“Any home constantly benefits from renewal and transformation,” says Amira Sabri, a Cairo-based home stylist.
“Whether to mark a special occasion or simply to embrace a fresh atmosphere, many of my clients are seeking a new look for their homes. Ramadan is a peak season for my work. I sit with my clients to understand their tastes and preferred aesthetics and then carefully select the necessary pieces to create a decoration that authentically reflects their style.”
Sabri highlights that every year brings fresh trends in Ramadan lantern designs and Ramadan-themed decorations. “This year, wooden minarets stand out as a distinctive decoration element. Available in varying heights, some reaching up to a metre, they are placed on the floor beside crescent moon ornaments of similar scale.”
Another charming addition is a collection of decorative incense burners, elegantly arranged alongside a plate of dates. An intricately designed coffee set with an ornate pot and cups can also add an exquisite touch to any buffet setup,” she notes.
Traditional Ramadan lanterns are also seeing new designs, Sabri explains. “This year, they feature sleek, straight lines devoid of engravings and harmonising beautifully with modern interiors. Traditional hues of gold, copper, and silver have also given way to contemporary shades such as white, black, or a sophisticated blend of white and gold.”
Some classic decorations have been reimagined, she adds. “Star and mihrab motifs have been integrated into garlands and decorative arrangements, while the mihrab itself is often mounted on walls and doors and illuminated from within.”
Despite the abundance of Ramadan decoration options, Sabry cautions against decorating mistakes that she says are all too common. “Many people make the error of mixing expensive yet mismatched pieces, or overcrowding their space with excessive accessories, which diminishes the individuality of each item. Additionally, most households insist on buying a new lantern every year, despite already owning several.”
“Some homeowners purchase daily-use items featuring Ramadan motifs, such as dinnerware sets adorned with seasonal patterns. While festive, this can lead to an accumulation of seasonal items, making the home feel cluttered.”
“Since these pieces are rarely used beyond Ramadan, homeowners end up needing additional sets with neutral designs for year-round use. To avoid this, I recommend selecting a statement decoration piece that captures the Ramadan essence rather than replacing everyday essentials based on seasonal trends.”
For a truly unique decorative setup, Sabri advises incorporating existing home accessories in a fresh, personalised arrangement. “When working with a client, I first assess the decorative elements they already own and find creative ways to repurpose it. For instance, if they have a traditional khayamiya fabric – often known as a Ramadan tablecloth – we can transform it into pillow covers or a stylish table runner for the coffee table.”
“A regular tablecloth can also be enhanced with lanterns, candles, and other Ramadan-themed accessories. Vintage lanterns can be creatively combined with a single, newly purchased piece in a different size to create an eye-catching display.”
Beyond selecting the right decorations, Sabri emphasises the importance of thoughtful arrangements. “Grouping lanterns or decorative items of varying heights enhances the composition, while incorporating potted plants into the display adds an extra layer of visual appeal,” she says.
When selecting Ramadan lanterns and accessories, it is essential to ensure they complement the home’s overall aesthetic. she explains.
“For classic-style homes, opt for intricate accessories with rich details and colours that harmonise with crystal vases and warm lighting. Lanterns made of pierced brass with golden tones are ideal. Table runners should be free of Islamic or Ramadan-specific patterns, as these designs align better with modern interiors. Instead, solid-coloured runners in gold or deep red can be paired with decorative crescents or stars as accents.”
“In modern-style homes, black or white lanterns work well, as do gold lanterns with clean, unembellished lines. Khayamiya textiles and textiles featuring Islamic motifs can also be incorporated,” she notes.
PLACEMENT: Once the right pieces are selected, identifying the ideal placement for each is key.
“Large lanterns can be positioned in the home’s entrance, either alone with a crescent or in a trio of varying heights, all illuminated for a striking effect. Outside, a glowing lantern can be hung above or beside the door,” Sabri suggests.
In the reception area, she recommends a large crescent in a shade matching the furniture, enhanced with LED lights. “Available in the market in heights ranging from half a metre to one metre, these crescents are designed with tall bases, allowing them to stand on the floor and feature built-in lighting,” she explains.
For tabletops, “if the table is square, I use all four corners, placing a plate of dates in one, a trio of candles of varying heights in another, and a decorative incense burner or tissue box in the remaining corners. For oval and round tables, the centrepiece is positioned in the middle, whereas long, narrow tables are best styled with accessories placed at the ends, leaving the centre open for practical use.”
“In general, fewer but larger decorative pieces are preferable to numerous small items that create visual clutter. The key to an elegant setup is allowing the eye to appreciate each detail without feeling overwhelmed. I also incorporate contrasts to make different elements stand out – pairing a round table with a square tray for accessories or mixing different shapes and sizes, for example,” she explains.
According to Sabri, garlands of lights featuring lanterns, crescents, and stars are among the best decorating ideas for the living room.
“I frequently use lighting to highlight curtains or accentuate a particular wall, as it creates a significant transformation with minimal effort. I also designate one corner for an arrangement of floor lanterns, each about a metre or less in height. On side tables, framed Islamic motifs or small lanterns can be placed, while shelves offer an additional space for Ramadan-themed accessories,” she says.
“As the heart of Ramadan gatherings, the dining table deserves special attention,” she notes, suggesting keeping permanent decorative pieces on one end of the buffet while leaving the dining surface clear for meals.
A centrepiece of flowers and candles can be placed in the middle, with a small lantern complementing the arrangement, or pendant lights in the shape of lanterns can be suspended above the table. For children’s rooms, she recommends a personalised detail in which each child can display their own lantern on their desk as part of the home decoration.
Unlike those who prefer buying Ramadan-themed decorations, there are also many enthusiasts of handicrafts who welcome the season as an opportunity to create their own ornaments and accessories.
Sally Abdel-Ati, a furniture restoration artist, explains that “I share video tutorials with my followers online, teaching them how to transform ordinary furniture or wooden pieces into unique artistic creations. This not only enhances their creativity but also has a positive impact on their mood, as they take pleasure in crafting something with their own hands and witnessing the final result.”
In addition to offering guidance, Abdel-Ati also sells a selection of handcrafted accessories, available either as individual orders or in larger quantities.
“For instance, one client once requested a customised wooden hanging piece designed as a tree branch with three wooden trunks dangling from it inscribed with the words ‘Ramadan Kareem’ in silver, while another version featured gold lettering at the client’s request,” she remembers.
Her Ramadan collection also includes wooden lanterns in various designs, some meant to be wall-mounted and others crafted as intertwined branches adorned with small, colourful lanterns. “Every piece is handmade, and many clients request customisations, whether in specific colours or with special modifications,” she adds.
“There are also countless recycling ideas that allow people to express their creativity by transforming simple, everyday materials into handmade Ramadan decorations.”
Wood is particularly versatile, as it can be easily repurposed or painted to create festive decorations. Simple decorations can also be made using cardboard, paper, or fabrics featuring Islamic motifs or traditional khayamiya patterns.
“By following a few easy steps, such as cutting cardboard into the shape of a lantern and pasting printed paper or fabric onto it and then hanging it, you can create charming Ramadan decorations at minimal cost,” she says.
The Bab Al-Khalq area of Cairo, particularly Ahmed Maher Street, is one of the areas that has specialised shops selling Ramadan decorations, metal lanterns, and intricately patterned khayamiya fabrics, she says.
Children can also be involved in making their own Ramadan accessories and decorations as part of a fun and interactive activity. Small lanterns and ornaments in the shape of crescents and stars, around 15 cm in size, can be designed for children to paint or hang as keychains on their bedroom doors, for example.
“When children create their own Ramadan decorations, it allows them to experience the spirit of the season in a truly special and personal way,” Abdel-Ati comments.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 6 March, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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