Tips for Choosing Durable Commercial Christmas Decorations for Your Business

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Time to read 9 min

Marlena Guzman

By Marlena Guzman

Tips for Choosing Durable Commercial Christmas Decorations for Your Business

Considering the massive undertaking of decorating commercial spaces for the holiday season, many businesses shop for decorations and plan their designs well in advance, often year-round. Doing so helps them find deals and ensures they are ready for the biggest time of the year. They recognize that selecting durable commercial Christmas decorations may be the most crucial factor.

Durable decorations hold up well in outdoor spaces and busy retail environments. They can be used year after year, saving businesses money. But what are the characteristics that comprise long-lasting Christmas decorations?

This article will serve as a commercial Christmas decor buying guide, ensuring you find the ideal decor for your business.

Recognizing the Unique Needs of Commercial Holiday Decorations

If your experience with decorations is limited to residential settings, you will find commercial holiday lighting is an entirely different beast. Here are some things to consider when decorating a business space. 

Understanding How Commercial Spaces Differ from Residential

There are challenges when decorating a residential space, but the environment is typically more controlled. For example, you likely know everyone who will be interacting with your display. You can explain how to act around the display, ensuring no elements are damaged.

A home also sees minimal foot traffic and fewer liabilities, meaning residential decorations are less risky overall.

The Impact of Heavy Foot Traffic and Environmental Factors

Now, let's compare residential settings to commercial spaces. Here are some things to consider.

  • Foot Traffic: Businesses typically see heavy foot traffic during the holiday season, increasing 47% from the annual average . Shops can become crowded, and customers can knock into your decorations. With a focus on shopping, the possibility of decorations getting broken is not top of mind.
  • Environmental Factors: Companies often decorate their exteriors to attract customers. These decorations are prone to storms and heavy winds. They must withstand weather events well.
  • Additional Liability: While display-related hazards are unwanted in any environment, they are especially dangerous in businesses. If an employee or customer is hurt or an incident occurs, the owner may suffer reputational damage and incur high legal and medical fees. 

Choose High-Quality Materials for Longevity

Once you understand the importance of durable commercial Christmas decorations, you can begin choosing products that withstand high foot traffic and environmental factors. Looking for high-quality commercial Christmas decor materials is the first step.

Advantages of Shatterproof, Weather-Resistant, and Flame-Retardant Materials

The decorations you choose should offer the following characteristics:

  • Shatterproof: Decorations that shatter easily won’t withstand the test of time. Additionally, if they shatter, the small, sharp pieces can cause injuries. Shatterproof ornaments will remain intact, keeping customers and employees safe.
  • Weather-Resistant: Weather-resistant Christmas decor will withstand outdoor environments. Choose indoor-outdoor Christmas decorations made of metal or plastic for best results.
  • Flame-Retardant: Fire is another significant hazard associated with Christmas displays, which can occur due to faulty wiring or the use of flammable materials, like some commercial Christmas wreaths, placed near heat sources. Read labels carefully to ensure your heavy-duty Christmas decorations are fire-resistant or flame-retardant. 

Comparing Plastic, Metal, Wood, and Fabric Decorations

Plastic, metal, wood, and fabric are popular Christmas decor materials that withstand the test of time. Here are some pros and cons to consider when incorporating them into your display. 

  • Plastics: Plastics hold up well to various weather events, including precipitation. However, it’s essential to select a high-quality plastic to achieve a sophisticated look and ensure crush-proof features. Plastic is also typically flammable, but may have flame-retardant qualities added. 
  • Metal: Metal  is highly durable and attractive. With various colors available, it boasts aesthetic appeal and complements a range of robust Christmas decor ideas. Metal can be flammable, but typically only in powdered form, which is rarely used in holiday displays.
  • Wood: Wood is a favorite in Christmas designs, as it offers an outstanding vintage and traditional appeal. While durable, it can burn and warp easily. However, the material can also be treated to enhance its flame and water resistance.
  • Fabric: With so many fabrics available, it’s difficult to categorize their durability as a Christmas decoration. It varies depending on the quality of the fabric and the method of application. Fabrics also differ in their water and fire resistance, although many can be treated to provide these qualities.

Select Commercial-Grade Lighting and Electrical Components

Companies must exercise caution when selecting lighting and electrical components to prevent fire-related hazards and achieve optimal energy savings. Here are some things to look out for. 

Benefits of LED and Energy-Efficient Lighting

Most businesses seek energy-efficient holiday lighting , recognizing the importance of keeping energy expenses low during the holiday season. Pursuing an energy-efficient route can also appeal to environmentally conscious customers.


Choose LED lights for best results. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, they use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer  than incandescent lighting. 

Safety Certifications to Look For

Businesses should also purchase commercial-grade lighting with the following safety certifications: 

  • UL (Underwriters Laboratories): This certification indicates that UL engineers have evaluated the product, ensuring it poses minimal risk of fire, shock, and other hazards.
  • ETL (Intertek): This mark indicates the product has been tested and proven to meet safety standards and is safe for public use.
  • CSA Group: This Canada-based company provides standardized testing for products in various markets. 

Consider Maintenance and Storage for Durable Use

Foot traffic and environmental factors pose substantial threats to holiday decorations, but ornaments and lighting can also become damaged in storage or due to inadequate maintenance. The following tips will help them last longer.

How to Clean and Store Decorations to Extend Life

Cleaning decorations is essential. In addition to helping decorations look their best, it also minimizes certain types of dirt that can eat away at the finish.


Instructions for cleaning vary from product to product. Look at the manufacturer’s recommendations or research online to ensure you are cleaning your ornaments safely. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the surface.


The proper storage tips will also ensure decorations withstand the test of time. Here are some to consider:

  • Protect Fragile Items: Ornaments are often fragile. Ensure they stay safe by packing them in a small compartment that will protect them and prevent them from moving around. Consider wrapping them in tissue paper or another protective material, as well.
  • Hanging Cords: Wrap lights and cords around cardboard or a specialized light organizer to prevent them from tangling and weakening.
  • Consider the Storage Space: Store items in a cool, dry place with low humidity to ensure long-lasting durability. 

Tips for Seasonal Inspection and Repairs

Businesses should also inspect holiday ornaments before and after they are stored, looking for signs of damage that may compromise the item’s safety and functionality. Here are some tips to guide the process:

  • Inspect cords and wiring, looking for frayed or cracked cords, loose wires, and connections.
  • Examine ornaments, tree toppers, and decorations for cracks, breaks, and loose parts.
  • Repairs are an option, but you must ensure that they are done safely and to the highest standard. Replacing your ornaments may be a better option.

Opt for Reusable and Modular Decoration Designs

Businesses will get the most value from their decorations when using reusable and modular designs. 

  • Modular designs are composed of individual, geometric units that can be assembled and reassembled to create designs of various shapes and sizes, which can be featured in different decorating schemes to meet evolving needs.
  • Reusable decorations can be used year after year and may even be created from recycled materials.

Here are the benefits of each.

Flexibility to Change Styles While Reusing Components

Modular designs are well-suited for various applications. Your company may decide to incorporate different themes over the years, shifting from pop culture to traditional, and from contemporary to modern . A modular design is versatile, allowing you to meet your design needs.


Reusable components will hold up well throughout the years, eliminating the need to purchase new corporate holiday decorations. 

Cost Savings Over Multiple Seasons

Modular designs and reusable components serve as budget-friendly, durable decor. They can be used repeatedly, eliminating the need to purchase new ornaments each year.


These decor solutions reduce purchasing costs and related expenses such as shipping or commuting from store to store. They also save time, so you are better able to focus on delivering a great experience during the holiday season. 

Where to Buy Durable Commercial Christmas Decorations

Businesses must also purchase decorations from reliable manufacturers, as they will likely provide quality decorations that endure the test of time. Here are some things to look out for: 

What to Look for in Suppliers and Manufacturers

  • Positive Reviews: Research to ensure the suppliers and manufacturers you work with have a history of providing excellent customer service to the community. Check reviews for mentions of their products’ durability.
  • Selection: Ensure they offer a vast selection that aligns with your design needs.
  • Price: Budget is always a concern, but with durable commercial Christmas decorations being a priority, rather than purchasing the most affordable products, you must ensure you are getting the best value for your money.

Importance of Warranties and Customer Support

Warranties and customer support are also vital for businesses that prioritize commercial holiday decorations durability. Companies that offer warranties will repair or replace items that don’t work properly or break easily at no additional cost.


Customer support means an expert will help you if you are having difficulty using the product. They can help you troubleshoot and provide guidance on repairs and replacements if necessary. 

Conclusion

Long-lasting Christmas decorations are essential to durable holiday displays. They will withstand the test of time and hold up well to heavy foot traffic and environmental conditions. These decorations ensure safety in commercial environments, offer optimal aesthetics, and save money in the long run.


Dekra-Lite is your optimal solution for high-traffic Christmas decor. We offer a wide selection of holiday decorations that are backed by warranties and refund policies. Our team also provides professional decorating services, ensuring your decor looks its best.


Contact us for the heavy-use holiday decorations you need to elevate your business this holiday season. 

FAQ

How Do I Choose Commercial Christmas Decorations That Withstand Heavy Foot Traffic?

Look for decorations made from high-quality materials sourced from a reliable provider. Ensure decorations hold safety certifications. Indoor-outdoor rated decor tends to be more durable and holds up well in various environments.

What Materials Ensure Durability and Safety for Business Holiday Decor?

Metal tends to be the safest and most durable material for holiday decor. However, wood, plastic, and fabric also work well, especially when treated to withstand water and fire.

Why Should I Invest in Commercial-Grade Lighting for Holiday Displays?

Businesses should invest in commercial-grade lighting for holiday displays because it lasts longer, resulting in cost savings. It is also safer, reducing the risk of liabilities in commercial spaces. These decorations are typically well-made, offering a sophisticated and attractive appearance.

How Can Reusable Decorations Save Money?

Reusable Christmas decorations save money because you don’t have to purchase new ones each year. You also reduce expenses on related costs, such as shipping or traveling from store to store to shop for industrial Christmas decorations. Additionally, they save you time, allowing you to focus on making the holiday season more profitable.

What Maintenance Practices Extend the Life of Commercial Holiday Decorations?

Maintenance tips for holiday decor include storing items carefully in a cool, dry place. Protect fragile items and handle wires carefully. Businesses should also clean and inspect decorations before storing them and after retrieving them to ensure they are not frayed or damaged.

About the Author

Marlena Guzman

Marlena Guzman is the Installation Support Manager at Dekra-Lite. She has been supervising installations and refurbishments since 2013. If we’ve ever installed décor on your property, Marlena’s been part of the cause. Marlena’s favorite part of her role is providing memorable holiday experiences for our customers and their guests.

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