Every year, as the holidays approach, visions of lush green garlands draped perfectly over doorways and archways dance in our heads. We dream of creating a home that feels like a scene from a classic holiday movie, with every corner bathed in a warm, festive glow.
For those who rent their homes or simply want to avoid nail holes and wall damage, this dream can feel out of reach. A brilliant and simple hack has gone viral though, changing the holiday decorating game for good.
A Viral Solution for Festive Decor
It can be tough to pinpoint where viral trends start, but one video from creator @thekwendyhome, which has now amassed over 1.2 million likes, has become especially popular, as it demonstrates how to use a simple tension rod to achieve this picture-perfect look. The “curtain rod hack” is as straightforward as it sounds. By using a tension shower curtain rod, you can create a sturdy, damage-free anchor for even the heaviest and most elaborate garlands across hallways and entryways.
In the popular clip, the creator easily installs a tension rod in her hallway. She then drapes a thick, beautiful garland, complete with lights and festive accents, over the rod. With a bit of editing magic, the garland’s lights switch on, instantly transforming the space into a cozy, magical passageway. The response has been overwhelming, with thousands of comments celebrating the clever idea. One user exclaimed, “This is so apartment and cat friendly…you just saved my holiday season!!” Another added, “Why why did I never think of this? Brilliant!!”
Choosing the Right Rod
One key tip to making this hack work safely and effectively is selecting the right tension rod. While a standard shower rod might work for a lightweight, unadorned garland, you’ll want to invest in a heavy-duty model for a more substantial display. Look for rods that are marketed as “heavy-duty” or have a higher weight capacity. These are often made from stronger material and feature better gripping mechanisms on the ends, ensuring your festive creation stays securely in place. Measure your doorway or hall opening before purchasing to ensure you get a rod that fits the space perfectly.
@thekwendyhome Here’s a Christmas decorating hack for you! Damage free garland hanging with a shower curtain rod! I had to try it for myself after seeing @Letneeutro do it! I took the shower curtain from our guest bathroom and tested this out for myself. It has held up really well! I even put my heavy Norfolk pine garlands on and it didn’t budge. This is perfect for renters and those who don’t want to put nails in their walls. And an added bonus is that you don’t get a crick in your neck or get tired arms from decorating 😅 I linked everything on my LTK in my bio. Now go forth and deck those halls. #deckthehalls #christmasdecorating #christmas #christmas2023 #christmasdecor #decorhack #decorhacks #christmashack #christmashacks #garland #christmasgarland #christmasgarlandhack #homedecor #damagefreedecor #rentalfriendlydecor ♬ Twinkling Lights (Reimagined) – Auni
Get Creative with Your Garland
The beauty of this hack lies not just in its simplicity, but in its versatility. While a classic pine garland with warm white lights is timeless, creators are putting their own unique spins on the trend. You can customize your display to match your personal style and home decor. Consider weaving in different textures and elements for a more dynamic look. Some are adding elegant brass bells for a Pottery Barn look, while others are incorporating eucalyptus branches for a modern, aromatic touch.
For a more traditional feel, you can secure pinecones, bright ribbons, or classic candy canes throughout the greenery. This is a wonderful opportunity to get creative and design a piece of holiday decor that is uniquely yours. The secure rod provides a solid base for almost any idea you can imagine.
This simple trick is popular with both homeowners and renters alike, and it’s a great reminder that with a little ingenuity, anyone can create a space that feels warm, welcoming, and full of the magic of the season.
