A good sign does a lot of decorating work with very little effort. One piece of lettering or a vintage holiday scene can set the mood in an entryway, finish a mantel or fill a blank wall that would otherwise feel bare in December. Here’s how to choose Christmas decor signs, what to put on them and where they look best.
Popular styles of Christmas signs
Rustic wood
Painted or stained wood signs with simple lettering suit farmhouse, cabin and cottage decor. Distressed edges and weathered paint give them a handmade, lived-in feel, and they pair well with plaid, burlap and greenery.
Canvas and wall art
Gallery-wrapped canvas looks more finished than a typical sign and works like framed art. It’s a good choice when you want something that suits a living room or dining room rather than a porch. Wide, narrow canvases are especially useful above doorways, beds and sofas.
Vintage and nostalgic
Old-fashioned Santas, church scenes, sleigh bells and postcard-style artwork bring back the look of mid-century Christmas cards. Vintage-style art is easy to mix with family heirlooms and antique ornaments.
Metal and marquee
Tin signs, enamel plaques and light-up marquee letters add a playful, retro touch. Spelling out “JOY” or “NOEL” in marquee letters on a shelf is an easy way to add a glow.
Chalkboard and letter boards
These are the most flexible option because you can change the message whenever you like, from a countdown to Christmas to a welcome note for guests.
Christmas sign sayings that never go out of style
The best sayings are short enough to read from across the room. A few favorites:
- Merry Christmas
- Joy, Peace or Noel
- It’s the most wonderful time of the year
- Let it snow
- Believe
- O come, let us adore Him
- Home for the holidays
- Baby, it’s cold outside
- All is calm, all is bright
- Our family name, plus “est.” and the year you married or moved in
Looking for more words to work with? Our list of Christmas decor quotes is full of ideas that also work on signs.
Where to hang Christmas signs
Above the mantel
A horizontal sign or a piece of vintage art makes a natural focal point above the fireplace. Layer garland and candles in front, and keep the sign centered so stockings and greenery frame it. Our mantel decorating guide has more layering ideas.
In the entryway
The entry is the first thing guests see. A sign above a console table or on the wall beside the door sets the tone for the whole house.
Over a doorway or window
Long, narrow signs fit neatly over doorways, windows and kitchen cabinets, spaces that are usually hard to decorate.
In the kitchen and dining room
A sign on open shelves or leaning against the backsplash adds a festive touch where people gather. See our festive kitchen table ideas to tie it into your table setting.
On the porch
Outdoor signs need to be made for the weather. Look for sealed or UV-coated wood or metal, and keep paper and canvas indoors. For more outdoor ideas, see our outdoor Christmas decoration ideas.
Signs and wall art from our shop
If you’d like something more finished than a homemade sign, canvas wall art is an easy way to add a large holiday piece to a room. These gallery-wrapped canvases come ready to hang and in several sizes, so you can choose one to suit your wall.
A classic saying
The It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year Christmas Sign is a long, horizontal canvas that suits the space above a sofa, a bed or a doorway. The song lyric is instantly recognizable and cheerful without being too busy.
Vintage holiday art
For a nostalgic look, Vintage Christmas Bells Wall Art brings the feel of an old Christmas card to a hallway or dining room. If you prefer a peaceful scene with a touch of faith, Vintage Church Christmas Wall Art IV shows a snowy country church, a lovely fit for a living room or a quiet reading corner.
Shop the gear
- It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year Christmas Sign
- Vintage Christmas Bells Wall Art
- Vintage Church Christmas Wall Art IV
Heads up: NicheStuff is our own shop, so we earn from purchases made through these links. Prices and availability are set on the store and can change.
How to style a Christmas sign
- Choose the right size. A sign above furniture usually looks best at roughly two-thirds of the furniture’s width.
- Hang it at eye level. On an open wall, center the sign around eye height. Above furniture, leave a hand’s width or so of space.
- Layer in front. Garland, a small wreath, candles or a couple of ornaments in front of a sign make it look part of a display rather than stuck on the wall.
- Add light. A strand of fairy lights draped around the edge or a small spotlight makes lettering stand out in the evening.
- Repeat a color. Pick up one color from the sign in a pillow, ribbon or ornament nearby so everything feels connected.
- Don’t overdo it. One or two signs per room are plenty. Too many messages compete with each other.
Make a simple DIY Christmas sign
A homemade sign is a fun afternoon project and a nice gift.
What you’ll need
- A wooden board or pallet slat, sanded smooth.
- Paint or stain, plus a small brush.
- A stencil or printed lettering and transfer paper.
- Sawtooth hangers or twine for hanging.
How to make it
Stain or paint the board and let it dry. Trace your lettering using a stencil or transfer paper, then fill it in with a fine brush or paint pen. Lightly sand the edges for a distressed look, seal it with a clear coat if it will be used near the door, and attach a hanger. For more project ideas, see our Christmas decor crafts.
Caring for your signs
Dust canvas and wood with a soft, dry cloth, and keep signs away from fireplaces, heat vents and direct sun to prevent fading or warping. After the holidays, wrap canvases in a clean sheet or bubble wrap and store them upright, not flat under heavy boxes. Our Christmas decor storage tips have more ideas for keeping decorations in good shape.
A well-chosen sign can carry a room’s whole holiday look, and the right saying will make you smile every time you walk past it.
We run the NicheStuff store; some links in this post go to products we sell.