The Simple Holiday Decor That Will Elevate Your Windows Inside And Out

Whether you're someone who heads to the store the moment new ornaments and knick-knacks drop for the holidays, or you prefer to pull out your trusted collection every year, there's no question that a good window decoration can really elevate your setup indoors and out. This year, gingerbread houses and villages are everywhere, and there are a plethora of clever crafts, DIYs, and home store items that would fill your windows with holiday cheer. Whether you're decorating for Christmas on a budget or you just want to save a little money this season, one trick will give your windows the most vibrant and festive finish with one inexpensive item: a chalk pen. By drawing your own gingerbread or winter-themed village on your window glass, you can create a display that will instantly make your home feel cozy, inviting, and, of course, cheery!

Plenty of people are thinking twice before putting their Christmas Tree in front of a window, and if you love natural light during the day, this DIY is a great alternative. You don't have to be a renowned artist to try this decor hack, either. The houses/village can be as simple or detailed as you want, and you can even print out a stencil on plain paper to act as a guide for your designs. Find a white chalk pen or purchase a variety pack, like Chalkola's 5 White Chalk Markers Variety, if you have multiple windows you plan to decorate. Start by cleaning your windows, using soap, water, and even Windex to remove all the dirt, dust, and grime so they sparkle through your drawings.

When you're ready to start drawing, plan to fill at least the bottom half of your window so people can see the drawings and enjoy them from inside, outside, and even afar. You don't want the finished product to look awkward, so plan everything out and start with larger rather than a lot of small details. Add festive houses, trees, flowers, snowflakes, characters, and any other elements you want, decorating these with patterns instead of completely filling in the buildings and homes you draw. In fact, part of the coziness of this DIY comes from the light of your home illuminating the drawings from the outside and also casting reflections against the glass inside.

Using the chalk pen on the interior side of your windows will protect the drawings from the elements, making them last longer. If your sill is deep enough, add polyfill along it to create the illusion of snow, and add twine twinkle lights throughout for some festive illumination. The white outlines of your chalk drawing will match many aesthetics and home palettes, but you can also use different colors to detail certain items in your window. Seasonal decor has never been so simple (or affordable) as this clever hack, which you can switch up as your mood changes with some glass cleaner. This is also a really great holiday decorating idea for small spaces because it adds so much to your space without taking up more room within your home!