Onam marks the harvest festival! From donning traditional Kasavu sarees and Mundus to passing out after a hearty Sadhya, Onam is a day full of fun and games. Here are 12 easy Onam decor ideas to get your home ready for the festivities this year.
Onam Decor Ideas: Get Your Home Festive Ready With These 12 Creative Ideas
Overview
- 1. Set Up A Rangoli
- 2. Bring Out The Traditional Lamps
- 3. Hang Marigold Garlands On Stage
- 4. Use Floating Candles Or Diyas
- 5. Showcase Your Antique Collection
- 6. Get A Banana Plant
- 7. Lay Down Floor Mats
- 8. Set Up String Lights
- 9. Place Jasmine Flowers At The Entrance
- 10. Add Traditional Prints
- 11. Foliage Decor
- 12. Add Vibrant Wall Decor
Set Up A Rangoli
One of the most common and beautiful sights to see on Onam is the beautiful rangolis or pookalam made with a variety of colourful flowers. The best part about them is that you can go as simple and basic with a small flower rangoli or as grand with a big centrepiece at your entrance.
Bring Out The Traditional Lamps
While traditional brass oil lamps are typically used only in Pooja rooms, you could light some up as decor to go with your rangolis. While you can add a million lights, brass lamps look absolutely timeless. We recommend placing them in a common, well-ventilated area. You could also place them right by your pookalams to create a cohesive look.
Pro-Tip: Need more brass decor ideas? We've got an entire list right here.
Hang Marigold Garlands On Stage
One of the most fool-proof Onam stage decoration ideas is to use Marigolds, both yellow and orange ones, wherever you can. You can also buy the garlands in bulk from local flower markets and set them up on the stage for bigger gatherings alongside some elements like Kathakali dancer figurines. At home, you could hang them up by your door frames or staircases or even create a spot for photo ops using just the garlands as a background.
Pro-Tip: If you expert advice on how to keep your flowers fresh for longer, then check out this list.
Use Floating Candles Or Diyas
Bring out your decor from Diwali and display some good old floating candles in a huge container. You can use tea lights directly or place them in pretty leaf bowls before placing them in water. Use florals to amp up the look. You can do this using brass containers or earthen pots, too.
Pro-Tip: We suggest you make a switch to clean and sustainable candles this year. To make your search easier, we've got a list of brands here.
Showcase Your Antique Collection
A lot of households cherish and safe-keep the antique cookware and serveware that have been passed down to them for generations. If you happen to have any old brass utensils, bring them out and use them as decor for Onam. Old brassware looks absolutely stunning, making most other decor look pale in comparison. You could shine it before using it; display as is or use it as a container for floating flowers and candles.
Get A Banana Plant
Celebrating Onam in Kerala would be an absolute dream for many of us, considering the breathtaking greenery of the state. If you're especially missing home and want to cheer yourself up, how about getting yourself a banana plant? Add to your existing plant collection, and maybe it could make you feel a tad bit closer to home.
Pro-Tip: If you love the vintage and earthy vibe of Kerala homes, an interior designer explains how you can create a similar vibe for your home.
Lay Down Floor Mats
Floor seating is the best way to go about if you're hosting a large group of guests, considering they'll be eating on traditional banana leaves. Lay out your floor mats along the walls so your guests have back support while they demolish the delicious Sadhya. You can also place a softer blanket on top of your reed floor mats to add some cushioning.
Set Up String Lights
String lights can make pretty much any space look pretty and cosy. Combine that with your traditional decor, and you have yourself a well-put together home for this Onam.
Pro-Tip: If you need more options, then check out this list.
Place Jasmine Flowers At The Entrance
Chances are you'll be donning beautiful jasmine flowers in your hair on the day of Onam. If you'd like to introduce your guests to traditional flower garlands, have some made or display some loose buds by your main door. You could welcome your guests with their own little garland or have the blooms fill up your space with their beautiful fragrance as you welcome guests into your home.
Add Traditional Prints
Traditional prints and art are a great way to add a festive feel to your home. You can bring them in with cushions and table runners, introducing more Indian crafts and bright colours that will brighten up your space instantly. Another way to do this is through wall hangings and wall art, which add a cosy and sophisticated feel.
Foliage Decor
Nature plays a great part in Onam decor, and foliage decor is the way to take your Onam celebrations to the next level. It is sustainable, affordable, and a clever way to add a focal point to your space. We suggest introducing more flowers into the mix and adding pops of colours. The best part about this is that you can steer this art piece in any direction, making it as extravagant or as minimal.
Add Vibrant Wall Decor
Onam is the time to bring in the best decor. For that, we recommend adorning your home with vibrant wall decor and hangings. You can also use your kathakali masks as decor pieces, adding more culture and tradition to the space and giving it a festive feel.
