Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time when people adorn their homes with bright colours to commemorate the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. It also marks time to create an inviting atmosphere for family and friends. So, if you’re looking for some unique ways to brighten up your home with this Diwali and using handmade products for your decor is something that interests you, here’s a list of products worth picking up. Handmade home decor products also help support local artisans and their crafts.
1. Handcrafted Diyas
Diyas, which are simple yet elegant, carry more gravitas than all Diwali decorative pieces. These small earthen lamps are traditionally used during Diwali in every Indian household. To add that extra touch, buy true-to-life, handcrafted diyas at Indiahandmade. There is a choice between plain geometric patterns and complicated flower and spirit patterns. You can find multi-shaped diyas ranging from birds and elephants to other designs. Create pretty rows of these handmade diyas to place on the window sills, bookshelves or doorways to add more spirituality to the ambience of your home.
2. Decorative Handmade Torans
Torans are traditional decorations that are hung over doorways during festive occasions. Choose hand-painted, patchwork or mirror-work torans for Diwali to add a beautiful texture to the front of your house. You can also use small torans to hang above mantles, over bookshelves or even over doorways between two rooms. Lacy fringes and shiny tassels, beads, baubles and silk or plastic flowers are also suitable for torans.
3. Custom Kolams
In South India, kolams are geometric designs drawn on the floor, usually for a day and are drawn using rice powder or chalk. For this Diwali, get in touch with local artists and create new kolam patterns for your doorstep. The choice of complex patterns and bright colours will leave your guests in awe. You can even put a frame up to make your favourite kolams a part of your home décor.
4. Decorative Handmade Lanterns
Lanterns serve both the purpose of aesthetic enhancement and as an affordable source of lighting during a power outage, typical around the festival. Handmade lanterns with block printing or carving would be great for that uniqueness in your home. You can prop it along your paths, hang it between home pants or display it on shelves, side tables and counters. Choose the best one among paper, wood, metal or ceramic, or go for simple lantern jars painted in brilliant patterns.
5. Beaded Handmade Curtains
Handmade beaded curtains give a boho touch and feel to any interior. Use them as dividers for doorless entrances or hang strands of beads and bright curtains on your windows. Choose copper and brass shades or beads in multicolours for playful contrast in texture and hue. You can also use beaded fringes as extra borders in lampshades, cushions and shelves. If this is something that does not interest you, buy handmade curtains made of stunning fabrics and patterns at Indiahandmade.
6. Patchwork Quilts & Throws
Enhance your home decor by putting handmade quilts over sofas, chairs and beds. These quilts are made from recycled saris, fabrics and embroidery to give them a beautiful and unique look. For a more personal touch, you can add hand-embroidered cushions with them. When paired with hand-embroidered cushions, patchwork quilts and throws give your look a cohesive and personalised touch. The cushions can either complement the quilt’s colours or patterns or add contrasting visual interest.
7. Decorative Wall Plates
Wall plates depicting folk artwork or onequest and spiritual figures are appropriate for use as wall hangings during Diwali. Flowers like lotuses, elephants, paisleys, rural scenes decorated with precious jewels, etc., can beautify traditional as well as modern home decor. You may also opt for plates specifically made for Diwali, with Rangolis, diyas, figurines of Lakshmi and auspicious signs.
8. Handcrafted Figurines
Many people choose to buy handcrafted figurines for Diwali for a meaningful and culturally rich reason. These figurines are exclusive and unique (unlike mass-produced items). The more religious ones usually have great cultural value, especially the figurines of Ganesha or Lakshmi, the gods that are representative of blessings and positive energy in the home during the festival of lights.
9. Wall Mirrors
Handcrafted wall mirrors are a smart choice for Diwali decor, as they not only amplify the festive ambience by reflecting light but also add special beauty to the place. There are also many handcrafted wall mirrors with integrated LED lights, which contribute to the radiant and festive atmosphere. Mosaic wall mirrors have intricate patterns that make the pattern of Diwali lights beautifully reflected.
10. Decorative Puja Thalis
Puja thalis are essential for performing rituals and prayers during Diwali. Handcrafted puja thalis come in various designs featuring intricate patterns and auspicious symbols. These are crafted from materials like brass, silver or stainless steel. Some of these thalis are adorned with precious stones or enamel work, adding to their aesthetic appeal. Buying decorative puja thalis for Diwali not only serves a religious purpose but also adds a touch of elegance to the festive decor.
Concluding Thoughts
That wraps up our list of ten Diwali home decor ideas that will make your home shine during this joyful festival. Accessorising your home with handmade items brings unmatched aesthetics, values and bespoke character to your home.
So, this Diwali, make a difference by shopping handmade home decor items at Indiahandmade, an initiative by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, to empower all the artisans of India. At Indiahandmade, you can find unique handicraft designs as well as mainstream items with choices for gifts and personal use.
