Turn any hanging art into festive Christmas wall decor in five minutes by adding ribbon bows to your frames.
This is one of those simple, budget-friendly Christmas decorating ideas that makes you wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. With just a few supplies and a little time, you can give existing framed pieces a seasonal update that looks polished and intentional.
One of my favorite spots in the house is a family photo gallery that climbs our stairway from the foyer. Adding ribbon bows to a few frames instantly gave the whole display a cheerful holiday vibe. This project is perfect for using leftover ribbon from your tree or gift-wrapping stash.
The best part: most homes already have picture frames on the wall, so this takes minimal supplies. All you need are a bit of ribbon, some tape, and scissors — no special tools required.
How to Make Christmas Bow Ribbon Art in Minutes
Supplies
- Picture frame(s) you want to update (simple matted frames work beautifully)
- Ribbon — velvet, satin, wired, or any texture you like; 1″ wide ribbon is a nice option, but choose the width that fits your frame scale
- Masking tape or electrical tape
- Scissors
Steps
Before we dive into steps, a quick note: this is a forgiving project. If a bow isn’t perfect the first time, untape and re-tie — it’s that easy.
Step 1 – Measure and Cut Ribbon
Lay the ribbon across the front of the frame to determine how long you need it to wrap around the back or stretch across the front. Add an extra 2–4 inches to allow for taping or finishing, depending on the frame’s thickness. Cut the ribbon to size with scissors.
Step 2 – Tape Ribbon to the Back
Turn the frame face down and secure the ribbon to the frame backing with tape. Taping the ribbon on the back keeps the front clean and neat and uses less ribbon than wrapping it completely around the frame. Choose a placement that complements the image — straight across, diagonal, or even two strips in a cross pattern.
Taping on the back is quick, secure, and leaves the frame front uncluttered — perfect for photos and artwork.
Step 3 – Tie a Bow
Cut a short length of ribbon and tie a bow around the front-facing strip. Adjust loops and tails for the size you want. If you prefer a more structured look, wired ribbon makes fuller bows that hold their shape better. For a subtler touch, keep the bow small and neat.
Christmas Bow Ribbon Art Gallery Wall
This is such an easy way to add holiday charm to a gallery wall. I chose to place bows on every other frame for a balanced, intentional look, but you can decorate every frame or mix and match sizes and colors for a playful effect. It took about 30 minutes to finish my entire wall.
The ribbons are simple to remove after the holidays, and they leave frames completely intact. If you love changing your decor, consider rotating ribbon colors or trying different textures each year — velvet for a cozy feel, satin for a sleek look, or wired ribbon for dramatic shapes.
Family Photo Gallery Wall Tips
If you’re planning a gallery wall on stairs or in a hallway, there are a few simple guidelines to keep things looking cohesive and professional:
- Plan a general layout before you start nailing holes in the wall.
- Start by placing the largest frames, then arrange smaller frames around them to balance the composition.
- Leave consistent spacing — roughly 2–6 inches between frames helps them read as a unified display.
- Use a level to confirm placement; a laser level is a helpful tool for straight lines on stairway layouts.
Will you try this quick DIY Christmas ribbon art? It’s a fast, affordable way to refresh wall art for the holidays, and it’s easy to customize to your home’s style. I’m already planning new ribbon colors for next year.
More Christmas Art Ideas
- Winter painting printable art to frame anywhere
- Christmas sheet music gallery wall
- Snow cabin printable for seasonal kitchen decor
