The trick to working out how to fit a Christmas tree in a small living room is to find the right balance between practicality and style.
Remember to get the correct size to fill the space it will be placed without squeezing it in, and look to alternative styles if the room requires.
However, don't feel that you have to skip a Christmas tree simply because you have a petite space. We've gathered a host of tips from the experts so you can learn how to fit a Christmas tree in a small living room with maximum impact.
Dust off the decorations and ornaments at the ready...
1. Superzise Your Tree
It might seem counterintuitive but going large with your Christmas tree in a small living room can actually make the space feel bigger. Always make sure the Christmas tree fully fills the space in which it's sitting.
Marie Flanigan, Principal, Marie Flanigan Interiors, agrees this is a good tactic to employ. "When placing a Christmas tree in a small living room, don’t be afraid to size up slightly," she says. "Just as with rugs, a tree that’s too small can make the space feel even smaller."
2. Remember Height Matters
Draw the eye upwards with a tall tree that works to make the space feel airier. If possible, extend to ceiling height for the full effect.
"Consider the height of your room and choose a taller, slimmer tree that draws the eye upward, creating a sense of grandeur without crowding the floor," suggests Marie Flanigan.
3. Use Layers When Decorating to Create Depth
One way to ensure your Christmas tree adds dimension to a small living room is by layering the decorations to create a dynamic look with depth.
"Keep ornaments and lights balanced, focusing on layers and depth to maintain elegance without overwhelming the tree," suggests Marie.
And her thoughts on color schemes? "Either blend the tree’s colors and materials with your existing décor for a seamless look or embrace a striking contrast to make it the focal point," she adds.
4. Think About Placement and Room Layout
The last thing you want is for your living room to become an assault course with guests - or yourself - tripping over the decor.
Think about where to put the Christmas tree in a small living room so that the flow can be maintained.
Marie Flanigan advises us to: "Position the tree thoughtfully, like in a corner or near a window, to maximize impact while preserving the flow of your space."
5. Follow the 'One In, One Out' Rule
When looking for ideas for Christmas living room decor, you may feel your room has not even an inch of available space for a tree so, in reality, you need to make room for it.
"If you want to squeeze a Christmas tree into your small living or dining room there are a few things to keep in mind," say Jenna Choate-James and Mariana Ugarte, founders of Interior Fox. "Apply the one in, one out rule. If you are bringing a large tree make sure you take away one item from the space so it's not too cramped. Perhaps removing the footstool or the potted plant that's taking up extra floor space could help. It is important to free up some floor space."
"Consider removing a table or chair for the month if that’s an option," says Jennifer Morris, founder of JMorris Design. "Corners where furniture usually sits can be the most tucked away while still being a focal point."
6. Measure Your Real Estate
Making your Christmas checklist? Why not take a moment to measure the space you have to put a Christmas tree in the process to help you when browsing for a tree. It's especially important when buying a real tree.
Take out the measuring tape, and check the width of the corner where you're planning on placing the tree. Consider its widest point, and mark it so you don't forget.
"Be thoughtful of scale while keeping the room usable," says Jennifer. "Maybe tape out a circle to make sure you can manage the stolen real estate."
Another way is by cheating your layout by bringing the furniture closer to the tree. This will help create more circulation areas for people to walk around. So, two chairs that normally sit slightly askew with a small table in between them can be brought close together and the small table moved to one side or another. An L-shaped configuration could also help.
7. Look for Slender-Style Trees
There are plenty of alternative Christmas trees that will work perfectly in a small living room - and, thankfully, the 'barely-there' twig Christmas tree is on-trend. .
"Often the issue with the Christmas tree is the diameter; even if it's not very tall it can be very wide so it is good to look for more slender or alternative trees when choosing for small spaces," says Kashi Shikunova, founder of Yam Studios. "Artificial trees tend to be slimmer and a good quality tree can look great so it is worth considering.
"If your space is too tight, choose a scaled-down version of a Christmas tree, like a twig tree," says Jennifer.
8. Opt for Smaller Ones That Can Be Placed On Tables
Make use of your corner tables, consoles, or even the Christmas fireplace mantle area, and place a small, scaled-down tree here. For added impact, put it by the window. Not only does it look pretty, with the lights reflected in the glass, but the openness of the window and the twinkling visuals against the glass will make the room feel bigger and less claustrophobic.
"Opt for a smaller tree that can sit on top of a small table so that you can arrange gifts and stockings all in one place," say Jenna and Mariana. There are lots of effective ways to decorate a small Christmas tree to make an impact, too.
9. Keep Decorations Minimalist
Christmas decorations don't need to mean large baubles, wreaths strewn around the place, decorations taking over the room, and more. If you have a small living room, you don't want it to be a space that looks like one may have to take a step back before entering it. With simple, minimalist Christmas decor, you can create a joyful interior that doesn't seem too overcrowded.
With slender candles, light foliage, and lanterns, you can have a festive and beautiful room.
10. Create a Coordinating Color Scheme
The more odd colors and elements your room has, the more cluttered it will look. Since you're operating in a small living room, you want to make sure that your small Christmas tree doesn't stick out like a sore thumb; instead merges beautifully with the room's decor.
The easiest way to do this is by using what you already have. Choose one prominent feature and borrow its colors around the room. For instance, if you have a patterned rug, draw inspiration from it. Choose fabrics, ribbons, filler ornaments, and another décor with those living room colors to tie it all together.
FAQs
Where Should I Place a Christmas Tree in a Small Living Room?
In a small living room layout, the best place to keep the tree would be in a cozy corner, away from the entrance and out of the normal walking space. The other option is by the window, or if you don't mind a scaled-down version of the tree, then atop the console or mantel.
If your home's square footage is tiny, then consider rearranging your furniture a little to include the tree. Once the festive season is over, you can bring everything back to how it was.
