A festive wreath is a classic way to liven up any living space. It can also be a beautiful decorative accent that ties your seasonal décor together. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to pick a wreath.
When Are You Displaying Your Wreath?
Celebrate every season with a beautiful door or wall accent. Choose wreaths with true-to-nature details for year-round elegance.
Christmas
Choose one that features festive foliage and classic evergreens.
Spring
Find one with lifelike florals and vibrant hues as a nod to the season.
Summer
Celebrate vibrant colours and lush greenery with a summer wreath.
Autumn
Ring in autumn with rich harvest tones and earthy accents.
How To Choose a Wreath
- Determine the location. Decide whether your wreath will be displayed indoors, in a covered outdoor area, or somewhere exposed to the elements. For exterior spaces, look for wreaths specifically designed for outdoor use.
- Measure for the right size. Measure the door, wall, mantel, window, or tabletop where you plan to display your wreath. Choose a diameter that fills the space without overwhelming it.
- Choose fresh or artificial. Fresh wreaths offer natural fragrance and texture, while artificial wreaths provide lasting beauty and can be reused season after season with proper care.
- Decide between lit or unlit. Pre-lit artificial wreaths provide instant ambience, while unlit designs give you more flexibility to customise your display.
- Find your style. Consider the colours and decorations already in your space and choose a wreath that complements for a cohesive look. When shopping for a wreath online, browse customer reviews and actual photos to see how the wreath would look when displayed.
Indoor vs Outdoor: Where To Display Your Wreath
Where you plan to hang your wreath determines the type you should get. Indoor wreaths add style to any room, while outdoor wreaths look great no matter the weather. You can also opt for matching or complementary wreaths both indoors and outdoors for a seamless, cohesive display.
Indoor Wreaths
Ideal for adorning the space above mantels, blank interior walls, windows, or even bookcases. You can also lay a wreath flat and use it as a centrepiece with flameless candles, lanterns, or other decorative accents. Because indoor wreaths are protected from weather, you have more freedom to choose delicate materials and decorative details. Floral wreaths, ribbons, baubles, and other intricate embellishments work especially well in these spaces.
Outdoor Wreaths
Dress up exterior doors, garden gates, walls, and fences with wreaths guaranteed to be weather-resistant and durable for exterior display. Outdoor-safe artificial foliage is made with materials intended to better withstand exposure to the elements. Consider how much protection your chosen location provides. A covered porch may shield a wreath more than an exposed gate or exterior wall.
Sizing: What Size Wreath To Get
Proper wreath sizing enhances your display. Consider your door width and intended location when choosing a size. The general rule of thumb is to make sure your wreath covers no more than two-thirds the width of its display area, be it a door or the space above the mantel. Conversely, approximate about six inches of visible space around either side of the wreath.
| Wreath Size | Door Size | Mantel Size |
|---|---|---|
| 18 to 26 inches | Standard doors 30–36 inches wide | Smaller mantels under 5 feet |
| 28 to 34 inches | Doors 36–42 inches wide | Standard mantels up to 6 feet |
| 36 to 60 inches | Oversized doors, above a pair of double doors, large entryways | Expansive walls or grand fireplaces |
Fresh or Faux?
Choose between seasonal natural wreaths or long-lasting artificial designs. Both fresh and artificial wreaths can create a beautiful seasonal display. Fresh wreaths offer authentic scents, while faux wreaths provide year-round versatility. The best choice depends on whether you prioritise natural fragrance and texture or convenience and reusability.
Fresh: Fresh wreaths bring the fragrance, colour, and texture of natural foliage into your home. Evergreen varieties are especially popular during Christmas and work well when you want an authentic, traditional festive look. Fresh wreaths are ideal if you enjoy the fragrance of natural evergreens, want greenery specifically for the current season, or don't need to store the wreath for reuse.
Faux: Artificial wreaths are designed to maintain their appearance and can be used year after year. They also come in a wider range of seasonal styles. Some artificial wreaths also have matching garlands, swags, and other greenery for a cohesive display.
Unlit vs Pre-Lit?
Pre-Lit
A pre-lit wreath has lights integrated into the foliage, creating an inviting glow without requiring you to add a separate light strand. Battery-operated options are particularly convenient for doors, walls, and other locations without a nearby plug socket.
Decorated Options
Once you've narrowed down the practical considerations, choose a design that complements your decorating style. Pre-decorated wreaths save time, while blank canvases await your personal touch.
Traditional Evergreen Wreaths
Classic evergreen wreaths take inspiration from natural fir, spruce, pine, and other conifers. Undecorated versions offer a timeless look on their own and provide a versatile base for ribbons, berries, pinecones, and baubles.
Decorated Wreaths
For a ready-made statement, choose a wreath with decorative accents already incorporated into the design. Berries and pinecones create a traditional Christmas look, while baubles, metallic accents, ribbons, and frosted foliage can make the display feel more festive or formal.
Floral and Seasonal Wreaths
Wreaths can also reflect the changing seasons. Spring flowers and soft greenery bring fresh colour to a space, while summer foliage, autumn leaves, berries, and harvest-inspired accents make it easy to update your décor throughout the year.
Insider's Tip
If you're decorating several areas, consider a wreath that coordinates with a garland, swag, or Christmas tree. Repeating similar foliage, colours, or accents throughout a room or entryway can help create a more cohesive look.
Our Craftsmanship
Attention to detail makes all the difference in our wreaths. Our artisans craft each faux wreath by hand, painting delicate spring petals and assembling intricate Christmas designs with precision. Each piece reflects the heritage of artisanal craftsmanship, ensuring every Balsam Hill wreath brings enduring beauty to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Different Types of Christmas Wreaths?
Christmas wreaths come in many styles, including fresh evergreen, artificial evergreen, pre-lit, unlit, decorated, bauble, floral, and outdoor-safe designs. Traditional wreaths typically feature evergreen foliage, while decorated styles may include berries, pinecones, ribbons, baubles, flowers, or metallic accents. Choosing among them depends on where you'll display the wreath and the Christmas look you want to create.
Are Wreaths Christmas Specific?
No. While evergreen wreaths are closely associated with Christmas, wreaths can be used throughout the year. Floral designs work well for spring and summer, while leaves, berries, pumpkins, and warm-toned foliage are popular for autumn. Neutral greenery can also be displayed between seasons or refreshed with different decorative accents throughout the year.
What Does a Traditional Christmas Wreath Look Like?
A traditional Christmas wreath typically features a circular arrangement of evergreen foliage inspired by fir, pine, or spruce. Classic versions may be left undecorated or accented with holly, pinecones, and other natural-looking elements. Fairy lights give the wreath a festive, traditional glow akin to Christmas trees.
What Type of Wreaths Are Trending Now?
Current wreath styles favour natural-looking textures, layered greenery, and designs that feel more organic rather than overly uniform. Mixed evergreens, berries, branches, pinecones, magnolia leaves, and other botanical elements create depth, while velvet ribbon, metallic details, and subtle lighting can add a more refined finish.
What Makes a Good Wreath?
A good artificial wreath should be well-proportioned for its display space, suited to its intended indoor or outdoor location, and constructed to maintain its shape. It should feature full, dimensional foliage with natural-looking variation in colour and texture.
What Are Some Unique Christmas Wreath Ideas?
For something beyond a traditional evergreen wreath, experiment with unexpected textures, colours, and placement. Layer metallic baubles into greenery for an elegant look, add velvet or hessian ribbons, or use floral picks. You can also rethink where the wreath goes. Try hanging an eclectic mix of wreaths on bookcases or sliding glass doors, displaying smaller wreaths on dining chairs, or suspending them from varying heights to create an interesting vignette.
How Do I Properly Store My Wreath When Not in Use?
For artificial wreaths, store in a cool, dry place in a sturdy box or wreath storage bag. Avoid crushing by hanging or laying flat. For fresh wreaths, they're best enjoyed during their season and aren't meant for long-term storage.
How Long Do Fresh Wreaths Typically Last and How Can I Extend Their Lifespan?
With proper care, fresh wreaths typically last 3–4 weeks. To extend their lifespan, keep them away from direct heat sources, mist occasionally with water, and display in a cool area. Outdoor fresh wreaths often last longer due to cooler temperatures.
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