Start your holiday decorating with this easy, creative guide to hanging garland on the stairs. Build a jaw-dropping look with faux greenery, ribbon, pine cones and more!
When we moved into our house a few years back, I was thrilled about the staircase since I had never had stairs to decorate before. They can be such a lovely architectural feature in a home. Read about how we added the stair runner last year.
In plenty of homes, the staircase is the first thing guests notice when they walk in. That makes it a natural spot for a warm, lovely welcome during the holidays! It can also tie together the Christmas decor on every floor of your house.
Making a gorgeous garland for your stairs is surprisingly simple. You only need a few branches of greenery, something to fasten it with and a handful of accessories.
I adore dressing my house for Christmas. That means festive touches in the kitchen, the living room and even our bedrooms. I hope these posts inspire you to make a home you love!
Things to Know Before You Hang the Garland
After decorating my stairs for several years, I have picked up a few lessons along the way, and I am eager to pass on my tips and tricks. Before we get into exactly how I hang my stair garland, there are a few things to think through first.
When Is the Best Time to Buy Artificial Garland?
The ideal time to buy faux garland is before the season even begins, around early October. The top styles often sell out by November 1. If you missed that window this year, set a reminder to shop for the best garlands in October next year!
Should I Use Real or Artificial Garland?
You can decorate your stairs with either faux garland or real greenery. Keep in mind that real garland dries out fast and will only stay fresh for 2-4 weeks before the needles drop.
There are ways to help real greenery last longer, but I would stick with faux inside and keep the real stuff outdoors! Or you can tuck a little real garland over the artificial for a more authentic look and a fresh pine scent. Even better, go faux and do what I do: light a Tree Farm candle!
Can I Layer Several Garlands Together?
Yes! For a full, lush look, I layer 3 different garlands on my stairs, the same way I do with the garland on my fireplace mantel.
I fasten the first, less expensive garland to the stairs, then lay the next one over it by hooking it onto the first garland's branches. I will walk you through my full process below.
Lovely Evergreen Garlands (You really cannot go wrong with any of these!)
- Real Touch Norfolk Pine Garland
- Long Needle Pine Garland
- Magnolia Leaf Garland
- Real Touch Cedar
- Faux Spruce Garland
- Carolina Pine Garland
- Faux Cedar Garland
- Lamb’s Ear Garland
- Silver Dollar Eucalyptus Garland
Browse the Garlands
How Do I Fasten Garland to the Staircase?
You have several choices for fastening garland to the stairs. Most are easy to find at craft stores or large online retailers.
- Zip Ties
- Floral Wire
- Medium Clear Command Hooks
- Decorative Twist Ties – my all-time favorite!
- Artificial Garland Ties
Which Decorative Accents Should I Add to the Christmas Garland?
Once you have picked your garland and how you will attach it, it is time to choose accents. Here are some of my go-to decor pieces for the holidays.
- Ribbon (tie into bows or weave through the garland)
- Greenery Sprigs
- Bells
- Twinkle or Fairy Lights
- Berry Picks
- Dried Orange Slices
- Ornaments
How to Hang Garland on a Staircase: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide
1. Measure Your Staircase Railing
Buy enough garland to cover the length of your staircase, plus extra. Decide whether you want the garland to swoop or cascade down the starting newel post. Then add 1-2 feet for each swoop, along with some extra for the cascade.
My staircase measures 8 feet, and I use both 9-foot and 12-foot garlands because I love swoops and cascades.
2. Fasten the Garland to the Handrail
My approach gives a full look by layering 3 different garland strands on top of one another. I start with an inexpensive garland, then add pricier ones over it. For a simpler style, use 1-2 garlands.
Fasten the first, cheaper garland. I choose one with wired branches so I can easily layer more on top. Honestly, it does not matter where you begin, so pick the top or bottom and go from there. I like to start at the top and work my way down.
Fasten the garland to the stair rail using your chosen method, such as decorative twist ties or zip ties. Some people hang it on the outside of the rail with command hooks. Do whatever works best for you!
I prefer decorative twist ties. They will not mark up my stair rail, they are simple to use and they look lovely!
3. Fasten, Swoop, Repeat
Keep going along the stair rail, fastening the garland as you move. On my 8-foot rail I make two swoops, so I find the middle spindle, attach the garland there, and continue down to the bottom.
At the end, my second garland is long enough to cascade down the newel post, so I wrap it around the post.
4. Layer on More Garlands
For the full look I love, layer one or two fuller garlands over the inexpensive base.
Since the first garland is already secured, I use its wired branches to hook the next garland into place.
Keep using the first garland's branches to join the two along the entire stair rail.
Repeat with the next garland until they look like one continuous piece.
5. Fluff Out the Garland
Step back and look for any thin or lopsided spots, then fluff those areas to fill them in!
6. Layer In Accent Pieces
This is the fun part! Tuck in bells, big bows, ribbons or picks. Nearly any accent looks beautiful, so choose whatever suits your decor!
Sometimes I keep mine fairly simple, with just a few bells hanging from the newel post. Other times I add bows wherever the garland meets the railing.
If you fastened your garland with zip ties or floral wire, you will likely want ribbon or bows to hide them.
7. Add Some Lights
If your garland is not pre-lit and there is an outlet nearby, add some twinkle lights! Or use a battery-powered string of fairy lights instead.
Closing Thoughts
I hope this simple tutorial helps you dress up a beautiful, classic staircase this holiday season. May your banister make you smile every time you walk past it, the way mine does for me!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should garland be for a stair railing?
Your garland should match the length of your stair railing, plus an extra foot for each swag. Also factor in whether you want it to cascade down the newel post.
How can you secure garland without nails?
There are plenty of ways to attach garland to the stairs without nails. Command hooks, decorative twist ties and zip ties are a few good options.
How do you hang garland on stairs without damaging the finish?
Choose gentle or easy-to-remove options, such as command hooks or decorative twist ties. Avoid zip ties and floral wire if you want to leave your stairs completely unharmed.
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