Diya Decoration Ideas for Diwali

12 setups Diwali decoration Updated 2 Nov

Diya decoration ideas range from painting plain clay diyas with the kids to arranging dozens of them on trays, stands and water. Diyas are the heart of Diwali, so even a small setup feels complete when they are lit.

This page covers handmade painted diyas, simple diya decoration ideas at home, stands and trays, and floating diyas and lanterns. For strings and bulbs, see Diwali light decoration, and for the plate that holds the puja diya, see thali decoration ideas.

Handmade Diya Decoration Ideas

Painting diyas is a favourite family activity in the week before Diwali. Paint only the outside so the oil side stays clean.

Unique diya decoration ideas with kundan stones and small mirrors glued on — **Space**Tray of 6
**Materials**Diyas, kundan, mirrors
**Effort**1.5 hrs, 1 person
Kundan stones and small mirrors glued around the rim turn plain diyas into jewel like pieces that sparkle when lit.
**Decor tip:** Glue stones only on the outer rim and sides. Heat near the wick can loosen glue.

Diya decoration ideas at home easy with gota lace wrapped around the rim — **Space**Tray of 12
**Materials**Clay diyas, gota lace
**Effort**30 min, 1 person
Wrapping gold gota lace around the outer rim takes seconds per diya and looks festive and neat.
**Decor tip:** Use fabric glue for lace. It dries clear and holds through a week of use.

Simple Diya Decoration Ideas at Home

Simple diya decoration ideas are about placement. Group diyas, give them a base and keep them away from fabric.

Simple diya decoration ideas with a row of diyas on entrance steps — **Space**Entrance steps
**Materials**Clay diyas, oil, wicks
**Effort**15 min, 1 person
A diya on each end of every step at the entrance is simple, traditional and lights the way for guests.
**Decor tip:** Place diyas at the edges, not the centre. People walk in the middle.

Diwali diya decoration with a row of diyas glowing on a window sill — **Space**Window sill
**Materials**Clay diyas, tray
**Effort**10 min, 1 person
A neat row of diyas on the window sill glows inside and out. Tie curtains back fully first.
**Decor tip:** Put a long metal tray under the row. Oil and wax wipe off the tray, not the sill.

Diya decoration for diwali with a ring of marigold petals around a big diya — **Space**Floor, 2 ft
**Materials**Big diya, petals
**Effort**10 min, 1 person
One big diya in the centre of a ring of marigold and rose petals is a simple, beautiful floor decoration.
**Decor tip:** Leave a hand width gap between the flame and the petals. Dry petals catch fire.

Diya Decoration Ideas: Clay, Wax or LED

Type	Best for	Note
Clay with oil	Steps, puja corner, floors	Soak new ones in water for a few hours
Wax diyas	Trays, floating bowls	Burn 3 to 4 hours
Brass	Puja corner, stands	Polish with lemon and salt
LED	Near curtains, inside paper, kids' rooms	Safest choice indoors

Painted and kundan diyas from shops cost more than plain ones you decorate yourself. Brass lasts for generations.

Diya Stand Decoration Ideas and Trays

Stands and trays raise diyas off the floor and make them easier to move. They also make clean up quick.

Diya stand decoration ideas with a tiered brass lamp stand and marigold — **Space**Floor stand
**Materials**Brass stand, marigold
**Effort**15 min, 1 person
A tiered brass lamp stand with marigold at its base is a grand centrepiece for the Laxmi puja corner.
**Decor tip:** Fill all wicks with the same amount of oil. Uneven oil means some go out early.

Big diya decoration ideas with a cluster of diyas set in sand in a brass urli — **Space**Urli, 2 ft
**Materials**Brass urli, sand, diyas
**Effort**15 min, 1 person
Diyas set in sand inside a brass urli stay steady and safe, and the cluster glows beautifully.
**Decor tip:** Sand holds diyas firm and catches drips. Sift out wax after Diwali and reuse it.

Diwali diya decoration ideas with diyas on a wooden board lined with mango leaves — **Space**Board, 3 ft
**Materials**Wooden board, mango leaves
**Effort**15 min, 1 person
A wooden board lined with mango leaves holding a row of diyas is easy to carry from room to room.
**Decor tip:** Lay a foil strip under the leaves. Leaves stay fresh and oil does not soak the wood.

Floating Diyas and Lantern Decoration Ideas

Floating diyas and lanterns are safer near fabric and look calm. They suit the living room and entrance.

Unique diya decoration ideas with floating diyas and petals in a glass bowl — **Space**Coffee table
**Materials**Glass bowl, floating diyas
**Effort**10 min, 1 person
Floating diyas in a glass bowl of water with rose petals are calm and safe for a coffee table.
**Decor tip:** Use floating wax diyas, not clay. Clay sinks once it soaks up water.

Paper diya decoration ideas with cutwork paper lanterns around LED diyas — **Space**Shelf or floor
**Materials**Card paper, LED diyas
**Effort**1 hr, 1 person
Cutwork paper lanterns around LED diyas throw lovely patterns on the wall and are safe for kids.
**Decor tip:** Always use LED diyas inside paper. Real flames and paper do not mix.

Lantern decoration ideas with metal lanterns grouped at the entrance for Diwali — **Space**Entrance
**Materials**Metal lanterns, diyas
**Effort**15 min, 1 person
A group of metal lanterns with diyas or LED candles at the entrance looks rich and protects flames from wind.
**Decor tip:** Group three or five lanterns of different heights. Odd numbers look natural.

Diya Safety at Home

Keep diyas at least 2 ft from curtains, dupattas and paper decor.
Always place a tray or sand base under groups of diyas.
Never leave lit diyas in an empty room.
Keep a bucket of water or sand in the house on Diwali night.
Use LED diyas where children and pets play.

More ideas for the festival: Diwali decoration and Laxmi puja decoration.

Questions people ask

What are easy handmade diya decoration ideas?

Paint plain clay diyas with a white base coat and simple dot patterns, glue gota lace around the rim or add kundan stones to the outer edge. All are safe for kids with supervision.