how to hang wreaths on windows outdoor

How to Hang Wreaths on Windows Outdoors (Without Losing Your Mind)

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So, you have decided your house needs a little something extra. I get it. Adding wreaths to your windows is one of the easiest ways to boost curb appeal, making your home look festive and put-together. But then comes the big question: how do you actually get them to stay there without drilling holes or leaving behind a sticky mess? I have been there, staring at a window, wreath in one hand, questioning all my life choices. Don’t worry, I have figured it out so you don not have to.

Choosing Your Weapons: Wreaths & Hangers

First things first, you can not just hang any old wreath outside and hope for the best. Mother Nature has a cruel sense of humor.

Finding the Right Wreath

Your best bet is a weatherproof wreath. I’m talking about classic evergreen, sturdy grapevine, or high-quality faux florals. These can handle a bit of rain and sun without completely falling apart. A delicate, dried-flower wreath? It’s beautiful, but it will turn into a sad, brown mess after one good storm. Trust me.

Picking Your Hardware

This is where the real strategy comes in. You’ve got a few options for a good outdoor wreath hanger:

  • Suction Hooks: Great for glass, but not all are created equal. You need heavy-duty ones.
  • Magnetic Hooks: These are my personal favorite for single-pane windows. They’re like magic.
  • Ribbon Hangers: Simple, classic, and surprisingly effective.
  • Adhesive Hooks: A solid choice for window frames, but you have to get the right kind.

The Battle Plan: Step-by-Step Hanging Methods

Alright, let’s get down to business. Here are the methods I’ve found work best for hanging wreaths on windows outdoors.

Method 1: The Trusty Suction Hook

I was skeptical about these at first, but a good quality suction hook can be a game-changer.

  1. Clean the glass. No, seriously. Wipe the window with rubbing alcohol where you plan to stick the hook. Any dirt or grime is just asking for a “wreath down!” situation at 2 AM.
  2. Warm up the suction cup. I either run it under hot water for a minute or just breathe on it to make it more pliable.
  3. Press firmly. Stick the hook on the clean, dry glass and press down hard in the center. You want to push all the air out. Let it sit for a few hours before hanging anything on it. Patience, young grasshopper.

Method 2: The Old-School Ribbon Loop

This one is deceptively simple and works on almost any double-hung window.

  1. Cut a long piece of wide, sturdy, weatherproof ribbon.
  2. Loop it through your wreath and bring the two ends together.
  3. Open the top of your window, hang the ribbon over it, and close the window tightly on the ribbon ends.
  4. Pull the ribbon from the inside to adjust the wreath’s height, then secure the ends inside with some heavy-duty tape. Taping it down prevents the ribbon from annoyingly flapping around.

Method 3: The Magical Magnetic Hanger

Ever wondered how this works so well? It’s basically two strong magnets with hooks—one for the inside of the window, one for the outside.

  1. Just hold one magnet on the inside of the glass.
  2. Place the other magnet on the outside directly opposite it. They’ll snap together.
  3. Hang your wreath. Done.

FYI: These are brilliant, but they generally don’t work on double-pane or triple-pane windows. The gap is just too wide for the magnets to connect. So, check your windows first!

Method 4: The Sticky Adhesive Hook

This is for when you want to hang the wreath on the window frame instead of the glass.

  1. Grab some outdoor-rated Command Hooks or a similar brand. Don’t cheap out and use the indoor ones; they’ll give up the second it gets humid.
  2. Clean the frame with rubbing alcohol.
  3. Follow the package instructions to a T. This usually means pressing the strip, then the hook, and waiting an hour before hanging the wreath.

A Few Pro Tips for Placement

Want your house to look like it belongs in a magazine? Of course you do.

  • Center it up: Eyeball your wreath to make sure it’s centered on the window pane. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference.
  • Keep it level: If you’re hanging wreaths on multiple windows, make sure they’re all at the same height. Use a measuring tape if you have to. Nothing screams “I gave up halfway” like crooked wreaths.
  • Give them space: For windows that are close together, ensure there’s some visual breathing room between each wreath.

Protecting Your Investment

You went through all this effort, so let’s make sure your wreaths last. To prevent fading from the sun, I give my faux wreaths a quick spritz with a UV-protectant spray.

Also, if you live in a windy area, consider using some floral wire to anchor the bottom of the wreath to a suction cup or hook to stop it from banging against the glass.

Making It Your Own Style

The best part is switching things up. I love using matching pine wreaths for a classic Christmas look, but then I’ll swap them for something with faux fall leaves in October and bright florals in the spring.

A window wreath hanger makes this so easy. It’s a small detail that keeps my home looking fresh all year.

Your Final Takeaway

Hanging wreaths on your outdoor windows is one of those high-impact, low-effort projects that completely transforms your home’s exterior. With the right hardware and a little prep, you can avoid damage and get a look that’s polished and welcoming. So go on, give it a try. 🙂

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