Need to add some serious curb appeal? An extra large outdoor wreath with lights is the secret weapon for a welcoming, sparkling home entrance. It’s a simple yet impactful way to boost your home’s charm, especially during festive seasons or any time you want to make a statement. Discover how to choose and hang one with ease, bringing essential sparkle to your doorstep.
Ever feel like your front door could use a little…more? You’ve tried a small wreath, but it just seems to disappear against your lovely home. Or maybe you’re picturing that magical glow from holiday movies, but don’t know where to start with something bigger than your average door decor. It’s a common feeling, especially when you want to make a bold, beautiful statement without a lot of fuss. Don’t worry, adding that wow factor to your outdoor space is totally achievable! This guide is here to walk you through everything you need to know about extra large outdoor wreaths, from picking the perfect one to making sure it shines its brightest. Get ready to transform your entrance into a beacon of cozy charm.
Why Go Big? The Magic of Extra Large Outdoor Wreaths
There’s something undeniably captivating about a grand entrance. An extra large outdoor wreath isn’t just a decoration; it’s a statement piece. It instantly elevates your home’s façade, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that welcomes guests and passersby. For larger homes or those with wide doorways, a smaller wreath can look a bit lost. An oversized wreath, on the other hand, commands attention and balances the proportions of your entry. Think of it as the perfect hat for your house – the right size makes all the difference!
Beyond aesthetics, extra large wreaths offer fantastic versatility. They are especially wonderful for making a significant impact during holidays like Christmas, but they can also be used year-round to celebrate seasons, welcome guests, or simply add a touch of personality. Imagine a lush, evergreen wreath for winter, a vibrant floral one for spring, a berry-laden design for autumn, or a sophisticated, minimalist wreath for contemporary homes. The key is choosing a style that reflects your home’s architecture and your personal taste.
Choosing Your Extra Large Outdoor Wreath: What to Consider
Selecting the right oversized wreath involves a few key considerations to ensure it looks stunning on your home and stands up to the elements. It’s not just about size; it’s about style, material, and of course, that essential sparkle!
Size Matters: Finding the Perfect Fit
Before you fall in love with a particular wreath, measure your front door. A good rule of thumb is that your wreath should occupy about two-thirds to three-quarters of your door’s width. For example, if you have a standard 36-inch wide door, a wreath that’s 24-30 inches in diameter would be an excellent choice. For very wide doors or double doors, you might even go larger, up to 36 inches or more! Remember to also consider the height of your porch and the space above your door.
Here’s a quick guide to help visualize:
| Door Width | Recommended Wreath Diameter |
|---|---|
| 30-32 inches | 20-24 inches |
| 34-36 inches | 24-30 inches |
| 38-40 inches (Double Doors) | 30-36+ inches per wreath (or one very large central wreath) |
Material Marvels: Durability Meets Beauty
When choosing an outdoor wreath, the materials are crucial for longevity. You’ll find wreaths made from natural elements and durable artificial options. Both have their pros and cons, especially when exposed to weather.
- Natural Materials:
- Evergreens (Pine, Fir, Spruce): Offer a classic, fresh look. They smell wonderful too! However, they can dry out and shed over time.
- Berries, Pinecones, Twigs: Add texture and seasonal charm. These can be more delicate and may fade or fall off more easily.
- Dried Florals: Beautiful and unique, but often very fragile and susceptible to moisture.
- Artificial Materials:
- Faux Foliage (Plastic, Polyester): Designed to last. High-quality fakes can look incredibly realistic and are resistant to fading and drying out. They require minimal maintenance.
- Metal, Wire, Fabric Accents: These can be robust or delicate depending on their construction and finish. Look for weather-resistant coatings if they’re metal.
For an extra large outdoor wreath, especially one you want to use year after year, investing in a well-made artificial wreath with UV-resistant foliage is often a wise choice. It will maintain its shape and color much better through sun, rain, and wind.
The Sparkle Factor: Lights and Embellishments
This is where the “essential sparkle” truly comes to life! When we talk about adding light to your outdoor space, wreaths are a perfect canvas.
- Integrated Lights: Many extra large outdoor wreaths come with pre-strung lights. Look for LEDs, as they are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and available in various colors (warm white, cool white, multi-color). Battery-operated options offer flexibility in placement, while plug-in options provide continuous brightness. Ensure the lights are rated for outdoor use.
- DIY Lighting: DIY lighting can be a fun project! You can wrap battery-operated fairy lights around a plain wreath. Look for lights with timers for convenience.
- Other Embellishments: Beyond lights, consider decorative elements like
- Oversized ornaments
- Velvet or weather-resistant ribbons
- Glitter-dusted pinecones
- Faux berries or fruits
- Seasonal charms
The key is to choose embellishments that complement the wreath’s base and your home’s style. For an extra large outdoor wreath with lights, aim for lights that enhance, not overpower, the design.
DIY: Creating Your Own Extra Large Outdoor Wreath
Feeling crafty? Making your own extra large outdoor wreath can be incredibly rewarding and allows for complete customization. It’s a fantastic project to truly make your own!
Gathering Your Supplies
You’ll need a sturdy base and plenty of materials to make it lush and full. For larger wreaths, a metal wreath ring or a substantial wire frame is essential. You can purchase these online or at larger craft stores.
Here’s a list of potential supplies:
- Wreath form/ring: A 20-30 inch metal wreath ring or a very sturdy wire frame.
- Floral wire: Choose a sturdy gauge for attaching materials.
- Wire cutters: For cutting floral wire precisely.
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks: For securing lighter elements.
- Foliage: Fresh or artificial greenery (e.g., eucalyptus, pine branches, magnolia leaves, artificial boxwood). For maximum impact, you’ll need a good amount!
- Decorative elements: Faux berries, pinecones, large ribbons, ornaments, etc.
- Outdoor-rated fairy lights (optional): Battery-operated or plug-in LEDs.
- Gloves: To protect your hands.
- Work surface: Protect your table or floor.
Step-by-Step Creation Guide
Here’s a simplified process to get you started:
- Prepare Your Base: If using artificial greenery, start by inserting stems into the wreath form, working in one direction to create a layered effect. If using a hoop, you might need to secure stems with floral wire. For natural greens, you can create bundles of branches and attach them to the form using floral wire as you go around.
- Build Your Greenery Layer: Overlap your greenery bundles as you attach them, ensuring full coverage. Aim for a lush, voluminous look, slightly overhanging the wreath form. For extra large wreaths, this step takes the most material and time.
- Add Your Sparkle: If using lights, weave them through the greenery. Start at the battery pack or plug, securing it discreetly. Wrap the lights evenly, ensuring they catch on the foliage. Test them before adding other decor.
- Incorporate Decorative Elements: Hot glue or wire on your accents – berries, pinecones, ornaments. Consider placing larger items strategically. For example, a big bow at the top or bottom can be a focal point.
- Refine and Fluff: Once everything is attached, take a step back. Fluff the greenery, adjust any elements that look out of place, and trim any stray wires or glue strands.
Remember, for an extra large outdoor wreath with lights, it’s best to use lightweight decorations that won’t weigh down the structure or be easily dislodged by wind. High-quality artificial elements are excellent for this.
Hanging Your Extra Large Outdoor Wreath
Hanging is often the most overlooked part of enjoying your new decor. A secure and well-placed wreath is key!
Choosing the Right Hanger
With the weight of an extra large wreath, you need a hanger that can support it reliably.
- Over-the-Door Hooks: These are popular and easy to use, but ensure they are sturdy enough for your wreath’s size and weight. Look for models made for heavier items.
- Command Hooks: High-strength adhesive hooks designed for outdoor use can be a great damage-free option. Always check their weight rating and follow installation instructions precisely.
- Picture Hanging Wire/Screws: If you have a sturdy porch structure (like wood), you can install screw eyes and use heavy-duty wire to hang the wreath. This is often the most secure method for very large or heavy wreaths and is recommended by many home improvement experts. A simple guide to proper hanging hardware can be found on resources like This Old House.
- Wreath Hangers with Straps: Some adjustable strap hangers are designed to wrap around the door, providing a secure fit without nails or screws.
For an extra large outdoor wreath with lights, consider how you’ll manage the light cord if it’s plug-in. You might need to route it discreetly.
Placement Tips
The height and position of your wreath can make a difference:
- Eye Level: Hang the wreath so the center is roughly at eye level when standing on your porch, or slightly higher if your door is very tall.
- Door Clearance: Ensure there’s enough space for the wreath to hang freely without hitting the doorframe or the door itself when it opens.
- Centering: For single doors, center the wreath. For double doors, you can hang one large wreath in the middle if space allows, or two equally sized wreaths side-by-side on each door.
If you’re using plug-in lights, plan how the cord will reach an outlet and how to hide it effectively. Outdoor-rated extension cords are a must if needed.
Maintaining Your Extra Large Outdoor Wreath
To keep your wreath looking its best, a little ongoing care goes a long way, especially for those beautiful lights!
For Natural Wreaths:
- Misting: Lightly mist natural evergreen wreaths with water every few days to help them stay hydrated and fragrant, especially in dry climates.
- Protection: If possible, hang natural wreaths in a spot that is somewhat sheltered from direct sun and harsh wind, which can dry them out faster.
For Artificial Wreaths:
- Dusting: Gently dust your artificial wreath with a soft brush or a can of compressed air to remove any built-up dust or pollen.
- Cleaning: For dirtier wreaths, a damp cloth can often do the trick. For stubborn spots, a mild soap and water solution might be needed, but always test on an inconspicuous area first. Let it air dry completely.
- Storage: After the season, consider storing your wreath in a breathable bag or its original box in a cool, dry place to protect it from dust and damage. For extra large wreaths, a dedicated wreath storage bag is ideal.
Light Maintenance:
- Check Connections: Regularly check any battery packs or plug connections on your lights to ensure they are secure and free from corrosion or damage.
- Bulb Replacement: If using older string lights, keep spare bulbs handy. For LED strings, a burned-out bulb usually doesn’t affect the rest of the strand.
- Timer Checks: If your lights have a timer function, check periodically to ensure it’s still working correctly.
By taking these simple steps, your extra large outdoor wreath with lights will continue to sparkle and impress for seasons to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Extra Large Outdoor Wreaths
Q1: How do I know what size extra large wreath is right for my door?
A1: Measure your front door! A good rule of thumb is that your wreath’s diameter should be about two-thirds to three-quarters of your door’s width. So, for a standard 36-inch door, a wreath between 24 and 30 inches would be ideal.
Q2: Can real greenery wreaths hold up outdoors year-round?
A2: Natural wreaths are best for seasonal use. They can dry out, shed, and fade with constant exposure to the elements. High-quality artificial wreaths are much more durable for year-round display, especially in harsh climates.
Q3: What’s the best way to hang a heavy, extra large wreath without damaging my door?
A3: Opt for strong, versatile hanging solutions. Heavy-duty outdoor Command hooks, sturdy over-the-door hooks rated for significant weight, or a secure screw-eye system installed into your door frame or house siding (if appropriate) are excellent choices.
Q4: Are battery-operated lights on a wreath bright enough for outdoor display?
A4: Yes, modern LED battery-operated lights are surprisingly bright and energy-efficient. They are a great option for convenience, but you may need to change batteries more often than with plug-in lights. Look for ones with timer functions for ease of use.
Q5: How do I keep my wreath from swinging wildly in windy conditions?
A5: For very windy areas, consider securing the bottom of the wreath to the door with a discreet piece of fishing line or clear tape, or use a hanger that holds the wreath very snugly against the door. Ensure your chosen hanger is robust and securely attached.
Q6: Can I mix and match decorative elements on my wreath?
A6: Absolutely! Personalization is key. Feel free to add your own ornaments, ribbons, or natural elements like pinecones. Just ensure they are securely attached and suitable for outdoor conditions to withstand weather.
Q7: What kind of maintenance do extra large artificial wreaths require?
A7: Artificial wreaths are relatively low maintenance. Dust them periodically with a soft brush or compressed air. If they get dirty, a damp cloth or a mild soap and water solution can be used for cleaning. Store them properly in a protected bag or box when not in use to prolong their life.
Conclusion: Embrace the Grand Welcome!
Adding an extra large outdoor wreath to your home is a simple yet profoundly effective way to enhance its curb appeal and create a welcoming ambiance. Whether you opt for a pre-made masterpiece shimmering with lights or channel your inner crafter to build your own, the result is a stunning focal point that greets everyone with warmth and style. Remember to consider the size, material, and hanging method to ensure your wreath not only looks fantastic but also lasts through the seasons. With a little careful selection and a touch of creativity, your extra large outdoor wreath will bring essential sparkle and undeniable charm to your doorstep, season after season.
