Indoor / Outdoor Big Red Bow for Christmas
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I decorate with holiday bows every year, but this year, I’m going big. I found the largest Christmas bow I could find and am using it to add festive holiday cheer to my home. Not only does an oversized bow make a statement, it’s incredibly easy to decorate with. You can hang the bow and leave it as-is, or add a Christmas garland, more bows, berries, twinkle lights, or anything else that adds some seasonal cheer.
To add even more versatility, I got an indoor/outdoor bow so I can switch up what I do with it each year. I hung it on our front door, but I’m also dreaming about hanging one under every window on the exterior of our home. There are so many possibilities.
What Makes a Big Red Bow Work Indoors and Outdoors?
Not every bow is built the same, and that matters more than people think. Before you buy, it helps to know the difference between a decorative indoor bow and a true outdoor Christmas bow.
What Makes a Big Red Bow Work Indoors and Outdoors?
Not every bow is built the same, and that matters more than people think. Before you buy, it helps to know the difference between a decorative indoor bow and a true outdoor Christmas bow.
Material – Indoor bows are often velvet, satin, or fabric-wrapped wire, which look nice but aren't made to handle rain or snow. A true outdoor bow is made from UV-treated nylon, velvet, or weatherproof ribbon so it won't fade, warp, or fall apart in the elements.
Structure – A good large Christmas bow holds its shape without constant fluffing. Look for a wired frame or "structural" bow design so it looks full and 3D instead of flat.
Size – Bows are typically sized by the finished bow width (not the ribbon length). For most doors and wreaths, 18"–24" reads as a proper "big" bow. For porch columns, lampposts, or a garage door, size up to 30"+ for real visual impact.
Hanging hardware – The best bows come with a wire tail or grommet holes built in to make mounting it easy.
Indoor Big Red Bow Ideas
A big red bow doesn't have to live outside. Inside the house, it's one of my favorite ways to add a pop of traditional Christmas color to an otherwise neutral, modern organic space without it feeling overdone. Just make sure you're matching the scale of the bow to the scale of where it's hanging, since something oversized enough for a porch column can easily swallow a smaller indoor spot like a mirror frame or a piece of art.
Here's where I love using one indoors:
Over a mirror or piece of art – Instant focal point, zero nails required if you use removable hooks.
On the tree as a topper or accent – A large bow at the top of the tree reads more "designer" than a traditional star, especially paired with warm white lights.
Tied onto stair railings or landings – A classic, magazine-worthy staircase moment.
Layered into a garland – Tuck a few red bows into a cedar or faux pine garland for a pop of color against all that green. If you want to see exactly how I style greenery with bows and bells in a calm, modern organic space, I walk through the whole thing in my Modern Organic, Vintage Christmas Decor Home Tour.
Outdoor Christmas Bow Ideas
Outside is really where a red Christmas bow gets to shine — literally, since most outdoor bows are made with a slight sheen that catches porch lights beautifully at night.
My favorite outdoor placements:
Porch columns and railings – Wrap or tie a large bow at the top of each column for a symmetrical, high-impact look from the street.
Front door – A single oversized bow centered on the door (with or without a wreath) is one of the simplest curb-appeal upgrades you can make.
Lampposts and mailboxes – Small touches like these make a big difference in how "finished" your exterior looks.
Garage doors – This is a trend I'm seeing everywhere this year: a giant bow on a garage door, like your whole house got gift-wrapped.
If you're pairing your outdoor bow with garland around your door, in a hallway, or narrow entryway, don't reach for nails or Command Strips. I have a full, renter-friendly method (that also happens to be the exact setup I use in my own home) in How to Hang a Garland Around a Door Without Nails or Command Strips — it works just as well for anchoring a bow-and-garland combo as it does for garland alone.
The Big Red Bow I'm Using in My Own Home This Year
It comes in two sizes, and I went with the largest: 42" H x 36" W. That's a genuinely oversized, statement-making big red bow — this is the size to reach for if you want it to read as a focal point from the street, on a porch column, over a garage door, or centered on a front door, rather than something that gets lost against the scale of your house. If you want something smaller for a wreath or an indoor accent, it's also available in a 24" x 20" size.
In our own home, I ended up finding way more spots for this bow than I expected. In my home office, I hung it on the wall right next to a mirror that I always decorate for Christmas; it added so much character and made the entire wall the focal point of the room.
I also added one to the front of our cabinet, and another on an empty wall at the top of our stairs leading up to our rooftop patio, which instantly warmed up a spot that always felt a little bare in the winter. And of course, it's on our front door too, no wreath needed. It's honestly one of the most flexible pieces of Christmas decor I own.
Wayfair Finds to Decorate on a Budget
You don't need a big budget to get a big, beautiful bow moment this year. Here are 12 of my favorite budget-friendly Wayfair finds to round out your big red bow look, from oversized outdoor bows to indoor accents.
Tips for Making Your Big Red Bow Look Expensive
Fluff before you hang it. Even a well-made bow ships compressed. Take a few minutes to pull the loops apart and shape it before you commit to a placement.
Anchor it securely. A bow that's sagging or crooked reads cheap no matter how nice the material is.
Match your finish to your style. Velvet and matte ribbon feel more modern organic and elevated; shiny nylon and glitter finishes feel more classic, traditional Christmas. Choose based on the rest of your decor.
Take it down before it fades. Even UV-treated outdoor bows will look their best if you store them indoors between seasons rather than leaving them up in direct sun year-round.
However you decide to use it, a big red bow is one of the simplest ways to make your home feel dressed for the holidays — indoors, outdoors, or both. Thanks for finding it with me.
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FAQs: Big Red Bow for Christmas
What size should a big red bow be for a front door? For a front door, an 18"–24" bow is the sweet spot. It's large enough to be a real focal point but won't overwhelm a standard-sized door.
Can I use the same red Christmas bow indoors and outdoors? Only if it's labeled indoor/outdoor and made from a weatherproof material like UV-treated nylon. Velvet and fabric bows not rated for outdoor use will fade or warp quickly if left in the elements.
What's the best material for an outdoor Christmas bow? UV-treated nylon or weatherproof ribbon with a wired frame holds up best against rain, snow, and sun without losing its shape.
How do I hang a large Christmas bow without damaging my door or trim? Use the bow's built-in wire tail with a removable hook, or pair it with a tension-mount garland hanger.
Decorating with a big red bow for Christmas.