7 Best Holiday Bells For Festive Swag Accents

The annual tradition of hanging wreaths and swags brings an immediate sense of warmth to the entryway, but finding the right festive accents can be surprisingly difficult. Quality bells serve as the finishing touch, transforming simple greenery into a sophisticated seasonal display that rings with tradition. Choosing the right hardware ensures that these decorations remain securely in place throughout the busy holiday season.

Hearth & Home Rustic Jingle Bells: Best Overall

These bells offer a balanced weight and a muted, nostalgic sound that feels at home in almost any entryway. Because they feature a consistent, weathered finish, they hide minor scratches or dings that inevitably occur during yearly storage transitions.

They are ideal for households that prioritize durability over high-shine aesthetics. While the finish is intended to look aged, the underlying metal remains sturdy enough to handle outdoor exposure on a covered porch.

Bottom line: This is the most reliable choice for a homeowner who wants a classic, “found” look without the high price tag of antique shop finds.

Beistle Gold Liberty Bells: Best Classic Look

If the goal is to recreate the quintessential look of a traditional holiday display, these gold liberty bells provide the iconic silhouette everyone recognizes. Their bright, reflective surface pairs perfectly with red ribbons and lush, dark pine branches.

These bells are lightweight, which makes them excellent for delicate swags that might otherwise sag under the weight of heavy iron or solid brass. Renters who use over-the-door hooks will appreciate that these won’t put unnecessary stress on door hardware.

Bottom line: Choose these for a clean, timeless appearance that pops against deep green needles and bright festive bows.

Creative Co-Op Sleigh Bells: Best for Farmhouse Style

For homes featuring shiplap, neutral color palettes, or heavy wood elements, these bells provide the ideal organic texture. Their construction leans into a deliberate, rustic charm that suggests they have been in the family for generations.

These bells often come on sturdy leather or jute straps, which adds an extra layer of visual interest to a swag. They work best when draped across a fireplace mantel or hung on a heavy-duty wooden door where the weight can be supported securely.

Bottom line: These are the go-to option for adding depth and texture to farmhouse-style decor without looking overly polished or modern.

Factory Direct Craft Tin Bells: Best for DIY Crafts

Homeowners who enjoy customizing their holiday decor will appreciate the versatility of these simple tin bells. Sold in bulk, they allow for a uniform look across multiple windows or large staircase banisters.

Because they are lightweight and affordable, they are perfect for projects where you want to attach clusters of bells to greenery using floral wire or twine. They lack the deep resonance of heavy cast iron, but they provide that satisfying “jingle” whenever the door opens.

Bottom line: These are the most practical solution for large-scale DIY projects where consistency and budget are the primary concerns.

Kurt Adler Brass Plated Bells: Best Polished Finish

Some spaces, such as formal entryways or contemporary homes, call for a bit more shimmer. These brass-plated bells provide a high-end look that reflects light from entryway lamps, making them a beautiful focal point during evening gatherings.

Maintenance is slightly higher here, as fingerprints or moisture can dull the shine over time. However, a quick wipe with a dry microfiber cloth before the season begins usually brings them back to a perfect luster.

Bottom line: Opt for these if the goal is to create a formal, elegant aesthetic that complements metallic ornaments and sophisticated lighting.

NACTECH Large Cowbells: Best for a Rustic Statement

Larger cowbells offer a distinct, bold shape that moves beyond standard holiday decor. These make a significant impact on large, double-door entries or oversized outdoor wreaths that need substantial visual weight to stand out from the street.

Due to their size, they require sturdier mounting hardware. Ensure the wire or ribbon used to attach them is reinforced, as these pieces are significantly heavier than standard jingle bells.

Bottom line: Use these when the porch or entry area is large and requires a heavy, rustic accent to anchor the space.

Sullivans Cluster Jingle Bells: Best Pre-Arranged Set

For busy homeowners who want to achieve a designer look without spending time crafting arrangements, these pre-clustered sets are invaluable. They come ready to hang with attached greenery or bows, saving precious minutes during a hectic decorating schedule.

These sets eliminate the guesswork of color coordination and weight distribution. Simply secure the main attachment point to a wreath hook, and the entire arrangement stays balanced and centered.

Bottom line: This is the best choice for anyone looking to simplify their holiday setup while still achieving a polished, professional result.

Choosing the Right Bell Size for Your Greenery

Size is the most common mistake made when decorating with bells. A small wreath on an apartment door will be overwhelmed by large cowbells, just as a massive staircase garland will make tiny jingle bells look lost.

• Small Wreaths (18–22 inches): Use bells in the 1–2 inch range for a balanced look.
• Standard Wreaths (24–30 inches): Choose 2.5–3 inch bells to ensure they are visible.
• Large Garlands/Swags: Mix sizes, using larger bells at the base or center and smaller bells toward the ends.

Always consider the weight of the greenery itself. If the swag is artificial and lightweight, keep the bells under 3 inches to prevent drooping.

How to Clean and Store Bells for Next Season

Proper storage is the secret to getting a decade of use out of your holiday decor. After the season, wipe all metal surfaces with a clean, dry cloth to remove dust and humidity residues that could lead to pitting or rust.

If your bells are made of iron, a light coat of food-grade mineral oil can prevent oxidation during long periods in storage. Always store bells in a dedicated plastic bin with a lid; avoid cardboard boxes in damp basements, which can encourage tarnishing.

Wrap individual bells in acid-free tissue paper if they have a delicate finish. This simple step prevents scratches during transport and keeps them looking pristine for the following year.

Attaching Bells Securely to Wreaths and Swags

Never rely on the thin wire or ribbon that comes pre-attached to mass-market bells if you plan to hang them outdoors. Replace or reinforce these connections with heavy-duty floral wire or sturdy, weather-resistant outdoor ribbon.

When attaching to a wreath, loop the wire through the frame of the wreath rather than just tying it to the branches. This ensures that even in heavy wind, the bells remain securely in place.

For heavier bells, attach a secondary anchor point behind the wreath to distribute the weight. This prevents the wreath from tilting or pulling away from the door hook, keeping your display perfectly vertical all season long.

With the right choice of bells, your home’s seasonal decor transitions from simple greenery to a well-considered arrangement that feels complete. By focusing on the weight of the hardware, the scale of the greenery, and secure attachment methods, you can ensure your festive accents remain beautiful throughout the busiest months of the year. Investing in quality pieces that suit your specific space will save time and frustration for many holidays to come.