The Joy of Holiday Home Decorating
The holiday season is here, and it’s time to decide what kind of decorator you’re going to be this year! Maybe you’re the super-organized type—the one who brings down those perfectly labeled bins the week before Thanksgiving, ready to transform every nook and cranny into a Pinterest-worthy spectacle. For you, the home is bursting with festive cheer, from the front porch wreath to the garland spiraling up the stair banister. Or perhaps you’re more laid-back, choosing a few high-impact pieces that make a cozy statement without the fuss. Either way, maximizing those key decorating areas—the front porch, the stair banister, and the often-overlooked windows—is an important part of making the holidays special, far beyond just lighting up the Christmas tree.
Decorating Your Brick: The Right Way to Hang
For many homes in North Georgia, the beautiful texture and warmth of a brick fireplace or an exterior brick facade are central features that naturally draw the eye. These brick surfaces offer a stunning, cozy backdrop for all your favorite Christmas decorations. However, hanging items on brick presents a unique challenge—you can’t just use a simple nail or adhesive tape. The porous surface and the desire to preserve your beautiful brickwork mean you need specific, reliable methods.
5 Tips for Damage-Free Hanging
The good news? Hanging decorations like garlands, lights, and wreaths on brick is easier than you think when you have the right tools. Here are five easy tips to ensure your decorations are secure, stunning, and won’t cause any damage.
Tip #1: Use Brick Clips or Hangers for Simple Items
The absolute easiest and most popular method for hanging lightweight to medium-weight items like wreaths, garlands, and battery-operated lights is using brick clips (also called brick hangers).
- How They Work: These spring-tensioned metal clips snap securely onto the exposed ledge of a standard-size brick, without requiring any mortar penetration, drilling, or adhesive.
- Best For: Exterior house brick and fireplace mantels.
Pro Tip: Ensure you purchase the correct size clip for your brick height. They are typically available for standard and oversized bricks.
Tip #2: Leverage Mortar Joints with Specialty Hooks
If you need a slightly more robust option and are willing to use a minimal amount of semi-permanent adhesive that targets the mortar, look for hooks explicitly designed for mortar joints.
- How They Work: These hooks have a small adhesive strip or a specialized anchor that secures directly into the soft mortar between the bricks, rather than the hard brick face.
- Best For: Hanging string lights or heavier garlands where you need several anchor points in a straight line.
- Pro Tip: Always clean the mortar joint thoroughly with a stiff brush, then let it dry completely before applying any adhesive.
Tip #3: Use Hot Glue for Temporary Light Strands (Exterior Only)
For temporarily securing string lights on an exterior brick wall where clips won’t work, a dab of hot glue can be surprisingly effective—and safely removable.
- How They Work: Apply a small, pea-sized dot of low-temperature hot glue directly to the brick, then press the light cord into the adhesive. The texture of the brick should help the glue adhere instantly.
- Best For: Exterior Christmas lights on rough-textured brick where a temporary, visible anchor is acceptable.
- Pro Tip: Use this method only outside. When it’s time to remove the lights, a plastic putty knife can scrape the glue off the brick surface cleanly. Do not use this on painted or sealed brick.
Tip #4: Consider Damage-Free Outdoor Adhesive Strips
If your brick is smooth, clean, and you are hanging very light items, specialized outdoor adhesive strips and hooks can be an excellent, damage-free option.
- How They Work: These are heavy-duty versions of the popular removal strips. They feature weatherproof adhesive and a tab for stretching the strip parallel to the wall for clean removal.
- Best For: Interior brick fireplaces or very lightweight exterior items on smooth, glazed, or painted brick.
Pro Tip: Always check the weight limit and ensure your brick surface is not too dusty, porous, or textured, as the strips need a relatively flat surface to get a secure grip.
Tip #5: Safely Remove Decorations with Warmth and Care
You want the magic to last through the holidays, but you don’t want the evidence to last through the year! Safe removal is just as necessary as safe hanging.
- The Removal Tip: For hot-glue anchors (Tip #3), wait for a cold day; the glue will often pop right off the brick. If not, briefly directing a hairdryer or heat gun on a low setting to slightly soften the glue will allow you to scrape it off with a plastic or wooden tool. For adhesive strips (Tip #4), always pull the tab slowly and parallel to the wall, never pulling straight out. If you used brick clips (Tip #1), apply gentle pressure to release the tension spring. Inspect the brick and mortar for any residual material.
Holiday Home Décor Inspiration & Contact Our Brick Experts
Now that you know the how-to, it’s time for the design inspiration! Whether you are decking out your porch or styling your mantel, your beautiful brick is the perfect natural backdrop. For creative holiday ideas, check out our Pinterest profile. We have multiple inspirational and instructional boards dedicated to Christmas decorating, including tips for styling outdoor brick facades and indoor fireplace mantels. If you have any specific holiday decorating questions—or if you’re planning a brick project for the new year— visit any of our experts at our showrooms in Cumming, Cartersville, Doraville, Lovejoy, or Newnan. Give us a call or stop by to talk through your ideas!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will brick clips damage my brick or mortar?
No, brick clips are designed to use spring tension on the brick ledge and do not penetrate or damage the brick or mortar when used correctly.
Can I use super glue instead of hot glue for outdoor lights?
No, super glue is difficult to remove without harsh chemicals that can damage or stain your brick face; use only low-temperature hot glue for temporary outdoor use.
Do I need a power drill for any of these methods?
No, all five of these easy methods are designed to be damage-free and do not require drilling into your brick or mortar.
Which method works best for a heavy wreath?
A sturdy brick clip (Tip #1) or a well-secured specialty hook leveraging the mortar joint (Tip #2) will provide the most reliable support for heavier items.
Can I use adhesive strips on rough, unsealed brick?
Adhesive strips work best on smooth, clean, and less porous surfaces, so that they may fail quickly on very rough or dusty brick.
How do I remove any sticky residue left by adhesives?
For residue on exterior brick, mineral spirits are generally safe; always test a small, inconspicuous area first.