Transform your home with Christmas staircase decorations

Christmas is a time of joy, warmth and festive decorations and while the Christmas tree will take centre stage, festive staircase decorations can add an extra touch of magic to your home.

We think the staircase offers a unique canvas for creativity.

A beautifully decorated staircase can set the tone for the entire home, transforming it into a winter wonderland.

Here, the Christmas.co.uk team looks at the history of Christmas staircase decorations and offers a list of retailers where you can find beautiful decorations to transform your staircase.

History of Christmas staircase decoration

While the exact origins of Christmas staircase decorations are unclear, though this would have been for landed gentry and well-off people.

Essentially, the tradition of decorating homes during winter festivals dates to ancient times.

That’s when the Romans celebrated Saturnalia, a festival where homes were adorned with greenery and lights.

As homes became more ornate and elaborate during the Victorian era, staircases were often adorned with garlands, wreaths and other festive enhancements – though this didn’t extend to poor people.

The decorative trend continued into the 20th century, with lots of families adding their own unique touches to their staircase displays.

Today, Christmas staircase decorations are a staple in many homes, adding a festive touch to an important part of the house – especially for visitors.

Why consider Christmas staircase decorations?

Decorating your staircase for Christmas can enhance the festive atmosphere in your home and will:

• First impressions: A beautifully decorated staircase is the first thing guests see when they enter your home, setting the festive mood immediately
• A focal point: A striking staircase can draw the eye and become the centrepiece of your Christmas decor
• A family tradition: Decorating your staircase as a family can become a cherished tradition especially if you have lots of stockings, along with long garlands or fairy lights
• A sense of wonder: When done well, a magical staircase can spark joy and excitement, especially for children.

What are the decorations made from?

Christmas decorations are typically made from a variety of materials, including:

• Garlands: Longer garlands of two or three metres, often made from artificial or real greenery, such as pine or fir, are ideal for use on a staircase
• Lights: String lights, fairy lights and battery-operated candles add a warm glow – especially since battery operated LEDs are now available with up to 1,000 LEDs so there’s no reason to use mains-based lights and have a trip hazard
• Ornaments: Baubles, ribbons, stockings and other festive ornaments made from glass, plastic, metal or fabric
• Bows: Red and gold ribbons and bows
• Additional accents: Pinecones, bells and seasonal figurines crafted from wood, metal or resin.

Don’t forget too that this is a great opportunity to use modern materials for decorating your festive staircase.

We think that using artificial foliage and LED lights, along with fabric and paper decorations is an opportunity to be creative.

How to use Christmas staircase decorations?

There are countless ways to decorate your staircase for Christmas. Here are a few popular ideas:

• Garlands: Drape garlands along the bannister, railing or newel post (That’s the vertical post that provides structural support to the handrail of a staircase), securing them with ribbon or hooks
• Wreaths: Hang wreaths on the walls or bannister,
• Ornaments: Adorn the staircase with ornaments of various sizes and shapes
• Stockings: Hang stockings along the staircase if you don’t have a fireplace
• Ribbons and bows: Tie ribbons and bows around the bannister or newel post
• Lighting: Illuminate your staircase with string lights, candles or lanterns – try weaving them through the garlands or wrapping them around the handrail.

You can also add pinecones, bells and figurines to enhance the festive look.

How much do Christmas staircase decorations cost?

The cost of Christmas staircase decorations can vary widely depending on the materials and complexity.

Simple garlands and lights can be quite affordable, while more elaborate decorations with pre-lit features and high-quality materials can be more expensive.

On average, you can expect to spend between £10 and £100 per decoration.

Caring for your Christmas staircase decorations

To ensure your decorations last for many Christmases to come, follow these care tips:

• Cleaning: Dust decorations regularly and clean any fabric elements with a gentle cleaner
• Maintenance: Check lights and replace any burnt-out bulbs. Repair or replace any damaged ornaments or garlands
• Storage: After use, store decorations in a cool, dry place to prevent damage.

Christmas staircase decoration retailers

Here are some beautiful Christmas staircase decorations available from various retailers:

• Traditional Christmas bannister decorations: John Lewis, Amazon
• Modern minimalist staircase decorations: IKEA, Cox & Cox
• Whimsical and playful staircase decorations: TK Maxx, Dunelm
• DIY Christmas staircase decorations: Hobbycraft
• Christmas garland with lights: Amazon
• Handmade Christmas Garland – Etsy UK

Why you should decorate your staircase at Christmas

Decorating your staircase for Christmas is a wonderful way to enhance the festive atmosphere in your home.

From the rich history of festive decorations to the variety of materials and styles available, there are countless ways to make your staircase a focal point of your Christmas decorations.

Whether you opt for traditional garlands, modern lights or whimsical ornaments, these decorations can bring joy and warmth to your home.

By investing in quality decorations and taking care of them properly, you can enjoy a beautifully adorned staircase for many years to come.

So, why not start this festive tradition in your home? Transform your staircase into a stunning display that will delight your family and guests and make this Christmas truly magical!