Spring and Easter always bring out the crosses, but a lot of them end up looking bare or a little rushed.
The usual mistake is grabbing one plain cross and calling it done without giving it any texture or color.
A cross deserves the same thought you’d give a wreath or a mantel display.
Below you’ll find 19 ways to dress one up using ribbon, greenery, twine, paint and more.
Some ideas work for a front door, others fit a table or a garden bed.
Scroll through and pick whichever matches the space you’re decorating this year!
CROSS DECORATING IDEAS
Rustic Wooden Cross Display
A rustic wooden cross is the easiest starting point on this whole list. Bare wood grain already does most of the work, so you barely need to add anything.
Sand the edges lightly and let the knots and cracks show. Simple and proud, honestly.
Floral Wrapped Wall Cross
Wrapping fresh or faux florals around a wall cross turns it into a statement piece fast. Tuck stems into a wire frame first so nothing slides around.
Read also: 19+ Adorable Cute Cross Decor Ideas That Transform Walls
Pastel blooms feel especially right for spring. Bright ones work for a summer porch too!
Burlap And Lace Cross
Burlap and lace together give a cross that cozy farmhouse feel without much fuss.
Layer a strip of burlap first, then add a thinner lace ribbon crossing over it. The contrast between rough and delicate is what makes this one pop.
Painted Mason Jar Cross
Painted mason jars grouped around the base of a cross make for a sweet little display. Chalk paint in soft blues or creams looks great here.
Add a candle or a few flowers inside each jar. It’s a nice way to use up jars sitting in the pantry, lol!
Dried Flower Cross Wreath
Dried flowers hold their shape for months, which makes them perfect for a cross wreath that lasts well past the holiday.
Baby’s breath, lavender and wheat stems all dry beautifully. Hang the finished wreath on a front door or prop it against a wall.
Beaded Cross Wall Hanging
Beaded wall hangings bring a bit of sparkle to an otherwise plain cross shape.
Read also: 19+ Stunning Cross Decorations That Transform Any Room
String wooden beads, pearls or even colored glass along wire or twine. The beads catch the light differently depending on the time of day, which is a nice little bonus.
Farmhouse Style Cross Decor
Farmhouse style leans on neutral tones and a slightly worn finish. Think whitewashed wood, black metal accents and simple lines.
This is the look for anyone who already has shiplap somewhere in the house, haha! It fits right into that whole aesthetic without trying too hard.
Spring Ribbon Cross Craft
Ribbon in spring colors wrapped diagonally across a wooden cross adds instant cheer.
Yellow, pink and mint green ribbons layered together look especially fresh. Tie a small bow at the center point to finish it off.
Vintage Metal Cross Accent
A vintage metal cross brings texture that wood and fabric just can’t copy. Look for one with a bit of rust or a weathered patina; that’s exactly what gives it character.
Prop it on a shelf next to candles or books. Not in my book does it need anything else added!
Easter Cross Centerpiece Idea
A cross laid flat as the centerpiece of an Easter table is an idea a lot of people overlook.
Surround it with greenery, eggs or small potted flowers. Guests notice it immediately, and it photographs well from every angle.
Wooden Cross With Twine
Wrapping twine around a wooden cross gives it a handmade, rustic finish in minutes.
Cross the twine diagonally from top to bottom. Leave the ends a little loose for that relaxed, homemade look.
Glitter Cross Mantel Decor
Glitter isn’t usually the first thing people think of for a cross, but a light dusting on the edges catches candlelight beautifully on a mantel.
Use a fine craft glitter and a light coat of glue. A little goes a long way here, lol!
Cross Made From Pallets
Reclaimed pallet wood makes a cross with instant character built right in. The nail holes and paint chips tell their own story.
This is a great project if you already have pallet scraps sitting in the garage. No shame in that.
Cross With String Lights
String lights wound around a cross turn it into a soft evening feature on a porch or patio.
Warm white bulbs work best for a gentle glow. Plug them in at dusk and the whole display changes completely.
Greenery Covered Cross Design
Covering a cross entirely in greenery gives it a lush, garden-fresh feel. Eucalyptus, ivy or ferns all work well pinned onto a wire base.
Fill in any gaps with smaller sprigs so no bare wood peeks through. The finished piece looks like it grew that way naturally.
Chalk Painted Cross Sign
A chalk painted cross sign with a simple phrase adds a personal touch to any entryway.
Stencil the words on before painting so the lettering stays crisp. Distress the edges afterward with light sanding for an aged look.
Cross Decorated With Wildflowers
Wildflowers tucked into the joints of a cross give it a loose, unfussy charm. This works especially well outdoors where the flowers can catch a breeze.
Mix a few different colors instead of sticking to one. Who doesn’t love a little wild color against plain wood?
Cross Wrapped In Fabric
Wrapping a cross in fabric completely changes its texture. Linen gives a soft, muted look while burlap leans more rugged.
Read also: 18+ Boho Cross Decor Ideas That Transform Walls
Secure the fabric with hot glue or small tacks along the back. Either way it feels warmer than bare wood.
Outdoor Garden Cross Decor
Last but definitely not least, an outdoor garden cross surrounded by plants makes a lovely permanent fixture.
Set it among taller flowers or near a garden bed edge. Weatherproof wood or metal holds up best through rain and sun.
This is the one worth placing somewhere you’ll actually walk past it often!
Just a little note - some of the links on here may be affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you decide to shop through them (at no extra cost to you!). I only post content which I'm truly enthusiastic about and would suggest to others.
And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Alessandra