Simple Ways to Decorate a Gate

When we rescued our first Bernese Mountain dog, Owen, one of the stipulations was we needed a gate. My husband built a gate on a Saturday for Owen. Just one of the many reasons I love him (and my husband). #wink We now have two gates on opposite sides of our backyard. So after ten years, it was time to create simple ways to decorate the gate.

I had visions of grapevines, vines arbors and lights, but the reality was the gate gets roughed up with the lawnmower and yard trash. Oh, and the occasional dog that ends up on the wrong side of the gate.

I kept the gate decor simple.

This is our other Berner Chloe when she got stuck trying to escape. Notice the wash tub on the opposite side of the gate as a second line of defense.

Simple Ways to Decorate the Gate

Add grapevine wreath or garland

I started with grapevine because grapevine is fade resistant and weathers the elements. I purchased a bundle from Michael’s a few years ago. And, I plan to buy this grapevine bundle.

Grapevine makes everything look like it took way more effort than it actually did. I ran out of grapevine wreath or I would have beefed this up a bit more.

2. Add a Sign

I purchased this sign a year ago but realized it needed a little something-something to make it pop. Taking a tip from this repurposed craft idea I added a wood shutter behind the sign and attached it to the exterior side of the gate.

If you look closely you can see Chloe behind the gate in this photo.

3. Add color

As soon as I added the red shutter slat it upped my gate game. It made the gate look more family friendly.

With a yard full of green grass and patio cushions, the addition of color to a wood gate was the perfect touch of whimsy.

On the opposite side of the gate, I used vinyl letters like these stickers to create this fun sign for the grapevine wreath.

4. Add a Bell I love the idea of a bell on a gate.

Adding a bell serves as a friendly hello and a heads up when someone or something (bear) tries to enter the gate after hours. I used a similar bell like the one I used on my front door.