15 alternative Christmas trees that fit your decorating style (and your apartment)
For traditionalists who relish the ritual of bringing home the perfect evergreen, the idea of any man-made alternative has little appeal. But just as many tree-seekers are happy to anchor their December decor with a Christmas tree that doesn’t shed and doesn’t need to be sent to the curb when the season’s over. The options are as varied as the reasons we love them: Some literally take up no space, perfect for tiny apartments. Others are perfectly modern, rustic, retro or Nordic to reflect the style of their owners. Below are 15 fun, festive, sustainable and re-usable alternatives to pine and fir.
Stencil trees from Vinyl Design via Etsy.
1. Stencil trees ↑
For the graphic design-obsessed (or space-challenged), these snazzy wall decals from Vinyl Design (via Etsy) come in a range of styles to complement yours. Perfect for small spaces, they literally take up zero square feet while adding plenty of holiday cheer. They come with detailed instructions, and they’re removable–though not re-usable– so they’re perfect for renters, too.
Chalkboard tree from Bombus UK.
2. Chalkboard tree ↑
Great for kids and doodlers, this cool and convenient yule addition is crafted of two pieces of sustainably sourced plywood that slot together easily to make a 3D freestanding tree, which also means they can be stored away for years to come.
Birchwood trees. Image: courtesy of Horne.
3. Birchwood tree ↑
If you’re into the Scandi look of pale wood and traditional Nordic design, these trees are handmade in Finland of sustainable birch plywood and can be decked out with your favorite holiday ornaments. They come with instructions and can be stored flat for seasons to come.
Driftwood trees. Images courtesy of Grindstone Design via Etsy.
4. Reclaimed wood herringbone tree ↑
Lovers of all things rustic and reclaimed will be happy to host these trees of barn wood assembled in an on-trend herringbone pattern. The come in two sizes and you can choose one that’s already lighted for added sparkle. They can stand or be hung on a wall, and they pack flat for storing.
Tabletop disco trees from CB2.
5. Disco trees ↑
These sleek and sparkly tabletop-sized trees from modern decor go-to CB2 add a little bit of disco dust to your seasonal decor.
Sparkly tinsel tree from CB2.
6. Sparkly silver tree ↑
Also from CB2, this diminutive tinsel tree complements its disco-ball sisters but can be hung with baubles of your choice and is easy to pack away for next season.
Driftwood Christmas tree from CLEdrift via Etsy.
7. Driftwood tree ↑
If your decorating style is more laid-back new-age hippie than disco doll, these driftwood trees from CLEdrift (via Etsy) will bring a beachy, Cali vibe to your midwinter merriment. These unique 18-20 inch trees are handmade and topped by a starfish, natch.
Left: Tropical palm tree, image via AllModern; Right: Modern pearl tree via YLiving.
8. Tropical palm tree and modern-and-matte tree ↑
For more angles on LA style: This four-foot artificial green palm from AllModern comes with 105 tiny clear lights for an ironic twist on the snow-free Christmas. For full-on Hollywood glam, install a dazzler made of lightweight, concentric acrylic rings that unfurl from flat-pack storage and attach to the ceiling. This baby comes with enough sparkly chandelier crystals and matte silver ball ornaments to trim the tree from top to bottom, while a motorized mirror ball and LED lamp provide non-stop shimmer and shine.
Chrismy LED tree via Lumens.
9. LED tree ↑
For the futurist and tech addict, the Chrismy RGB LED tree comes in a petite nano size and heights of up to 79 inches. Wedges of matte Ice polyethylene plastic tilt upward to diffuse light, enhanced by color-changing RGB LED. The trees are cordless and have rechargeable batteries. Make a singular statement or group a few together for a glowing forest.
Vickerman champagne feather tree, image via Amazon.
10. Champagne feather tree ↑
For a more elegant style, the subtle glamour of these gilded feathery wire trees comes in a range of sizes and is ready to glow with low voltage LED warm white micro lights.
Green glitter wire Christmas tree set; Image, Neiman Marcus.
12. Glitter wire tree trio ↑
This set of three colorful modern tree alternatives is crafted of lime green thread, wire and glitter.
Red Co. wire tree; image via Amazon.
13. Minimalist wire tree ↑
This simple wire tree is a minimalist’s dream, made of sturdy wrought iron and ready to receive your favorite ornaments.
1960s vintage Silverline foil tree, New Moon Hearth via Etsy.
14. Vintage retro 1960s silver tree ↑
Mid-century modern buffs will love the nostalgia of this authentic vintage Silverline foil silver Christmas tree. The tree comes in its original box and packaging and would be just the thing to adorn the corner of your updated Eichler.
Image: Nina Matthews Photography via Flickr.
15. DIY book tree ↑
This brilliant idea for bookworms and DIY junkies costs $0 and gives you a chance to show off your fabulous library. Country Living magazine shares inspiration, instructions and tips–from almost no-effort to super-involved–for making your own book tree.
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