The Perfect Christmas Door Wreath: A Buyer's Guide

The door is the starting point for every wreath decision. Two things about it matter most.

Door Width And Wreath Size

A wreath that is too small for a large door disappears. One that is too large on a narrow door looks overwhelming. The reliable rule is to choose a wreath with a diameter of roughly one third of the width of your door panel.

For a standard UK front door, which is typically around 80 to 90 centimetres wide, a 12 to 14 inch wreath works well. For wider or double doors, 16 inches and above. For smaller cottage doors, interior doors or windows, 10 to 12 inches is usually right. If you are uncertain, go one size larger than you think you need. Wreaths consistently look smaller in photographs than they do in person.

Door Colour

Door colour has a bigger effect on how a wreath reads than most people expect. As a general guide:

• Dark doors, navy, black, charcoal, forest green: almost any wreath style works. The deep green of noble fir stands out clearly and decorated styles read with strong contrast.
• Pale doors, white, cream, light grey: choose a wreath with colour or texture in the decoration. A plain noble fir wreath on a white door needs a bold ribbon or decoration to give it definition.
• Warm coloured doors, red, yellow, terracotta: natural and botanical styles work well. Avoid ribbon colours that clash. The Fruity or Citrus Straw Bow wreaths suit warm door colours particularly well.
• Natural wood doors: rustic and country styles suit best. The Highlander with its gingham bows or the Mixed Ivy Foliage wreath both work beautifully against natural timber.