Ever stared at your living room window and thought, “I want something festive, but I don’t have the time or budget for an over-the-top display”? If you’re juggling holiday shopping, cooking, and family schedules, creating a beautiful Christmas window display doesn’t need to be a weekend-long project. In this post I’ll share realistic, budget-friendly, and easy-to-follow ideas that make your windows festive with minimal fuss.
Why choose simple holiday window decorations?
Simple designs are perfect for renters, small homes, or anyone who prefers a clean aesthetic. These straightforward Christmas window displays are quick to build, reuseable year after year, and often use items you already own — fairy lights, sprigs of greenery, mason jars, and paper. They work well for both indoor and outdoor-facing windows, and they can be adapted for small windows, bay windows, or large picture windows.
Quick design principles for charming Christmas windows
- Start with a focal point: a wreath, illuminated jar, or silhouette.
- Layer textures: lights + greenery + simple ornaments = depth.
- Stick to a palette: warm white lights, greenery, and one accent color looks cohesive.
- Think vertically: hanging elements make small windows feel taller.
- Keep safety in mind: choose battery lights for indoor displays near linens and curtains.
Christmas window displays simple ideas to try this weekend
1. Lighted mason jar row (easy, rustic charm)
Materials: mason jars, battery-operated fairy lights, faux pine sprigs or cinnamon sticks, hot glue (optional).
- Place 1–2 fairy light strings inside each jar and tuck in a sprig or two for texture.
- Line jars along the sill or hang them with twine using small hooks on the window frame.
- Use warm white LEDs for a cozy cottage feel.
Time: 20–30 minutes. Cost: low if you already have jars. Great for: kitchen windows and bay windows.
2. Paper silhouettes and battery candles (minimal, modern)
Materials: black cardstock, scissors or craft knife, double-sided tape, battery tea lights.
- Cut simple shapes — trees, reindeer, houses — and stick them to the window glass with double-sided tape.
- Place battery tea lights on the sill behind the silhouettes to create a glowing scene.
- Tip: use tracing paper for a softer silhouette or layered snowy effect.
This creates a Scandinavian-inspired look and is perfect for renters because it doesn’t damage paint or trim.
3. Evergreen garland with ribbon and ornaments (classic, flexible)
Materials: faux garland, ribbon, a few shatterproof ornaments, command hooks or small nails.
- Attach hooks at either end of the window frame and drape the garland.
- Tuck in ribbon loops and hang a few ornaments for sparkle.
- For outdoor windows, choose weatherproof materials and secure everything with outdoor-grade fasteners.
Design tip: match ribbon color to your interior accents for seamless integration with your room design.
4. Frosted glass effect with DIY snow spray (festive, kid-friendly)
Materials: glass spray frosting or DIY mix (Epsom salt + hair spray), stencil or freehand design.
- Clean the glass and test your spray on a scrap piece of plastic or inside a corner.
- Use stencils for snowflakes or a “frosted border” along the lower half of the window.
- Wipe away any mistakes immediately with a damp cloth.
This provides privacy and a wintery look without permanent change. Make sure to ventilate the room when spraying.
5. Curtain of lights and hanging ornaments (dramatic, customizable)
Materials: LED string light curtain, lightweight ornaments, fishing line, command hooks.
- Hang the light curtain from the top of the window frame so it drapes to the sill.
- Attach ornaments at varying heights on clear fishing line to create depth.
- Use a timer for the lights so they turn on automatically at dusk.
Works well for storefront windows or large picture windows that need a wow factor.
Practical DIY tips and real-world advice
- Battery vs. plug-in: choose battery lights if you cannot safely run cords; they’re also flexible for hanging displays.
- Secure mounts properly: command hooks are great indoors; use masonry hooks for brick exteriors.
- Weatherproofing: bring wreaths indoors after storms or choose outdoor-rated faux greenery.
- Scale matters: keep ornaments proportional to the window size — tiny ornaments get lost on large panes.
- Storage: label and store window-specific decor in clear bins to speed up next year’s setup.
Styling ideas and color palettes
Want a modern look? Stick with cool whites, glass ornaments, and silver accents. Prefer cozy and traditional? Warm white lights, red ribbon, and natural pine will give a classic holiday feeling. For farmhouse charm, try burlap ribbon, mason jars, and bronze bells. Mixing textures like metal, glass, and greenery helps even simple arrangements feel layered and intentional.
Making displays child- and pet-friendly
- Use shatterproof ornaments on lower levels.
- Keep small or ingestible decorations out of reach.
- Consider battery LED candles instead of real flames.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I make an easy Christmas window display for a small space?
Start with vertical elements: a tall, narrow wreath or a string of fairy lights. Use window clings or silhouettes to add charm without taking up sill space. Small mason jars with lights can also sit neatly on a narrow sill.
2. Can I hang outdoor decorations on my window from the outside?
Yes — but use weatherproof materials and outdoor-rated hooks or suction cups designed for exterior use. Secure everything tightly and remove delicate items before storms or extreme cold.
3. How do I prevent curtain or fabric from catching fire from lights?
Use LED lights, which produce very little heat, and keep any lights at least a few inches away from fabric. Battery-powered LEDs are the safest option for displays close to curtains or other flammable materials.
Ready to transform your windows this holiday?
Christmas window displays simple ideas don’t have to be complicated or expensive. Pick one project — a mason jar row, paper silhouettes, or a light curtain — and spend an hour this weekend making your windows festive. If you loved these quick projects, check out more inspiration on our DIY projects page and get ideas for integrating seasonal decor into your everyday home design ideas. Want to bring the kitchen into the holiday spirit too? See our tips on kitchen upgrades that complement festive window displays.
Try one idea tonight, take a photo, and see how a small change can make the whole room feel like the holidays. Happy decorating!
