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A wreath is the quickest way to make a home look ready for Christmas. It is one object, it takes a minute to hang, and it works on a door, a window, a mirror or a bare wall.
In a small home a wreath has an extra job: it adds a festive layer without using any floor or table space. Here are twelve ideas, from classic greenery to renter-friendly options, with notes on size and hanging.
Pick the size first
- Front door: 22 to 30 inches wide is the usual range. On a narrow door, 20 to 24 inches looks balanced.
- Window: 14 to 20 inches, hung with a ribbon or a suction hook.
- Mirror or cabinet: 12 to 16 inches, so the glass or the door still shows.
- Wall: go larger, 24 to 36 inches, if the wall is empty.
- Rule of thumb: the wreath should cover about two thirds of the width of the surface behind it.
01A classic evergreen wreath
Pine, fir and cedar never go out of style. A full artificial wreath keeps its shape for years, and you can add a few picks or berries to make it yours.
02A pre-lit wreath with warm light
A battery wreath with a timer lights up by itself every evening. It is a good choice for a balcony door or a window where there is no outlet.
03A eucalyptus and white wreath
Soft grey-green leaves with white berries give a calm, modern look. It suits a light entryway or a bedroom wall and feels less traditional.
04A mini wreath for each window
Small wreaths of 10 to 12 inches on each window repeat the same shape and look rich for a low price. Hang them at the same height on a thin ribbon.
05A wreath on a mirror or glass door
A wreath on a mirror doubles in size in the reflection. Use a clear suction hook or a ribbon over the top edge, and keep the weight under a few pounds.
06A wreath on the inside of a door
If the outside door is shared or the wind is strong, hang the wreath inside. An over-the-door hanger with a padded strip keeps the paint safe.
07A cotton or pine cone wreath
Natural materials give a warm, textured look: cotton stems, pine cones, dried orange slices. It fits a farmhouse or Scandinavian room. See also our Scandinavian Christmas decor ideas.
08A velvet ribbon bow
A large velvet bow in red, green or cream changes the whole wreath. Tie it low on the left or right, not in the center, for a more modern look.
09A tiny wreath on a cabinet or the fridge
A 6 to 8 inch wreath on a kitchen cabinet is a cheap way to decorate a small kitchen. Use a removable adhesive hook. For more ideas, see our Christmas kitchen decor ideas.
10A wreath as a wall centerpiece
On a bare wall, a large wreath with warm string lights acts like art. It also frames a small desk or a console without taking any space.
11A wreath hung at different heights
Three wreaths of different sizes, hung at a slight angle on a long wall, make a gallery in one minute. Use the same color family so it looks planned.
12A wreath with a name or a sign
A small wooden sign or a letter in the middle makes the wreath personal. It is a good gift as well.
How to hang without damage
- Painted door: use an over-the-door hanger with a soft pad, or a magnetic hook on a metal door.
- Window or mirror: a suction hook rated for the weight, on a clean dry surface.
- Wall: a removable adhesive hook; check the weight limit on the pack.
- Outdoor door: an artificial wreath is safe in rain, but a battery box should be covered.
Care and storage
A wreath lasts for years if you store it well. Keep it in a hard wreath box or a bag, hang the box on a hook inside a closet, and fluff the branches before you put it up. A wreath that is flat on one side usually just needs to be rotated and shaped by hand.
Before you pay
- Measure the surface before you choose a size.
- Check the weight, since a heavy wreath can pull down a cheap hook.
- Choose an outdoor-rated wreath if it will hang outside.
- For the rest of the entrance, see our Christmas front door decor ideas and our Christmas decor for renters.
