21 Best Staircase Christmas Decorations for Banisters and Railings
Step up your holiday decor this year
Close your eyes and picture the moment with us: It is Christmas morning and the sound of pitter-pattering tiny feet fill the air. They come bounding down the staircase in anticipation of what treasures Santa left under the Christmas tree. How is the staircase decorated? If the answer is "it isn't," then we're here to help. Make this moment as magical in real life as it is in your head and deck out your banister in an elaborate holiday fashion with lights, bows, and garlands galore.
We spend a lot of time and energy decorating the whole house—inside and out—for the holidays. If you're anything like Clark Griswold (and you know who you are), you go all out with outdoor Christmas decorations. Inside, we tend to really amp up the cheer with Christmas living room decor (complete with a trimmed tree full of precious handmade Christmas ornaments, of course) and with Christmas kitchen decorations that makes the hub of the home an even more popular place to be. Give your staircases and railings the same holiday treatment as the rest of your house, with traditional evergreen Christmas garland, twinkle lights, bows, personalized Christmas stockings, and more.
Whether you're going up to bed for sweet dreams or coming down to start a new day, these Christmas decorations for your staircase promise a grand—and festive—entrance. Step up (ha!) your game with these 21 ideas.
Red and White Vintage-Inspired Decorations
This banister greenery in the entryway gets a touch of sparkle with 1950s favorites like Shiny Brite ornaments. Other vintage touches (the sled, Santa, and tin for the mini potted tree) add a sense of nostalgia.
Plaid Ribbon with Dried Oranges Decorations
Dried orange slices strung up with pretty yet understated plaid ribbon brings another layer of rustic beauty to this New York farmhouse railing.
Evergreen and Gold Decorations
With an entryway as decorated as this one (that wallpaper!), all the banister needs is a simple swath of greenery laced with gold beaded garland for a little sparkle.
Red Bows and Baubles Decorating
Dotting the railings lined with fresh greenery, classic red bows get an upgrade with a cluster of shiny red balls attached to the center. This simple decor works best here against the busy gallery wall beyond.
Collectible Christmas Decorations
In this charming Michigan farmhouse, found objects like the pennant (found at a local flea market) and a collection of ornaments are tucked in the greenery. Equestrian artwork, a toy car, and other keepsakes round out the collected look.
Greenery Decoration
The end of the staircase, decorated with fresh greenery and a row of stockings, becomes a Christmas "moment" complete with a seating area, packages, and a script Merry Christmas sentiment framed by a round wreath.
Christmas Mugs Decorations
Sweeten a stairway's typical garland with personalized cups for the whole family. Fill with their favorite holiday candies, as well as hot cocoa.
Red, White, and Green Decorations
Treat your staircase as the main attraction by placing ornaments, garland, stockings, and even presents on and around it for decoration.
See more at Inspired by Charm.
Silver Ornaments Decorations
Achieve this minimalistic, polished look by attaching silver ornaments and striped bows to your garland.
Romantic Candlelight Decorations
Give your staircase a grand, romantic glow by adding flameless candles that will last well into the new year.
See more at Julie Blanner.
Marquee Letters Decorations
Your stairwell will definitely stand out when its illuminated with bright marquee letters. Spell out "ho, ho, ho," or any other Christmas message that speaks to you.
See more at Just Destiny.
All White Decorations
Add flocked garland and cream-colored decorations—like a cozy knit stockings—to match a quiet all-white color palette.
See more at Tidbits.
Mini Wrapped Plants Decorations
It takes mere minutes to make this understated decor. Simply take faux winter greens, wrap in canvas trimmed to size, and tie with twine or ribbon the color of your choice.
See more at Craftberry Bush.
Dangling Stockings Decorations
Skip the mantel and hang your stockings from your railing instead. Personalize each with an initial Christmas ornament.
See more at Rooms for Rent.
Plaid Bow Decorations
A few sprigs of greenery and a pretty plaid ribbon create a simple yet pretty detail.
See more at Home Stories A to Z.
Classic Garland Decorations
You can't go wrong with classic green garland anywhere in your home—especially when you weave in twinkling lights.
See more at Maison de Pax.
Colored Bulbs Decorations
Add some other colors to your traditional red and green decor this year for a bright boost to your banister.
See more at Inspired By Charm.
Galvanized Buckets Decorations
This 10-minute (really!) DIY will bring you lots of J-O-Y this season and beyond. Tie on ribbons to match your home's other Christmas decor.
Get the tutorial at Finding Home Farms.
Wood Accents Decorations
A wood garland is a natural way to incorporate an organic element into your seasonal displays.
See more at Place of My Taste.
Stacked Presents Decorations
Show off your expert wrapping skills and stack some presents on each step.
See more at Craftberry Bush.
Jennifer Aldrich was the editorial assistant for CountryLiving.com.
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