How To Hang Wreaths on Windows for Seasonal Decorating

Hanging wreaths on windows is a beautiful way to add charm and seasonal style to your home’s exterior or interior décor.

Whether showcasing festive holiday greenery, spring florals, or everyday farmhouse accents, properly securing wreaths can elevate curb appeal and enhance any room.

Two large Christmas wreaths with pinecones, red berries, and gold ribbon hang on the windows of a house, with holiday lights visible inside.

From using ribbon, suction hooks, or magnetic hangers, there are simple, damage-free methods to achieve a polished look.

This guide will walk you through creative techniques for different window types and styles, ensuring your wreaths stay securely in place.

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Discover how to hang wreaths on windows like a pro!

Choosing the Right Wreaths for Your Windows

A wreath made of green leaves and purple flowers hangs on a window, with sunlight streaming in and a garden visible outside.

When picking wreaths for windows, size, durability, and style are what really matter.

The right choice keeps things balanced, helps them survive the weather, and just fits better with your home’s windows.

Selecting the Ideal Size and Shape

Getting the size right is key. You don’t want a wreath that’s tiny and lost or one that covers the whole window.

A common rule? Pick a wreath about two-thirds the width of your window. So a 22-inch wreath fits nicely on a 32-inch window.

Smaller windows usually look good with wreaths between 16 to 23 inches.

Bigger windows can handle 24 to 36 inches or more.

Shape plays a part too. Round is classic, but square or oval wreaths can suit certain frames better.

Tall, narrow windows? Try an oval wreath for balance.

Wide windows usually look best with a full, round wreath.

If you’re lining up wreaths on several windows, keeping them the same size and shape just looks tidier.

Weather-Resistant and Seasonal Options

Outdoor wreaths have to handle wind, rain, and sometimes snow.

Natural greenery smells great and looks festive, but it can dry out fast in cold air.

Faux wreaths made from plastic or weather-treated materials last longer and you can reuse them each year. That’s a win for anyone who hates shopping every season.

Think about the season too.

Spring: Light greenery, faux florals, eucalyptus, soft pastels. Think budding branches, cherry blossoms, or lavender sprigs.

Summer: Olive leaves, boxwood, or coastal eucalyptus with shells or dried citrus. Breezy and minimal, ideal for sunny windows.

Fall: Leaves, acorns, wheat stems, mini pumpkins, or warm rust tones. Rich texture that pairs perfectly with autumn colors.

Winter: Evergreens, pine cones, berries, and velvet or plaid ribbon. Classic cozy look that holds up through frost and snow.

Matching Wreaths to Your Window Style

The window style changes how the wreath looks once it’s up.

On double-hung windows, a centered wreath works best.

For casement or crank windows, you might want a slightly smaller wreath so it doesn’t block the opening.

If your windows have grids or shutters, pick a wreath that doesn’t cover too much detail. Sometimes a thinner frame is better than a chunky one.

Modern homes with big picture windows? Go bold with an oversized wreath.

For small cottage windows, a row of smaller wreaths can look charming.

Stick with wreath styles that match your home’s trim color and design. Even a plain green wreath with a bow can look great if it fits the window’s shape and scale.

Essential Supplies and Tools

A colorful floral wreath hangs on a wooden-framed window of a stone cottage, surrounded by blooming garden flowers on a sunny day.

The right supplies make hanging wreaths easier and keep things secure. Picking the right hooks, ties, and measuring tools helps avoid damaging glass or trim.

Adhesive Hooks and Suction Cups

Adhesive hooks are super simple. They stick right to smooth surfaces like glass or siding. Just make sure to get ones rated for outdoor use.

Suction cups are best for glass. They’re easy to remove and don’t leave marks, but honestly, they don’t always hold up in extreme cold or heat.

For heavier wreaths, try suction cups with locking levers. That extra grip helps.

Quick tips:

Use hooks meant for outdoors.
Check the weight limit.
Press firmly for at least 30 seconds.

Both options are great when you want to avoid drilling or leaving marks.

Ribbons, Fishing Line, and Wire

Ribbons add style and act as a hanger. Wide, sturdy ribbons — think velvet or grosgrain — support most wreaths and look festive.

Loop the ribbon through the wreath, tie it at the top, and close the window on the ribbon. Simple.

Fishing line is nearly invisible, so your wreath looks like it’s floating. It’s strong, weather-resistant, and easy to tie.

Wire is good if you need extra strength. Green floral wire blends in with greenery and holds up outside. Just watch out for scratches on glass or paint.

Here are the best uses for each:

Ribbons for style and color
Fishing line when you want the hanger to disappear
Wire for a strong, reliable hold

Measuring and Marking Tools

Even spacing makes wreaths look sharp.

A tape measure helps center wreaths, especially if you’re doing several.

A small level keeps things from looking crooked.

For temporary marks, painter’s tape or a washable marker does the trick.

With these, you can skip the guesswork and keep things looking neat.

Step-by-Step: How To Hang Wreaths on Windows

A floral wreath with pastel pink, yellow, and white flowers hangs on the exterior window of a white brick house.

Hanging wreaths looks simple, but a little prep goes a long way. Clean the surface, measure things out, and use the right tools so you don’t end up with crooked wreaths or fallen hooks.

Preparing and Cleaning the Window Area

Before attaching anything, make sure the windows are clean and dry. Dust or moisture can make hooks and suction cups fall right off.

A quick wipe with glass cleaner or rubbing alcohol gives you a better grip.

If you’re using siding or trim above the window, check that it’s sturdy. Loose or cracked trim won’t hold a hook well.

It’s also easier to remove screens if they’re in the way. More space, less hassle.

Measuring and Marking Placement

To keep wreaths looking even from the street, measure where each one will hang. Find the center of the window with a tape measure and mark it lightly with painter’s tape.

For more than one window, measure from the top of each frame down to where the wreath will sit. Jot down the number so you can repeat it easily.

Cut the ribbon or line to the same length if you want wreaths to hang at the same height.

Center the wreath.
Mark with tape.
Cut hangers to equal lengths.

Attaching the Wreath Securely

How you hang your wreath depends on your tools.

Adhesive hooks work well on glass or siding — just make sure you press them onto a clean surface and let them set first.

Screw hooks are sturdier but more permanent. Good for windy spots.

If you’re using ribbons, loop it through the wreath, run it over the top of the window, and close the sash to hold it. No visible hardware, just a snug fit.

For extra stability, tie fishing line from the bottom of the wreath to a lower hook. That keeps it from swinging around.

Test the hold before you walk away. A gentle tug tells you if it’s secure.

Tips for Hanging Wreaths on Windows

A coastal-themed wreath with seashells, starfish, and greenery hangs on a window of a blue house porch in sunlight.

Outdoor wreaths have to survive rain, wind, sun — sometimes all in one day. You want them to stay put and not leave marks behind.

A little prep makes a difference for how your window wreaths hold up.

Weatherproofing Outdoor Wreaths

Outdoor wreaths deal with some rough weather, so pick materials that can take it.

Artificial wreaths made from plastic or UV-resistant stuff usually last longer than real greenery.

If you’re set on a real wreath, spraying it with anti-desiccant slows down drying and keeps needles on longer.

Think about the extras too. Velvet or cloth bows get soggy and faded fast, while weatherproof ribbon and plastic ornaments just keep going.

If you want lights, go for battery-powered LEDs made for outside. They’re safer and won’t short out.

Try to hang wreaths where water doesn’t pool up. If a window ledge collects rain, hang the wreath a bit higher so it dries out quicker.

Protecting Windows From Scratches

Some wreaths have wire frames or stiff branches that can scratch your glass. Gluing or taping a thin layer of felt, foam, or soft fabric to the back creates a buffer.

If you’re using hooks or fishing line, check that nothing sharp touches the window. Trim stray wires or cover them with tape — it’s a tiny fix that saves your glass.

For screen windows, don’t hang wreaths right on the mesh. The weight can stretch it out. Instead, attach the wreath to the window frame with ribbon or hooks.

Securing Wreaths Against Wind

Wind is a real headache with outdoor wreaths. One hook might not cut it, especially on upper windows.

Two anchor points — like a hook up top and one at the bottom — help keep the wreath from banging around.

Fishing line is strong and almost invisible, so it’s a go-to for tying wreaths to frames or siding.

If you’re using ribbon, double it up for strength.

Lighter wreaths are less likely to blow off in high winds. Heavy decorations can act like sails, so maybe skip those if your house is in a breezy spot.

Testing the hold before the season starts is worth it. Nobody wants to chase a runaway wreath across the yard.

Creative Decorating and Maintenance Ideas

A decorative autumn wreath with orange leaves, pinecones, and pampas grass hangs on a glass window.

Making wreaths stand out is mostly about little details and a bit of planning. Grouping them in smart ways and taking care of them means they’ll look good for a long time.

Personalizing Your Wreath Display

Adding your own touches makes a wreath feel special.

Try a wide ribbon in a color that fits your style or the season. Red or gold bows are classic for holidays, but burlap or plaid can make things feel cozy and rustic.

Mix in pine cones, berries, or battery LED lights for texture. Sometimes simple is best — just greenery and one bold accent can be striking.

Attach decorations before you hang the wreath, so you’re not fiddling with it later and risking it falling. Hot glue or floral wire keeps things in place, even if the wind picks up.

Arranging Multiple Wreaths

If you’re hanging more than one wreath, how you space them matters.

On wide windows, two smaller wreaths side by side look balanced.

Tall windows? Stack them vertically with even gaps for a neat effect.

If you’re decorating the whole house, match wreath sizes to window sizes:

Small windows → 16–23 inch wreaths
Medium windows → 24–30 inch wreaths
Large windows → 32 inches or more

Keeping ribbons or hooks the same color ties everything together. If you mix up wreath styles, repeat a detail—like the same ribbon or bow—to make things feel coordinated.

Wreath Storage and Care

Keeping wreaths looking good year after year? Honestly, it’s all about how you store them.

Hanging them up — maybe on a garage or closet wall — works way better than just stacking them in boxes.

If you’re short on space, a wreath storage bag or even a spare garment bag can do the trick. It keeps the dust off and, let’s be real, it’s just easier.

Before putting wreaths away, it’s smart to take off any lights or delicate decorations. Toss a bit of fabric or tissue over them — nothing fancy, just enough to help stop fading and keep bugs at bay.

Artificial wreaths appreciate a quick dusting with a soft brush when spring rolls around. It’s a small thing, but it keeps them looking fresh.

Fresh greenery? Well, after the season, it’s usually best to compost or toss it. No one wants to deal with mold or surprise pests next year.