Diwali is the ideal time to add a bit of warmth, brightness and charm at home. But instead of diving into the fairy lights, start with a clean place: get rid of unnecessary things and give your home a thorough clean, moving from the entrance and inside the house. A bright rangoli and traditional toran will set the festive mood immediately, while nice, multi-level light will create a cosy atmosphere in your living room. A small decoration in the centre of the dinner table, fresh bed linen for your guests and some attractive decorations are all you need to achieve a festive atmosphere without feeling overwhelmed.
The main trick is to know where to use decorations and where to stop. Here is how to decorate every room for Diwali and create a stylish and friendly atmosphere in your home instead of turning it into a garden.
Start With the Clear-Out
Traditions state that she is deemed to visit only those homes that are clean. In practical terms it is clear to be seen that décor looks sharper against clean surfaces.
Start from the Top
Start from high surfaces like curtain rods and lights and then move to the shelves and floors. This order is set to enable one to vacuum just once. One must not forget to clean behind the TV cabinet where dust and cables reside peacefully.
Calculate Your Sockets First
First count your sockets prior to thinking of getting the items. It is wise to have a layered approach consisting of ambient light, fairy lights, and diyas for the focal points. Go for warm white bulbs of about 2700 K so that the light feels soft and golden.
Choose a Colour and Stick to It
Marigold, wine red, and gold are the classic mixtures. Light-coloured furniture serves as a good base and adds pillows and decoration items to them.
Entrance and Hallway: Nail the First Impression
When a drizzle comes down, powdered rangoli converts to a paste. Chalk or reusable stickers are a great way to decorate the door while you can use the powder on the floor tiles. For a mess-free method, a shallow bowl with water and petals can be used anywhere.
Torans and Door Decorations
Natural marigold garlands can last for about two to three days, while the artificial ones can be reused each year. They may be hung using removable hooks and will not cause any marks on the frame, which may be useful for renters.
Do Not Forget the Shoes
It is common practice for guests to take off their shoes at the entrance. A simple rack or a small bench can prevent the hallway from becoming cluttered.
Living Room: The Main Stage
Rearranging the Space to Fit Many
In Diwali parties, where hosting is everything, furniture will matter above anything else. The presence of a corner sofa can be useful in that it will give rise to a naturally formed circle of conversation, as well as occupy the corner area of the room, leaving space in the centre for either a rangoli or a table with sweets. The two examples of corner sofas are the Shannon Corner Sofa in a brown/beige finish and the Dino Corner Sofa in a beige/brown finish. If you want to make your choice of a corner sofa feel more warm and neutral, check out other corner sofa ranges.
Using Colours to Add Festivity
The use of jewel colours for upholstery will help in staying closer to the festive colours successfully. For example, the Palermo Red/Black Sofa Set is going to harmonise with gold details, while the Richmond Chesterfield Blue Sofa Set and the Hero Chesterfield Green 3+2 can be perfectly matched with peacock colours and emerald ones. In case you want to create a more muted version, a light grey sofa set like Ibiza 3+2 is an option to consider, as it will create a backdrop for better decoration.
Safety with Lighting and the Diya
The flame is not suitable for use with upholstery and should never be left unattended. Place the diyas on appropriate bases like brass thalis or stone surfaces, and avoid placing them near any flammable material like curtains or cushions. Instead of using traditional diyas, use the Recliner Corner Sofa in Grey with LED Lights.
Dining Room and Kitchen: Food Is Half the Festival
Decorate the Table
Use a gold or brocade runner in the centre with a low centrepiece so guests can have a clear sight of each other. A big glass bowl filled with floating candles and marigold flowers will work great.
Put Out the Sweets
Fill mithai in transparent jars or arrange it on multi-layered trays. Doing this serves the two purposes of decoration and providing you with sweet servings when guests arrive early.
Bedrooms and Guest Rooms: Sort the Overnight Visitors
Convert Your Lounge into a Guest Room
When relatives pay you a visit for five days, having a sofa bed avoids the need for a guest room. Available in 1-, 2- or 3-seater options, the Malta Grey Sofa Bed is an ideal addition to your home. The same goes for the Lyon L-shaped sofa bed, while the Lyon L-Shaped Sofa Bed is available in light grey, dark grey, brown and blue.
Create a Peaceful Atmosphere in Your Bedroom
After a day filled with rituals and hosting demands, bedrooms need to be peaceful and calming. You can decorate it with a string of soft coloured lights, some fresh bed linen, and keep the bedside table clutter free. In case you have a small bedroom, you can have a wall bed that can be folded when not in use, which can help in creating more space for some relaxing time or for prayer.
Balcony, Garden and Windows
Choose Outdoor Lights
Seek LED lights with an IP44 rating to protect against splashes and some rain. Use solar LEDs or battery-powered LEDs depending on your needs without worrying about long power cables through the door.
Light Up the Window from Inside
Put LED star lights or battery-powered lanterns on the ledge fronting outdoors so the neighbours can marvel at the display without any mess at the footpath.
Diwali Decorating FAQs
When is it time to start decorating for Diwali?
Share your decorations on the weekend right before the celebration. The festival starts on Dhanteras, which occurs two days before the main night event, so aim to complete your decorating process by this time.
Is it safe to use real diyas in a UK house?
Yes, if you only put them on solid surfaces, away from textiles, and supervise. LED diyas are much safer to use around little kids and pets.
How to decorate a small flat for Diwali?
Use one main area for decoration, for example, the entrance or the feature wall; do not put anything on the floor. We help you save space in our furniture hacks for small living room guides.
Which colours are used in Diwali?
Gold, saffron, and deep red are traditional colours. Add a modern touch with jewel green and blue shades.
Want to give your house a makeover before guests check in?
A new couch is the easiest way to prepare your space for visitors. Visit our online showroom and check out your favourite couches.