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In a small living room a full-size tree can take a quarter of the floor. The answer is not to skip the tree but to choose a shape that fits the room: narrower, taller, or off the floor altogether.
Measure before you buy. Check the ceiling height, the width of the corner and the space you need to walk past.
Measure first
- Ceiling height. A tree plus a topper needs a few inches of air above it. A 6 ft tree suits an 8 ft ceiling.
- Footprint. Check the base diameter, not only the height. Slim trees have bases of 12 to 20 inches.
- Walkway. Leave at least 30 inches of clear floor between the tree and the nearest furniture.
- Heat and plugs. Keep the tree away from radiators and use an outlet within reach of the cord.
01A slim pencil tree
A pencil tree is 6 to 8 inches narrower than a standard one and fits where a regular tree will not. Pre-lit models need only one plug.
02A corner tree
The corner is the least used part of most rooms. Turn the best side to the room and fill the back with plain branches so you do not need to decorate it.
03A half tree against the wall
A flat-back tree sits flush against the wall and takes half the floor. It is also easier to string with lights because you only decorate the front.
04A tabletop tree on a console
If floor space is gone, put a 2 to 3 ft tree on a console table, shelf or window ledge. Pair it with a lit garland for a fuller look.
05A tree on a stool or a small table
Raising a small tree on a stool or round side table makes it look taller and keeps it away from pets. Cover the base with a cloth skirt.
06A wall tree made from lights
A tree outline made with string lights on the wall takes no floor at all. Use removable hooks and run the lights in a triangle with a star at the top.
07A wall tree from branches or ribbon
Hang evergreen branches, a ribbon or even a stack of books as a tree shape on the wall. It is a good choice for renters and for rooms with a very small floor.
08A real potted tree
A live potted spruce in a decorative container can go outside after the holiday and be planted later. Keep it cool, water it and use LED lights that do not warm the branches.
09Small ornaments and ribbon, not many big ones
Fewer big ornaments, one color and a ribbon wrapped around the tree look cleaner on a narrow shape. Choose shatterproof ones if you have pets or children.
10A tree skirt that doubles as storage
A basket or box under the tree hides the stand and holds the wrapped gifts. A tidy base makes a small tree look planned.
If you also need to make the room feel bigger, read small living room furniture ideas and check a rug with the living room rug calculator.
Which one to choose
- Under 100 sq ft: a wall tree, tabletop tree or slim pencil tree.
- Average small room: a slim or corner tree in a heavy base.
- Rental with a firm no-nails rule: a freestanding slim tree and removable hooks.
Before you pay
- Check the base size, not only the height.
- Look for a fire-resistant label on artificial trees.
- Use LED lights and a timer.
- Water a live tree every day and never leave it by a radiator.
