Larger Christmas trees certainly pack a punch in terms of being show-stopping additions to your home over the festive season. However, how many of us really have the space for a 12 foot Christmas tree or larger in our living room for a whole month or more?

So, whether you live in a flat, a small home, or you just don't want to spend a lot on a tree this Christmas, we have a variety of brilliant small artificial Christmas tree ideas to get you ready for the holidays.

Find out how mini and small Christmas trees can make as much of an impact as any other with our definitive guide to small Christmas tree ideas.

Why choose a small tree this Christmas?

Small Christmas trees have a variety of benefits. They’re a fantastic choice for those that don't have a lot of space to spare in their homes but love the Yuletide season.

But, there are many other benefits to choosing a mini or small Christmas tree as your centrepiece.

These artificial Christmas trees are typically cheaper than bigger trees, and they don't require a lot of decorating either. Plus, they can be placed practically anywhere you wish; the kitchen, living room, dining room or even an office. And they can bring some much-needed festive joy to your bedroom or bathroom!

The possibilities with these little trees are limitless, so they will surely bring some holiday cheer to you, your home and your family this Christmas.

Consider a narrow tree

Slim Christmas trees are proving to be a trendy choice and are growing in popularity. They are a great option when space is an issue if you want to put your tree in a narrow room like a hallway or don’t have space to have a larger bushy Christmas tree.

A great benefit is that you won't need to compromise on the height of the Christmas tree. So, you won't have to forgo not using all your favourite Christmas baubles and Christmas tree lights because the tree is smaller.

To create the illusion of more dimension, you could add a larger Christmas tree topper, making the tree look much bigger and bolder.

However, it's essential first to measure the area where your tree will sit, particularly the diameter. You don't want a Christmas tree in a place where it can be easily knocked over, or worse, have someone trip over the base.

Shapely and short

If you have low ceilings, you will need to cut back on the height of your Christmas tree. Thankfully, there are many great options out there that won't overwhelm the feel of your room and are snugger in appearance and won't look awkward and out of proportion.

Look for artificial Christmas trees with lots of branches and depth, as these will give a more shapely feel.

Because of their small stature, these trees are also super easy to set up, so more time can be spent decorating! A great bonus of shorter trees is that they are often cheaper than taller trees, so you can use the extra money you have saved to treat yourself and the family a little more this Christmas.

Get inventive

Who says you have to play by the rules? Why not create a totally alternative Christmas tree for your home using simple tree branches and a large vase. Not only will these tiny trees be beautifully minimalist, but they can also be a fun project for you and other family members when you go foraging for shrubbery.

And, you can add any Christmas tree decorations you like; the choice is yours!

Upside down Christmas trees

Want a Christmas tree idea that is not only unique but inventive and modern-looking too? Why not consider hanging your tree from the ceiling as a quirky space-saving centrepiece! All you need to do is hook your upside down Christmas tree from the ceiling, and you are good to go. Just make sure you decorate the tree before you hang it!

You could decorate your hanging Christmas tree with any decorations you like, from family photos, dried orange slices, fairy lights, and gold baubles or finish it with a plaid bow on top (well, the bottom) for a warm and cosy aesthetic.

Go mini with a tiny tree

Why not get into the holiday spirit with a mini Christmas tree? And why stop at one? Miniature Christmas trees can make a charming impact on any home, but especially small homes.

Add some twinkly white Christmas tree lights, and the job is done for a cute but traditional-looking Christmas tree. Or you could opt to jazz up a mini tree with tiny baubles and other decorations to create a fun piece that would look great in any room in your home.

An outdoor Christmas tree

If you don't have the room for a Christmas tree indoors, why not take it outside and have your Christmas tree in your garden?

Outdoor artificial Christmas trees perform brilliantly in all weather elements, so they work great as a garden feature during the Christmas holidays. They can be created and maintained outside too, so you won't ever have to have them taking up a lot of room in your house this Christmas. 

And why not add some sparkle with outdoor Christmas tree lights and outdoor Christmas baubles.

The major benefit of doing this is that you can have any sized Christmas tree you like on display. You won't be tied in terms of space-saving when outside, so if you've always dreamt of a big tree, now is your chance!

2D murals

A cool and modern idea that has been doing the rounds is a 2D Christmas tree - and they are certainly a fabulous talking piece!

Christmas trees can be drawn on walls or canvases and hung up, and decorations are pinned in place. This is the ultimate space-saving hack!

Not only are they fun and original, but the kids will also have fun embellishing a 2D Christmas tree.

The best small Christmas tree ideas: things to consider

When deciding which tree you want as part of the Christmas celebrations in your home, there are several key factors to consider before you make a new purchase.

Firstly, consider the capacity you have. Where will the tree sit? Are your ceilings particularly low? Are you short on floor space? After answering these questions, it will become much more apparent which type of small Christmas tree is best for you and your living space.

One aspect that many people forget about: don’t forget to measure! You don’t want to purchase a tree that isn’t going to fit. Measuring up beforehand will save a lot of time and inconvenience. 

A tree that is too large for a small area can look overbearing and clumsy, while a tree that is too small won't give any wow factor vibes.

How to decorate a small Christmas tree

You can decorate mini and small Christmas trees in exactly the same way as you would a larger Christmas tree. And, the best part of it is, there are no rules! You can accessorise it with whatever you like!

Here are a few suggestions if you feel you need a bit of artistic inspiration when it comes to your Christmas tree:

  • Use fewer baubles and other Christmas decorations; after all, you have much less space to cover than if you were embellishing a larger tree.
  • Ensure your decorations are in proportion to the tree size. Decorations and lights that are too big will not only look strange, but they will potentially add weight to your small tree, which could make it unsteady. For help, use our Christmas tree decorations calculator
  • Try to think strategically about exactly where you want to put your ornaments. If your tree is against a wall or door frame, you won't need as many accessories at the back of the tree.
  • Try to incorporate a degree of symmetry in your tree to make it more appealing to the eye.

If you need more help decorating your Christmas tree, use our Christmas tree decorations calculator

FAQs about small Christmas trees

Are small Christmas trees a popular option?

Small Christmas trees prove to be a trendy option for many households. Many of us don't have the space for something bigger, but that doesn't mean you need to compromise on quality and aesthetics! There are many different types of these trees to choose from, from mini Christmas trees to slim Christmas trees with a great height but less width.

What size is considered a small tree?

What might be considered a smaller Christmas tree to some may be larger to others. It also very much depends on the size of space you have available. Saying that small Christmas trees are generally thought to be trees that have a height of 5 foot or less.

How do I make small Christmas trees look great?

There is no reason why a small Christmas tree can’t look as good as a traditional Christmas tree! Decorate in exactly the same way you would a larger tree, consider a theme, ensure that you hang ornaments of the appropriate size and don't forget to get creative and enjoy the experience.

Find a show-stopping small Christmas tree at Christmas Tree World

Who says smaller Christmas trees can't be as good as their larger counterparts? Here at Christmas Tree World, we have all the very best smaller Christmas trees to get your festive season off to a bang! Don't believe us? Browse our artificial Christmas tree range to see the unbeatable selection we have just waiting for you. This includes our 3ft artificial Christmas trees and 4ft artificial Christmas trees, which are the perfect smaller Christmas trees to make your home light up this holiday season.