For trend setters and small space dwellers, a traditional Christmas tree doesn't always work. Here are some DIY Christmas tree ideas to spice up the holidays.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
This handmade wood tree is sustainable, narrow, and comes in different heights to best fit your small home. The wood “branches” can be arranged in different configurations so you can give it a fresh look each year. “A wood tree feels lighter in a small space, as the open ‘branch’ design lets light shine through,” says Bartlett. This tree is not exactly cheap, with the 4-ft. size priced at $193.20, but it will last forever without worrying about broken lights or falling needles.
Short on floor space? Put your tree on the table! This potted Christmas tree from @oakenhome is small but full of Christmas cheer, with pretty bows as ornaments and a natural woven basket as the base. Place your small potted tree on the coffee table, dining room table, or even on a corner stool. “A potted plant or cactus is a festive statement that lasts well beyond Christmas,” says Bartlett. Tabletop trees come in real and artificial options; this 22-in. version from Target will only cost you $24.99.
This paper Christmas tree from Walmart has gone viral for its easy setup and modern look. At 4 feet tall and available in white and green, it makes a big visual impact without taking up a lot of space. The lightweight paper means you can easily move the tree to create more space for guests and simply fold it up when it’s time to take down Christmas. Higher-end stores like West Elm have similar products, but no one will believe you snagged this one for only about $39!
Small and narrow trees are great, but a wall tree is the ultimate way to save space; so they’re perfect for really small homes like a studio apartment. “I love wall trees,” says Bartlett, “They can be bought or homemade and look beautiful either simply strung with lights or decorated with your favorite ornaments.” This wall tree costs only about $35, and comes with six branches to make the tree shape and 30 Christmas ornaments.
Fill a vase with branches, then decorate with ornaments. The final result is merry and bright, and doesn’t take up any floor space. You can use faux branches or simply gather a few from outdoors. Just don’t forget the lights! “Always add lights! They instantly bring that magical festive sparkle to any design,” says Bartlett.
View this post on Instagram
Wood pallets have been all the rage in DIY for some time, but have you ever seen them used this way? Turn your leftover wood pallets into rustic Christmas trees. Leave them bare like these from @ironwood_nc paint them red and green if you prefer a more playful and colorful look.
Is there a book lover in your home? This book tree works well in a small space decorated with a strand of mini Christmas lights. Learn how to make a book Christmas tree.
There are several different ways of turning reclaimed wood into alternative Christmas trees. Leave the wood unfinished for a rustic look, or once completed, add some paint or stain and wrap a strand of lights around the finished project.
If you have a fireplace and no room for a traditional tree, try decorating the mantel with some DIY tree art. Find a piece of reclaimed wood or even canvas for a backdrop. Use wire to form a tree shape or simple zigzag, and decorate with ribbon or strips of fabric tied to the wire. This ombre effect is on trend!
This tree is made from sheets of birch plywood with stars cut out for a modern Christmas tree alternative. Search for “plywood Christmas tree patterns” online for dozens of additional options. And a scroll saw works best for cutting the large pieces of plywood for a tree this size.
This felt tree is a fun project to get kids started in DIY. This type of Christmas tree alternative works great in small spaces, is safe for small children, and would look festive in a child’s bedroom.
If you have room, consider recreating this tree. Hang some string from the ceiling and attach ornaments or even paper snowflakes from the end. Place gifts underneath.
If you’re going with a real Christmas tree this season, get in a festive holiday mood by building this sturdy DIY Christmas tree stand:
Try making a smaller handmade tree with scrap pieces of wood or even sturdy cardboard. Then decorate the tree with beads, ribbon and ornaments.
Simply stack some wrapped gifts on top of each other to create a tree shape. Top with decorative items such as pine cones, ornaments or even a Santa hat.
Young kids will love hanging this DIY Christmas tree in their bedroom. Try decorating some paint stir sticks and then tie a string on the ends to create a hanging tree. This craft is small enough that you could still have space for a live tree.
This would be a great project for using up some pallet wood. Simply take a pallet and cut it so it is shaped like a tree. Decorate the tree with lights and your favorite ornaments. Check real and pallet Christmas trees for bugs before bringing them inside.
This idea could not be easier! Look for a small chalkboard at a craft store and draw a Christmas tree on the board. Put it on a shelf and place items such as pine cones and evergreen branches at the base to add holiday cheer to any room.
This alternative Christmas tree will take some planning, but when completed it certainly makes a statement. And toddlers and cats can’t get at it! Take precautions when hanging it to make sure it won’t come crashing down on anything breakable. Hanging your tree like this will keep your ornaments safe from pets, and it frees up more floor space for gifts. Store your Christmas tree properly after removing it from the ceiling.
Decorate some cones so they look like trees. Bend sturdy construction paper into a cone shape and attach the sides with tape. Then decorate it with markers, yarn or paint and add buttons and string. They’re inexpensive but add whimsical holiday flair.
Like all Christmas trees, there’s a wide range of price points for alternative trees. “Some of the oak or Scandi-style wooden designs can be more of an investment but will last for years,” says Bartlett, “On the other hand, if you decorate an existing houseplant or make your own wall tree, the cost is next to nothing. There’s really an option to suit every budget.”
