Pride

As the vibrant LGBTQ+ community in Washington, D.C., gears up for the much-anticipated Pride celebrations on June 8 and June 9, 2024, it’s the perfect time to add a splash of color and a dash of creativity to your living space. Now normally, I know you’re used to reading more educational and serious articles in this space. In the spirit of DC Pride this year, I thought a bit of levity would be welcomed.

Whether you’re in a cozy condo, a spacious home, or a rental apartment, here are some fabulous ways to zhuzh up your indoors and outdoors with Pride-themed décor.

Brighten Your House

Indoors: Celebrate with Style

1. Colorful Accents Everywhere

Transform your living area into a festive space by incorporating the colors of the rainbow. Here’s how:

  • Throw Pillows and Blankets: Swap out your regular throw pillows and blankets for those in bright, rainbow colors. This simple change can make your space instantly feel more festive.
  • Pride Flags: Hang LGBTQ+ pride flags on your walls or in your windows. The traditional rainbow flag is a staple, but also consider including other flags like the bisexual, transgender, or pansexual flags to celebrate the diversity of our community.
  • Art and Posters: Display Pride-themed art or inspirational quotes from LGBTQ+ icons. Local artists often have prints and posters that reflect the spirit of Pride.

2. Light It Up
Lighting can set the mood for any celebration:

  • Fairy Lights: Drape rainbow-colored fairy lights around your living room or bedroom for a magical touch.
  • LED Candles: Use multi-colored LED candles to safely add a warm glow to your space.

3. Tabletop Décor
Celebrate at every meal with:

  • Tablecloths and Runners: A vibrant rainbow tablecloth or runner can turn every dining experience into a celebration.
  • Centerpieces: Create centerpieces with flowers in hues of the rainbow, or use colorful glass bottles as vases.

4. DIY Pride Crafts
Get creative with DIY decorations:

  • Rainbow Paper Chains: Make paper chains in rainbow colors and hang them across your rooms.
  • Pride Mason Jars: Paint mason jars in rainbow stripes and use them to hold utensils or flowers.

Gay Pride

Outdoors: A Festive Façade

1. Balcony or Patio Pride
If you have outdoor space, make it a part of the celebration:

  • Rainbow Banners and Streamers: Decorate your balcony or patio railings with rainbow banners and streamers.
  • Outdoor Flags: Fly a large Pride flag from your balcony or in your garden.

2. Welcoming Door Décor
Your front door can be a bold statement of support:

  • Pride Wreath: Create or buy a wreath featuring rainbow colors or themed around different LGBTQ+ flags.
  • Welcome Mats: Greet visitors with Pride-themed welcome mats.

3. Garden and Window Dressings
Let your garden or exterior windows echo your Pride:

  • Window Decals: Use removable rainbow decals to decorate windows facing the street.
  • Garden Flags: Place small rainbow or other LGBTQ+ flags throughout your garden or in plant pots on your porch.

4. Lighting the Night
Make your outdoor space shine:

  • Solar Rainbow Lights: Use solar-powered lights in Pride colors to illuminate pathways or garden borders.
  • Projection Lights: Project rainbow patterns or Pride flags onto your home’s exterior.

Rainbow Paper

Community Engagement

1. Share the Spirit
Decorate your shared spaces if you’re in an apartment building:

  • Bulletin Boards: Put up colorful notices or flyers announcing local Pride events.
  • Community Areas: If possible, decorate communal areas with small flags or posters.

2. Local Pride
Support local LGBTQ+ businesses by buying decorations or craft supplies from them. This not only helps the community but also promotes local artists and crafters.

Safety and Considerations

  • Check with Your Landlord or HOA: Before hanging decorations outside or in shared areas, make sure to check if there are any restrictions.
  • Be Mindful of Neighbors: While celebrating Pride, ensure your decorations are respectful and mindful of your neighbors.

By decorating your home for Pride in Washington, D.C., you’re not just brightening up your living space; you’re showing your support and solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. Let your Pride shine brightly, and make this year’s celebrations unforgettable!


Scott Bloom, Owner and Senior Property Manager, Columbia Property Management
Bloom founded Columbia Property Management in 2012. CPM’s goal is to provide a powerful, personal level of service to our clients. We focus on smaller landlords, professionally managing their assets, so they can succeed by investing in rental real estate.

Scott is an active member in multiple professional organizations including the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) and serves on the property management committee of Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS® (GCAAR).

For more information and resources, go to www.ColumbiaPM.com