows for Christmas will make your home look and feel cosy from the outside in, so it's important not to overlook the impact of a well-dressed window this holiday season.
For some, Christmas window decorations extend merely to a can of fake snow for the desired Christmassy effect, and for others it requires draping fairy lights across the window frame or adding festive stickers, stencils or window film.
Even if you're a minimalist at heart and you'd rather not mess with your carefully curated interiors, here we suggest some easy, fuss-free Christmas window decoration ideas.
Choose the perfect Christmas window lights
You can create a dazzling window display indoors with curtain lights. It's a quick and easy way to add some charm to your home and give it that warm, cosy feeling, as well as bringing a magical look to your space.
Fairy lights will work equally as well too. Simply drape lights above your window, or create more of a magical installation within the window frame.
Or, as Cheskie Baker, designer and co-founder of CHESKIE, suggests: 'A simple yet elegant way to work with fairy lights is to gather glass vases and bowls of different sizes and fill with dainty battery powered lights. Arrange the lights within the bowls and vases for a festive and romantic display. To go one step further, arrange some eucalyptus and spruce around the base of each vase and bowl.'
If you want to add lights outdoors too, the experts at B&Q advise: 'The first step is to check the product carefully before buying to ensure you know exactly where it can be used to decorate your home. Some festive lights may be limited to indoors only if they are made of delicate materials that could be damaged by the weather. The lights may look magical and tempting to touch, but remember to always keep them out of reach from small children and pets.'
Create ambience with candles
A few candles in white, silver or gold will look excellent on your windowsill, especially when accompanied by reflective ornaments that accentuate the flickering flame. To avoid a fire risk, always opt for LED candles. There are some great realistic LED options available, especially taper designs, and you can even buy scented ones too.
Decorate with a window garland
Style a Christmas garland around your window frame, along the top half, or place it along your windowsill. A pre-lit design is great for some festive sparkle or just add fairy lights. An alternative is using a Christmas swag or wreath – place this in your front window for a welcoming display.
Want to make your own garland? 'Look to gather some eucalyptus, douglas fir or spruce and small cedar branches. You’ll also need some ribbon and florist wire to get you started,' says Cheskie. 'Bundle small pinches of each bit of foliage, wrap tightly together at the bottom with the florist wire and then with the same length of wire, tie around one end of the ribbon. Repeat this process, working your way up the length of ribbon, until you have your homemade garland, ready to be arranged on your windowsill.'
Place your Christmas tree close to the window
'If space allows, placing your tree in the window instantly dresses your windows without a fuss, but be careful that it's not too big as to block any light from coming into your home,' say the experts at The Residence Collection.
'If space is an issue, why not place a smaller Christmas tree in front of your window instead? You can still decorate with baubles and lights, and it creates a festive statement at a quarter of the size. Pop it on a table in front of your window for extra height.'
Accessorise with ornaments
If you've got some leftover baubles, use them to create a small festive arrangement on your windowsill. LED baubles are even better for that extra sparkle.
Use flowers
Get a vase and add festive foliage or dried flowers, or plant up a trough with some sprigs of red berries, cut poinsettia flowers, pine branches, moss and pine cones for a stylish window display. For texture and height, layer with string lights, LED candles and mini Christmas trees.
Add Christmas window stickers and stencils
An easy, fuss-free way to decorate your windows is to add stickers and stencils. There's no need to go OTT but a few sticker designs can really elevate your window panes. It's also a great decoration for children, as they'll love adding some festive decor to their bedroom window.
Get creative with Christmas cards
Sometimes it's hard to know what to do with all the Christmas cards we receive – there's never enough space on the sideboard or mantel to hold them all.
'A fun way to display your Christmas cards is to staple them to long lengths of ribbon, with dashes of holly at the top of each card and then hang them down either side of your window to frame it,' suggests Cheskie.
Don't forget your roof lantern or skylight
Do you have a roof lantern or skylight built into your home? 'Be sure not to miss the opportunity to hang up some decorations that cater to the natural light spilling through,' says Jonathan Hey, founder and CEO of Aliwood Roof Lanterns. 'Glass ornaments that refract the light and send a shimmering glow across the walls are highly recommended!'
And one more thing...
Consider how you're going to hang your trimmings. Seasonal decor will be taken down after a few weeks so the last thing you want to do is make any permanent damage to your windows. Command adhesives are great for hanging temporary decorations across the home.
'Clear self-adhesive hooks work well and can be removed without damage. For best results, clean and dry the window first – this will remove any unwanted residue and ensure the hooks stick properly. You're then ready to apply and secure the hooks where you need them,' says Adam Pawson, head of digital at Safestyle.
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