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Small-space Christmas trees: Clever solutions for tiny apartments

Ideas to try this season for your smaller space that still needs a Christmas tree

Small spaces Christmas decor
Floral Deco / Shutterstock

Small apartments introduce many problems, but nothing is more frustrating during the holiday season than trying to find space for your Christmas tree. No matter how much you seem to maneuver your decorations, fitting a traditional tree in your home can feel impossible. So, whether you lack the additional space or you’re simply looking for more apartment-friendly ideas this holiday season, we have some creative Christmas tree solutions for small spaces that are sure to get you into the holiday spirit.

Decorate with mini trees

Christmas decorations in house with wall sign on floor
fazeful / Adobe Stock

One of the best ways to decorate your small apartment this holiday season is to use mini trees. Skip the giant Christmas trees that take up your entire living room, and instead, opt for miniature solutions. To decorate with this method, try choosing a small tree about three feet in height to put in an empty corner of your room. Add a tree skirt and some decorations to make a cozy Christmas corner.

Alternatively, you could go even smaller and choose a mini tree around twelve inches in height. Place it on a table in your home and add small ornaments and decorations. On Christmas Eve, keep presents nearby to take advantage of the Christmas tree tradition.

If you want to decorate your space as much as possible while adhering to your tiny home restrictions, try using multiple mini trees rather than one. Multiple trees can add flair to the rest of your home so that Christmas joy can be seen and felt in nearly every corner of the house. Additionally, you get the opportunity to go bold with a holiday scheme or try out different designs for each tree.

Opt for a narrow Christmas tree

minimal christmas tree with neutral colored ornaments
Anastasiia Krivenok / Getty Images

Narrow Christmas trees are a trendy solution for small spaces. They’re slim yet sophisticated and give you a chance to have a full-sized tree in your home without making your space feel cramped or crowded. Narrow trees come in a range of sizes, so you can choose something that fits perfectly in your room. Additionally, these larger trees allow you to hang heavier ornaments. The trouble with miniature trees is that you are also limited to miniature ornaments. With a taller narrow tree, you can show off your fancy glass ornaments, DIY crafts, and colorful tinsel however you please without weighing down the branches.

Some homeowners opt for a unique take on this space-saving solution by pairing two narrow trees side by side: This works best if one tree is shorter than the other to create a natural feel to the space. While not every home has room for this option, you should consider it if you want a unique spin on traditional Christmas tree setups.

Try wall-mounted Christmas trees

child putting up DIY wall-mounted christmas tree
Tetiana Soares / Adobe Stock

Wall-mounted Christmas trees are a recent appearance for the holidays. This solution is versatile, easy to use, and can work in any home, no matter how small.

One way people are using wall-mounted Christmas trees is by purchasing them outright. These Christmas trees are often faux evergreen branches with ribbons and ornaments that adhere to your wall, meaning you could put your tree in a hallway, on a door, or in any room of the house with some open wall space.

Alternatively, trees like this one from the Home Heritage Store give people a chance to experience an authentic-looking tree while also saving space. These half-trees are built to sit right up against a wall so you can still experience the natural look of a Christmas tree without needing additional space.

Create a tree out of evergreen branches

Evergreen branches organized on a table
micheile henderson / Unsplash

Transform evergreen branches into a charming mini Christmas tree, perfect for small spaces! Gather fresh branches, trimming them into graduated lengths for a natural tree shape. Attach the branches to a sturdy dowel or stick, starting with the longest at the bottom and layering upward. Secure with floral wire or hot glue, then place the “tree” in a small pot or stand. Decorate with tiny ornaments, lights, and ribbon for a festive touch!

Try an ornament or garland tree for a unique look

Ornament storage box with glass ornaments
Helaine Weide / Getty Images

Another creative solution for those trying to work a Christmas tree into their small space is to opt for a more unique look. Ornament and garland trees are slim and simple Christmas decor additions that you can use in place of a bulky, traditional tree. Ornament trees come in various colors with stacked round ornaments attached to one another into a tall, slim tree shape. They don’t have any extensive branches and are much more narrow than a traditional tree.

Alternatively, a garland tree could be right for you if you favor a more classic look. Some pre-made garland trees use red or white tinsel garlands wrapped around a tree-shaped base. Some small ornaments can also be attached for added flair. These garland trees are similar to the ornament trees and are a slim, classy option to add to your Christmas design.

You can also make your own evergreen garland tree by using a tree-shaped base or upside-down tomato cage tied at the top (to make the tree shape) and wrapping an evergreen garland around it. This will give the look of a traditional tree but without all of the bulk and branches.

Skip the Christmas tree altogether

christmas tree setup in pastel colors
Elena Schweitzer / Adobe Stock

You could also consider skipping a Christmas tree altogether this year if you aren’t sure you’ll have the room to accommodate any large decorations. Now, this doesn’t mean you can’t decorate for the holidays! If you want to take advantage of the Christmas spirit without a tree, we recommend using wreaths and garlands to adorn your home. Hang wreaths on doors or windows where they won’t be in the way. Follow up with a few evergreen garlands around your home or along with your tables.

Use mini ornaments and ribbons to adorn all of your lovely Christmas greenery. Add some classic red ribbon to your kitchen cabinets or above any mirrors for a sweet touch. But if you want to have a tree alternative, try using Command strips and attaching some faux evergreen springs to your wall to create a miniature wall-mounted tree.

Not every home has the capacity for a large Christmas tree. And there’s no reason to sacrifice what space you have for the sake of holiday decoration. Instead, try one of these amazing Christmas tree solutions for your small spaces so you can get into the holiday spirit without causing your home to feel cramped and crowded.

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