How to Decorate Your Window
Furnishings This Festive Season
The holidays are the perfect time to transform your home into a warm, welcoming space filled with colour, sparkle, and seasonal charm. And while we often focus on Christmas trees, tabletops, and outdoor lights, many homeowners overlook one of the best decorative features in the home: your windows and window furnishings.
Windows naturally draw attention, they’re light sources, focal points, and the frames through which your décor comes alive. By incorporating your blinds, curtains, and shutters into your holiday styling, you elevate your home’s festive feel while creating a cohesive, polished look.
Whether you prefer an elegant, minimalist aesthetic or a bold, colourful display, this guide will show you how to decorate your window furnishings beautifully and safely. From garlands and ornaments to wreaths and fairy lights, here are creative ways to spark holiday joy through your window spaces.
Why Decorate Your Windows for the Holidays?
Decorating window furnishings isn’t just about adding “something pretty.” Well-styled windows can:
- Enhance natural light and create warm ambience
- Make your home look festive from both inside and outside
- Frame holiday scenes and décor pieces
- Add balance to rooms with large furniture or a Christmas tree
- Offer low-cost ways to elevate your holiday styling
Because windows sit at eye level and often face communal areas, they naturally become part of your seasonal storytelling.
Choosing a Holiday Style That Suits Your Window Furnishings
| Style | Description | Best Window Furnishings For | Suggested Decor Items |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Christmas | Traditional reds, greens, golds | Curtains, Roller Blinds | Wreaths, garlands, ribbon |
| Nordic Minimalist | Whites, neutrals, soft textures | Plantation Shutters | Paper stars, candles |
| Modern Metallic | Silvers, golds, black accents | Aluminium Venetians | Metallic ornaments, LED lights |
| Coastal Christmas | Blues, sandy tones, natural textures | Sheer Curtains | Shell ornaments, driftwood décor |
| Colourful & Fun | Bright colours and playful shapes | Roller & Vertical Blinds | Baubles, hanging garlands |
Your window décor should complement, not clash with, your home’s existing colour palette and furnishings.
Decorating Blinds for the Holidays
Blinds are sleek, modern, and easy to decorate when handled with care. The key is avoiding adhesives that may damage fabrics or surfaces.
1. Roller Blinds
Roller blinds offer a smooth, clean backdrop for festive décor. You can style around them without interfering with their function.
Ideas:
- Frame the window with garlands: Use removable hooks on the wall or window frame, not the blind fabric, to drape eucalyptus, pine, or tinsel garlands.
- Add paper snowflakes or stars: Hang lightweight decorations from the curtain rod, pelmet, or ceiling for a floating effect.
- Use a festive pull cord ornament: If your roller blind has a chain, attach a small holiday charm at the end (making sure it doesn’t affect tension).
2. Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are common in rentals and sliding door areas. They’re easy to decorate without causing damage.
Ideas:
- Hang ornaments between slats: Choose lightweight baubles or stars and tie them gently to individual vanes.
- Add a holiday curtain overlay: Hang sheer festive curtains over the blinds for a soft, magical glow.
- Decorate the headrail area: Style garlands across the top using removable clips.
3. Venetian Blinds
Aluminium or timber-look Venetians can add eye-catching contrast when decorated thoughtfully.
Ideas:
- Weave ribbon through the slats: Use thin, festive ribbon in metallic tones for a subtle, elegant touch.
- Clip-on ornaments: Miniature baubles can be clipped onto slats using craft-safe clips.
- Pair with greenery: Fresh pine branches on the windowsill complement the clean lines of Venetians.
Decorating Curtains for the Holidays
Curtains are incredibly flexible when it comes to festive decorating. Their texture and fabric provide warmth and dimension.
Add Festive Tiebacks
Instead of standard tiebacks, try:
- Ribbons in holiday colours
- Beaded strings
- Mini wreath tiebacks
- Fabric ties with bells or ornaments
This simple change instantly elevates your window styling.
Layer with Sheers
Holiday sheers featuring snowflakes, stars, or subtle glitter can be draped in front of existing curtains for a magical look. Soft lighting behind sheers creates a cosy, glowing ambience.
Hang Decor from Curtain Rods
Your curtain rod is perfect for:
- Hanging wreaths
- Lightweight ornaments
- Garland swags
- Fairy lights (battery-operated for safety)
This keeps your curtains undamaged while using the space effectively.
Decorating Shutters for the Holidays
Plantation shutters bring timeless elegance to any room, and decorating them for the holidays accentuates their architectural beauty.
Use the Louvres Creatively
Tuck small sprigs of pine, holly, or eucalyptus between the louvres (avoid heavy items). You can also add slim LED micro-lights around the frame for a subtle glow.
Hang Wreaths or Mini Garlands
Use removable hooks on the surrounding wall or window frame to hang wreaths that sit neatly in front of the shutters. For a minimalist look, opt for a single wreath centred on the window.
Decorate the Windowsill
Shutters naturally draw the eye downward. Use the sill for:
- Candles (LED)
- Mini Christmas trees
- Holiday figurines
- Pinecones, baubles, or snow globes
This adds holiday charm without interfering with shutter operation.
Lighting Your Window Furnishings Safely
Tips for Using Lights
- Choose battery-powered LED lights for safety and convenience.
- Avoid draping electric lights directly over fabric blinds or curtains.
- Prevent tripping hazards by keeping cords off the floor.
<li”>Never attach lights to moving blind mechanisms.
Soft lighting makes your windows glow beautifully from both inside and outside the home.
Decorating Windows from the Outside
Outdoor-facing displays create festive kerb appeal and brighten up the neighbourhood.
- Outline your windows with outdoor-safe LED lights
- Add hanging stars or snowflakes visible from outside
- Install a wreath or garland on exterior shutters or frames
- Place lanterns on windowsills for a warm night-time glow
Waterproof decorations are essential for safety and longevity.
Holiday Window Styling Ideas for Different Rooms
- Living Room: This area often holds the Christmas tree, so keep window décor cohesive with the main theme. Add fairy lights, garlands, or curtain rod ornaments.
- Kitchen: Use simple, space-friendly décor such as small wreaths, mini garlands, or festive tea towels near window spaces.
- Bedrooms: Add cosy charm with warm white lights, paper stars, or soft garlands. Stick to lighter décor to keep the space restful.
- Bathrooms: Keep it minimal, small greenery, mini hanging ornaments, or frosted window clings are ideal.
Holiday Window Décor Mistakes to Avoid
- Using adhesives that damage blind fabric or shutter paint
- Blocking the function of blinds or shutters
- Using heavy items that pull on rods or frames
- Overcrowding your window space
- Using lights that get too warm near fabrics
A well-balanced, safe display keeps your furnishings looking great long-term.
Bring Your Windows to Life This Holiday Season
Decorating your window furnishings for the holidays is a wonderful way to spread festive cheer throughout your home. With thoughtful touches, from garlands and lights to ornaments and themed accents, you can transform ordinary windows into beautiful seasonal features that shine day and night.
If you’re planning to upgrade your blinds, curtains, or shutters before the holiday season, now is the perfect time.
