Let’s talk about Christmas decorating with ribbons. One of the easiest and most effective ways to refresh your home for the holidays is to tie ribbon on almost anything — furniture, lights, garlands, wreaths or even small accessories. It’s a simple touch that instantly feels festive.
Below I’m sharing Christmas ribbon ideas I’ve used in past seasons. I’ll describe how I placed the ribbons and the look I aimed for, plus the types of ribbons and elements that worked well together.
Even if you aren’t decorating yet, it can help to gather ideas early. These suggestions are meant to be approachable and adaptable so you can add small ribbon details that make your home feel celebratory without a major overhaul.
I’ll be decorating with ribbon again this year — I’ve already picked up a few new ribbons I’ll show at the end. For now, here are the ribbon looks I love and how to recreate them.
Stairway Garland Bows
Add bows to a stair garland for a classic entryway look. I like pairing striped or gingham ribbon with faux greenery and red berry picks to give contrast and interest. Place bows at regular intervals and tuck in small sprigs for a layered effect.
Chandelier Bows
Tying velvet bows to a chandelier warms the overhead light and makes an elegant statement. Choose a soft suede or velvet ribbon and keep the bows proportionate to the fixture. Add a few coordinating ornaments or simple greenery for a pulled-together look.
Sconce Bows
Small bows on wall sconces are an easy way to carry the holiday theme through a room. Use narrower velvet ribbon in a neutral tone for a subtle, refined look. Add a tiny boxwood wreath behind the bow for texture and depth.
Lamp Bow
Tying a ribbon around a lamp base or shade gives even a single lamp a festive touch. A khaki or neutral velvet ribbon looks elevated and softens the light. I often add a small sprig of faux greenery tucked into the knot.
Wreath Bow on Chairs
Tie small wreaths to the backs of dining chairs with a wide velvet ribbon for a welcoming and coordinated table setting. Suede or velvet in seasonal colors adds softness and pairs nicely with mixed textures like wood and rattan.
Garland Window and Door Bows
Black-and-white striped ribbon or bold patterns look striking on window and door garlands. Use oversized bows to frame entryways or windows, and balance the bold ribbon with simple greenery or coordinating window candles.
Repeat a favorite ribbon across multiple areas to create cohesion — same ribbon on the stair garland and chandelier, for example, ties the rooms together visually.
Tree Ribbon
Use wide gingham or wired ribbon on the tree to weave through branches or make big bows. Coordinate the ribbon color with your ornaments and add a few unique ornaments (nautical pieces, animals, or handmade items) to personalize the look.
Ribbon as a Scarf
For a playful vignette, use ribbon as a scarf around small brass figurines or decorative objects. Combine with citrus wheels, faux fruit, and votive candles to create a layered, seasonal display on a tray or console.
Light-blue velvet and other soft colors can make a vintage, elegant holiday palette. Mix complementary candle colors and metallic accents for visual interest without overwhelming the space.
Ribbon Tied on a Bed
Tie velvet ribbons at the ends of a bedspread or use them to secure festive throw pillows. Teal, deep blue, or jewel-toned velvet ribbons add a cozy, seasonal touch to the bedroom.
Pair ribbon-accented bedding with textured blankets, gingham shams, or themed art to create a layered holiday bedroom that still feels restful.
Wreath Bow
A light-blue velvet bow can refresh a simple wreath and add a modern, unexpected color. Consider pairing with a small metal accent for a mixed-materials finish.
Candlestick Bow
Tie narrow ribbon around candlesticks or candle holders for small but impactful holiday details. Striped or contrasting ribbons look especially charming when paired with colored taper candles and a few ornaments nearby.
Little finishing touches, such as animal-shaped stocking holders or brass figurines with ribbon scarves, bring personality to seasonal decor without requiring much effort.
I’ve been collecting ribbons in a few favorite colors and textures — finding a ribbon you love makes it easy to repeat that look throughout your home for a cohesive holiday style.
Later this season I’ll share the new ribbons I’m using and show how I integrate them into this year’s decorating plan.
Stay tuned — I’ll begin sharing this year’s Christmas ideas soon. In the meantime, take a look through past holiday posts for more inspiration and to see how simple ribbon accents can transform ordinary items into festive focal points.
If you’re searching for specific items from my home, I’ve compiled selections in my shop where you can browse similar pieces and styling ideas.