Updated on Dec. 05, 2024
For trend setters and small space dwellers, a traditional Christmas tree doesn't always work. Here are some DIY Christmas tree ideas to spice up the holidays.
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This modern hanging Christmas tree is mounted on the wall, providing festive cheer without hogging any floorspace. It’s pre-lit with 100 warm white LEDs, and has a convenient timer option. Purchase the tree, or recreate it using real greenery to fill your home with a wintry pine scent.
Wood pallets have been all the rage in DIY for some time, but have you ever seen them used this way? Turn your leftover wood pallets into rustic Christmas trees. Leave them bare like these from @ironwood_nc paint them red and green if you prefer a more playful and colorful look.
Is there a book lover in your home? This book tree works well in a small space decorated with a strand of mini Christmas lights. Learn how to make a book Christmas tree.
There are several different ways of turning reclaimed wood into alternative Christmas trees. Leave the wood unfinished for a rustic look, or once completed, add some paint or stain and wrap a strand of lights around the finished project.
If you have a fireplace and no room for a traditional tree, try decorating the mantel with some DIY tree art. Find a piece of reclaimed wood or even canvas for a backdrop. Use wire to form a tree shape or simple zigzag, and decorate with ribbon or strips of fabric tied to the wire. This ombre effect is on trend!
This tree is made from sheets of birch plywood with stars cut out for a modern Christmas tree alternative. Search for “plywood Christmas tree patterns” online for dozens of additional options. And a scroll saw works best for cutting the large pieces of plywood for a tree this size.
This felt tree is a fun project to get kids started in DIY. This type of Christmas tree alternative works great in small spaces, is safe for small children, and would look festive in a child’s bedroom.
If you have room, consider recreating this tree. Hang some string from the ceiling and attach ornaments or even paper snowflakes from the end. Place gifts underneath.
If you’re going with a real Christmas tree this season, get in a festive holiday mood by building this sturdy DIY Christmas tree stand:
Try making a smaller handmade tree with scrap pieces of wood or even sturdy cardboard. Then decorate the tree with beads, ribbon and ornaments.
Simply stack some wrapped gifts on top of each other to create a tree shape. Top with decorative items such as pine cones, ornaments or even a Santa hat.
Bring in some twigs from outside or pick up some fake twigs from your local craft store. Stick them in a decorative vase and hang some ornaments. Remove the ornaments in January and this holiday tip becomes year-round decor.
Young kids will love hanging this DIY Christmas tree in their bedroom. Try decorating some paint stir sticks and then tie a string on the ends to create a hanging tree. This craft is small enough that you could still have space for a live tree.
This would be a great project for using up some pallet wood. Simply take a pallet and cut it so it is shaped like a tree. Decorate the tree with lights and your favorite ornaments. Check real and pallet Christmas trees for bugs before bringing them inside.
This idea could not be easier! Look for a small chalkboard at a craft store and draw a Christmas tree on the board. Put it on a shelf and place items such as pine cones and evergreen branches at the base to add holiday cheer to any room.
This alternative Christmas tree will take some planning, but when completed it certainly makes a statement. And toddlers and cats can’t get at it! Take precautions when hanging it to make sure it won’t come crashing down on anything breakable. Hanging your tree like this will keep your ornaments safe from pets, and it frees up more floor space for gifts. Store your Christmas tree properly after removing it from the ceiling.
Decorate some cones so they look like trees. Bend sturdy construction paper into a cone shape and attach the sides with tape. Then decorate it with markers, yarn or paint and add buttons and string. They’re inexpensive but add whimsical holiday flair.
