Decorate for Christmas – 7 Real – Room Fixes That Make a Noticeable Difference

You don't need a mantel to hang stockings. Any sturdy, visible spot works: a wall with removable hooks, a stair railing, a bookcase edge, a blanket ladder or a window frame. The trick is matching the spot to the weight of what's inside and to who can reach it.

If you're wondering where to hang stockings without a fireplace, start by looking at the walls and furniture you already have. Here are nine options, with what each one suits best.

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How do you hang stockings on a wall without nails?

Adhesive hooks are the simplest route, and they're a good fit for renters. Pick hooks rated for more than a filled stocking weighs, and read the package for the wall types they suit. Clean the surface first, press firmly for the time the package states, and wait before hanging anything.

Space the hooks about 8-12 inches apart so stockings don't bunch together and hide each other. A straight horizontal row looks tidy. A loose diagonal or staggered row looks more playful and works well beside a sofa or a doorway.

Textured paint, wallpaper and some newer paint finishes can peel when a hook is removed, so test a low, hidden spot first.

Can you hang stockings on a stairs railing?

Yes, and it's one of the most popular ways to hang stockings on a stairs railing. Tie each stocking loop to a baluster with ribbon, twine or a bit of floral wire, or use a small S-hook over the rail.

Two cautions. Keep the stockings to the side of the rail so they never get in the way of a hand or a foot, and keep stair treads clear of anything that could drop. If you have a dog that races up and down, tie loops snugly so nothing dangles low enough to snag. I'd skip heavy stockings here and use light ones.

Use a blanket ladder

A blanket ladder leaning against a wall holds stockings on its rungs with simple hooks or ribbon loops. It needs no wall damage at all, and you can move it after the holidays and drape throws over it again.

Make sure the ladder leans at a stable angle and that the base can't slide on hardwood. Put a small rubber pad under the feet. In a home with a big dog or young kids, anchor the top to the wall or keep it out of tail range.

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Drape them from a bookcase or console

A bookshelf edge makes a handy substitute for a mantel. Small cup hooks screwed under a shelf edge hold stockings well, or you can use adhesive hooks on the side of the unit. A console table works the same way: hooks along the front lip, with the stockings hanging just above the floor.

If you're already styling shelves for the season, our post on decorating bookshelves for Christmas covers how to keep the display from getting crowded.

String them across a window

A curtain rod, or a thin tension rod set inside the window frame, can carry a row of stockings. A garland hung from the rod and clipped with small hooks also works. Keep stockings light, because tension rods slip under weight, and keep everything away from radiators and heating vents.

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Try a stocking stand or post

Freestanding stocking holders look like a small pole with a few arms. They need no installation, they can sit in a corner, and they suit rooms with nothing to attach to. Choose a heavy base. A top-heavy stand can tip if a dog bumps it, so I recommend placing it where tails and toddlers don't pass.

Build a simple wall board

If you'd like something closer to a mantel look, screw or glue a plank of wood to the wall at about shoulder height and add a row of hooks. Paint it to match the wall for a quiet look, or leave it natural. Fasten it into studs if it will carry more than a few light stockings, and ask a licensed professional if you're unsure about what's behind the wall.

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Hang them from a coat rack or door

A wall-mounted coat rack already has hooks in a neat row, so you only need to hang the stockings in the spaces between jackets. A freestanding rack can sit in a living room corner for the month. Over-the-door hooks are another option for a bedroom or hallway.

What about a brick fireplace with no mantel?

Brick is hard to drill and easy to mark. Mantel clips and brick clips hook over the top row of bricks and hold a stocking with no holes. Test the grip with a lightweight stocking first, and keep stockings well away from an open firebox. Never hang them in front of a fire you plan to light.

Check the practical details first

• Weigh a filled stocking. Candy and small toys add up quickly, so check the hook's stated limit.
• Hang them at a height the smallest person in the house can reach, or high enough that a dog can't.
• Keep fabric away from candles, heaters and fireplaces.
• Leave clear walking space around stairs and doorways.

If food treats are going in a pet's stocking, check with your vet about which ones suit your animal, and hang it out of reach until it's time to open.

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Looking for more ways to dress the rest of the room? Our Christmas decorating guide and our notes on decorating your tree cover the next steps.

Frequently asked questions