Every holiday season, I save dozens of dreamy holiday home ideas that no doubt use countless Christmas light hooks – twinkling lights perfectly draped along mantels, doorways, and stair rails – only to feel stuck once it’s time to actually hang them. Nails and tape can damage walls, while flimsy hooks never seem to stay put, making the whole process more frustrating than festive.
That’s why these Command Round Cord Clips from Amazon felt like a minor miracle. They held my lights securely without leaving marks, let me adjust the layout easily, and made even tricky spots feel completely doable. For the first time, decorating felt simple instead of stressful.
These Rental-Safe Hooks Make Christmas Lighting Simple
Using cord clips to hold Christmas lights along mantles or around window dressings is the perfect trick for decorating in a rented home, or when you don't want a constant reminder of your Christmas decor through the year.
Hanging Christmas lights is one of the best ways to make a home feel cozier for Christmas, but it can often be one of the most stressful aspects of decorating. Between tangled wires and finding a way to mount them, they almost feel like more hassle than they are worth.
However, Command Hook Light Clips, available at Walmart, offer the perfect solution. Not only are they completely damage-free when applied and removed correctly, meaning that they are safe for renters like me and those of us who do not want a constant reminder of Christmas on our walls, but they also blend seamlessly into your Christmas decorating ideas.
As someone who has spent hours saving hundreds of Christmas lighting ideas on Pinterest, the fact that these clips virtually disappear when the lights are added and can be used on several surfaces, including painted walls, has secured them as an essential part of my Christmas first aid kit. This year alone, they have been used to secure lights when styling a mantlepiece for Christmas and when replicating a beautiful Pinterest Christmas window decor idea, where the creator used a garland and lights to frame the window above her kitchen sink.
I also used some larger 5lb Command Hooks from Amazon to hang the Christmas garland idea securely, without having to add permanent nails into the window frame that would ruin the look of the kitchen for the rest of the year.
I am not the only one who loves this damage-free approach to decorating, either. Even professional holiday decorator Patricia Derpinksi, owner of Hudson Holiday Decor, says, 'I like to use non-invasive methods like adhesive clips, hooks, and gutter clips designed specifically for holiday lighting. For interiors, I usually opt for clear, removable adhesive hooks (Command indoor hooks are great because they are nearly invisible against most surfaces) that won’t damage walls or paint.
'You can also find options for outdoor use, too,' she adds. ' I avoid using nails or screws and instead attach lights with clips that won’t leave marks or require any drilling or power tools. I like to use are Command outdoor light clips [available at Amazon] as well as all-in-one clips [also from Amazon].'
My space finally looked like the Pinterest board I’d been building for years – proof that sometimes it’s not the decorations themselves, but the right little tools that make all the difference.
What to Shop
These clear cable clips also help in routing cables to and from decor vignettes to prevent trips and accidents.
Some garland hacks require a tension rod to suspend greenery over doorways. These curtain rod holders are damage free, for pretty archway decoration without the risk of losing your deposit.
I swear by these larger, sturdier hooks for hanging garlands around my windows, adding a touch of whimsy to every room of the house.
These mini wall hooks are also ideal for lighting, blending into the wall when everything has been decorated.
When hanging frames or wall decorations for the holidays, opt for damage-free strips over nails to avoid permanent reminders of the festive season.
Avoid the mental gymnastics of routing and hiding cables for some of your Christmas decor by opting for battery-operated lighting instead. I love them for mini trees and window hangings all over my home.
Meet the Expert
Patricia Derpinski is the lead designer at Hudson Holiday Decor, transforming homes, businesses, and events into magical festive landscapes.
With over 25 years of experience, Patricia’s work spans luxury residences, upscale office spaces, and elite commercial properties, where she creates awe-inspiring holiday experiences that perfectly reflect the unique personality of each client.
For doors, consider skipping permanent hooks and opting for a damage-free wreath hanging hack instead. It is the perfect way – renter or not – to protect your surfaces while getting in the festive mood.
