How to Match a Door Wreath with your Home's Exterior

 

Your front entry is the first impression guests have of your home, so make it count with front door decor that complements your home’s exterior.  Choosing a wreath isn’t just about seasonal flair—it’s also about drawing attention to your home’s architectural style and facade

1. Start by analyzing your home's style.  

Do you have a modern home with sharp, clear lines?  If so, you might choose a minimalist style hoop or bead hoop wreath with subdued colors.  If you have a traditional brick or stucco façade or cottage-style home, then floral grapevine wreaths with rustic flair may be more complementary.  

2. Consider your front entry door style. 

Does your home have an oversize front door?  See our blog post for size considerations.

Does your home have double entry doors?  Wreaths on double doors can be very impressive; double wreaths are typically created as mirror images of each other vs. being identical designs. 

Does your entry door have a window?  If so, will the wreath or swag hang over the glass or below it?

Does your entry door have a peephole?  If so, can you position the wreath or swag to allow for using the peephole or is it acceptable if the décor item covers this security feature?

3. Color coordination is also key. 

A wreath that contrasts with your door color will create a bold, striking look.  For example, a deep fall color wreath on a lighter wood door or greenery wreath with eucalyptus and white magnolias and dark leaves wreath blends beautifully on a dark door.

A wreath with a similar color palette will blend harmoniously for a more subtle touch. For example,  a wreath with lots of color might be a perfect display on a lighter color wooden door or beige door if you are wanting a bold, striking look.   

4. Distance to street.  How far is your home set back from the nearest street or road?  The greater the distance, the more that color and size will matter if you want your door décor to be visible.  Large 24-26” wreaths with noticeable contrast fit well on a standard door and are more visible at a distance. 

5. Look at examples.  Take a walk around your neighborhood and notice styles, colors and positions of wreaths and swags on a variety of front entry doors.  Your observations may help you narrow down your likes and dislikes as well as trends and unique eye-catching designs. 

6. Finally think about longevity and versatility. 
All-season wreaths with beautiful greenery can be displayed year-round.  If you invest in a more expensive door wreath or swag, you may want to display it for more months of the year.  Consider, though, that 'long season' wreaths will be subjected to more sunlight and weather conditions and may deteriorate more quickly than 'short season' wreaths.   

To mitigate outdoor wreath wear, you can display your wreath on a covered porch to shield it particularly from sunlight and consider bringing your wreath indoors during inclement weather and display your wreath

Here is an example of what too much sunlight can do to a sign on your wreath. 
The top sign spent a season in the east sun without a porch covering.  It turned blue. 
The bottom one is the original sign in navy and dark red. 

Switching everyday wreaths with special holidays will bring fresh decor to your front porch and will preserve the longevity of your all season wreath or swag.  

Alternately, you can also display wreaths for each of the seasons – spring, summer, fall and winter - and switch those out for your favorite holidays. 

 

With the right combination of door wreaths and swags, your front entry will enhance your home’s personality, style and beauty and be the envy of your neighborhood throughout the year!