Mistakes to avoid when hanging Christmas decorations – 6 errors that can cause damage

It's officially the time to get your home prepared for the festivities ahead, and hanging Christmas decorations is an instrumental part of adoring your home for the festive season. However, many homeowners discover when taking their decorations back down that they have made some DIY hanging mistakes that have damaged their homes.

By being mindful of your Christmas decor installation choices, you can strike a balance between creating a festive atmosphere and maintaining the visual appeal of your living spaces when the holidays are over.

Before you and all the family delve into your Christmas decoration box and start hanging them around your home, ensure you are aware of the mistakes that could damage your home.

Mistakes to avoid when hanging Christmas decorations that can damage your home

To preserve your home's integrity while decking your home for the holiday, choose the right tools for the job and be mindful of electrical and structural limits.

Taking the right precautions and planning these tasks with safety and care in mind can ensure that your decorations have a lasting impact, but just not on your home. 

1. Improper decor positioning

Improperly placed decorations can damage your home, leading to scratched or stained surfaces. This may occur due to the abrasive nature of ornaments on walls and delicate furniture, or string lights acting as tripping or fire hazards.

'Placement is key to both aesthetic appeal and safety. Consider traffic flow, door swings, and furniture placement to ensure decorations enhance the space without posing a hazard,' advises Olivia Tapper, head of operations at Pet Portraits. 'Also, if you have pets, it's worth considering their reach.' 

This will not only ensure you do not damage your home but also that your favorite decorations remain in perfect condition.

2. Using inappropriate hanging tools

It's important to hang decorations properly to avoid Christmas decoration problems, like peeling paint and wallpaper.

'When hanging decorations, it's crucial to utilize the correct tools and techniques suitable for various surfaces. Opt for removable hooks or specialized adhesive strips designed for temporary decorations,' recommends Angela Rubin, cleaning expert at Hellamaid. 'These alternatives offer secure attachment without causing damage upon removal.' 

We recommend these adhesive hooks from Amazon for lighter decorations. However, while these should not lift paint or wallpaper after being removed, this is not a guarantee, so use them with caution.

'Additionally, avoid using permanent tapes, glues, or adhesives that can leave residue or damage surfaces when removing decorations,' advises Ilia Mundut, founder and CEO of Hefty Berry. Heavy-duty tape might seem like a quick fix for hanging garlands or stockings, but it can peel off paint or wallpaper when removed.

Choose hanging solutions made for the particular weight and kind of decoration, and make sure they are free of damage before using them. Adhesive strips, such as wall tape, from Amazon, can be suitable for lighter items, and for hanging heavier decorations, proper wall anchors or picture-hanging hooks are necessary to prevent wall damage.

By taking care you can ensure a safe and damage-free setup, preventing any unsightly holes or tears on your walls. 

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3. Not checking the weight capacity

Don't ignore the weight limits of your decorations; distributing the weight of decorations evenly is vital, especially for heavier items like wreaths or garlands.

'Always check the weight limits and use appropriate hanging hardware,' advises Ilia Mundut. 'Hanging decorations on fixtures like curtain rods, light fixtures, or branches without considering their weight capacity can lead to damage or accidents.'

'You should also avoid hanging heavy decorations solely by a single hook or nail, as this could cause damage to the wall,' adds Angela Rubin. 'Instead, distribute the weight by using multiple attachment points or support brackets to prevent strain on one spot.'

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4. Not considering structural integrity

'If you are hanging Christmas decorations with nails, exercise caution to prevent potential damage not just to the walls but also to the underlying infrastructure,' says Thomas Goodman, home expert at MyJobQuote.

'Be mindful of the type of walls in your home. Plaster walls might require different hanging tools than drywall, for example,' says Olivia Tapper. 'Understanding your wall type can prevent unnecessary damage.'

'Additionally, improper hanging, especially on walls concealing pipes, can puncture or damage them,' warns Thomas Goodman. 'Any accidental drilling or nailing in the wrong spot might lead to significant water damage, disrupting festivities and necessitating costly repairs.'

Before hanging any drilling into walls or using nails assess the structure of your walls and make certain there are no hazards lying directly behind the wall.

5. Not using protective measures for delicate surfaces

'Delicate surfaces, such as wooden furniture or mantelpieces, require protective measures when placing decorations,' says Angela Rubin. 'Use soft padding or felt protectors beneath heavy or abrasive items to prevent scratches or damage to surfaces.' You can find self-adhesive felt surface protectors at Amazon.

You should also never use hangers on these surfaces that will damage them. Before using hangers with adhesive materials you can test how the material will cope with these hangers being stuck on and taken off. This should be done in an inconspicuous area to determine whether this will cause damage. 

6. Hanging decorations too close to heat sources

'Placing decorations near heat sources such as fireplaces, heaters, or candles can pose fire risks,' warns Ilia Mundut. Keeping decorations a safe distance away from heat sources will prevent accidents, and protect your home and items from being damaged.

FAQs

Improperly storing decorations can damage them, leading to broken ornaments or tangled lights. Use storage containers designed for holiday decorations and wrap delicate items carefully to prevent damage.

Carefully plan how you should best hang your Christmas decorations to avoid damaging your home or the decorations themselves.

Always follow manufacturer instructions for hanging items, especially for electrical items, including proper installation methods, weight requirements, information on voltage, and indoor and outdoor use.