4 Common Exterior Holiday Decor Mistakes and How to Fix Them
With the holidays just around the corner, my thoughts have turned to all things Christmas. I tend to hold off a little when it comes to decorating inside (the extra clutter gets to me), but when it comes to the exterior, I can’t help myself — the lights go up faster than I can finish my leftover Halloween candy.
Given the nature of many of my posts, it probably won’t come as a surprise that one of my favorite things to do during the holiday’s is tour the city, checking out some of the best-dressed houses of the season. Regardless of style or taste, I can’t help but smile when I come across a home where the owner has fully embraced the spirit of the season. That said, if you’re reading this post, I’m guessing you’re looking to elevate your holiday curb appeal — so today, I’m focusing on the most common mistakes (and how to fix them) that can distract from even the simplest setups.
Whether you’re keeping it simple or going full-on festive, avoiding these exterior decorating mistakes will help ensure your home looks elevated and beautifully intentional this season.
Not properly securing (or hiding) Christmas lights.
Starting off with a simple but often overlooked detail — not properly fastening your Christmas lights. Lights that hang loosely from the roofline instantly cheapen the overall appearance of your exterior. Along the same lines, visible extension cords can also detract from the aesthetic, especially during the day. Taking the time to hide and secure everything neatly not only keeps your display in place through winter weather but also adds instant sophistication — no matter how simple the setup.
2. Disregarding proportion
While I appreciate any effort made to decorate during the holidays, this post wouldn’t be complete without mentioning proportion. We’ve all seen it — the single tree wrapped with a strand of lights so sparse it almost looks better left undecorated. Wherever you decide to hang your lights, make sure they’re evenly distributed across the surface or feature they’re highlighting. Balanced coverage will instantly give your home a sophisticated, well-designed look.
On the flip side, too many elements — even beautiful ones — can feel overwhelming. If you’re unsure where to draw the line, start with your lighting and build from there, adding one piece at a time until everything feels balanced while still allowing your façade to shine through.
3. Ignoring Light Temperature
In the design world, lighting temperature doesn’t get nearly enough attention — but it makes a huge difference. It simply refers to the colour of light: warmer tones (around 2,000–3,000K) create a cozy, inviting glow, while cooler tones (4,000–6,500K) give off a brighter, more energizing light.
When it comes to Christmas lights, warmer or soft-white tones naturally feel more welcoming — it’s what gives a home that cozy, inviting look from the street. Of course, not all lights are created equal, and anyone who remembers the first generation of LEDs knows what I mean. They were great for energy savings, but that harsh, bluish light often drowned out the home instead of adorning it with a warm, inviting glow.
Thankfully, lighting technology has come a long way. Today’s LEDs can beautifully mimic the soft, warm glow of traditional incandescent bulbs — the kind many of us remember from childhood. This newer, warmer light highlights your home’s façade instead of overpowering it, creating a festive look that feels polished and inviting.
4. Inflatables
This is another big one I can’t ignore. While I totally understand the appeal — especially for young kids — if your goal is to create a cozy exterior that feels polished and sophisticated, inflatables aren’t the way to go. Their large size, bright colors, and the cords and supports needed to anchor them often leave a front yard looking more cluttered than festive.
If you love the idea of adding personality to your lawn, try choosing décor that feels more timeless and architectural. Think lanterns, oversized planters filled with greenery, or simple lit sculptures that complement your yard and home style rather than compete with it.
Creating a Instagram-worthy exterior for the holidays doesn’t have to be complicated or elaborate. Sometimes, it’s the attention to detail that makes all the difference.
Looking for more Christmas decor ideas? Check out my past posts:
BY EMILY RADKIE
