Christmas is the perfect time to inject a little creative flair into your home, and where better starting place than your hallway? With so many up and coming independent local business in and around Sheffield we decided to tap into their creative knowledge to get some ideas for dressing our hallways and staircases with some sparkling results.
Read on for expert staircase dressing ideas from…
Eleanor and Guillaume
eleanorandguillarme.co.uk
Based in their new premises in Bakewell, Derbyshire, Eleanor and Guillaume are the style team behind the UKs newest lifestyle and concept store. With life time experience in interior design and fashion they have a one stop shop for all your interior needs.
Frances and Rose
Frances and Rose are creative wedding and event florists specialising in locally sourced, British grown flowers in and around the Peak District and Sheffield.
Lauri King
Lauri King is a Northern based Interior Stylist offering eclectic and thought provoking interior design services for residential and commercial projects.
Katy Rose Vintage
The Katy Rose Vintage style is a fusion between inspirations from her childhood years in Joburg and her beloved Yorkshire where she has returned home and set up shop in Sheffield’s Antiques Quarter.
Eleanor and Guillaume
“Our key colours for this Christmas are black, white and copper. A mix of mattes & metallics create a wonderful effect and add depth to any space.”
1. Paper Garlands
“For a simple, effortless look we use our copper paper garland to string on ceilings, up walls and in windows. As it moves it catches and reflects the light beautifully, whilst also being a great space saving decoration.”
2. Paper-cut Ornaments
“Our paper-cut ornaments are available in white or copper. They look great on a tree or hung on twigs or pussywillow in a large vase. Simply place the vase in a snug area at the bottom of your stairs or on a chic console table for a scandi look.”
3. Christmas Countdown
“Our year round must-have is our lightyear calendar block. It can be sat on a table against a wall or hung up for a wonderful, stylish way to count down the days to Christmas.”
4. Hanging Ball Displays
“Hung in clusters or one by one the ball decorations are everyone’s must haves this year! Great in hallways, up stairs or in windows there’s nowhere that they don’t work. Mix up colours and sizes for a great modern look.”
5. Christmas Guards
“The perfect mix between rustic traditional Christmas and modern scandi style, our minimalist guard set of ornaments look great on a tree, stood on a shelf or hung along a ballustrade. All white with a touch of sparkle they provide enough Christmas bling for any house.”
Frances and Rose
“As a florist at this time of year it's all about greenery, berries and sparkle. Entering your hallway can bring instant joy from the cold outside and twinkling lights invite your guests into the warm. Even if you've only got a hand full of holly and some fairy lights you can add and bit of magic to your entrance way, candles also work wonders. Get the Christmas tunes on, and get creative!”
1. Welcoming Wreaths
“Whether it is made of fresh greenery or dried flowers, a wreath on your front door is always a beautiful addition at this time of year.”
2. Branches of Baubles
“Add a bit of Christmas sparkle to your hallway or staircase, without the effort of having two Christmas trees, by getting decorative with twigs. Simply forage a few branches or twigs, anchor them down in a vase and decorate with lights, baubles or even use as an inventive way to display your favourite Christmas cards, old or new!”
3. Staircase Garland
“Most florists offer a home dressing service and will happily come and create a staircase masterpiece for your home. Achieve a similar effect with faux foliage which is usually sold by the garland. Ensure the display lasts by focusing on the base of the staircase rather than the handrail, so you are not constantly running your hands over it or knocking it. Add fairy lights for a bit of extra sparkle on dark winter nights.”
4. Woodland Feature
“This one is pretty easy, but magically effective. You really only need one or two slices of wood and some jars, candles or lights. This can be perfect for a welcoming hall table, and can also be moved to the hearth or to make a dramatic centrepiece for your Christmas dinner table.”
5. Cards and Flowers
“A lovely way to display cards and extra baubles is to hang them from your stairs!”
Lauri King
“In my opinion as long as you can still safely walk through your hallway anything goes. You can cram as much Christmas loveliness into your hallway and you’re unlikely to get bored as you don’t spend prolonged periods of time there. You will thoroughly enjoy coming home to it of an evening – what a lovely Christmas welcome!”
1. Light the Way
“Traditionally, candles are placed on each step, but for a modern twist go full on electric (or LED) lighting. A light on each step is a beautiful and atmospheric way to decorate your stairs and also provides task lighting. Alternatively, try hanging lights that can be positioned anywhere. These retro style colourful bulb lights are so easy to use, simply pop in a battery and pull the string to turn on and off.”
2. DIY Garlands
“Have some fun in the making as well as the decorating of your banister with a DIY bauble garland. Grab some of these little beauties (I suggest 10 or 20 for good impact), thread and tie at intervals onto a piece of string or ribbon, weave the resulting garland around your banister rail and secure at either end. Lovely!”
3. Neon Noel
“Christmas doesn’t just have to be red and green – grab some neons and funk up the festive season.”
4. Faux Florals
“Bring the outdoors in. Gathering some greenery from outdoors and using as decoration isn’t a new idea, but the new faux florals are an excellent alternative, no 1970s tackiness here! They’ll last until next year too. Drape these artfully over your staircase, wrap around spindles, place on tables, create a garland to hang above – the possibilities are endless.”
5. Personalised Pressies
“Hang Christmas sacks or stockings on your banister or place on a hallway table. You can even personalise them!”
Katy Rose Vintage
“I like to think of my style as simple and classy, with a hint of rustic. This year I looked at the colours I already have in my home and tied my tree decorations in with them, for example baubles that match my cushions (orange) together with another accent colour to make it look individual (ballet pink).”
1. Festive and Floral
“Use artificial flowers to decorate your tree. Just poke them into the tree and create something different; plus save money by utilising what you already have!”
2. Fairy Light Decanters
“This year I am doing a twist on the “fairy lights in jam jars” idea by swapping the jam jar for a cut glass wine decanter to create a vintage feel. I have chosen pink fairy lights to match the ballet pink tones of the artificial roses on my tree.”
3. Mirror Effect
“Position a mirror behind your tree or opposite your staircase to increase the effect of your decorations. This will double up your effect, add extra light and give the feeling of extra space.”
4. Rustic Card Display
“Hang your Christmas cards and special photos from a garland along your staircase to remember those will not be around this Christmas.”
5. Repurposed treasures
“I love taking objects that have been loved before and transforming and rejuvenating them into something that will be loved again. Vintage toys are perfect for creating interesting and unique tree ornaments.”
Christmas is the perfect time of year to inject a little creative flair into your home, and where better to start than your hallway? Make an amazing first impression on the big day, or create a warm atmosphere throughout the festive session, by taking your hallway, staircase, and front door to the next level. So, how do the team at Jackson Woodturners and our experts recommend decorating your hallway?
Choosing the right Christmas decorations for your hallway will depend on several different factors, each unique to you, your home, and your style:
- Your personal aesthetic
- Your budget
- The size of your hallway
- DIY or ready-made decorations
We then recommend adding your chosen decorations throughout your hallway in a way that suits you - whether you prefer maximalist or minimalist styles. Christmas decorations are entirely personal, so decorate however you like!
Why does Christmas hallway decor matter?
For many of us, our hallways are the first room both ourselves and our guests will see when entering our homes. Creating a warm, inviting space that suits the rest of your home is the key, no matter the time of year.
Christmas decorations for your hallway are simply there to add to your existing decor. Whether you go for simple and small touches or festive replacements for furniture, Christmas decorations can make all the difference to the feel of your home when you or your guests enter.
Find out more about the importance of your hallway as a part of your whole home in our blog: “Is Your Hallway Costing You Your Asking Price?”
Why should I decorate my hallway for Christmas?
Many of us will add Christmas decorations throughout our homes during the festive period, focusing on rooms we spend the most time in, like our living room or bedroom.
To create a consistent seasonal style throughout your home, you’ll also need to look at areas we think about less, but ones that can make or break your home’s first impressions, like your hallway.
Christmas or not, hallway decoration is just as important as the rest of your house, and you’ll need to carry your decor choices through to really achieve a polished look.
How do I pick the right Christmas decorations for a hallway?
Decorating your hallway for Christmas is all about creating a warm and inviting space, without overwhelming the room. Following simple steps will help you to pick decor that suits you, your home, and your budget:
- Choose a colour palette that complements the rest of your home.
- Layer in some festive elements to your existing decor.
- Add soft lighting to create a cosy and seasonal glow.
- Finish off with subtle festive switches for existing pieces.
Picking your Christmas hallway decor colour scheme
The colour scheme of your Christmas hallway decor should set the mood for the rest of your home during the festive season. To make it feel cohesive and thoroughly styled alongside the rest of your home, you should think about the style you’re drawn to in the other rooms of your house, so your hallway flows seamlessly into your existing decor and other Christmas additions.
Classic Christmas colours
Traditional Christmas colours are timeless, perfect for homeowners who don’t want to focus on short-lived trends. Rich reds, deep greens, and warm golds will instantly create a festive feel, no matter how many decorations you add.
Add bigger pieces like trees or wreaths, or use these colours sparingly with ribbons, ornaments and artwork - perfect for narrower spaces.
Modern and minimalist
For a more current and stylish hallway, you’ll often find success in some unusual colour pairings. Pair black and white with some extra greenery, blush pink with gold, or even a deep navy blue with silver accents. If your home has a single colour that stands out against neutral walls and decor, you can also choose festive touches in the same shade.
These pairings will work especially well in minimalist homes, allowing bold colours and statement pieces to capture your attention without feeling overwhelming.
Neutral decor with subtle festive touches
If the rest of your home uses natural colour schemes to create a calm atmosphere, then a neutral palette for your Christmas decorations will suit perfectly. Pick out shades of white, cream, beige, and soft grey to allow your festive touches to shine without unnecessary clutter.
If you’d like to add a touch of warmth to your otherwise neutral decor choices, try some natural textures like wood or dried foliage, and add subtle metallic elements in a champagne or brushed gold.
Mixing metals, textures and finishes
If your staircase is the focal point of your hallway, or you’re struggling to decorate a smaller space, why not take advantage of what’s already there? Create a polished but festive look by using decorations that mirror the materials of your stair parts.
For example, use candle holders, mirrors, or baubles with a silver finish if your staircase has chrome elements. If your staircase is made from a warmer-toned material, like oak, pick orange, red or gold decorations to really bring your hallway together.
If your hallway already features shinier elements, like mirrors or metal stair parts, try mixing up the visual elements and go for decorations with a more matte finish or natural greenery. Reflective elements, however, will work well if your hallway is tighter and darker, reflecting your festive lights to open up the space.
Christmas hallway decor inspiration
Decorating any space in your home can be intimidating, whether you’re doing it for the first time or you’ve decided to switch it up this year. Focusing on your hallway can add extra pressure because it’s an area often overlooked, and inspiration can be hard to come by.
With so many up-and-coming independent businesses in and around Sheffield, we decided to tap into their creative knowledge to get some sparkling ideas for hallway and staircase decor.
Our experts
Frances & Rose is a creative wedding and events florist business led by Marianne, specialising in locally sourced, British-grown flowers for the Peak District and Sheffield area.
Lauri King is a creative producer based in the north of England, offering eclectic and thought-provoking interior design services for residential and commercial projects.
The ‘Katie Rose Vintage’ style is a fusion between her childhood years in Joburg and her beloved Yorkshire, where she has set up shop in Sheffield’s Antiques Quarter.
Frances & Rose
“As a florist at this time of year, it's all about greenery, berries and sparkle. Entering your hallway can bring instant joy from the cold outside, and twinkling lights invite your guests into the warmth. Even if you've only got a handful of holly and some fairy lights, you can add a bit of magic to your entrance way, and candles also work wonders. Get the Christmas tunes on, and get creative!”
1. Welcoming wreaths
“Whether it is made of fresh greenery or dried flowers, a wreath on your front door is always a beautiful addition at this time of year.”
2.Branches of baubles
“Add a bit of Christmas sparkle to your hallway or staircase, without the effort of having two Christmas trees, by getting decorative with twigs. Simply forage a few branches or twigs, anchor them down in a vase and decorate with lights, baubles, or even use them as an inventive way to display your favourite Christmas cards, old or new!”
3. Staircase garland
“Most florists offer a home dressing service and will happily come and create a staircase masterpiece for your home. Achieve a similar effect with faux foliage, which is usually sold by the garland. Ensure the display lasts by focusing on the base of the staircase rather than the handrail, so you are not constantly running your hands over it or knocking it. Add fairy lights for a bit of extra sparkle on dark winter nights.”
4. Woodland feature
“This one is pretty easy, but magically effective. You really only need one or two slices of wood and some jars, candles or lights. This can be perfect for a welcoming hall table, and can also be moved to the hearth or to make a dramatic centrepiece for your Christmas dinner table.”
5. Cards and flowers
“A lovely way to display cards and extra baubles is to hang them from your stairs!”
Lauri King
“In my opinion, as long as you can still safely walk through your hallway, anything goes. You can cram as much Christmas loveliness into your hallway, and you’re unlikely to get bored, as you don’t spend prolonged periods of time there. You will thoroughly enjoy coming home to it in the evening – what a lovely Christmas welcome!”
1. Light the way
“Traditionally, candles are placed on each step, but for a modern twist, go full on electric (or LED) lighting. A light on each step is a beautiful and atmospheric way to decorate your stairs and also provides task lighting. Alternatively, try hanging lights that can be positioned anywhere.”
2. DIY garlands
“Have some fun in the making as well as the decorating of your bannister with a DIY bauble garland. Grab some of these little beauties (I suggest 10 or 20 for good impact), thread and tie at intervals onto a piece of string or ribbon, weave the resulting garland around your bannister rail and secure at either end. Lovely!”
3. Neon Noel
“Christmas doesn’t just have to be red and green – grab some neons and funk up the festive season.”
4. Faux florals
“Bring the outdoors in. Gathering some greenery from outdoors and using it as decoration isn’t a new idea, but the new faux florals are an excellent alternative, no 1970s tackiness here! They’ll last until next year, too. Drape these artfully over your staircase, wrap around spindles, place on tables, create a garland to hang above – the possibilities are endless.”
5. Personalised pressies
“Hang Christmas sacks or stockings on your bannister or place them on a hallway table. You can even personalise them!”
Katy Rose Vintage
“I like to think of my style as simple and classy, with a hint of rustic. This year I looked at the colours I already have in my home and tied my tree decorations in with them, for example, baubles that match my cushions (orange) together with another accent colour to make it look individual (ballet pink).”
1. Festive and floral
“Use artificial flowers to decorate your tree. Just poke them into the tree and create something different; plus save money by utilising what you already have!”
2. Fairy light decanters
“This year, I am doing a twist on the 'fairy lights in jam jars' idea by swapping the jam jar for a cut glass wine decanter to create a vintage feel. I have chosen pink fairy lights to match the ballet pink tones of the artificial roses on my tree.”
3. Mirror effect
“Position a mirror behind your tree or opposite your staircase to increase the effect of your decorations. This will double up your effect, add extra light and give the feeling of extra space.”
4. Rustic card display
“Hang your Christmas cards and special photos from a garland along your staircase to remember those who will not be around this Christmas.”
5. Repurposed treasures
“I love taking objects that have been loved before and transforming and rejuvenating them into something that will be loved again. Vintage toys are perfect for creating interesting and unique tree ornaments.”
Get the perfect base for your Christmas hallway decorations with Jackson Woodturners
Christmas decorations can do wonders in taking your hallway to the next level, but it’s vital that you give yourself the best chance with the perfect base. Here at Jackson Woodturners, we offer stair parts and accessories in a range of materials, from chrome and brushed nickel to oak and pine, suitable for any home aesthetic.
Our experts are on hand to lead you to the staircase of your dreams and truly make your house a home. Get in touch with us today, and we’ll be happy to help!
