20 Winter Window Decor Ideas That Glow From Inside and Out

Windows are where winter shows up first. Frost on the glass, early dark evenings and snow outside all frame the view, so a little window decor makes the whole room feel seasonal and cozy.

These winter window decor ideas cover the glass, the sill, the frame and the curtains. You will find snowflake decals, a soft frosted look, glass icicles, wreaths and window candles, with real sizes for each, plus simple Christmas window ideas and calm looks that stay up until spring.

Every idea here is easy to remove and safe for renters, so you can change it with the seasons.

011. Plan Your Winter Window

Every window has four places to decorate.

Spot	Winter idea
Glass	Decals, frosted film or a wreath
Sill	Candles, small trees or greenery
Frame	A garland or hanging ornaments
Curtains	Warmer fabric or a greenery swag

Pick two or three spots per window, not all four, so the view still shines through.

022. Snowflake Window Decals

Cost: Low | Time: 15 minutes | Skill Level: Beginner

Stick on snowflakes are the easiest winter window decoration. Choose static cling decals, which peel off without leaving residue. Mix sizes from about 2 to 6 inches, cluster the larger ones in a lower corner and scatter smaller ones upward, as if snow is drifting across the glass.

033. A Soft Frosted Window Look

Frosted glass adds privacy and a wintery look at the same time.

1. Measure the pane.

2. Cut a removable frosted film to fit, or use a frost spray made for glass.

3. Cover only the lower third or half of the window.

4. Leave the top clear for light and the view.

Removable film peels off in spring, so it works well in rentals.

044. Hanging Glass Icicles

Glass icicles sparkle when the winter light comes through.

– Choose three lengths, such as 4, 6 and 8 inches.

– Hang them on clear fishing line from the curtain rod.

– Space them about 4 to 6 inches apart.

– Stagger the heights for a natural look.

Clear and silver icicles stay up long after Christmas.

055. A Wreath in Every Window

Wreaths in a row of windows look classic and welcoming.

Window width	Wreath size
24 inches	10 to 12 inches
30 inches	12 to 14 inches
36 inches	14 to 18 inches

Hang each wreath with a ribbon from the top of the frame, or use a strong suction hook on the glass.

066. Window Sill Candles

Candles in the window are a beautiful winter tradition.

1. Choose flameless window candles with a timer.

2. Set them to turn on at dusk.

3. Place one in each window, or a pair on a wide sill.

4. Add a sprig of greenery at the base.

They look just as warm from outside the house as they do from inside.

077. A Fairy Light Curtain

Cost: Low | Time: 20 minutes | Skill Level: Beginner

A fairy light curtain makes a window glow all winter. Hang it from the curtain rod or with removable hooks at the top of the frame, then let the strands fall to the sill. Warm white looks cozy, while cool white feels icy. Put it on a timer so it lights up every evening.

088. Garland Along the Window Frame

A garland frames the window like a picture.

– Measure the top and sides of the frame.

– Choose a garland about that total length.

– Attach it with clear removable hooks.

– Weave in battery lights for evening glow.

Faux cedar or eucalyptus lasts all season and does not shed.

099. A Silver and White Christmas Window

Silver and white look like frost and snow.

1. Hang silver ornaments on thin white ribbon from the rod.

2. Add white snowflake decals to the glass.

3. Set a small white tree on the sill.

4. Use cool or warm white lights.

This look feels festive in December and still wintery in January.

1010. A Winter Wonderland Window

A deep sill can hold a small winter wonderland scene.

– Group three to five small white or flocked trees.

– Add a soft layer of faux snow.

– Tuck in small glass houses or lanterns.

– Finish with white berries or pine cones.

Keep everything low enough that the window still opens and the curtains can close.

1111. A Cozy Winter Window Seat

A window seat is the coziest spot in the house on a snowy day.

1. Use a cushion at least 3 to 4 inches thick.

2. Add two or three pillows at each end.

3. Keep a throw folded on the seat.

4. Set a small tray for a mug.

Window seats can be chilly, so a wool throw makes a big difference.

1212. White Frames Against Deep Green Walls

Cost: Medium | Time: One weekend | Skill Level: Intermediate

Dark walls make white window frames stand out like a picture frame. Deep green, navy or charcoal around a window feels rich and cozy in winter. Candles and a wreath in the glass glow beautifully against the dark color.

1313. Small Trees on the Sill

A row of small trees fits almost any window sill.

– Choose trees about 6 to 12 inches tall.

– Mix glass, frosted and bottle brush styles.

– Line them up with the tallest in the middle.

– Add a short strand of battery lights.

Glass and frosted trees catch the light and look elegant all winter.

1414. Hanging Paper Star Lanterns

Paper star lanterns are a Scandinavian winter tradition.

1. Choose one large star, about 16 to 24 inches.

2. Hang it from the curtain rod with a cord.

3. Use a low heat LED bulb inside.

4. Add a smaller star beside it for balance.

Their soft glow looks lovely from both inside and outside the house.

1515. Warmer Winter Curtains

Warmer curtains keep the cold out and soften the room.

Measurement	Good size
Rod height	4 to 6 inches below the ceiling
Rod width	8 to 10 inches past the window each side
Panel width	About twice the window width

Lined, thermal or wool blend panels hold heat in on long winter nights.

1616. A Greenery Swag on the Curtain Rod

A greenery swag adds a fresh, natural touch.

– Drape faux or fresh greenery along the rod.

– Tie it at each end with ribbon.

– Let it dip slightly in the middle.

– Keep it light so the rod is not strained.

Eucalyptus works from December to March, while pine feels more festive.

1717. A Small Apartment Window

One window can carry all the winter decor in a small home.

1. Add a few snowflake decals.

2. Hang a tiny wreath with a suction hook.

3. Run a short garland across the top.

4. Place a small plant or tree on the sill.

Everything comes down in minutes and leaves no marks.

1818. Window Sparkle With Glass Ornaments

Glass ornaments in a sunny window add holiday sparkle.

– Hang five to seven ornaments at different heights.

– Use thin silver or white ribbon.

– Choose clear, frosted and mercury glass.

– Pick a window that gets good winter sun.

Clear glass also looks lovely after Christmas, since it feels like ice rather than holiday decor.

1919. A Candlelit Window in a Navy Room

A candlelit window in a dark room feels peaceful on winter nights.

Element	Choice
Walls	Deep navy or charcoal
Sill	A row of flameless candles
Glass	A paper star lantern
Room light	One warm lamp

Turn off the overhead lights and let the window be the glow.

2020. After Christmas Window Decor

Do:

– Keep snowflakes, icicles, frosted film and candles until spring.

– Swap a Christmas wreath for eucalyptus.

– Clean the glass so the winter light shines through.

Don’t:

– Leave dried out fresh greenery in a warm sunny window.

– Use real candles near curtains.

– Block the whole window with decor.

Simple winter window decor keeps the house feeling cozy through the darkest months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I decorate my windows for winter?

Add snowflake decals or frosted film to the glass, flameless candles or small trees on the sill, a garland or icicles on the frame and warmer curtains.

Do window decals damage glass?

Static cling decals do not use glue and peel off cleanly. Avoid permanent adhesive stickers on glass you want to keep clear.

What size wreath should go in a window?

A 24 inch wide window suits a 10 to 12 inch wreath, a 30 inch window a 12 to 14 inch wreath and a 36 inch window a 14 to 18 inch wreath.

Are window candles safe?

Flameless window candles with timers are the safest choice. Never leave real candles in a window near curtains.

How can I decorate a rental window?

Use static cling decals, removable frosted film, suction hooks, removable adhesive hooks and battery lights. All come off without marks.

What window decor can stay up after Christmas?

Snowflake decals, frosted film, glass icicles, clear ornaments, eucalyptus wreaths, paper star lanterns and window candles can all stay until spring.

Final Thoughts

Winter windows need only a few simple touches: snowflakes on the glass, a candle on the sill and a little greenery or sparkle. They glow from inside on dark evenings and look welcoming from outside too.

This weekend, add snowflake decals to one window and set a flameless candle on a timer on the sill. For more ways to bring the season into every room, see our winter decor ideas. These winter window decor ideas will keep your home bright and cozy until spring.