A warning has been issued to Brits decorating their homes for the festive season (Image: Getty)
While decorating your home may be one of the best parts of the festive season, there are a number of mistakes that could end up damaging – and even devaluing – your property.
To prevent homeowners from making costly mistakes when decorating, DIY and Multitool blade expert Glen Peskett from has revealed which items should be avoided, and how to prevent any damage when decorating.
His first tip is to consider the position and location of your decorations, explaining: “When you hang Christmas decorations, it’s important to think about the safety of those in the space.
“To avoid damage to surfaces or creating hazards, decorations should be positioned carefully at the right heights, especially when pets are involved.”
Glen also highlighted the importance of using the right tools when hanging decorations, suggesting using removable hooks or adhesive strips as they provide secure attachment without causing harm when removed.
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Permanent adhesives or heavy-duty tape can peel off paint and even leave residue on the walls long after the Christmas season.
And when it comes to decorating near your radiators or fireplace, avoid using flammable items like paper or fabric.
“For homes with young children or pets, picking non-flammable materials like metal ornaments or glass decorations is a safer alternative. Using LED candles instead also offer the same effect as real candles and are low maintenance,” he said.
Turning his attention to bannisters, Glen added: “If you’re decorating on wooden bannisters, a common mistake people make is from using wired garlands which will create scratches on the wood.
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Homeowners should be cautious when decorating both the interior and exterior of their home (Image: Getty)
“A quick and cheap solution is to place wax paper or dryer sheets between the garland and the bannister, which will protect the surface without being visible, keeping your bannisters scratch-free for the season.
“Tinsel garlands are an easy and safe alternative, which can easily be secured by using fabric-friendly twist ties or soft ribbons to attach it.
“These materials are gentle on wood and can be secured tightly without scratching. Space the ties evenly along the bannister to keep the tinsel in place, and avoid using tape or adhesives that could leave marks.”
Before hanging decorations on walls, Glen advises being mindful of the surface, as some walls may contain pipes or wiring, so drilling or nailing in the wrong spot can cause significant damage.
Alongside this, you may want to protect any delicate surfaces by adding padding or felt protectors to items such as wooden furniture or mantelpieces.
His final tip is for safely attaching lights to the outside of your home, as Glen said: “For outdoor lights, avoid gutters to reduce damage risk and instead use stainless steel hooks on wood trim or siding.
“These hooks are durable, rust-resistant, and reusable, allowing your lights to stay securely fixed on. Space the hooks evenly for a polished look, and avoid using nails or staples, which can create unsightly holes and potential fire hazards.”