Forget Curtains: Brighten Up Your Hallway With A Festive DIY That Uses An Old Shower Rod

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Do you have a few old shower curtain rods lingering in your garage because they're too awkward to toss in the trash? It's time to take them off the naughty list, since they're actually a secret weapon when it comes to decorating for Christmas on a budget. Hanging heavy garlands made of fragrant live greenery, sparkling tinsel fringe, or anything in between is a tricky undertaking. Nails can damage your walls. Adhesive hooks can suddenly fall off. Even when you find a way to secure them at both ends, gravity often makes even the most artfully arranged garland droop over time. The elves @shopinteriordelights figured out that old shower curtain rods can span hallways, doorways, and cased openings without leaving a single scuff thanks to their screw-free, tension-capped ends. To hang their holiday garlands, they adjusted an old shower rod to size at a comfortable working height, wrapped it with garlands, and added shatterproof glass baubles before carefully raising it to the desired display height.

Hanging garlands is chief among the classic Christmas decor trends, and this project is much easier if you enlist the help of a friend (and a few sugar cookies). You don't need expert DIY skills, but you do need to make sure your curtain rod is long enough to tighten it securely. Do most of your work at standing height to avoid climbing a ladder more than necessary. Once the rod is straight and firmly set in place, it's time to decorate. Remember that longer, heavier-duty adjustable rods hold more weight. This is especially important if you're using live greenery, which weighs up to a pound per foot.

Once you've mastered the basic setup, the next step is to make sure your chosen decorations are secure and visually integrated with the curtain rod itself. Because it will be partially exposed in most hallway and doorway installations, you'll be happier with the end result if you think of the rod as part of the overall design instead of simply a support. Especially if your old shower rod has been collecting cobwebs in the garage, it's important to give it a quick scrub and check that the finish will complement instead of clash with your decor. If you find that it was on its way out for a reason, like chunky rusted spots or a moldy coating that just won't quit, you can actually purchase highly-rated, heavy-duty curtain rods like the Mcrbeay No Drill Tension Rod from Amazon for around $20. Metallic tones like chrome or gold will blend seamlessly with classic greenery, while matte black works beautifully if you're embracing a minimalist holiday mindset. Clear lucite rods are another clever option, especially if you want your ornaments or lightweight garlands to appear as if they're floating.

The real magic happens when you start to secure each element in place. @shopinteriordelights used green zip-ties since they're strong, affordable, and practically invisible. Floral wire or clear fishing line may also come in handy. Whichever you use, make sure you distribute weight evenly along the rod to prevent it from bowing. And, if you're aiming for a super full look, consider using two tension rods stacked a few inches apart to support the weight of your decorations.