20 Christmas Window Decoration Ideas

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Quick answer: 20 Christmas Window Decoration Ideas. This guide gives 20 ideas in 4 sections: Stickers and Gel Clings; Paper and Craft Window Ideas; Lights and Glow; Sills, Frames and Finishing Touches.
Windows are the face of your home at Christmas. A few well chosen decorations brighten the room from inside and make the street feel warmer for everyone walking past.
Here are twenty ideas using stickers, paper snowflakes, lights and gel clings. Most are cheap, renewable and easy to remove afterwards. Keep cords tidy and out of reach of children, and never lean over a window ledge to hang anything high.
Stickers and Gel Clings
The quickest way to decorate a window, and ideal for children to help with.
- Reusable gel clings: Soft gel shapes stick to glass without glue and peel off cleanly. Children can rearrange them each morning, so the window scene changes through December.
- Static snowflake stickers: Thin, clear snowflakes cling to the pane and look beautiful when the light shines through. They suit smaller windows and are easy to remove.
- Santa and reindeer scene stickers: A large scene sticker creates an instant picture from a single piece. Check that the product is designed for glass and take it off before it dries out.
- Frosted effect spray: A stencil and a can of artificial snow can give a wintry look. Use it in a well ventilated room, with an adult doing the spraying.
- Colourful stained glass sheets: Transparent sheets cut into shapes look like stained glass when sunlight shines through them, and children enjoy picking colours.
Paper and Craft Window Ideas
Paper decorations cost almost nothing and children love making them.
- Paper snowflake display: Fold and cut paper into snowflakes, then tape them to the glass in a cluster. Use low tack tape so it peels away without leaving a mark.
- Tissue paper stained glass: Cut a card frame and fill the gaps with coloured tissue paper. Hang it up and watch the sunlight glow through it.
- Paper chain across the window: Run a long paper chain across the top of the window frame. It frames the view and brings plenty of colour.
- Silhouette cut outs: Cut black card into trees, stars or reindeer and stick them to the glass. They look striking against a bright window.
- Window paint pens: Washable window markers let children draw directly on the glass. Choose ones labelled as washable and test a small corner first.
Lights and Glow
Lights make windows sparkle on dark winter evenings.
- Curtain fairy lights: A curtain of lights drapes down the window and glows warmly after dark. Choose a low voltage set with a timer and keep it away from fabric curtains.
- Icicle lights: Icicle style lights hang along the top of the window frame. Make sure the set is suitable for the place you hang it.
- Battery star lights: Hanging stars with battery packs are good for rental homes, as they need no plug socket and no drilling.
- Light up window silhouette: A pre made silhouette in the shape of a tree or reindeer gives a statement look. Place it where it cannot be knocked over.
- Candle effect window lights: Flameless window candles give the traditional look without the risk of fire. Many have timers so they switch on each evening.
Sills, Frames and Finishing Touches
Dress the space around the glass too.
- Garland along the sill: Lay a short greenery garland along the sill with a few baubles. It adds a seasonal touch and hides the base of the glass.
- Hanging baubles on ribbon: Hang baubles at different heights from the frame with ribbon and small adhesive hooks. They catch the sunlight beautifully.
- Mini wreaths on windows: A small wreath on each window looks classic from the street. Use a suction hook so it does not damage the paint.
- Paper stars in a row: Cut stars from foil card and string them in a line. They flutter and shine in draughts.
- Window sill snow village: A tiny village on the sill with warm lights inside is magical. Keep it clear of curtains and young children.
Helpful links and further reading
A few trusted places to find out more.
- Recycle Now: Find out what you can recycle and where, including wrapping and cards.
- WRAP: An environmental charity with ideas for cutting waste and food waste.
Frequently asked questions
Will stickers damage my windows?
Quality static or gel clings should peel away cleanly. Always follow the instructions, and test a small corner first.
How do I make my windows look good from outside?
Place decorations on the outside face of the glass or choose lights that glow warmly through. Keep a consistent colour scheme.
Are window decorations safe for children?
Choose non toxic products and keep cords short and tidy. Supervise young children near windows and decorations.
More ideas you might like
- Christmas Lights Ideas
- Christmas Wreath Ideas
- Homemade Christmas Decorations
- Easy Christmas Crafts for Kids
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