11 Ways to Make a Store-Bought Wreath Look Custom (and Expensive)

Store-bought wreaths are convenient, but a lot of them look… the same. The good news is you can take a basic wreath and give it a “did she have that made?” upgrade with a few simple tweaks. You don’t need floral skills, just a little layering and the right materials.

Here’s how to turn a standard wreath into something that actually looks like you picked it intentionally.

Fluff and reshape the greenery first

Most wreaths come flattened from being stacked in a box. Before you add anything, take a few minutes to fluff. Bend the branches forward, backward, and outward so it looks full and three-dimensional.

Don’t rush this part. A well-shaped wreath can look twice as expensive, even without a single extra bow or ornament.

Add a second layer of greenery

Mix in a different type of greenery so it looks less uniform. If your wreath is all pine, tuck in snippets of cedar, eucalyptus, or fir. You can use real clippings or faux stems cut apart.

Slide pieces into the existing base and secure them with floral wire or hot glue if needed. That mix of textures makes it look more natural and custom.

Swap or upgrade the bow

The fastest fix: remove the thin, flimsy bow it came with and add your own. Choose a wired ribbon in a color and pattern that matches your home—plaid, linen, velvet, or stripes.

Make one large bow and attach it slightly off-center instead of dead at the bottom. It looks more intentional and less “right out of the package.”

Layer in a second ribbon

If you want a fuller look, layer two ribbons together—one wider, one more narrow. You can twist them around the wreath together or use one for the bow and one tucked into loops around the circle.

Stick to the same color family so it doesn’t start to feel busy. The combination of textures is what makes it look custom.

Add natural elements like pinecones and dried oranges

Pinecones, acorns, dried orange slices, or cinnamon sticks instantly dress up a basic wreath. Cluster them in twos and threes instead of spacing them evenly all the way around.

Use hot glue or floral wire to hold them in place. That little bit of “real” texture breaks up the mass-produced look in a hurry.

Personalize with an initial or word

A single wooden letter, small sign, or metal word (“joy,” “home,” your last initial) adds a personal touch. Hang it in the center or nestle it into the side.

Keep it simple and in colors that match the ribbon and greenery. You’re aiming for subtle, not a giant billboard.

Mix in a few statement ornaments

Choose 3–5 larger ornaments and tuck them deep into the wreath instead of hanging them from the front. Matte, glass, or wood ornaments work well.

Spread them around but keep them in clusters rather than a grid. They should feel like part of the wreath, not something hovering on top.

Tie on small bells or charms

A few metal bells, stars, or small charms on twine or ribbon can add just enough movement. Hang them from the bottom, off one side, or even from the center.

They catch the light and add a little sound when the door opens, which makes the wreath feel more special without taking over the whole look.

Give the base a color wash

If your wreath base shows (grapevine, metal, or straw), you can give it a quick color wash with watered-down paint or a wood stain wipe. Even a light gray or brown over a too-bright base can make it look more aged and expensive.

Let it dry completely before you start attaching anything. It’s a small step that makes a big difference up close.

Match it to your porch or room colors

Look at what’s already on your porch or in the room where the wreath will hang—door color, planters, pillows. Pull those shades into the ribbon or accents.

When the wreath echoes colors you already use, it feels like part of the home instead of a random piece you hung at the last minute.

Finish the back so it sits flat

Trim or bend any metal bits that might scratch your door. Add felt pads, a ribbon loop, or a simple hook on the back so it hangs straight.

A wreath that sits flat and doesn’t wobble or scrape looks more polished immediately. Sometimes the “custom” feel comes down to how well it’s hung, not just how it looks from the front.