Wreaths at Home
Wreaths at home make great decorations, but it can be difficult to know where to start.
Buying the right one can be a challenge if you’re not familiar with flowers, or the different types of wreaths. There are tons of options, so it can be difficult to sort through them for the uninitiated.
Then there’s the issue of where to hang it and how to use it. Wreaths can be used anywhere from your front door to your dining table.
And that’s not even mentioning the fact that you’ll eventually need to clean it.
It can be a lot to sort through, but luckily, it’s not difficult to make a wreath work. These arrangements are easy to use, but make a large statement in any design.
If you’re interested in learning more about wreaths, check out our guide below.
You can also check out some of our other helpful guides:
Decorative Wreaths for Indoors
What are wreaths?
At its most basic, a wreath is a floral arrangement that has been formed into a ring. It’s got flowers, twigs, and other plants, but those are just the basics. Wreaths can be much more than that.
Historically, wreaths were used as they are today: for decoration. They were most commonly hung on doors during certain holidays, as a festive touch. However, they were also worn as crowns, or around the neck as garlands.
Today, we use wreaths for a number of things. One common use is for funerals and memorials services. Placing a wreath on a grave, or displaying one during a memorial is a common practice.
They’re also ubiquitous at Christmastime. Fresh evergreen wreaths are the most popular holiday choice. People tend to hang them up outside on doors or windows, where the cold temperatures can keep them fresh.
But wreaths don’t have to be reserved for certain occasions. Today, you can use them year-round, indoors and out. They’re a popular way to add a little nature and freshness to a door or any room in the house.
There’s also a much wider variety of wreaths available, all with different types of twigs, foliage, flowers, and decorations. There’s even a ton of different frame shames, materials and sizes. You can go with something modern, contemporary, rustic, or just traditional.
No matter what your tastes or personal style, there’s sure to be a wreath to match.
To find out more about how to select and care for wreaths, continue reading our full guide below.
Artificial Wreaths vs Dried Wreaths
Most wreaths that are used for decorations today are artificial.
Indoor outdoor artificial wreaths are made entirely of plastic and fabric. All the foliage is likely plastic molded around wires, so that they can be easily positioned. The flowers can also be plastic, but most are made of some type of fabric.
Dried wreaths are a little different. These ones are made from real plants that have been dried in order to preserve them. In that sense, they’re a sort of in-between space between fresh and artificial wreaths.
Like artificial plants, you can use these options indefinitely. However, they’re still delicate, like real plants. You can rely on them to be as sturdy as artificial options.
Of course, you can still purchase fresh wreaths when you want. Evergreen ones, especially, are a common purchase around Christmastime. However, there are plenty of fresh floral options you can find as well.
The biggest issue is that fresh wreaths are much more expensive than their artificial or dried counterparts. Plus, they’re temporary. Fresh wreaths only last anywhere from a few weeks to a few days.
That’s they they’re usually reserved for special occasions. You typically see them on display for things like weddings, birthdays, and other celebratory parties.
So if you’re looking for an easy decoration, artificial and dried wreaths are the best choice.
Foliage vs Floral Wreaths
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make when purchasing a wreath is what type of plants you want. Wreaths can seem very straightforward, but that’s far from true. There are pure foliage and pure floral options, as well as options that mix both.
To start, you’ll need to figure out which of these options is right for you.
Aesthetically, all-foliage wreaths are the most rustic choice you can get. That’s because these options are made up primarily of branches.
Typical plants for these include boxwood, evergreen, ivy, olive tree, and eucalyptus. Magnolia leaves are another great foliage choice, since the leaves are dual tone. With these, you get the deep green on the front of the leaves, as well as the burnt umber underside.
In each case, the branches make up the structure of the wreath, while the leaves make up the decoration.
Of course, you can also get options that forgo leaves entirely. Things like birch branch, grapevine, or willow branch wreaths are also a popular choice for this type of décor. In fact, there are many different types of twig wreaths that you can choose from.
For a pretty, charming touch, floral wreaths are a good choice. These options are made entirely of blooms, affixed to a wire frame. Usually, they are designed so that no stems or branches show through beneath. In fact, the base is usually just wires.
With these options, big dramatic blooms are preferable. Roses, ranunculus, magnolias, and sunflowers are just some of the many options you can get. There are plenty of colors and blooms available, to suit just about any design purpose.
And for a more traditional look, go with a mix of both! Most wreaths have branches and foliage for a base, with flowers and other accents throughout.
With that decided, the next factor you have to consider is when you want to hang your wreath.
Wreaths Without Flowers
At this point, you may be thinking that flowers are your only option. Actually, there are plenty of unique and interesting ways to create a wreath.
Metal and fabric are both trending materials. Mesh in particular, is a popular alternative to traditional foliage.
You can also go with things like sea shells for a coastal look. Even flip-flops are a trendy base material!
If you can form it into a base, you can use it for a wreath. So feel free to experiment and get creative! Check out our DIY section for more ideas.
Seasonal Wreaths
When it comes to wreaths, timing is everything. Most options are seasonal, meaning they are best displayed during a specific season. Which season depends mostly on what type of flower or foliage your wreath has. Although, some options are appropriate for any time of year.
There are also interchangeable options, which allow you swap embellishments for whatever is seasonally appropriate.
To find out which options are best for your schedule, check out our guide below:
Spring Wreaths
Spring wreaths are all about bright pastels and other fun colors. The more color, the more life, the better the wreath.
To that end, flowers are a must for the season. Daisies, hyacinths, hydrangeas, lilies, and daffodils are just some of the flowers you can use. Most of these flower options also come in a variety of colors, which makes them perfect for the season.
When choosing a wreath, or selecting flowers for a DIY wreath, don’t be afraid to mix and match. Adding in a variety of flowers and colors is a great way to make the wreath stand out. You can also choose to go all floral with this season.
For foliage, eucalyptus and olive branches are prefect. They both have a light green, almost pastel appearance.
Decorations for these wreaths are also common. Things like decorative berries, butterflies, and bees are popular. You can also do fake birds, bird nests, and robin eggs.
Summer Wreaths
For the summer months, stick to bold choices. This season is all about warmth and fullness, so your wreath should match.
For the base and foliage, there are plenty of options. Ivy, magnolia leaves, and grapevine are some of the more popular choices, since they leave room for creativity.
For florals, there are also lots of possibilities. Roses, ranunculus, poppies, magnolias, zinnia, other large blooms are a great place to start. You can also mix in smaller summer florals, like lavender and marigolds.
Unlike their spring counterparts, summer wreaths look better with a little more uniformity. You’ll want to stick to more monochrome color schemes, and only a few types of flowers and foliage.
But that doesn’t mean they’re any less striking. Typically, with these, the key is to choose one type of bold bloom, and then decorate around that.
This is also a great season for going all floral, should you choose. Since it favors big, bright flowers, an all floral wreath would be a stunning option.
Fall Wreaths
With fall wreaths, the focus is more on the foliage.
You can still choose floral wreaths, with chrysanthemums and sunflowers being two great choices. However, foliage and branches are more in keeping with the season.
Grape vine, birch branch, olive branch, and magnolia leaf wreaths are a great choice. You can also go with harvest related items, such as wheat heads and lotus pods. (Although, people with trypophobia may want to skip the lotus pods.)
Dried elements are also perfect for this time of year. Dried fruits, flowers, tree leaves, and even corn cobs all make great choices for decorations.
This time of year, it’s also fun to play up harvest colors. With your florals and other additions, you can definitely go full orange, yellow, and red.
But regardless of color and decoration, remember that fall is all about abundance. It’s the season of gathering, in preparation for the season of giving. As such, you’ll want to go big with whatever choices you make.
Chose larger wreath frames, or weigh down a smaller one with ample decoration. Whatever your choice, don’t be afraid to go with more, rather than less.
Winter Wreaths
It may seem odd given the season, but wintertime offers some of the most distinctive options available. There are actually a lot of plants that are synonymous with the season, namely plants that are used around Christmastime.
You also don’t have to stick to the usual red and green color scheme. You can do neutral holiday wreaths, white ones, blue ones, metallic ones, or whatever else you might prefer.
Of course, the most common options are evergreens. A traditional evergreen wreath is everyone’s favorite choice, although there are others. Holly and boxwood are also traditional choice.
But the real star of any holiday wreath, is the decorations. With any holiday option, the key is to deck it out in plenty of colorful, shiny embellishments. The decorations give it that added feeling of festivity that’s appropriate for this time of year.
Here are some of the common decorations that you can add to your wreath:
- Ornaments
- Bows
- Jingle bells
- Small gift boxes
- Candy canes
- Pine cones
And there are plenty of other options as well. They key is to have fun! Purchase or create something that you and your family can enjoy.
All Season Wreaths
Of course, changing out a wreath for each season isn’t for everyone. Keeping up with door décor may not be your priority, and there is the matter of storing off-season wreaths.
If you want to simplify your décor, and all-season wreath is a good alternative.
These options are appropriate no matter what time of year it is. That means you can leave them on your wall or door indefinitely.
For floral options, try to keep things simple. Large white blooms, such as magnolia flowers or gardenias are best.
For foliage options, the same principles apply. Stick to simple, classic foliage options. Magnolia leaves, boxwood, and English ivy all work. You can also get twig options, such as birch branch and grapevine.
And if you do want to add a seasonal touch, you can simply switch out the decorations. Using decorations during Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, and other holidays can keep your decor fun and festive.
Plus, changing out and storing decorations is easy, and doesn’t take much room.
Wreath Decorations
When it comes to decorating a wreath, there are almost no rules. Generally, decorations are seasonal, but that doesn’t always have to be the case.
In addition to the seasonal decorations mentioned above, there are plenty of other ways to decorate wreaths.
Bows, for one, are always a good choice. You can use a variety of fabrics, patterns, colors, and style of ribbon to create bows. You can also use them as a focal point, or just as an accent throughout. One trendy option is to do buffalo check patterned fabric, to create a farmhouse wreath.
Small signs are another cute option. You can purchase any kind of small garden sign, or wall art, to hang on the wreath. With these, you can have them hanging in the center, or you can attach them to the flowers or foliage.
You can also add in other natural elements, such as cotton bolls, willow sticks, and moss. These are all great options for decorating a natural, rustic style wreath.
But don’t feel limited. You can do stuffed animals, feathers, charms, ornaments, or anything else you can imagine. There are even coastal themed wreaths that have seashells and starfish.
What you want to decorate with is really up to you, so make the most of it! Be sure to have fun and express your personal style.
How to Clean Wreaths
Cleaning wreaths can sometimes take some unusual methods. A simple dousing of soap and water isn’t always the best choice. In fact, it can actually damage the wreath in some cases.
Here’s what you need to know to keep your wreath looking clean:
Dried Plant Wreaths
Dried plants especially, can’t be cleaned with liquid solutions. Not only does this defeat the purpose, but it also promotes mold growth, and can render the plants unusable.
Since you can clean dried plants with liquid, that really only leaves abrasion.
One method is to use air to clear away any dirt. You can turn a hair dryer on a cool or low setting, and carefully blow over every spot on the wreath. It’s a similar to using compressed air to get rid of dirt in keyboards and on other electronics.
Another option is to create an abrasive mix. To do this, you can fill a bag with salt, rice, or a similar grain. Place the flowers, branches, or vines in the bag, and shake it very gently. This abrasive mix will help clear away any dirt or dust.
Of course, this method risks greater damage as well. Branches and vines will be fine with this method, but you’ll need to be careful with delicate flowers or foliage. You’re likely to cause cracks or lose a few petals, so just keep that in mind.
Silk or Artificial Plant Wreaths
Artificial plants are a little easier to handle. They can be cleaned with liquid solutions, but only on the surface. Getting too much liquid on it can ruin the floral tape and glue that’s holding the wreath together. And, in any case, it’s still much better to use dry cleaning methods.
For indoor plants, dusting regularly will do most of the work. You can gently brush the plants and flowers with something soft, like a microfiber cloth.
If the wreath is collecting a lot of residue, liquid cleaners may become necessary. In areas such as kitchens, especially, the wreath is bound to pick up a lot of stubborn residue.
For these instances, a mix of vinegar and water is best. Spray the solution lightly across the surface of the arrangement, and wipe it away with a microfiber cloth. For really stubborn areas, you may have to let it soak for a moment. You can also scrub it gently.
Another option is to use the same methods you would use to clean dried plants. Placing them in a bag with something like salt or rice is a great way to get rid of any dirt. This method is especially helpful for outdoor wreaths.
Unlike dried flowers, you also won’t have to be as gentle. The silk or fabric is better able to hold up to a bit of jostling around.
Fabric Wreaths
When it comes to cleaning fabric decorations, you can use either of the methods above. Since artificial options are usually made of fabric, you can also stick to those instructions.
Storage Recommendations
When your decorations aren’t in season, or when you simply want to switch them out, you’ll need ways to store them. To store them correctly, check out our comprehensive storage guide, listed at the top of the page.
Where to Use Wreaths
The question of where to use your wreath at home really depends on your purpose for it.
Wreaths meant for holiday decorations are best used outdoors, where they can be seen. To that end, hanging them up on front doors is a popular choice.
However, this method means you won’t get quite as much life out of your wreath. It’s much more likely to sustain damage, fade, or collect a lot of dirt. As such, people also hang them indoors, in windows, so that they face outwards. This keeps the wreath protected, but still allows it to be seen from the outside.
This method works for non-holiday related wreaths too. If you’re hanging a seasonal wreath, or all-seasons wreath for decoration, these locations also work.
For indoor wreaths, location is really up to you. They work great as accents on gallery walls, although they can stand alone as well.
Of course, hanging them up isn’t your only option. There are plenty of other ways to utilize wreaths throughout your home.
Creative Ways to Use Your Wreaths
Wreaths are most commonly used as a stand-alone decoration, but that doesn’t always have to be the case. There are plenty of ways you can use them accents, dress them up, or add to their display.
One such option is to use them as centerpieces.
With this option, lay the wreath flat on whatever surface you need. Then, fill the center with whatever the focal point of your table setting is. With large wreaths, you can place the main dish at the center. With smaller wreaths, you can fill them with arrangements, or candles instead.
This is a particularly great option for large food displays, such as grazing tables. You can also use multiple wreaths, of varying sizes, to highlight different dishes.
Of course, this style isn’t limited to just dinner tables. You can use them to accent any flat surface, such as a mantle, side table, or console table. In this case, the wreath is almost acting as a sort of garland. All you have to do is place it and fill the center with whatever decorative pieces you want.
For wreaths hanging on the wall, the same concept applies. Use the wreath to decorate a specific item, such as family photos, keys, or a family message board. You can also use them as additions to other forms of wall art.
The key is to be creative. A wreath doesn’t have to be the star of the show. In fact, they can actually be used as an accent. If you’re interested in wreaths, don’t forget to consider other ways you can incorporate them into your home.
How to Hang Wreaths at Home
If you’re looking to hang your wreath, there are a few different ways to do so.
Most wreaths are placed on thick wires that make up the wreath frame. When you hang a wreath, you’re actually hanging it on this frame, rather than the artificial flowers or twigs.
There are some instances, however, where there is no frame. With these, often times the base layer of twigs or vines is simply shaped into a circle and then secured with floral wire. As such, there’s no need for a traditional frame.
To hang these, it’s best to use a hook or nail that extends into the center of the wreath. If it is wide enough, you can rest the top of the wreath on top of the hook or nail. This will prevent damage to the wreath, while keeping it secure.
But you can still hang it by a thick twig or by the wires that hold it together. Either way, just make sure that whatever you choose to hang it by can support the weight of the wreath.
When it comes time to choose what to hang it with, there are a few different methods. Luckily, most don’t require you to use nails. That way, you have plenty of options for where to place your wreath.
Also, keep in mind that you can hang multiple wreaths on your door. Three wreaths on doors, are a common style, for example. With these, more subtle, flexible options like nails or hooks are going to be better.
Hanging with Nails
Indoors, hanging objects with nails is a quick and secure option.
Simply place the nail where you want the wreath to sit. The nail will be holding the top of the wreath, so make sure you take that into account when placing it.
Keep in mind that larger, heavier wreaths will require more support. As such, you can use more than one nail to support the top.
Also, be sure to be careful where you place your nail. Doors are often hollow, so this is not the best method for hanging a wreath on a door. You also don’t want to use nails with brick, if possible.
Putting a nail directly into a brick can cause the brick to crack or crumble. Instead, use the masonry between bricks, or brick clips. These are much safer ways to hang wreaths on brick.
Hanging Without Nails
Hanging without nails is just as easy as hanging with nails. It just requires a little extra care.
One option is to use adhesive hooks. These don’t damage the surface they’re placed on, so you can use them anywhere. That makes them the ideal option for renters as well.
With these, just make sure you’re using a secure option. For larger, heavier wreaths, check the weight limit on the hooks. It’s also a good idea to use multiple hooks if needed.
Another option is to give the wreath a loop on the back. Making a loop allows you to suspend the wreath from any object that can support it. You can make a loop out of wire or string. All you have to do is form the loop, and then tie the ends onto the frame or base.
Hanging a Wreath on a Door
You can also use adhesive hooks on doors, but there are some potential issues. Since the hooks will be outdoors, they may not last as long. Exposure to rain and strong winds can stress the adhesive, causing it to fail.
There are outdoor adhesive hooks, however, the best bet is still a wreath hanger.
A wreath hanger is just a specially designed crook that sits over the top of your door. To use a wreath hanger, just hook one end over the door frame, and rest the wreath on the other end.
These hangers are simple to use and provide plenty of support. Just make sure that you’re getting a quality option that can support the weight of heavier wreaths.
How to Buy Wreaths
Luckily, wreaths are very easy to find.
Most home décor stores sell wreaths. The benefit is home décor stores is the convenience. You can just pay a visit to pick up a ready-made, artificial wreath, that’s easy to hang. The downside is the number of limitations you have in terms of selection.
Oftentimes, wreaths sold by home décor stores are purely seasonal. They tend to be geared towards spring, fall, and Christmas time, with no options in between. They’re also usually the smaller variety of wreath. It’s hard to find any that are over 9”
If you want more options, you can try a DIY wreath as an alternative.
You can get wreath supplies or plain wreath bases at most craft stores. You can even get DIY materials on a budget at most dollar stores. And it’s not difficult to make a wreath, so long as you have the right supplies.
But if a DIY project isn’t for you, online shopping is the best route. With online stores, you have a much wider selection of ready-made artificial wreaths. Plus, you have the added convenience of having it shipped to your house.
To find wreaths online, just go to any of the major online retailers. Places like Walmart and Amazon have tons of options.
If you want something more unique, you can also go to specialty retailers. There are a lot of online stores that deal with wreaths specifically, so you know you’re getting quality. They also offer some different options, since they don’t have to worry about following home decor trends.
Overall, buying a wreath online is probably the best way find your ideal wreath, but it’s not the only way.
How do You Make a Homemade Wreath?
Making a door wreath is a surprisingly easy process. All it really takes is the right supplies and some solid wreath making ideas.
As previously mentioned, you can get wreath making supplies at most craft stores. If you’re on a budget, you can also get them at certain dollar store chains.
And in the case of dried wreaths, you can get everything you need in nature. Just make sure you’re in an area where you’re allowed to gather twigs and other plants.
You can also buy dried elements at the craft store. Another option is to dry flowers from memorable bouquets or arrangements you’ve received and use those. It’s a great way to preserve those memories.
For more information about how to make a wreath at home, check out any of our DIY ideas.
A Wreath for Everyone
What makes wreaths great is how versatile they are. There’s a wreath that can suit just about any taste or décor need.
You can get them for any season or occasion, in just about any style you want. Plus, if you can’t find what you want, it’s easy to make or decorate one to your liking.
They’re also easy to care for. Although they do need to be cleaned with some slightly unorthodox methods, it’s not difficult. And if you keep them in good condition, they’ll last indefinitely.
And you don’t just have to hang them on a door. You can use them indoors as well, for centerpieces and other things.
So if you’re interested in getting an artificial wreath, try it out. It’s hard to go wrong with your selection.
Once you get one, you’re sure to fall in love with colorful, functional wreaths at home.