DIY holiday decorations can transform your apartment into a warm, personal, and festive space. However, creative projects in small living areas can bring unexpected risks that many renters overlook. From fire hazards to chemical exposure, creative projects can go wrong fast.  

The good news is that you don’t need to skip homemade decorations. Understanding potential dangers and taking smart precautions allows you to safely embrace your crafty side while protecting your home and belongings. 

If you're planning DIY holiday decorations this year, here's how to keep your space safe while still enjoying the season. 

Fire risks from homemade decorations 

Homemade decorations that use candles, wood, paper, cardboard, or dried natural materials look charming, but they also burn quickly. Paper garlands, dried orange slices, and handmade centerpieces can ignite quickly if they sit too close to heaters or string lights. Even small details like hot glue residue can melt and spark when exposed to warm light bulbs. 

Flat lay of dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, twine, and scissors arranged for creating a festive DIY holiday decoration.

How to stay safe: 

  • Keep all handmade decor at least three feet from heat sources. 
  • Choose LED candles for centerpieces and window displays. 
  • Apply fire-retardant spray (available at hardware stores) to paper crafts. 
  • Inspect string lights for frayed wires before decorating. 

Chemical hazards from craft supplies 

DIY holiday decorations often rely on craft supplies like spray paint, glitter adhesives, faux snow, epoxy, and sealants. These products can create indoor air hazards and, without proper ventilation, they can irritate your lungs, eyes, and skin. 

How to stay safe: 

  • Only use spray paint and faux snow outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. 
  • Wear gloves when working with adhesives, epoxy, or resin. 
  • Seal glitter projects with a clear, non-toxic topcoat. 
  • Clean up loose materials immediately after crafting. 
  • Keep pets away from your crafting area. 

Trip and fall hazards from creative displays 

Homemade decorations sometimes involve hanging items from ceilings, stretching garlands across walkways, or placing displays in high-traffic areas in your apartment. What may look good in a photo can become a trip hazard in daily life. 

How to stay safe: 

  • Keep all walkways completely clear of decorations and cords. 
  • Use removable adhesive hooks rated for your decoration's specific weight. 
  • Run electrical cords along walls using cord covers instead of across floors. 
  • Test the stability of standing displays before leaving them out. 

Risks from natural materials 

Foraged branches, homemade wreaths, dried fruit ornaments, and fresh greenery can introduce mold spores, insects, or plant oils that trigger allergies or skin reactions.  

Person clipping evergreen branches outdoors, gathering natural greenery for a DIY holiday decoration while making sure it's safe to keep indoors.

How to stay safe: 

  • Dry natural materials thoroughly before using them indoors. 
  • Inspect all foraged items for insects before bringing them inside. 
  • Replace natural decor if it starts to smell or shed heavily. 

Wall mounting and weight concerns 

DIY projects like hanging mobiles, oversized wall art, or handmade wreaths can be heavier than you expect. Using the wrong mounting hardware or underestimating the weight can result in falling decorations that damage walls, furniture, or injure people below. 

How to stay safe:

  • Use adhesive hooks rated for the exact weight of your decor. 
  • Test the mount by gently pulling downward before leaving it up. 
  • Avoid securing heavy decor to weak or thin surfaces. 
  • When in doubt, keep heavier handmade pieces on sturdy shelves instead of walls. 

Why homemade decorations remain worth the effort 

DIY holiday decorations remain popular with renters for many reasons. Making your own decor is fun and budget-friendly, and it lets you customize your space in a way store-bought pieces can’t.  

DIY projects can also help you reuse materials, reduce waste, and create meaningful items that feel more personal and festive. They’re especially helpful for renters decorating smaller spaces or trying to keep holiday costs down. 

Hands cutting twine to prepare craft materials, showing the first steps of a DIY holiday decoration project and why handmade decorations are important as long as they are prepared safely.

You don't have to choose between creativity and safety this holiday season. You just need to stay smart about how you create and display your projects. With a few simple safety habits, you can enjoy your handmade decor without risking the safety of your apartment or belongings. By choosing safer materials, checking components, and keeping crafts away from heat sources, you get the best of both worlds: creative freedom and peace of mind. 

Key takeaways:  

  • DIY holiday decorations can introduce fire, chemical, and physical hazards in small spaces.
  • Safe crafting starts with the right materials, proper ventilation, and thoughtful placement.
  • Always verify the stability, weight capacity, and safety of handmade decorations before display.
  • With proper precautions, DIY projects offer meaningful, budget-friendly benefits that help you enjoy your holidays.