Creative Tips on How and Where to Hang Garland

Learn how to hang garland the right way and creative places to display evergreens for a magical holiday season.

Greetings friend. As we are experiencing our first true cool morning this Fall, I’m thinking about decorating my home to create a warm and festive atmosphere.

I used to struggle with knowing how and where to hang garland indoors but I always loved seeing magazines and other homes look so magical during this time of year.

If you can relate to my garland-hanging struggles, this post is for you! In this article, you’ll find unique and creative places to hang garlands and a step-by-step guide on how to hang garland that will transform your home for the holidays!

How and Where to Hang Garland Inside Your Home for the Holidays

A Brief History of Garland for Winter Decorating

Even though garland, in various forms, have been around for thousands of years, it was during the Middle Ages that they began to appear in homes during the winter season. Evergreen garlands, adorned with holly and ivy symbolized hope and the promise of Spring’s return adding a touch of warmth and cheer to the long-cold winter months.

Later on, during the Victorian era, elaborate garlands made their way into homes featuring candles, ribbons, and ornaments. That is when they really became an essential part of winter and holiday decor.

Let’s dive into the traditional and creative aspects of hanging garland indoors.

Beautiful and lush garland on a fireplace mantel on a german smear fireplace. — Natural Garland on a Fireplace Mantel

Choosing the Right Garland for Your Space

The first step is to decide on faux, real greenery, or a mix. I think ideally, a realistic-looking faux is the most practical as it doesn’t drop needles, can be used year after year, and saves you money. You can spritz it with an evergreen spray if you miss the smell of live evergreens!

Of course, nothing is quite the real deal and I have crafted many evergreen decorations when we had the trees growing in our yard. If you are one of the lucky ones with beautiful pines, spruce, or other evergreens, consider using clipping mixed into a faux garland to get a bit of the real deal. I bet your guests would never know!

A third option is to go with a festive alternative like a metallic or beaded faux garland. The type of garland you choose can set the tone for your overall decor and you can really have fun with the many choices available at craft stores and online these days!

Personally, I’ve found that experimenting with different types of greenery and materials can yield stunning results.

Garland hangs around french doors opened to an eclectic office with a red tinsel Christmas tree. — Simple Garland Around French Doors

Tools and Materials You’ll Need to Hang Garland

Now that we’ve chosen the perfect garland, let’s gather the tools and materials needed to hang it securely.

Invest in Sturdy Hooks or Hangers
To hang your garland securely, use hooks or hangers that can support the weight of the garland. Self-adhesive hooks or removable hooks are excellent options, especially if you want to avoid damaging your walls.

Garland and silver bells hangs from a chandelier over a table with an eclectic table cloth and brass and ornament centerpiece. The view of the living room in the background is decorated for Christmas too. — Garland and Silver Bells Hang from the Chandelier

Measure Twice, Cut Once
Before you start hanging your garland, measure the space carefully to ensure you have the right length. It’s always better to have a little extra than to come up short. Once you have the measurements, you can cut the garland to the desired length using wire cutters.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Hang Garland

With the tools and materials ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of hanging garland indoors. I used to find this part intimidating, but following these steps has made it much easier for me.

Step 1: Prepare the Surface
Start by cleaning the surface where you plan to hang your garland. Wipe away any dust, dirt, or debris with a dry or damp cloth to ensure a smooth application of hooks or hangers.

White walls with green garland around the door frames looks beautiful with a green velvet sofa and white coffee table. — Simple Garland with Black Bows

Step 2: Choose the Right Hooks or Hangers
Select the appropriate hooks or hangers based on your garland’s weight and the surface you’re working with. If you’re hanging garland on a wall, self-adhesive hooks are usually sufficient. For heavier garlands or mantels, opt for sturdy wall hooks or decorative hangers.

Step 3: Measure and Cut the Garland if Needed
Using your measurements, cut the garland to the desired length. Be careful when cutting to avoid damaging the greenery or any attached decorations.

Step 4: Attach the Hooks or Hangers
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to attach the hooks or hangers securely to the surface. Make sure they are level and evenly spaced to create a balanced look.

Step 5: Hang the Garland
Carefully drape or attach the garland to the hooks or hangers. Start from one end and work your way to the other, ensuring it is evenly distributed and doesn’t sag.

How to Attach Garland to a Mantle

I want to address the most traditional spot in the home for garland! And since it can be displayed in many ways, let’s get into how to display garland on a fireplace mantel.

Asymmetrical garland hangs on a fireplace mantel with candles, beads, and stockings. A man's portrait is above it in a green and white traditional living room. — Asymmetrical Garland Hangs on a Fireplace Mantel

Clear off and dust your mantel by wiping it with a damp cloth.

Fluff your garland leaving one side flat so it can sit directly on top of your mantel. This can be done while it is sitting on top. Arrange it so it lays symmetrical or asymmetrical.

You can really have fun with garland arrangements on top of the fireplace mantel. Try adding in extra embellishments of floral picks or stems, tall candle sticks, and ornaments. Use a command hook on top of the mantel to help keep the garland in place if it seems insecure.

Garland with beads and brass candle holders are on a german smear fireplace with a portrait and brass peacock fireplace screen. — Garland with Beads and Brass Candle Holders

If you prefer your garland swaged and/or displayed on the front of your mantel. Use command hooks to attach the garland for a damage-free method and removal.

Creative Ideas for Garland Placement

Now that you’ve mastered the basics of hanging garland, let’s chat about where to place it to enhance the festive atmosphere of your home. There are so many possibilities to explore!

Garland with extra stems of eucalyptus and other greenery looks lush on a floating light blue fireplace mantel with a landscape oil painting above and german smear fireplace stone surround. A tinsel tree with pink and white ornaments is sitting on a white coffee table in front. — Garland with Extra Stems of Eucalyptus and other Greenery

The living room is often the heart of holiday gatherings, making it the perfect place to hang garland. I love draping garland along the mantel or framing a large mirror or piece of artwork. This instantly transforms the space into a cozy and inviting holiday haven.

Rose flower garland hangs asymmetrically from a large mirror in a green and blue hallway for Christmas. — Floral Christmas Garland on a Large Mirror

Tall or short pieces of furniture can look amazing with garland placed on top or in front. Follow the same instructions as the fireplace mantel above.

A large garland rests on top of a tall white and cane cabinet with a green tassel hanging from the knob. — Garland and Green Tassel Adorns a Cane Cabinet

Drape garland or extra leftover pieces over your dining room chandelier. This is a beautiful way to bring a seasonal touch to any holiday!

A mural is the backdrop to silver bells hanging from velvet ribbons and garland on a chandelier. — Silver Bells, Velvet Ribbon, and Garland on a Chandelier

Place garland directly on your dining room table for a beautiful evergreen table runner.

Fresh evergreen sprigs make a garland table centerpiece with blue and white accents. — Fresh Evergreen Sprigs Garland Centerpiece

Don’t limit your garland to the living areas of your home. Bringing the festive spirit into the bedroom can create a cozy retreat. Consider draping garland around the headboard or framing a bedroom mirror for a touch of holiday magic when you wake up in the morning.

Garland on a green velvet headboard with blue and white bedding, a wall mural, and matching wreath. — Simple and Elegant Christmas Bedroom Decor

Smaller pieces of garland attached to the front of floating shelves are a whimsical way to use garland in a small space.

A colorful and eclectic office gets Christmas decor with pine garland on the edges of floating shelves and red poinsettias, red pillow and throw on a grey sofa. — Small Garland on Floating Shelves

Consider using garland in more unusual places like a bar cart! A satin ribbon gives it even more holiday style.

A gold bar cart is decorated with Christmas garland and start lamp. — Simple Garland on a Bar Cart

Tips for Hanging Garland Without Nails

If you’re concerned about damaging your walls with nails or hooks, there are other methods for hanging garland. Here are a few options.

Command Hooks
Command hooks for garland are a lifesaver for renters or anyone looking to avoid wall damage. They come in various sizes and can support different weights. Follow the package instructions to apply them to your walls, and then hang your garland as usual.

Traditional Christmas decor living room corner with a green barrel chair, large art, garland, advent wreath, and gold cabinet with pottery. — Garland and an Advent Wreath Centerpiece Embellish the Living Room

Removable Adhesive Strips
Removable adhesive strips are perfect for lightweight garlands. They provide a strong hold without the need for nails or hooks. Just be sure to choose strips that won’t damage your type of wall when removed.

Pine garland hangs around a pair of french doors with a large blue and white vase full of cherry blossoms. — Christmas Garland and Cherry Blossom Centerpiece

Garland Hangers
Consider using garland hangers specially designed for mantels or doors. They typically grip the edges without leaving marks or residue. Garland hangers come in various styles, including adjustable ones that fit different mantel widths.

Cute tinsel and paper garland hang on a girl's bedroom door with view of bird wallpaper and pink walls. — Tinsel Garland on a Girl’s Bedroom Door

I hope you enjoyed reading all about garlands, from choosing the perfect decorative evergreen and creative places to hang it indoors. It is so wonderful to watch your home transform into a winter wonderland!

Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year’s, or any special occasion, garland has the power to add warmth, beauty, and charm to your home.

Small pieces of garland with pinecones and berries hang on a gold and white chandelier. — Small Pieces of Garland Hang on a Gold Chandelier

Here’s to a season filled with joy, warmth, and the enjoyment of festive decorating.

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