61 Stunning DIY Christmas Garland Ideas to Transform Your Holiday Decor
You’re about to discover the most creative and festive Christmas garland ideas that will completely transform your home this holiday season.
From classic popcorn strings to modern paper designs, these DIY projects will help you create that perfect holiday atmosphere you’ve been dreaming of.
Whether you’re decorating your mantel, staircase, or any room in your house, you’ll find the perfect garland inspiration right here.
01. Classic Handmade Popcorn Garland
Credit: Inspired By Charm
70K+ People Bought this $29 game-changer Last Month (The Reviews Are Insane)
You’ll love how a traditional popcorn garland instantly adds that nostalgic, homemade charm to your Christmas decorating.
Try layering it with evergreen garland and bright red ornaments for a stunning tree or staircase display that feels both timeless and cozy.
02. Elegant White Paper Flower Garland
Credit: Liz Marie Blog
Transform your mantel into something magical with delicate white paper flowers that create an ethereal, dreamy holiday atmosphere.
Pair your garland with brass candlesticks and white tapers for that perfect farmhouse elegance that guests will absolutely adore.
03. Textured Fabric and Yarn Garland
Credit: @homesteadcitydwelling / Instagram
You can create incredible depth by mixing different textile garlands made from soft fabrics and colorful yarns.
Layer neutral pompom garlands with multi-colored ball garlands to complement playful holiday displays featuring Santa hats and charming gnomes throughout your space.
04. Bright Kitchen Shelf Berry Garland
Credit: Annie Sloan
Your open kitchen shelving deserves a festive makeover with vibrant red berry garland that brings instant holiday warmth.
Add holiday greens in vases, tea lights in champagne glasses, and green pottery to create that cozy, welcoming atmosphere everyone loves.
05. Natural Eucalyptus Staircase Garland
Credit: Annie Sloan
If you have a grand staircase, keep your design beautifully simple with flowing eucalyptus bunches and berries tied along the banister.
Add a matching wreath and some upside-down leaf clusters to create that cohesive, elegant look that feels effortlessly sophisticated.
06. Eco-Friendly Fresh Cranberry Garland
Credit: The House That Lars Built
Create a stunning low-waste Christmas garland by threading fresh cranberries onto strong thread using a large embroidery needle.
Try draping double strands from your mantel center for added visual drama, and enjoy the beautiful natural color these berries provide.
07. Bold Modern Paper Fan Garland
Credit: Annie Sloan
Put a contemporary twist on your holiday decor by combining unexpected bright colors like shocking pink and vibrant Kelly green.
A playful paper fan garland against bold wall colors creates that bright, uplifting holiday energy that feels fresh and modern.
08. Colorful Dehydrated Orange Slice Garland
Credit: Marie Flanigan Interiors
Dried orange slices bring gorgeous natural color to your traditional holiday displays and smell absolutely wonderful too.
Layer them over bushy green garlands on your mantel, then add elegant velvet stockings for that perfect balance of rustic and refined.
09. Nostalgic Christmas Letter Garland
Credit: Inspired By Charm
Add heartwarming vintage charm to your staircase garland by clipping old Christmas cards and holiday postcards with wooden clothespins.
This personal touch creates beautiful memories and gives your holiday decorating that authentic, treasured family heirloom feeling everyone cherishes.
10. Contemporary Fireplace Garland
Credit: Mindy Gayer Design Co. / Photo by Vanessa Lentine
Give your sleek modern fireplace cozy holiday warmth with flowing garlands made from fresh greens and dramatic magnolia leaves.
Drape everything in a casual, asymmetrical way to create that relaxed, lived-in feeling that makes your space feel welcoming and comfortable.
11. Stunning Christmas Table Runner Garland
Credit: Urbanology Designs / Matti Gresham Photography
Create an effortless centerpiece by running an extra-long garland straight down your dining table or zigzagging it around candlesticks.
Let it puddle naturally on the floor for that nonchalant, organic look that makes your holiday dining feel beautifully relaxed.
12. Simple Bedroom Window Garland
Credit: Bria Hammel Interiors / Brooke & Lou
Transform your all-white bedroom into a fresh holiday retreat with a simple green garland draped along your curtain rod.
This understated approach brings just enough festive spirit without overwhelming your peaceful, serene sleeping space that you love.
13. Uplifting Message Garland
Credit: Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp
Layer your evergreen garland with twinkling lights and add a bright red “JOY” sign to spread positive holiday messages.
This combination creates that uplifting, cheerful atmosphere that instantly makes everyone feel the magic and wonder of the season.
14. Luxurious Maximalist Garland
Credit: Design by Mel Bean Interiors / Photo by Laurey Glenn
Create a show-stopping maximalist mantel with an oversized garland that completely frames your fireplace in contemporary formal style.
Embellish with lights, elegant bows, faux flowers, and ball ornaments in varying sizes for that luxurious, professionally decorated look.
15. Family Room TV Wall Garland
Credit: Ursula Carmona of Home Made By Carmona
Add instant holiday vibes to your family room by draping festive garland around your television and entertainment center.
A pine cone-studded green garland against dark built-ins creates beautiful contrast and brings nature indoors for cozy family gatherings.
16. Surprising Wall Art Garland
Credit: Design by GordonDunning / Photo by Emily Followill
Create an unexpected decorative element by draping garland over your existing large framed prints and wall photographs.
This clever technique adds a delightful surprise to your regular decor and makes your artwork feel fresh and festive.
17. Cozy Headboard Garland
Credit: Brexton Cole Interiors
Give your bedroom an instant holiday makeover by draping your tufted headboard with fresh, fragrant green garland instead of wall decorations.
Add small white berries for that clean, fresh look that transforms your sleeping space into a peaceful winter wonderland.
18. Sparkling DIY Mylar Pompom Garland
Credit: A Beautiful Mess
Create a bright, merry Christmas mantel with easy DIY pompoms made from shiny gold Mylar paper that catches the light beautifully.
This simple project adds glamorous sparkle to your holiday display and creates that festive, celebratory mood you want throughout your home.
19. Piano Top Holiday Garland
Credit: Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp
Transform your upright piano into the perfect holiday display canvas with lighted green garland as your beautiful foundation.
Add illuminated Christmas trees, ball ornaments, white flowers, and house-shaped votives for a magical, musical holiday vignette that delights everyone.
20. Layered Farmhouse Staircase Garland
Credit: Liz Marie Blog
Create incredible dimension by layering multiple different garlands along your staircase and entryway for that rich, textured farmhouse feel.
Add a vintage sleigh filled with undecorated garlands as a whimsical accent that brings extra charm to your holiday entrance.
21. Rich Maximalist Layered Garlands
Credit: @homesteadcitydwelling / Instagram
Get creative by combining multiple store-bought garlands in neutral tones to create that warm, maximalist Christmas mantel display.
Try making your own leaf garland by attaching beautiful gold paper leaves to chain or thick string for custom color coordination.
22. Moody Bedroom Window Garland
Credit: Most Lovely Things
Add enchanting Christmas vibes to your dark-walled bedroom with simple garland wrapped in golden fairy lights around your window.
This creates that perfect moody, romantic atmosphere that makes your bedroom feel like a cozy holiday retreat you’ll never want to leave.
23. Interactive Advent Calendar Garland
Credit: A Beautiful Mess
Create a functional and festive advent calendar garland using simple star shapes that delights kids and adults alike.
This reusable project works beautifully on leaning ladders, mantels, or walls, and creates new family traditions that last for years to come.
24. Elegant Bathroom Mirror Garlands
Credit: Sarah Jane Christy
Layer faux cedar garland with vintage silver bead garland around your dark wood bathroom mirror for unexpected holiday elegance.
This sophisticated combination brings festive spirit to your private spaces while maintaining that cozy, intimate atmosphere you cherish most.
25. Minimalist Scandinavian-Style Garland
Credit: Annie Sloan
Create cozy minimalist vibes by layering simple string lights with green-and-white paper leaf garland above your bed.
This understated approach complements chalk-painted wood panels and simple linen bedding for that perfect Scandinavian holiday aesthetic you adore.
26. Coordinated Matching Garlands
Credit: Brexton Cole Interiors
Give your living room an instant cohesive makeover by using matching garlands across your mantel, dressers, and console furniture.
This unified approach creates that professionally decorated look that makes your entire space feel polished and thoughtfully designed throughout the holidays.
27. Vibrant Colorful Beaded Garlands
Credit: Annie Sloan
Hang oversized double beaded garlands in festive red, white, and green above your bed for an unexpectedly bold statement.
Choose bead colors that match your preferred Christmas color scheme to create perfect harmony with your other holiday decorations.
28. Wild Natural Branch Garland
Credit: Annie Sloan
Mix different types of green and red branches with berries at varying heights to create that stylized, slightly wild natural look.
This organic approach using natural elements brings the beautiful outdoors inside and creates that authentic, foraged forest feeling throughout your home.
29. Farmhouse Bedroom Natural Garland
Credit: Liz Marie Blog
Drape your white iron headboard with natural garland and string bulb lights, then add a matching wreath for complete coordination.
This farmhouse Christmas bedroom approach creates that peaceful, rustic charm that makes your sleeping space feel like a cozy countryside retreat.
30. Welcoming Dining Room Garlands
Credit: Pine and Prospect Home
Line your door frames and arched openings between living and dining rooms with lush green garlands for seamless holiday flow.
This technique creates that homey, festive feeling throughout your entertaining spaces and makes your entire home feel wonderfully connected and welcoming.
31. Rustic Bathroom Sink Garland
Credit: @milkandhoneylife / Instagram
Add just the right amount of Christmas charm to your bathroom with natural green garland and foraged pine cones on rustic wood.
Layer several shorter garlands so they overlap beautifully, creating the perfect illusion of one longer, more substantial decorative element.
32. Traditional Kitchen Cabinet Garland
Credit: Design by Courtney St. John Studio / Photo by Brent Bingham
Fill the empty space above your kitchen cabinets with lighted garland that reaches beautifully toward your ceiling line.
Add red-and-black checkered bows for that festive, traditional feel that makes your kitchen the heart of your holiday home celebrations.
33. Modern Boho Wood Bead Garland
Credit: Lovely Indeed
Make a quick DIY wood bead garland using various sized beads and baker’s twine for that light, modern bohemian touch.
This versatile, neutral garland works perfectly on trees, coffee tables, and holiday dining, plus it’s beautiful enough to repurpose year-round.
34. Statement Bay Window Garland
Credit: Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp
Create a dramatic focal point by draping long green garland completely around your bay window frame for maximum visual impact.
This creates the perfect festive frame for a large Christmas tree and makes your living room windows feel cozy and inviting.
35. Charming DIY Paper Star Garland
Credit: Inspired By Charm
Use materials you already have by punching stars from old book pages and shiny gold paper, then stringing them together.
This handmade approach gives your tree that authentic, crafted feel, and using a star-shaped hole punch makes the project quick and easy.
36. Creative Deconstructed Garland
Credit: @s.u.s.a.p / Instagram
Don’t be afraid to cut up your garland to fit non-linear spaces like bathtub surrounds and create custom holiday vignettes.
Add pillar candles, twinkle lights, and a black wire Christmas lantern for that romantic, spa-like holiday bathing experience everyone deserves.
37. Whimsical DIY Swan Christmas Garland
Credit: A Beautiful Mess
Create unique clay ornaments using swan-shaped cookie cutters, then poke holes before baking and paint them in your favorite colors.
Add real feathers to the bodies for extra texture, and layer with other garland styles for maximalist appeal or hang alone for minimalist elegance.
38. Minimalist Half Bathroom Garland
Credit: The Merrythought
Crown your simple bathroom mirror with a minimalist half garland made from holiday branches and dehydrated orange slices.
This understated approach adds just enough festive charm without overwhelming your small space, creating that perfect cozy, handmade holiday feeling.
39. Custom Painted Ornament Garland
Credit: Annie Sloan
Choose your own unique Christmas color palette and hand-paint simple ball ornaments in custom colors that match your decor perfectly.
This personalized approach ensures your staircase garland coordinates beautifully with your specific style and existing holiday decorations throughout your home.
40. Dramatic Ceiling Height Garland
Credit: M Starr Design
In rooms with lots of windows and limited wall space, hang your Christmas garland at ceiling height for maximum visual impact.
Keep decorations minimal and fasten securely with nails or temporary adhesive hooks to ensure safety while creating that dramatic floating effect.
41. Dramatic Moody Mantel Garland
Credit: Craftberry Bush
Create stunning visual drama with multi-directional garland that includes both horizontal and vertical greens, pine cones, and rich berries.
Add volume to faux garland by layering it with fresh greens and berries for that fuller, more authentic and luxurious holiday look.
42. Elegant French Doors Garland
Credit: Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp
Transform your French doors into a stunning holiday focal point by draping long green garland completely around the door frame.
This classic technique creates that elegant, welcoming entrance that makes your dining room feel special and ready for festive holiday entertaining.
43. Simple Elegant Ivy Garland
Credit: Annie Sloan
Use real or faux ivy vines to create an instant, effortless mantel garland that feels naturally elegant and sophisticated.
Add colorful taper candles, beautiful ornaments, and a tall potted plant for height, plus hang black-and-white striped stockings for timeless style.
44. Modern Asymmetrical Garland
Credit: @lemonleafhomeinteriors / Instagram
Create contemporary visual interest by allowing your green garland to spill dramatically down just one side of your neutral fireplace.
Layer with chunky wood bead garland and tasseled garland to add beautiful volume and that perfectly imperfect, modern asymmetrical aesthetic.
45. Welcoming Front Door Garland
Credit: Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp
Create an organic, welcoming entrance with lighted Christmas garland around your front door frame that trails along your walkway.
Add a generous pine swag tied with ribbon directly on your door for that perfectly coordinated, holiday-ready first impression everyone will love.
46. Elegant China Cabinet Garland
Credit: Design by Kibler & Kirch / Photo by Lucy Call
Drape sophisticated magnolia leaf garland on top of your china cabinet to beautifully highlight your collection of Christmas tree plates.
Create visual cohesion throughout your formal dining room by using the same magnolia leaves on both garlands and wreaths for professional designer appeal.
47. Playful Fa La La Garland
Credit: Liz Marie Blog
Add lighthearted charm to your maximalist neutral farmhouse mantel with a cheerful “Fa La La” letter garland that spreads joy.
Cut large letters from sturdy cardstock and string them up for that playful, sing-along spirit that makes your holiday decorating feel wonderfully whimsical.
48. Cozy Bookshelf Garland
Credit: Design by Emily Henderson / Styling by Emily Bowser / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp
Transform the top of your freestanding or built-in bookcase with festive garland, candles, and ornaments for an easy holiday makeover.
Complete the look by decorating lower shelves with house-shaped votives, golden reindeer statues, and stockings for that perfect cozy holiday picture.
49. Grand Oversized Staircase Garland
Credit: The House That Lars Built
Make a magnificent statement in your entryway with an oversized DIY paper holly and berry garland that creates whimsical grandeur.
This dramatic approach uses simple elements to create maximum visual impact and transforms your staircase into a truly spectacular holiday focal point.
50. Refined Velvet Ribbon Garland
Credit: Finding Lovely
Add sophisticated elegance to your minimalist green garland with luxurious brown velvet ribbon tied at equally spaced intervals.
Knotting the ribbon rather than creating bows results in that more minimal, refined look that feels sophisticated and thoughtfully designed.
51. Cozy Living Room Window Garland
Credit: Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp
Make your large bank of windows feel cozier by pairing lighted window frame garland with an oversized half hoop wreath.
This combination creates that warm, inviting feeling that transforms your living room into the perfect space for holiday gatherings and family time.
52. Custom DIY Ornament Garland
Credit: Lovely Indeed
Turn any set of beautiful ornaments into a stunning Christmas garland by simply stringing them onto sturdy twine or wire.
Customize this project using any ornament shape, size, or color palette that perfectly suits your existing decor and personal holiday style preferences.
53. Elegant Kitchen Island Garland
Credit: Design by Mel Bean Interiors / Photo by Laurey Glenn
If you have the counter space, transform your kitchen island with full garland embellished with ornaments like shiny gold Christmas trees.
This approach elevates your open-plan kitchen into a sophisticated holiday entertaining space that feels welcoming and beautifully decorated for the season.
54. Welcoming Front Door Frame Garland
Credit: Finding Lovely
Create a cohesive outdoor holiday entrance by draping natural garland around your front door frame and adding matching planters.
Use the same greens on your garland, wreath, and flanking planters for that perfectly coordinated look that welcomes guests with holiday warmth.
55. Fun Christmas Sweater Garland
Credit: A Beautiful Mess
Add some playful holiday kitsch with a printable Christmas sweater garland that’s perfect for decorating kids’ rooms or shelves.
Have fun personalizing each sweater with markers, colored pencils, and stickers to create that unique, family-made touch that brings everyone together.
56. Rustic Bronze Bell Garland
Credit: @homesteadcitydwelling / Instagram
Add beautiful metallic shine and cozy vintage charm to your maximalist mantel with rustic twine strung with bronze bells.
This textural element layered with natural garlands creates that perfect balance of rustic charm and subtle elegance that feels authentically homey.
57. Cozy DIY Felt Light Garland
Credit: Lia Griffith
Create a beloved family tradition with a colorful felt Christmas light garland that you can treasure and reuse year after year.
Each felt light can be sewn or glued together, and this moveable decoration works beautifully in any room throughout your holiday home.
58. Dramatic Botanical Garland
Credit: Casa Watkins Living
Create stunning boho-style drama with a cascading botanical garland made from wintergreens and trailing pothos plants that brings nature indoors.
This vibrant, nature-inspired approach adds that dramatic, maximalist living room look that feels fresh and completely different from traditional holiday decorating.
59. Repurposed Ball Ornament Garland
Credit: A Beautiful Mess
Give new life to random ball ornaments from previous years by transforming them into a beautiful, cohesive DIY garland project.
This sustainable approach helps you use what you already have while creating something fresh and new for your current holiday decorating scheme.
60. Luxurious Sideboard Garland
Credit: Design by GordonDunning / Photo by Emily Followill
Add sophisticated drama to your dining room with a voluminous magnolia leaf garland that makes your sideboard feel extra festive.
Create coordination by mixing some magnolia leaves with white flowers in a beautiful bouquet for that elegant, professionally designed centerpiece everyone will admire.
61. Festive Outdoor Patio Garlands
Credit: Design by Mel Bean Interiors / Photo by Laurey Glenn
Extend your holiday decorating to outdoor spaces by hanging festive garlands above your patio doors for seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
This approach makes your entire home feel ready for holiday entertaining and creates that welcoming atmosphere that guests notice from the moment they arrive.
Final Thoughts
Creating beautiful Christmas garlands doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive – you can make stunning holiday decorations using materials you already have at home.
Whether you choose natural elements like pine branches and berries or get creative with paper, felt, and beads, the key is making it personal to your style.
Start with one simple garland project this year, and you’ll discover how much joy these handmade touches bring to your holiday celebrations.
