13 Creative Ways To Make a Christmas Tree in Small Spaces
Deck the halls—and all the walls, nooks, and crannies! With Thanksgiving behind us, it’s officially time to sprinkle our homes with holiday cheer. But for those of us navigating the tight quarters of apartment life, the thought of fitting a full-size traditional Christmas tree might feel like squeezing a reindeer into a closet. Don’t fret! Small spaces don’t mean you have to skimp on tiny Christmas tree decor. From clever ideas for a Christmas tree in small spaces to festive touches like ribbon and twinkling holiday decor, there are plenty of ways to fill your home with holiday cheer—without losing precious floor space.
In my quest for simplicity and creativity, I stumbled upon an ingenious solution last year – a delightful washi tape tree in my living room, adorned with twinkling lights. To my surprise, the end result was incredibly charming!
Inspired by this success, I’ve compiled a list of 13 imaginative ways to create a Christmas tree in small spaces. Join me as we explore these fantastic alternatives that bring the holiday spirit into any compact setting.
So, if you’re looking for inventive ways to decorate your Christmas tree in small spaces, look no further!
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1. Washi Tape Tree
This tiny tree is perfect for a tiny space plus it is super budget-friendly. If you want to get festive in your dorm or small apartment then this is a great option for you since it’s space-saving.
You can check out all the details on how this tree was made from start to finish using:
- Washi tape in assorted colors
- 1 string of Christmas twinkle lights
- Xacto knife
- Xacto blades
- Scissors
- Double stick tape
RELATED: Experience Joy With 35 Free & Easy DIY Xmas Decorations
2. Fringe Wall Tree
This DIY is super easy to make and I love the pop of color it can add to a wall this holiday season! Imagine adding more décor to this fringe tree or even adding a cute piece of fabric at the base to create a tree skirt. The one thing I would absolutely add to this small tree would be a tree topper.
Supplies needed for this project:
3. Cardboard Tree
If you are on a budget, then this route may be perfect for a 3D tree in your living space to create some festive cheer! You can make it as little or as big as you want it. Whether it’s for tabletops, your dresser, mantel, or the floor, I love the idea of writing on the tree and adding Christmas cards from friends and relatives to it for that season.
Supplies needed for this project:
- 2 large pieces of cardboard of the same size (can be purchased from a craft store or recycled)
- Ruler
- Xacto Knife
4. Leaning Twig & Stick 3D Wall Tree
This small Christmas tree idea would be easily created if you live in an area where you have access to a lot of sticks and twigs. If you live in a city, it may be more of a challenge but you might be able to head to your local park or hiking trail to forage for some. Plus this would be more cost effective than a traditional tree.
Supplies needed for this project:
- Twigs and sticks
- Ornaments
- Tree topper
- Christmas lights
- Staple gun
RELATED: Deck the Halls: 15 Naturally Stunning Christmas Decor Ideas
5. Corner Wood Plank Tree
The idea of using forced perspective with a wall corner is simply genius. This could also be accomplished with an inverted corner. This really works to of you don’t have a flat wall space available.
6. Star Ornament Wall Tree
You can create a variation of the same star ornament with different sizes. Then hang in a tree formation to create a creative Christmas tree option in your small apartment.
Supplies needed for this mini tree:
7. 3D Twisted Dowel Tree
By constructing a tree using different-sized wooden dowels, you can either buy or create your own ornaments to decorate it with.
RELATED: Deck the Halls with an Arm Knitted Wreath: A Simple Holiday Project
8. Twinkle Light Wall Or Door Tree
Adding ball ornaments, lights, snowflakes, and other accessories is a great way to add some Christmas cheer to a boring door! Especially being in a small space like a studio apartment! You can still make it your own winter wonderland.
RELATED: Step-by-Step Guide: Learn to Create Effortless DIY Paper Bag Snowflakes
9. Book Pages + Rope Wall Tree
If you are a fan of rustic tastes with your decor…this will be the perfect tree for you using some aged book pages, rope, and old frames. Perfect for more rustic or farmhouse decor.
Supplies needed for this tree:
- Vintage or aged book pages
- Empty ornate picture frame
- Jute Rope
- Double stick tape
10. Chalkboard Wall Tree
If you want to paint a wall with chalkboard paint, and some chalk or chalkboard marker to create your own beautiful Christmas tree for your wall.
RELATED: The Ultimate Chalkboard Sign Inspiration: 13 Ideas for Your Next Project
11. Ladder Garland Tree
Grab a wood A-frame ladder, some greenery, a garland or two, Christmas lights, a birdhouse, gift tags for accents, and some burlap to make a farmhouse rustic nontraditional tree.
12. Felt Interactive (Kid-Friendly) Tree
This will be a fun option for anyone with young kids in a smaller space. This would be the perfect tree for them to decorate. You could make it something they add to every day or they can decorate it and redecorate it whenever they want!
I love how interactive this is. My inner kid wishes she had something like this when she was growing up.
13. Create a Christmas Tree On Your Wall
For a smaller room, you can use minimalist decorative elements and items like bunting, Christmas cards, family photos, your favorite art, a cake stand as the base, and more!
Now I have to ask… which one of these slim Christmas trees is your favorite for your small living room? Which one would you be inspired to try this year? Let me know in the comments below.
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This is a great round-up! I love the chalkboard tree – you could add little things or change pictures every day!
-Clarissa @ The View From Here
I love the book page and rope tree. My only problem with that is tearing apart a book. How did you part with a book?
Whether or not you have or HAVE NOT the space, these are AWEsome ideas! I’m not a huge fan of a conventional tree to begin with due to the hassle of putting it up/taking it down…unpacking/packing the ornaments, etc and these make GREAT substitutes and you can make it your own! Should you have guests over, NONE of them will remember a conventional tree regardless if it’s strung with popcorn or tinsel, but you can captivate the spirit and warm the hearts of those that would have occasion to see some of this in your home.
I love the book page and rope tree. My only problem with that is tearing apart a book. How did you part with a book?
Whether or not you have or HAVE NOT the space, these are AWEsome ideas! I’m not a huge fan of a conventional tree to begin with due to the hassle of putting it up/taking it down…unpacking/packing the ornaments, etc and these make GREAT substitutes and you can make it your own! Should you have guests over, NONE of them will remember a conventional tree regardless if it’s strung with popcorn or tinsel, but you can captivate the spirit and warm the hearts of those that would have occasion to see some of this in your home.
This is a great round-up! I love the chalkboard tree – you could add little things or change pictures every day!
-Clarissa @ The View From Here