How to Decorate a Driveway

A plain Jane driveway becomes beautiful with simple decorations.

A beautifully decorated driveway not only makes visitors feel welcome, it is enjoyable for you to see when you come home from a long work day. You may decorate the driveway as uniquely as you wish and you could change the look for every season and holiday. You don't have to break the bank to decorate your driveway. When you employ supplies and items that are reusable, you save money while giving yourself the freedom to change your driveway decor whenever the mood strikes.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Low-voltage spreadlights
• 10 potted outdoor plants
• Four cinder blocks
• Small white holiday lights
• Holiday or themed wooden decorations

Instructions

1. Measure the length of your driveway along each side for light placement. Set one spreadlight on the ground at three- to five-foot intervals to mark the spots where you want to install the lights.

2. Drive the spreadlight stakes into the ground according to the manufacturer's directions. Avoid installing the lights flush with the driveway as this can give a straight driveway a runway look. Stagger the lights along each side for functional decoration.

3. 

   Use potted plants and old items to decorate your driveway.

   Flank your garage or the end of your driveway with a collection of potted plants. Using potted plants allows you to change your landscaping decor with the season, if desired.

4. Position three potted plants in a banana-shaped row along the side of the driveway. Place two more potted plants in front of the banana-shaped row of three. Add one more plant in front to finish off the potted landscape. Vary the heights of the plants by placing a cinder block under a couple of the pots.

5. 

   White lights inside cinder blocks create soft lighting and decoration.

   Fill the open inner spaces of the cinder blocks with white holiday lights for after dark.

6. Add one or two holiday or themed staked wooden decorations to each group of potted plants. If the inside of your home is done in shabby chic decor, you can extend this to the outdoors by selecting yard decor that fits the same style.

Tips & Warnings

• Fill plant pots with decorated pine trees for the winter holidays.

• Add subtle lighting to your driveway by making luminaries with paper bags, cat litter and tea light candles. Punch holes or simple designs in the front side of the bags to let the light through. Place the luminaries along both sides of the driveway.

• Head to secondhand shops to find inexpensive or antique decor for unique driveway decorations.

• Too much of a good thing isn't good. Select two or three lawn decorations to add to your driveway decor. More than that can look tacky and distracting.

References

• This Old House: Light Where You Need It

Resources

• Landscape Design Advice: Driveway Paving Ideas