Make your home glow this Deepavali.
Deepavali is one of the most significant religious and cultural celebrations in Malaysia. As the festive season draws near, many homeowners begin preparing their homes to welcome loved ones and embrace the spirit of joy and togetherness.
To help you set the scene, we’ve put together a guide on transforming your home into a festive haven this Deepavali, along with suggestions on where to shop. From illuminating your doorways with warm lights to adorning your floors with colourful kolam, these ideas will bring sparkle and joy to every corner of your space.
1. Spring clean your home
According to Hindu beliefs, deities are said to shower blessings upon those who keep their homes clean; the cleaner, the better! That’s why spring cleaning in preparation for Deepavali is considered a must.
To give your home a complete refresh start by decluttering. Go through your wardrobe, kitchen cabinets, and storage areas to remove items you no longer use or items that are already expired. Donate clothes in good condition and throw away broken or unusable items.
Next, dust and wipe down all surfaces, including shelves, countertops, and skirting boards. Move furniture if possible to clean behind and underneath places where dust tends to accumulate unnoticed. Don’t forget hidden spots like ceiling fans, air vents, and light fixtures.
Give your windows and curtains some attention too. Wash or dry-clean curtains and polish windows until they sparkle. Finally, vacuum and mop floors, polish wooden furniture, and spraying a light, festive fragrance around the home.
Explore: Make Cleaning Less of a Chore With These Easy Tricks
2. Dress up the entrance with marigold flowers
Dressing up the entrance is an essential part of preparing your home for Deepavali. Traditionally, marigold flowers are a festive favourites as they symbolise purity, making them especially auspicious during the celebration. Adorn your entrance, balcony, or even stair railings with fresh marigold garlands to welcome prosperity and joy into your home.
For those who prefer something longer-lasting, artificial garlands made of silk or fabric flowers are a practical choice. They retain their vibrant colours year after year while still adding that festive charm. You can easily find fresh or artificial flower garlands at Little India in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, Little India in George Town, Penang, or Jalan Tengku Kelana in Klang.
3. Decorate your floor with a kolam or rangoli
No Deepavali entrance feels complete without a vibrant kolam to greet family and guests. Traditionally hand-drawn with rice flour, kolams are more than just beautiful patterns, they symbolise prosperity, positivity and the welcoming of good fortune into the home.
While rice flour designs remain a cherished custom, there are now many modern, practical alternatives, such as reusable vinyl stickers or floor decals. They offer a fuss-free option that can be stored and brought out year after year. If you’re pressed for time, stencils and pre-designed mats are a quick lifesaver, letting you achieve the look within minutes.
For ready-made options, you’ll find pre-designed kolam plates, rangoli mats, and decorative floor decals at Little India in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur, and Little India in Klang. In Penang, Little India in George Town also carries a wide variety of festive kolam kits and mats.
4. Light up your entrance with warm lights
This Festival of Lights, let your entrance shine with a warm, welcoming glow. Brighten up every corner of your home with diyas (small clay lamps), lanterns, or clusters of candles arranged in decorative holders. Placing them near the entrance, balcony, or any dark corner instantly adds sparkle and creates a festive, inviting atmosphere.
If you prefer something safer and low-maintenance, LED tealights, fairy lights, or string lights are a great alternative. They mimic the gentle glow of real flames while being child- and pet-friendly.
If you’re looking to purchase traditional diyas, clay lamps and colourful lanterns, head to Little India in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur or browse IKEA for a wide selection of stylish lanterns, candle holders, and fairy lights. For budget-friendly finds, stores like Daiso, Kaison, and MR.DIY offer affordable string lights and decorative holders.
5. Add a touch of nature indoors
Fresh flowers and greenery instantly breathe life and warmth into a home, making it feel more welcoming for guests this Deepavali. Place potted plants or floral arrangements at the entrance, in the living room or in the dining area to soften the space and create a refreshing, uplifting atmosphere. Fragrant blooms like jasmine, roses or orchids can add elegance along with a subtle, inviting scent, while leafy plants such as ferns or money plants can bring in natural charm and symbolise prosperity.
If you’d rather go for a low-maintenance option, artificial flowers and plants can look just as stunning. Pair them with decorative brass or ceramic pots to elevate the look and add a touch of sophistication. Try grouping plants of varying heights and textures near the doorway or in empty corners to create visual depth and balance, while beautifully complementing other festive décor elements like diyas, lanterns, and kolam.
For fresh flowers, Floristika, Bangsar, is a popular go-to, offering everything from chrysanthemums to orchids at wholesale prices. You can also check out Cameron Highlands wholesalers at Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur, for a wide variety of fresh blooms. For artificial flowers, SSF Home carries a wide selection of vibrant, affordable options, while stores like Kaison and Spotlight offer chic seasonal pieces to suit different home styles.
6. Switch up your cushions, throws and rugs
Switching up your throws, cushions, and rugs is one of the simplest ways to liven up your home for the festive season. These small updates can completely transform the look and feel of your space, making it warm and welcoming for family and guests this Deepavali.
Shades of yellow, orange, red, and green are especially popular for Deepavali, as they not only brighten up your space but also symbolise joy, prosperity, and good fortune. Pair them with textured throws or patterned rugs to create layers of comfort and a visually striking setting.
You can find stylish yet affordable cushions and throws at UJU, Kaison, Temu, HomePro, Objet, and Hooga. If you’re looking for something more unique, IKEA offers a wide selection of modern designs.
7. Create an accent wall
To bring elegance and festive charm to your home this Deepavali, consider creating an accent wall in focal areas such as the living room, dining room, or entryway. Style it with a vase, small potted plants or decorative items, and elevate the look with a mirror, ornate frame, wall decals or traditional artwork to further liven up the festive atmosphere in your home.
You can find wall decals, artwork, and other wall décor at Kaison, MR.DIY and UJU. For more premium options, check out IKEA or Spotlight for wallpapers and frames, or browse Shopee and Lazada for a wide range of festive-themed wall decors and artwork.
Meet interior designers. Get quotes.
Based on your requirements, we will recommend you up to 5 firms with the Qanvast Guarantee.
Get Free Quotes