15 Cuter Ways To Decorate Front Doors Without Traditional Wreaths Or Garlands

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Every time a new season rolls around, hundreds of new wreaths and garlands appear in stores. Believe it or not, the decorative wreath market is a multi-billion-dollar industry, and artificial foliage is indisputably one of the most popular options for decorating front doors. If you're tired of swapping out the same old front door decor and want to take a step outside of the box, try a more creative approach. Many adorable DIYs will give an entryway a new and inspired look instead.

Below are 15 cuter ways to upgrade a front door without using a traditional wreath or garland. Many of these ideas are budget-friendly and easy to DIY. Some of them can even be combined with other ideas or traditional forms of decor, and they can be customized for different seasons and holidays. This makes many of these projects versatile year-round. You may even find ways to upcycle items that are already lying around the house, such as old baskets, watering cans, and umbrellas.

The only thing to keep in mind is that not all decor is designed for outdoor use. Many of these ideas are best suited for doors on enclosed porches or that are safely guarded between glass storm doors. However, even if you don't have an overhang or extra door, there are ways to protect these DIY ideas from harsh sunlight, rain, and wind. Tips for doing so are also found below.

If you're looking for a subtle way to decorate a glass front door and add privacy, opt for a classic peel-and-stick window film. The Velimax Lattice Frosted Window Film sticks to windows via static cling, making it easy to install and renter-friendly. It obscures glass front doors with a traditional lattice pattern that lets natural sunlight inside but keeps people from looking in. The best characteristic of window film is that it can also be paired with other front door styling ideas on this list.

Hanging a DIY interchangeable sign is a versatile idea that's way better than a front door wreath. Find a wood plaque large enough to fit your door, like the Yronty Wood Circle. Follow the same size recommendations as when hanging a wreath, ensuring the plaque is about 6 inches from both sides of the door. Design Bundles on YouTube has an in-depth tutorial on crafting these door decorations, and you can take inspiration from Darling Door Decor's TikTok for the swappable decor pieces' designs. 

Another absolutely charming way to decorate your door involves crafting a cottagecore-inspired basket arch. Just like the TikToker, thekwendyhome, arrange chicken wire in an upside-down L-shape over your front door, then use zip-ties to attach woven baskets all around the half-arch. Next, fill the baskets with artificial flowers and foliage to create an eccentric, nature-inspired entryway. This arch is best for double front doors that are safely nestled under an overhang, since the design takes up a lot of space and will be vulnerable to inclement weather.

Alternative front door decor doesn't have to be complicated. Take inspiration from putabowonit's TikTok, and pin up an oversized bow, such as the Robert Stanley Fall Classics Brown Plaid Large Bow. Hang the bow on its own using a standard wreath hook, or add a splash of foliage to make it more decorative. For instance, if it's autumn, add wispy foliage, fall-colored leaves, or dried grasses and flowers that emulate the season. Or avoid foliage altogether by hanging seasonal wood signs and ornaments instead.

If you're looking for another basic idea that takes little to no DIY, replace a wreath with a cute woven plate. The TikToker Sarah Teresinkski pinned two woven wall plates to their front door. This look can be boho or coastal, depending on other surrounding decor. All it takes is two woven baskets, like the LIKHA Large Brown Round Wall Baskets. Spray them down with Scotchgard Fabric & Upholstery Protector, or another water-resistant coating, so they withstand outdoor conditions.

Those with artistic skill can try a more intricate method of decorating front doors. The talented TikToker Sophia turned their front door into a whimsical piece of art with paint. Start by coating the door in a layer of primer, then sketch the designs with a pencil. Use a waterproof craft paint, like Shuttle Art's Outdoor Acrylic Paint Set. This idea is best suited for front doors that are shielded behind glass storm doors, which will protect the paint job from rain and other outdoor elements.

Give a door a cute makeover without using flashy decor. Try a classy, old-fashioned upgrade with a functional door knocker. Door knockers are more stylish than ring cameras, and they'll work even when the power and Wi-Fi are out! Pick a door knocker that matches your door's hardware like the TikToker emilyjobelloma. This social media user found an antique doorknocker shaped like a basket that matches their peephole, handle, and the metallic kick plate at the base of their door.

Don't use a boring traditional wreath when you can hang a garden-inspired plant display. Simply fill a watering can (or two!) with artificial flowers and hang the decor from ribbons over a wreath hook. This farmhouse-inspired look adds a cozy ambiance to an exterior entryway. Use a spray paint, like Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Protective Enamel Flat Spray Paint, to give the watering cans a vibrant color and protect them from outdoor elements. Also consider drilling holes in the bottom of the cans to ensure rainwater doesn't pool inside.

Instead of wrapping a wreath form with artificial foliage, be unique with a macramé-style hanger. This idea adds a vintage boho aesthetic to a front door. Follow a YouTube tutorial, such as Marching North's, to wrap macramé cords around a large wire hoop. Since this project will be hung outdoors, make sure you choose an weather-resistant rope material, like nylon, polypropylene, or polyolefin fiber. It doesn't hurt to also spray it with a sealant for extra protection.

DIY an adorable farmhouse-style front door hanger using a large embroidery hoop and Dollar Tree products. The YouTuber Our Shabby Cottage used a combination of twine, burlap, stencils, and artificial greenery, to make a one-of-a-kind welcome sign for their front door. This is a great project for doors that are nestled beneath an overhang or a screen door, where it's protected from outdoor elements. Spray down the design with Scotchgard Water and Sun Shield to keep it from fading in the sunlight and getting damaged by water.

If you're looking for an eclectic spring and summer-inspired look, how about dangling a stylish umbrella from a hook? Tie a large bow around the center of an umbrella, and fill the top with artificial foliage. The only downside of this decor is that it may swing when opening and closing your front door. Apply adhesive strips, like Command Poster Strips, down the center of the door, and press the umbrella into them to keep it flush against the surface.

Ring in the upcoming holiday season or celebrate someone's upcoming birthday by turning a front door into a giant present by wrapping it with a ribbon and bow like a gift box. Create this idea from a large roll of fabric, or take the easy route and use the commercially available Robert Stanley Christmas Classics Red Door Bow. If DIYing the bow, use organza fabric for an airy aesthetic. Again, Scotchgard is recommended to protect the material from the weather.

Scavenge an ornate mirror or picture frame from a thrift store to create inviting chalkboard-style front door decor inspired by The Shabby Tree on Facebook. Like most painting projects, start with a layer of primer. Then spray the glass or particleboard center with at least two layers of chalkboard paint, like Rust-Oleum's Chalkboard Spray Paint. Hang it on a wreath hook or hanger, and customize the center as different events and holidays come up. Reserve this DIY for front doors with a glass storm door in front, since the chalk is easily wiped away by rain.

Fans of astronomy and celestial decor can partake in an easy upgrade for their front doors. Decorate a front door with a cluster of peel-and-stick star stickers, like the Easma Star Wall Stickers. This idea was inspired by a larger front door project from the Instagrammer withinthegrove. The stars don't take up much space and can easily be paired with other front door ideas. They're also removable, making them a great option for renters.

Take your door decor one step above a standard wreath or garland and make a showy teardrop-shaped swag. The Glamorous Penny Pincher on YouTube crafted a large foliage arrangement for front doors. Start with an unconventional base, like the Purple Star Artificial Christmas Teardrop Swag. Use a combination of seasonal foliage, ornaments, and ribbon to dress it up. Hold the pieces in place with a combination of hot glue, zip ties, and pipe cleaners. The oversized design gives a door more curb appeal, as it's larger and more visible to passing cars and pedestrians.