How to Hang a Garland Around a Door (Without Nails or Command Strips)
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If you love decorating for Christmas but hate putting holes in your walls or damaging trim, you’re in the right place. Today I’m sharing exactly how to hang a garland around a door—the easy, renter-friendly way—without using nails, command strips, or messy adhesives.
This simple solution takes just a few minutes to install and instantly transforms your home for the holidays. Whether you’re framing your front door with twinkling lights or creating a cozy indoor entryway, this method is sturdy, beautiful, and completely damage-free. Depending on your window size, you can even use this around an interior window.
Why You Don’t Need Nails or Command Strips
When it comes to how to hang a garland safely, many people reach for command hooks or tape. But over time, adhesives can lose their grip or take off the wall paint, and nails can chip paint or leave permanent holes. Instead, try a door-frame garland hanger—a smart tension-fit design that gently locks into place at the top of your door frame.
It works on most standard single doors, holds a surprising amount of weight, and doesn’t require any tools or hardware. It’s the easiest way to create that festive, magazine-worthy holiday look without any damage.
Whether you live in a condo, townhouse, or rental, this approach is completely reversible—so when the season’s over, your space looks as perfect as before you decorated.
The Exact Garland Hanger I Used
It’s adjustable, slim, and fits most standard doors. The tension-mount design makes it easy to install, which means no drilling or sticky strips. It locks into place securely and can hold up to 20 pounds of greenery, whether you’re using faux pine, eucalyptus, or cedar garlands.
You would traditionally use it outside your house (at your front door) and inside your doorway, but I thought “why not use it inside the house and outside the doorway?” I installed ours above the door in the entryway to my office because the framing of the house is the perfect spot for it. But if you don’t have a setup like this, you can use it inside any doorway (just double check the measurements that it will fit).
Pro tip: If your garland includes lights, attach the strand before hanging. This makes the setup faster and ensures your cords stay hidden once it’s in place.
Step-by-Step: How to Hang a Garland Around a Door
1. Measure Your Doorway
Before you start, measure the top and sides of your door frame. A standard single door typically requires 9–12 feet of garland for a full wrap, while a double door may need up to 20 feet. If you like a more minimal look, drape only the top section for a simple, elegant style like I did.
2. Adjust and Install the Garland Hanger
Expand the garland hanger until it fits snugly across the top of your door frame. Make sure it’s level and tightened enough to hold weight but not so tight that it scratches the trim. This is the key to how to hang a garland around a door securely.
3. Layer and Secure the Garland
Drape your garland evenly across the top of the hanger, then down the sides of the door. Most tension hangers have small notches or hooks—use those to hold the greenery in place. For heavier sections, use green zip ties or floral wire for extra support.
If your garland is pre-lit, tuck the lights in as you go to keep the cord hidden and create that clean, professional look.
4. Fluff and Add Finishing Touches
Once your garland is up, fluff the branches to fill out any flat spots. Add accents like velvet bows, pinecones, or gold bells to bring texture and color. For a cohesive holiday look, tie in matching elements from your wreath or mantel decor.
This whole process takes less than 30 minutes and gives you a professional finish that feels festive, elevated, and effortless.
Decorating Ideas for Hanging Garland Around a Door
If you’re wondering how to hang a garland in different ways, here are a few ideas:
Classic full frame: Wrap the garland around all three sides of your door for a traditional Christmas look.
Modern minimalist: Keep it simple by draping garland only across the top with clean, cascading ends.
Layered with lights: Add warm white LED fairy lights or a soft pre-lit garland for a cozy glow at night.
Mix textures: Combine faux cedar with eucalyptus or berry sprigs to add depth and interest.
These small touches make your home look thoughtfully styled without needing expensive custom decor.
Other Affordable Wayfair Finds for the Holidays and Beyond
While shopping for my garland hanger, I discovered so many affordable Wayfair finds that fit perfectly with my minimalist, cozy holiday style. A few current favorites include:
A faux cedar garland that is realistic and affordable
A rustic, solid wood console table that looks designer
wayfair Faux clip-on Christmas tree candles
An affordable round wood pedestal dining table
Related: check out how I turn my traditional winter wreath into an affordable Christmas/holiday wreath within seconds.
2. Coastal 25.5" Rattan Counter Stool, $173
3. Aasif King Upholstered Metal Standard Bed, $530
4. Nayelis Metal Arch Mirror, $65
5. 63-Inch Solid Wood Console Table, $265
6. Holiday Shaped Ornament - Lighted (Set of 10), $36
7. Gold Metal Bow Collectors Garland, $38
8. Garland Hanger - Slim Single Door, $60
9. Cedar Garland, $65
10. Latrae Nordic Spruce Medium Tree with Clear Lights, $392
11. Agne 35" Round Pedestal Dining Table, $370
12. Metal Tibetan Inspired Indoor Outdoor Decorative Cow Bells, $31
Modern Organic Christmas and Holiday Decor
If you’ve ever struggled with how to hang a garland around a door without damaging your walls or trim, this is the ultimate solution. A garland hanger makes decorating for the holidays simple, quick, and completely mess-free.
It’s one of those products that quietly becomes a holiday essential. You’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. Whether you’re decorating your front entry, kitchen doorway, a window, or a front door, this hanger gives you the flexibility to get creative—without ever reaching for nails or sticky hooks again.
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FAQ: How to Hang a Garland Around a Door
1. Can you hang a garland without nails or command strips?
Yes! A tension-fit garland hanger grips your door frame securely without causing any damage, residue, or marks.
2. How long should a garland be for a standard door?
For a full wrap, use about 9–12 feet for a single door or 18–20 feet for a double door. Add an extra foot or two if you like a looser drape.
3. Will the garland hanger scratch my door frame?
No. The ends are padded and designed to protect wood or painted trim from scratches.
4. Can I use it outdoors?
Yes. The hanger is weather-resistant and works perfectly on covered porches or front doors.
5. How much weight can the garland hanger hold?
It holds up to 20 pounds, which is strong enough for heavy faux or natural garlands with lights or ornaments.
