A lot of people enjoy decorating a tree at Christmas and decorating your art can be just as fun and chic. Adding a festive touch to your framed pieces is one of the simplest, most charming ways to make your home feel warm, joyful and beautifully styled for the season.
Here are five effortless ways to decorate your art for Christmas, using pieces you likely already have at home or garden. Each idea takes minutes and works beautifully with both vintage and contemporary artwork.
1. Foliage (the timeless classic)
If you try just one thing, make it foliage. A strand of winter greenery over a frame creates instant atmosphere — refined, natural and quietly festive. Explore Willow Crossley's tips for using foliage in this article by Emily Senior on House & Garden. I personally love Eucaluptus at Christmas.
It’s understated but makes a surprising difference, especially on landscapes. You can keep it simple or add decorations.
Phoebe Dickenson by Andrew Montgomery
2. Bows & Ribbons
Bows and ribbons add festive charm without overpowering the artwork. They’re incredibly versatile and work with almost every interior style.
Options include:
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A velvet bow tied neatly to the corner of a frame
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A long trailing ribbon draped across the top
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Slim satin ribbons for something more delicate
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An oversized bow for something more playful
- Bells make a great decorative touch too, smaller ones grouped in threes is effective
This is one of the easiest ways to bring softness, colour and a hint of Christmas into your gallery wall. Is it even Christmas with velvet bows around?
3. Wreaths
A light wreath hung on a frame instantly feels festive, but still refined. Keep the scale small — the beauty is in the understatement.
Think:
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A tiny greenery wreath hung on the corner of a frame, perhaps with a simple ribbon.
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A small dried-flower wreath
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A wire wreath for something minimal and modern
Wreaths work especially well on single hero pieces or above a console where you want a little focal moment.
@alice.roberton / @darmoorflowershed / @tamsynmorgansphotography
4. Tinsel
Tinsel can feel nostalgic, and it brings a soft shimmer and texture.
The key is subtlety:
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Choose slim, tonal tinsel
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Use just a single strand
It adds sparkle without tipping into kitsch — perfect for kitchens, hallways or playful spaces.
5. Garlands
Garlands add movement and rhythm across multiple frames, making them ideal for gallery walls.
@Juliaberolzheimer / @Gadabout / @Larkandlinen
You can try:
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A natural garland of dried oranges
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A star garland draped across two or three frames
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Paper or metal garlands for a gently reflective glow
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Wool or felt garlands for a Scandinavian feel
They’re light, easy to hang, and instantly seasonal. They also look wonderful over a fireplace.
How to Keep It Looking Chic
A few simple principles help everything feel intentional:
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Decorate the frame, not the artwork
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Choose colours that complement the painting
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Use one or two ideas per room
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Opt for lightweight decorations to protect your frames
The aim is festive, not cluttered — thoughtful layers that still let the art shine.
Lucy Hammond Giles /James Merrell for House & Garden by Mary Weaver
Why Decorating Your Art Works So Well at Christmas
Vintage paintings already bring warmth and storytelling to a home. Adding a few seasonal layers enhances that feeling, creating instant atmosphere without changing your whole interior. It’s also a lovely way to refresh your gallery wall if you’re hosting.
Looking for Art to Style This Season?
Every painting at Hue is sourced from Europe and arrives beautifully framed and ready to hang.
If you’re gifting art this year, explore:
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Art under £350 for thoughtful, meaningful gifting
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Gift cards starting from £50 for something flexible and personal
And if you ever need help choosing, I’m always happy to guide you or want to chat decorating art, do get in touch.
