Christmas Trees for Small Spaces

If you’ve ever stood in your living room with a cup of cocoa in one hand and a Christmas tree box in the other, wondering where on earth it’s supposed to go—welcome to the club. Decorating for Christmas in a small space can feel challenging, but I promise it’s possible to create holiday magic without sacrificing your walkways (or your sanity).

I’ve learned over the years that you don’t need a towering 9-foot tree to make your home feel merry and bright. In our 1920 beach cottage, I’ve embraced the art of small space Christmas trees, from petite pines in vintage crocks to pencil trees that tuck perfectly into corners.

Whether you live in a cozy apartment, tiny house, or a cottage like mine, these Christmas tree ideas for small spaces will bring the holiday cheer—no square footage required.

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. My blog also features other affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my privacy policy.

Best Christmas Trees for Small Spaces

Let’s be honest… I might have a slight tree obsession.

It’s impossible to count how many little Christmas trees appear in our home every year. They pop up everywhere—from the kitchen counters to the bathroom vanity—and somehow, I still think I need just one more.

Some trees are dressed to impress with ornaments and lights, while others go au naturel and let their simple greenery steal the show.

Mini Trees

If you’ve got a small shelf, side table, or dresser corner, a mini Christmas tree can be your best friend. They take up next to no space and still deliver a big dose of Christmas spirit.

Try tucking a few into vintage containers—a galvanized bucket, an old crock, or even a weathered wicker picnic basket (one of my favorites).

I also love grouping a few small trees together in a wooden dough bowl or crate for a charming display.

Bottlebrush Trees

If you’ve followed me for a while, you already know my love affair with bottlebrush trees runs deep. These little cuties have a way of multiplying year after year (don’t ask how).

They’re perfect for creating festive vignettes, especially when paired with a vintage galvanized village or nestled into tiny cups, creamers, and trays.

They also come in endless colors now, from soft blush to traditional green, making them easy to blend with any décor style.

Undecorated Christmas Trees

I have plenty of “naked” Christmas trees around the house and love them just as much as my decorated ones. This one looks amazing in the hanging basket.

Not every tree needs ornaments to shine. Some of my favorite trees are completely bare, especially when they’re displayed in unexpected ways—like a hanging basket, a woven tree collar, or a rustic wooden crate.

Pencil Trees

When I first discovered pencil Christmas trees, I felt like I’d unlocked a small-space holiday secret. They’re tall and narrow, giving you the best of both worlds—plenty of height and sparkle without dominating the room.

I have a few now, ranging from six to seven feet tall, and they’re ideal for corners, entryways, or between furniture pieces. My favorite is a flocked tree from Amazon that looks so realistic you’d swear it was fresh. (Bonus: less vacuuming.)

Decorate your pencil tree with lightweight ornaments or simple strands of ribbon. And if you want to make it look fuller, place a small stool or crate underneath and wrap presents below—it gives the illusion of more height and presence.

Corner Trees

When space is tight, corners are your best friend. A corner Christmas tree gives you that big festive feel without blocking traffic or competing with furniture.

Try placing a slim or pencil tree in an unused corner and watch how it instantly transforms the space. Add soft lights, simple ornaments, and a cozy rug underneath to make it feel intentional and inviting. Corners are also great for layering with other décor—think baskets, a vintage stool, or wrapped gifts to complete the vignette.

If your corner feels too dark, add a small mirror behind the tree to reflect the twinkle lights and make the room appear larger.

Wall-Mounted Trees

No floor space? No problem. Wall-mounted trees are one the most creative alternatives to traditional Christmas trees for small spaces.

You can easily make your own by arranging string lights or garland on the wall in the shape of a tree. Add small ornaments or paper snowflakes for a festive touch. It’s a great solution for tiny apartments, studio spaces, or narrow hallways where a full tree just won’t fit.

Another fun idea: hang small wooden shelves or branches in a triangular “tree” shape and display mini ornaments or candles. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and adorable.

Faux vs. Fresh Christmas Trees for Small Spaces

I’ve tried both, and honestly—it’s hard to tell the difference these days. The realistic faux Christmas trees available now are incredible, from the texture of the needles to the color variations.

I love faux trees for their convenience and low maintenance (no pine needles in my coffee, thank you very much). Plus, they can be reused year after year and placed in every nook and cranny.

But I also have a soft spot for fresh tabletop trees, especially the adorable rosemary topiaries from Trader Joe’s. They smell amazing and look beautiful on kitchen counters or windowsills.

If you’re craving that fresh pine scent, tuck a few clippings of real greenery into your faux tree or display a vase of cedar branches nearby. Instant forest fragrance.

Artificial Trees

If you’re working with very limited space, go for a slim artificial tree that’s easy to store after the holidays. Flocked, pre-lit, or simple green—there’s one for every style.

I especially love faux Norfolk pines for a more natural look; they fit beautifully into coastal or cottage-style Christmas décor and look great in baskets or planters.

Real Trees

If you can’t resist the charm of a real tree, smaller is better. Look for narrow or tabletop evergreens like Fraser firs, balsam firs, or pines that don’t overwhelm your space.

Fresh trees bring warmth, scent, and nostalgia—but remember, they can dry out quickly indoors. Keep them watered, mist them occasionally, and place them away from direct heat.

If you have a porch or sunroom, you can even display your real tree there—it creates a magical view through the window and saves your indoor floor space.

What is the Best Real Christmas Tree for a Narrow Space?

If your goal is a tall but narrow tree that doesn’t eat up half the room, Fraser firs are a great pick. They have strong branches for ornaments, hold their needles well, and naturally grow in a slimmer shape than most. Noble firs are another favorite—they’re sturdy, slightly more open in shape, and perfect for showing off your favorite ornaments.

If you’re buying local, bring your room measurements with you (I learned this the hard way). It’s easy to underestimate height and width when you’re standing in a lot surrounded by giants!

Decorating Small Space Christmas Trees

Small Space Christmas Tree Ornament Ideas

When it comes to decorating small space Christmas trees, less really can be more. The key is choosing ornaments that feel light, airy, and in scale with your tree (and your room). You don’t need to cover every branch to make it beautiful—just a few meaningful pieces will do the trick.

Here are some of my favorite ornament ideas for smaller trees:

I also like to mix textures—sparkly, matte, and natural—for that layered, cozy cottage look. And if you’ve got pets (or in my case, two curious dogs named Jax and Ollie), unbreakable ornaments near the bottom are always a smart idea.

Containers & Special Touches

In small homes, containers are half the charm. A Christmas tree doesn’t need to live in a traditional stand—get creative!

For a cozy cottage vibe, I love using a woven tree collar and piling small wrapped packages underneath. It’s simple but so charming.

Where to Put All Those Extra Ornaments

If you’ve downsized your tree (or your home), you probably have a collection of ornaments that didn’t make the cut—but don’t pack them away!

Display them in vintage wooden boxes, crates, wire baskets, or dough bowls for instant holiday décor. They add sparkle and nostalgia to bookshelves, mantels, and tables. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy them even if they’re not hanging on a tree.

Where to Put a Christmas Tree in a Small House

Finding the perfect spot can take a little trial and error. Start by measuring your floor space and ceiling height—especially if you’re using a pencil or narrow tree.

Some of my favorite placements:

Even a tiny tree by the kitchen sink or next to your bed can bring that cozy holiday feeling.

Christmas Tree Alternatives for Small Spaces

If a tree just isn’t in the cards this year, there are so many creative alternatives:

Each idea adds holiday cheer without taking up valuable real estate—and they’re perfect conversation starters.

Wrapping It Up

At the end of the day, it’s not about how big your Christmas tree is—it’s about how much joy it brings into your home.

Whether you fill your cottage with mini trees, embrace the charm of bottlebrush forests, or get crafty with wall-mounted designs, you can make any small space feel wonderfully festive.

So grab a cup of cocoa, turn on the twinkle lights, and start decorating your cozy corner of the world.

Until next time,

Happy Holidays!

Wait Until You See These Amazing Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas!

White Arrows Home // The Ponds Farmhouse // My Thrift Store Addiction // Down Shiloh Road // Dabbling and Decorating // The Tattered Pew // J Dub By Design // Simply2Moms // Blue Sky at Home // County Road 407 // Shiplap and Shells // Follow The Yellow Brick Home // The Flowering Farmhouse // My Wee Abode // Calypso in the Country // Cottage on Bunker Hill // This is Simplicite