Decorating & Design
December 3, 2018
8 Christmas Tree Alternatives Perfect For Small Spaces
Branch out from the typical fresh or faux Christmas tree with these eight alternatives ideal for small spaces. From festive buys to unexpected DIYs, click through for creative ideas.
A wall hanging featuring a reproduction of 18th-century painter Alexander Cozens’ Scotch Fir illustration is a charming, small space–friendly alternative. Pair it with fresh pine and berries for an elegant vignette.
This abstract tree makes a simple yet luxe statement. To create it, apply gold size — a liquid adhesive available at craft stores — to a mirror in feathery strokes. Let the size dry for the time recommended on the packaging (it will become tacky), then gently press on sheets of gold leaf. Brush away excess leaf to reveal the tree shape.
Clean and contemporary, this aspen plywood cutout also provides a nook for presents. Using a jigsaw, cut out two symmetrical tree halves, then attach the pieces on their back sides using a piano hinge. (Bonus: It folds neatly away when the season’s over.)
Attached to a wall with clear removable hooks, fresh-cut cedar boughs have the look and woodsy scent of a full tree — no floor space or watering required. Decorate them with lightweight baubles to enhance the effect.
Suspended in front of a window, this artful hanging makes an eye-catching statement. Start with a sturdy, dry branch (we used wintry birch), then attach bunches of berries and eucalyptus using varying lengths of twine to create a pretty floating fir. Display the finished hanging using thick ribbon and a well-anchored wall hook.
Give scraps of gift wrap new life with this pretty project. Begin by arranging a selection of boxes in a tree shape on a table or on the floor. Assign a pattern to each box for a balanced look, then wrap them. Take a picture of the finished “tree” to use as a guide and stack the packages on a shelf.
This easy DIY offers a modern take on the Christmas tree without sacrificing sparkle. Simply shape and affix wire lights to a forest green–painted board to create a cool 2D tree.
Showcase your favorite holiday cards, old and new, with a Christmas tree–shaped collage. Start by positioning an array of cards on the floor until you’re happy with the composition, then snap a photo to help you recreate your tree on a wall (use removable double-sided poster tape to avoid damaging your paint or wallpaper). For a whimsical finishing touch, top the display with a cluster of metallic paper stars.
Kim Jeffery
House & Home November 2017
Produced by Lauren Petroff