Indoor vs. Outdoor Christmas Decorations

For those serious about holiday decor, Christmas decorations don’t stop at decking the halls. You are also likely to deck out your living room, kitchen, foyer and areas around your living space, both inside and out. While you may be tempted to use whatever holiday decorations you purchase anywhere you choose, you’re better off keeping indoor Christmas decorations inside the home. Christmas Night Inc. will tell you why.

Outdoor Christmas Decorations

Outdoor Christmas decorations are designed for use outside in the elements, which means they need to be constructed using materials and finishes that are able to withstand the weather. Since they’re usually out in a larger space, they often need to be quite large themselves to make an adequate statement.

Materials

One of the most common materials for outdoor statues or figurines is fiberglass resin. Highly durable yet lightweight, fiberglass resin works particularly well for larger statues and decorations that may otherwise be too heavy to easily move.

Other base materials that are often used for outdoor holiday decorations include aluminum, wrought iron, wood and plastic. Although plastic decorations tend to be quite inexpensive, plastic is also the least durable material of the bunch.

Wrought iron is hearty and heavy, yet it can eventually rust and may be very heavy to move. Wood is not a prime choice for cold and wet winters, since wood is prone to warping and rotting. Aluminum is an ideal choice for its light weight as well as its resistance to rust, yet you may not find the fanciest Christmas decorations using it.

Outdoor decorations also require weather-resistant fastening methods, such as screws, nails and wire. Some will feature a single, solid piece crafted out of resin, rather than multiple pieces that need to be attached together and run the risk of being jostled apart.

Extra Protection

Quality outdoor Christmas decorations will also be sealed or protected in some manner to provide extra protection against the elements. Fiberglass resin statues and other figurines may be sealed with a weather-resistant coating.

Wreaths, trees and other Christmas greenery for outdoor use may sport heavy-duty wire bases and branches, along with needles coated with a UV protectant to prevent fading from the sun. Outdoor Christmas lights will often indicate outdoor use on the label. If the lights were made in the U.S., you can also look for a red or silver and red label from Underwriters Laboratories, or UL, which generally indicates decorative lights are suitable for outdoor use.

A green label or silver and green label from UL indicates suitability for indoor use.

Durable, but Not Infallible

While outdoor Christmas decorations are more durable and stronger than those designed for indoor use, it doesn’t mean they are indestructible. You still want to take precautions when setting up your outdoor holiday decorations to ensure they won’t easily blow over – or even down the block.

Staking or weighting down lightweight decorations is a good idea, as is placing or hanging décor in areas that are less exposed to the elements if possible. Covered porches and windows protected by eaves are typically good choices.

Indoor Christmas Decorations

Outdoor Christmas decorations can also be used indoors, as can a wide scope of other ornaments, light fixtures, statues, dolls and other holiday decorations. The selection of indoor Christmas decorations is typically much greater than outdoor decorations, and they come in a variety of sizes and materials that may never work for outdoor use.

Materials

Because they’re protected in an interior environment, indoor Christmas decorations can be made out of pretty much anything. Choices range from Christmas trees made of feathers to life-size reindeers sporting fur-like material. You may still find some of the same materials used in outdoor Christmas ornaments, such as resin, aluminum, plastic and wood, but you aren’t be limited to that selection.

The foundations and bases of indoor Christmas decorations don’t need to be as sturdy as outdoor decorations, either. While outdoor Christmas trees and wreaths may come with heavy wire foundations, indoor versions may have wire that’s not as heavy or durable. Many indoor decorations could be blown about with the slightest wind, with the materials easily faded by the sun, soaked by the rain or altogether ruined by the snow.

Fine Details

While an outdoor Christmas statue may sport a solid base painted with weather-resistant paint, indoor Christmas decorations can include a host of different textures and finishes. Faux snow, faux fur, velvet, felt, glitter, metallic paint and other eye-catching fabrics and details are often found more commonly on indoor decorations.

The wider range of materials is matched by a wider range of options for constructing them. Rather than sticking with only weather-resistant screws, nails and wire, indoor decorations can be held together with glue, fine stitching and other methods unlikely to last all that long in the great outdoors.

To ensure you get the longest lifespan and beauty out of your Christmas decorations, it’s important to keep those rated for indoor use inside the home. Feel free to use your outdoor holiday decorations both inside and out, as they’re designed for durability against the elements. Also feel free to browse the vast selection of Christmas decorations right here at Christmas Night Inc.