Decorate Stunning Ornament Arches for Any Occasion

Decorating With Ornament Arches

Ornament arches are a gorgeous way to decorate for the holidays or other special occasions. These stunning focal points can be customized with meaningful ornaments and display items that reflect the purpose of your event or decoration theme.

What Are Ornament Arches?

Ornament arches, sometimes called decoration arches or Christmas arches, are freestanding structures crafted into an arch shape. They usually consist of a metal or wood frame covered with mesh netting or garland. Decorators then embellish the frame with ornaments, ribbon, seasonal greenery like pine boughs or eucalyptus, or other embellishments.

Ornament arches make jaw-dropping statement pieces because of their height, fullness, and capacity for customization. They instantly infuse spaces with a magical, storybook charm perfect for Christmas mantels or entries, wedding altars, photo backdrops, and more.

Ornament Arch Frame Options

An ornament arch begins with a sturdy frame. Material and construction options include:

• Metal frames with screw-on feet to stand freely
• Bendable aluminum or steel frames without feet that require securing to walls
• Wood frames built from dowels or birch sticks
• Wreath forms bound together

Lightweight metal frames tend to be the most user-friendly option. Heavier frames crafted from wood provide a more natural, rustic look.

Types of Ornament Arch Wrap Material

Once the frame is constructed, a mesh-like material covers it to attach ornaments and greenery. Some of the most common ornament arch wrap options are:

• Christmas tree netting: Sturdy multi-loop plastic netting designed for bearing the weight of heavy tree ornaments.
• Burlap: Natural jute fiber burlap that lends organic texture.
• Ribbon: Festive wired holiday ribbon securely wrapped around the entire frame.
• Garland: Pine garland or artificial pine roping provides evergreen themeing.
• Tulle: For a soft, whimsical appearance with delicate sheer mesh fabric.

The look of the base wrap sets the overall ornament arch aesthetic. Consider both appearance and practical factors like weight-bearing capacity when selecting materials.

Ornament and Decoration Ideas for Arches

Once the structural components are complete, the fun begins! There are no limits on decorations for ornament arches besides imagination and the strength of the frame supporting them. Both lightweight and heavy items can adorn arches beautifully to support the intended theme or purpose.

Lightweight decorations well-suited for arches include:

• Glass ball ornaments
• Ribbons and bows
• Florals like baby's breath or lavender bundles
• Custom signs or banners
• Faux greenery and berry sprigs
• Icicle Christmas lights
• Tulle, lace, or glittery mesh swaths

Heavier decorations that make striking statements on arches include:

• Pine garland, pine cones, tree branches
• Collected seashells, pine cones, or wreath rings bound with ribbon
• Lanterns
• Wrapped gift boxes
• Gourds and dried botanicals

For Christmas arches, search grandparents' attics for cherished ornaments packed with nostalgia. The sentimental value will shine through. Retro color themes also prove very effective, like red, green, gold, and white.

The key is tailoring the arch decor to support the intended seasonal or occasion theme. The visual impact comes from carrying a style throughout an entire display for cohesive beauty. Editing is important too—overloading the arch risks a chaotic appearance.

How to Make an Ornament Arch

Building basic ornament arches is wonderfully achievable as a DIY home project with the right materials and techniques.

Supplies Needed

An ornament arch supply checklist includes:

• Structural frame
• Base wrap material like mesh nets or garlands
• Decorative ornaments and embellishments
• Sturdy wire, zip ties, or ribbon for attaching decorations
• Scissors or wire cutters
• Step stool or ladder for reaching top areas

Use strong scissors when cutting thicker materials like mesh nets or ribbons. Gather an array of ornamentation options before beginning to decorate for time efficiency.

Constructing the Frame

Assembling the arch’s structural frame comes first. For metal display arches with screw-in feet, slide the pieces together per provided instructions, then screw the feet on tightly. Secure any small connecting nuts.

For rolling arches without feet, position in the desired display location against a sturdy wall to prevent toppling. Use anchors suitable for the wall material to affix to two studs or structurally sound areas.

For wooden or wreath frame arches, secure uprights to a base structure or substructure. Test stability and use additional framework parts as needed for reinforcement before decorating.

Applying Wrap Material

Once the base frame feels structurally sound, wrap the chosen mesh netting, garlands, ribbons, or other materials tightly around the frame. Secure with sturdy wire, wedging material into frame crevices, or using zip ties as applicable to create a taut, durable surface for holding ornaments. Make the wrap taught, smoothing out any visible wrinkles or gaps.

Prepare multiple small bundles of embellishments before attaching for efficiency. Group items into separate reusable bags or baskets by color, theme, texture, or weight. This organizes the workspace and allows for thoughtful placement.

Decorating the Ornament Arch

When the frame and base wrap feel secure, artfully arrange lights and decor onto the form using sturdy wire, florist pins, or ribbons for hanging items as appropriate. Place eye-catching statement elements like large bows or lanterns first, filling in areas around them with lighter trimmings.

Worktop to bottom and outside edges inward, varying textures, colors and sizes as you go for pleasing density. Take a few steps back periodically and look at the overall composition, editing overload in heavy areas. Keep lighter baubles towards edges and upper regions to prevent drooping over time.

For final magic, weave twinkle lights, curly willow stems, or faux snow dustings throughout any bare sections. Crafting a custom ornament arch makes for a memorable DIY adventure and stunning display sure to impress friends and family.

Ornament Arch Inspiration

The following ornament arch ideas represent just a sprinkle of the possibilities for momentous displays:

Dazzling Christmas Arch

Craft a spectacular Christmas focal point by adorning a classic pine garland-wrapped metal arch with nostalgic ornaments, red velvet bows, snowy pine cones, and strings of vibrant twinkle lights. Place miniature gift boxes around the base for added holiday charm.

Bountiful Harvest Arch

Convey autumnal blessings by accenting burlap and twine swagged arches with plump ornament gourds, wispy wheat sprays, dried corn husks, and jewel-toned leaves and apples stem-tied with rustic jute ribbon.

Seaside Dreams Arch

Use powder blue and white tulle over a birch branch frame for angelic style, showcasing starfish, coral pieces, sea glass, and delicate net bows in oceanic colors. Sprinkle the top with fluffy white feathers for ethereal beauty evoking summer beach trips.

FAQs

What is the best material for an ornament arch frame?

Metal and wood are the best ornament arch frame materials. Metal frames with screw-in feet are lightweight yet sturdy. Wood frames provide a natural, rustic aesthetic. Ensure frames feel structurally secure before decorating.

How do I attach ornaments onto the arch?

Use sturdy wire, ribbon, florist pins, or zip ties to attach lighter items like glass balls and bows. For heavier elements like wreaths or garlands, wedge securely into the frame crevices or base wrap material so weight rests on the structure instead of attachments.

What if my ornament arch feels unstable?

Reinforce wobbly arch frames with additional cross braces or support feet before decorating. For arches lacking feet, ensure firmly fixed to structurally sound wall studs with quality anchors to prevent toppling under decorative weight.

How can I get creative with my arch theme?

Themes like seasonal blessings, cherished heirlooms, coastal dreams, woodland whimsy and more set the tone for ornament arch embellishments. Coordinate colors, textures, and topper elements like floral picks to fully develop creative themes for stunning displays.