Nothing brings holiday cheer like adding those special finishing touches to your space. I love how finials can transform a simple setup into something magical—they’re not just for trees anymore!
When I first discovered how versatile these little ornaments could be, I was hooked. From mantels to lamps, they add charm everywhere. And the best part? Many projects are DIY-friendly, using things you might already have at home.
In this guide, we’ll explore creative ways to use finials—whether you prefer classic elegance or modern flair. Think beyond the tree and discover how they can elevate your entire decor scheme. Plus, I’ll share budget-friendly tips to make your space shine.
Ready to get inspired? Let’s dive into some of my favorite ideas, including fabric accents and unique placements. For more festive touches, check out these farmhouse-style suggestions.
Why Christmas Finials Make Your Tree Stand Out
Ever wondered why some trees look effortlessly elegant? It’s often the topper! While stars are classic, finials offer a sleek alternative that elongates your tree’s design. I ditched my bulky star last year and never looked back.
Unlike flat toppers, finials draw the eye upward, creating a polished silhouette. My 7-foot tree gained inches of visual height with a simple brass finial. Plus, it hid the uneven top branches perfectly!
What I love most is their versatility. Whether your style is farmhouse rustic or modern glam, there’s a finial to match. Mine blends seamlessly with my existing ornaments, but it’s also a conversation starter—guests always ask where I found it.
Pro tip: Layer two slim finials for extra dimension. For more tree styling tricks, explore this ultimate decoration guide. It’s how I discovered finials work wonders beyond traditional home decor too!
Creative Christmas Finials Ideas Decor for Every Style
Who says tree toppers have to follow the rules? Let’s break tradition! Whether you love timeless elegance or crave something unexpected, there’s a perfect match for your vibe. I’ve experimented with everything from vintage-inspired brass finials to repurposed plumbing parts—trust me, the options are endless.
Timeless Charm or Contemporary Edge?
For classic spaces, try finial ornaments with berry accents or aged metallic finishes. My brass pick from a flea market became an instant heirloom. Prefer modern flair? Sleek acrylic designs in geometric shapes add sharp contrast to lush greenery.
Pro tip: Mix metallic finishes like copper and silver for depth. I paired a matte black finial with gold ribbon last year—it stole the show!
Think Outside the Craft Store
My biggest fail? Gluing cookie cutters into a topper. Lesson learned: weight matters! Instead, try:
- PVC pipes painted in non-traditional color palettes (mine are mint and rose gold).
- Architectural salvage—an old fence post finial became a rustic stunner.
- Adapting patterns like Source 2’s Garden Party motif onto wooden dowels.
Safety note: Secure heavy toppers with floral wire or zip ties. For more patterns and inspiration, browse these vintage-inspired brass finials on Pinterest.
DIY Lamp Finial Ornaments in 5 Minutes
I never thought my old lamps could become festive showstoppers—until now. While browsing a thrift store, I spotted a brass finial and had a lightbulb moment. With a few tweaks, it became the perfect topper for my shatterproof ornaments!
Supplies You’ll Need
Grab these to recreate my 5-minute project:
- Walmart shatterproof ornaments (or dollar-store alternatives)
- Glue dots for stability (hot glue works too)
- Scissors or a craft knife
- An existing lamp finial as a template (optional)
Step-by-Step Cutting Guide
Method 1: Scissors
Cut a small hole in the ornament’s top. Twist the blades gently to avoid cracks. I learned the hard way—pushing too fast splits the plastic!
Method 2: Craft Knife
Score a dotted line first, then press lightly. Safer for intricate designs but requires a steady hand.
Pro Tips for a Secure Fit
• Use glue dots inside the hole to keep the finial from wobbling.
• For partial coverage, slide the ornament halfway onto the finial.
• Time-saving hack: Trace an existing finial’s shape onto the ornament before cutting.
Avoid sizing mishaps by measuring twice! My first attempt left gaps, but a tighter cut fixed it. Now my lamps sparkle day and night.
Custom Painted Jumbo Finial Ornaments
Transform plain finials into showpieces with custom paint techniques anyone can master. I turned a boring red ornament into a Garden Party masterpiece using Dixie Belle paints—now it’s my most complimented piece! These projects let your design flair shine while keeping costs low.
Choosing Colors and Patterns
Start by picking a color scheme that matches your space. For Source 2’s makeover, we mixed Sea Glass and Cotton with Bonding BOSS primer for a soft look. Pro tip: Test shades on paper first—my first attempt turned mossy green instead of mint!
For patterns, painter’s tape creates crisp lines. The checkerboard technique takes patience but wows. Stick to odd numbers (5×5 grids) for balanced designs.
Priming and Painting Techniques
Always clean surfaces first! I learned the hard way when dust flecks ruined a smooth finish. Apply primer in thin layers—thick coats crack when dry. For jumbo pieces, rotate them while painting to avoid drips.
My favorite step: Use a dry brush for vintage texture. Lightly drag bristles across semi-dry paint for instant character.
Adding Metallic Accents
Posca pens saved my shaky-handed dots! The q-tip hack works too: dip, twist, lift for perfect circles. Warning: Open windows when using metallic paints—the fumes surprised me last winter.
Final step: Seal with clear gloss for outdoor-safe ornaments. Now my color-blocked set weathers every season beautifully!
Fabric Baubles & Finial Ornaments: A Cozy Touch
Soft fabric baubles add warmth to any space—here’s how to make them! I fell in love with these plush accents after spilling coffee on my glass set. Now, my home glows with velvet and linen creations that feel as good as they look.
Free Template and Sizing Options
Source 3’s free PDF includes templates for small, medium, and large ornaments. I use the largest size for statement pieces above my mantel. Pro tip: Print at 100% scale—my first attempt shrank weirdly!
For fabric, think beyond basics:
- Floral patterns: Fussy-cut motifs for focal points.
- Velvet + linen: My go-to combo for texture contrast.
- Upcycled scarves: Thrifted silk adds vintage charm.
Sewing and Embellishing Steps
Step 1: Trace templates onto fabric. Pinking shears prevent fraying—no hemming needed! For pattern alignment, I pin pieces before cutting.
Step 2: Stitch right sides together, leaving a gap for stuffing. Poly-fill gives a plush feel, but rice works for weighted bases. Stuck? Try fabric glue for a no-sew fix!
Embellish with:
- Embroidery thread hangers (doubles as rustic decor).
- Buttons or beads hot-glued along seams.
- Metallic paint dots for subtle shimmer.
Store flat in acid-free tissue to avoid crushing. Mine live in a vintage hatbox—functional and pretty!
Where to Place Finials Beyond the Tree
Last winter, I discovered finials could transform every corner of my home—not just the tree. These versatile accents add polish to unexpected spots, from lamp bases to bookshelves. My favorite part? They create instant holiday charm without overwhelming your space.
Lamps, Mantels, and Tabletop Displays
My graduated finial mantel display gets compliments yearly. I used three wooden pieces in descending sizes, nestled among pine sprigs. This creates a cohesive home decor moment that feels intentional yet effortless.
For lamps, try these easy upgrades:
- Swap basic knobs for ornate finials (I found brass ones at Habitat ReStore)
- Use mini versions as curtain tie-backs—just add ribbon loops
- Create bookend pairs for holiday vignettes
Pairing Finials with Other Decor
The secret? Pair wooden finials with metallic accents for balance. My go-to combo: matte black candle holders with copper finial toppers. They anchor a centerpiece for your holiday table beautifully.
Safety tip: Secure tall finials with museum putty if pets/kids are around. After December, repurpose them into year-round ideas—my spring version holds trailing ivy in a vase.
Pro trick: Cluster small finials on a tray with greenery. The mix of textures makes them part of the display rather than standalone pieces.
Let Your Holiday Shine with Personalized Finials
Your holiday glow starts with the perfect personal touch—let’s make it unforgettable! I love mixing store-bought pieces with handmade treasures. My family’s initial finial, painted gold, now crowns our tree yearly. It’s a tiny tradition with big heart.
Try this diy twist: gift custom finials with loved ones’ initials. Pair them with Source 3’s free pattern bundle for a heartfelt combo. Want more? Join our email list for exclusive tutorials—like January’s confetti-dipped project sneak peek!
Remember, your space should reflect you. Whether rustic or glam, bold or subtle, it’s your story to tell. Share your creations with #FinialMagic—I’d love to see them!