Christmas Wall Decor: 14 Budget Ideas That Make Bare Walls Look Professionally Styled
Christmas wall decor is the easiest way to make a whole room feel finished for the holidays. Think about it. You can fill every table with trees and garland, but if the walls stay bare, the room still looks half done. Searches for it climb every single December, and even Better Homes and Gardens keeps a big roundup of ideas because so many people ask. The good news is that you do not need store prices. Ribbon, thrifted frames, a few wreaths and some free printable art can make any wall look like a designer styled it. Below are fourteen budget ideas, plus tips for hanging it all without nails. Which wall will you start with..
The Christmas Wall Decor Wreath Trio
This is the look everyone saves, and it is so simple. Hang three wreaths in a row, each one on a long piece of velvet ribbon that runs up toward the ceiling. The long ribbon is the secret. It draws the eye up and makes the wall look tall and grand. Dollar store or faux boxwood wreaths work fine, so the whole thing can cost under twenty dollars. Hang them over a console, a sideboard or the dining table. Keep the spacing even and the ribbons the same length for a clean, styled finish. Is there a faster way to make a big blank wall look like a magazine photo..
You will need: 3 wreaths, 5 to 6 yards of wide velvet ribbon, 3 removable ceiling or wall hooks, scissors.
How to make it: 1. Place three hooks in a level row near the ceiling. 2. Tie a ribbon to the top of each wreath. 3. Loop the ribbons over the hooks at the same length. 4. Finish each hook with a small bow.
Vintage Christmas Wall Decor Gallery
Vintage Christmas art is one of the fastest rising searches this season, and you can copy the look for almost nothing. Pick up mismatched frames at the thrift store, often a dollar or two each. Then print free vintage winter paintings from public domain art sites. Think snowy villages, pine forests and old sleigh scenes. Mix gold, black and wood frames for that collected over time feel. Lay them on the floor first to plan the layout, then hang them with picture strips. The result looks like an antique shop wall, but it cost less than one store bought print. Does your family have an old print that could join the mix?
You will need: 6 to 9 thrifted frames, printed vintage winter art, picture hanging strips, a pencil, a level.
How to make it: 1. Print your art to fit the frames. 2. Lay the frames on the floor to plan the layout. 3. Mark the spots lightly on the wall. 4. Hang with picture strips.
Pink Christmas Wall Decor
Pink is having a huge moment this year, and searches for pink Christmas wall art have shot up more than five times. It feels fresh, sweet and a little playful. Start with one wreath and tie on a big blush pink bow. Then frame two simple prints of pastel trees or ornaments on either side. Add a few pink velvet bows along a shelf below to tie it all together. You can find pink ribbon at any craft store or dollar store. This kind of Christmas wall decor looks lovely in bedrooms, nurseries and bright living rooms. Would you try pink this year, or stick with classic red and green?
You will need: A small wreath, wide pale pink ribbon, 2 frames, printable pink Christmas art, small velvet bows.
How to make it: 1. Tie a large pink bow onto the wreath. 2. Hang the wreath in the center. 3. Frame and hang two prints on either side. 4. Line a shelf below with small bows.
Christmas Plate Wall
Grandma knew what she was doing with a plate wall. Thrift stores are full of red transferware and holiday plates, often for a dollar each, and they look stunning grouped together. Hang them with simple adhesive plate hangers that stick right onto the back, so no drilling is needed. Start with the largest plate in the center and work outward with smaller ones. Mix sizes and patterns, but keep the colors to two or three. A short garland above pulls the whole display together. After the holidays, swap in everyday plates and keep the wall up all year. Do you have a few pretty plates hiding in a cabinet right now?
You will need: 7 to 11 thrifted plates, adhesive plate hangers, a short garland, a pencil.
How to make it: 1. Lay the plates on the floor in your design. 2. Attach a hanger to each plate. 3. Hang the largest plate first in the center. 4. Work outward and add garland on top.
Picture Ledge Christmas Wall Decor
A picture ledge is the easiest way to change your walls with the seasons. Instead of hanging art, you just lean it. That means no new holes every time you change your mind. For the holidays, layer a few framed winter prints at different heights, then tuck in mini bottle brush trees and a small bell or two. Run a thin garland along the front edge to frame it all. Overlap the frames a little so it looks relaxed, not stiff. This kind of Christmas wall decor takes ten minutes to style. In January, swap the prints and the ledge is ready for winter. Isn’t it nice when decor works this hard?
You will need: A picture ledge, 3 to 5 frames with winter art, mini bottle brush trees, a thin garland.
How to make it: 1. Mount the ledge at eye level over a sofa or console. 2. Lean the largest frame first. 3. Layer smaller frames in front. 4. Add mini trees and run garland along the edge.
Swap Your Everyday Frames
Here is the cheapest trick on this list. You already have frames on your walls, right? Just slip a winter print in front of the family photo for the season. Snowy forests, red cardinals, pine branches and cozy cabins all feel festive without screaming Christmas. You can print them at home or at a local print shop for a few cents each. The frames stay put, so it takes about fifteen minutes to change the whole room. When the holidays are over, pull the prints out and your photos are right behind them. No new holes, no new frames, and no money spent on decor you will only use once.
You will need: Frames you already own, printed winter art sized to fit, scissors or a paper trimmer.
How to make it: 1. Measure the inside of each frame. 2. Print winter art to that size. 3. Slip the prints in front of your photos. 4. Rehang and enjoy.
Ribbon Bow Wall Along the Stairs
Big velvet bows have become the it decoration of the season, and they look amazing in a row. Line them up down a hallway or step them up a staircase wall, spaced evenly about two feet apart. Make each bow from wide velvet ribbon and use floral wire to shape the loops so they hold their form. Leave long tails for that elegant, flowing look. Hang them on small removable hooks. It costs a few dollars a bow, and the effect is pure luxury. A hallway that guests usually walk right past suddenly feels special, and this is Christmas wall decor that photographs beautifully too. Want a cozier look? Use deep green or cream velvet instead of red.
You will need: Wide velvet ribbon, floral wire, scissors, small removable hooks, a measuring tape.
How to make it: 1. Make each bow and shape it with wire. 2. Cut long tails at an angle. 3. Measure even spacing along the wall. 4. Hang each bow on a hook.
Wooden Bead Garland Swags
Wood bead garlands bring a calm, natural feel to the holidays. Hang two or three garlands in gentle swags across a wall, letting them dip in soft curves. Then hang a small wreath right in the center where the swags meet. That is it. It looks especially pretty over a sideboard or a bed. If you have a few wooden beads and some twine, you can even make your own garland in an evening. This piece of Christmas wall decor goes beautifully with neutral, farmhouse and Scandinavian homes. It is quiet, cozy and stays stylish long after the tree comes down. Would this soft, simple look fit your space this year?
You will need: 2 to 3 wood bead garlands, a small wreath, 3 to 4 small removable hooks.
How to make it: 1. Place hooks at the ends and center of the wall. 2. Drape each garland in a swag. 3. Hang the wreath at the center point. 4. Adjust until the dips look even.
Boho Christmas Wall Hanging
Boho Christmas decor is up hundreds of percent in searches, and this wall hanging is a perfect example. Tie strands of jute or yarn to a wooden dowel, then trim them into a tree shape, wide at the bottom and pointed at the top. Tuck in bits of dried grass and a few wooden beads. Hang it from a simple loop of jute. It is soft, natural and a little bit unexpected, which is exactly why people love it. This is a great one for small bedrooms or apartments where a real tree will not fit. Have you ever tried macrame? This little tree is a fun and forgiving first project.
You will need: A wooden dowel, jute or thick yarn, dried grasses, small wooden beads, sharp scissors.
How to make it: 1. Tie strands of jute along the dowel. 2. Trim the strands into a tree shape. 3. Tuck in dried grass and beads. 4. Add a jute loop and hang it.
Christmas Wall Decor Stair Wreath Stagger
A staircase wall is often the biggest empty wall in the house, so give it some love. Hang five to seven mini wreaths that step up the wall, following the angle of the stairs. Use the same ribbon on each one so it looks planned. Dollar store mini wreaths work perfectly and can be fluffed up with a few extra sprigs. Measure from each stair tread up to the wreath so they all sit at the same height. It is one of the most eye catching ways to use Christmas wall decor, and guests will see it the moment they walk in. Isn’t it amazing what a few little wreaths can do?
You will need: 5 to 7 mini wreaths, thin ribbon, small removable hooks, a measuring tape.
How to make it: 1. Measure the same height above each stair. 2. Place a hook at each mark. 3. Tie a ribbon to each wreath. 4. Hang them in a stepped line.
Christmas Card Wall Display
Where do all your holiday cards end up? Instead of a pile on the counter, turn them into decor. Take a large empty frame, maybe a thrifted one with the glass removed, and stretch a few ribbons across the inside. Clip cards on with tiny clothespins as they arrive in the mail. It fills up through December, so the wall keeps changing and growing. You could also skip the frame and hang ribbons right on the wall in rows. It is a sweet way to see the faces and notes from people you love every single day. Plus, the family photos make it feel personal in a way no store decor can.
You will need: A large empty frame, ribbon, mini wooden clothespins, a staple gun or strong tape.
How to make it: 1. Remove the glass and backing from the frame. 2. Staple ribbons across the back. 3. Hang the frame. 4. Clip on cards as they arrive.
Painted Canvas Christmas Tree Art
You do not have to be an artist for this one. Grab a blank canvas, and use painters tape to mark a simple triangle tree shape. Fill it in with loose green brush strokes, then dab on tiny gold dots for ornaments. Peel off the tape and you have clean, sharp edges that look professional. Add a thin wood frame if you like. A big canvas can fill an entire blank wall for the price of one small print. This kind of Christmas wall decor is also a fun family project on a cold afternoon. Let everyone add a dot or two and hang it with pride. Who in your house loves to paint?
You will need: A large blank canvas, painters tape, green and gold acrylic paint, brushes, an optional frame.
How to make it: 1. Tape off a triangle tree shape. 2. Paint the inside with green strokes. 3. Add gold dots once dry. 4. Peel the tape and hang.
Felt Wall Tree for Small Spaces
No room for a tree? Put one on the wall. Cut a big triangle from green felt sheets, or layer several smaller felt triangles for a more full look. Stick it to the wall with removable strips. Then pin on small, light ornaments and add a star at the top. It takes up zero floor space, so it is perfect for apartments, dorm rooms and small homes. Kids love it too, because the ornaments come off and go back on easily. You could even outline a tree with washi tape for an even simpler version. It might be the most playful Christmas wall decor on the list. Sometimes the smallest homes find the cleverest ideas, don’t they?
You will need: Green felt sheets, scissors, removable mounting strips, small light ornaments, pins, a felt or paper star.
How to make it: 1. Cut the felt into a tree shape. 2. Stick it to the wall with mounting strips. 3. Pin on small ornaments. 4. Add the star on top.
Damage Free Hanging Tips
Renting, or just tired of patching holes every January? You can hang almost everything on this list without a single nail. Clear adhesive hooks hold wreaths and bows. Picture hanging strips work for frames and light canvases. Ceiling hooks made for renters can hold ribbon for the wreath trio. Always check the weight limit on the package and press each strip firmly for thirty seconds. Wait an hour before you hang anything heavy. When the season ends, pull the tab straight down, slowly, and the wall stays clean. Now you can enjoy all of your Christmas wall decor without a single worry. So, which of these fourteen ideas will you try first?
You will need: Clear adhesive hooks, picture hanging strips, removable ceiling hooks, rubbing alcohol, a cloth.
How to make it: 1. Wipe the wall with rubbing alcohol. 2. Press each strip firmly for 30 seconds. 3. Wait one hour before hanging. 4. Remove by pulling the tab slowly straight down.
