Shop All
Artificial Christmas Trees
Best Sellers
How to Decorate a Slim Christmas Tree: Simple, Stylish Ideas
Slim Christmas trees have soared in popularity thanks to their space-saving design and chic aesthetic. These narrow trees take up much less room than traditional full-size trees, making them ideal for apartments, small living rooms, narrow foyers, or any area with limited space. Despite their slimmer profiles, they can still look festive and full of holiday cheer when decorated thoughtfully.
In this post, we’ll walk you through fun and stylish ways to decorate slim Christmas trees. From choosing color schemes and ornaments to lighting tricks.
Why Choose a Slim Christmas Tree?
Slim (or “skinny”) Christmas trees are beloved for their practical benefits and modern look.
First and foremost, they save space – perfect for apartments, tight corners, and secondary trees in your home. A slim tree can provide the height of a full-size tree without a wide footprint, letting you enjoy a tall, festive tree even in a compact area.
Because they use less material, slim trees also tend to be budget-friendly. As one decorator notes, “Skinny trees take up less space and are not as expensive as regular-sized trees”. This makes them a great value: you get the height and holiday spirit you want at a lower cost.
Styles and Varieties of Slim Trees
Slim Trees
These narrow trees are roughly half as wide as a standard tree, but still offer full height. A slim tree typically has a triangular profile and can reach heights of 6–7 feet or more. A slim Christmas tree (left) reaches full height with minimal width – ideal for space-saving decor.
Pencil Trees
Even skinnier than slim trees, pencil trees have an ultra-slim, columnar shape (resembling a #2 pencil). They might be only a couple of feet wide even at 6–7 feet tall. These fit into extremely narrow spaces and are great for a modern, minimalist look.
Half Trees
A half tree is exactly what it sounds like – only half of a full tree. These flat-backed trees are designed to sit flush against a wall or in a corner, giving the appearance of a full tree from the front while saving depth behind. Half trees are popular in very tight spots like hallways, narrow offices, or as eye-catching accents above tables.
Corner Trees
Corner-specific trees have a triangular profile crafted to nestle neatly into a room corner. Like slim trees, they save space, but they maximize the use of otherwise unused corner areas. They often look just as full as regular trees but with one flat back.
Each of these styles serves the same space-saving goal but with slightly different shapes. Choose the one that fits your room and style: for example, a half tree for a hallway, a pencil tree beside a sofa, or a corner tree for a cozy nook.
Decorating Ideas for Slim, Skinny & Pencil Trees
Slim trees can be decorated with either a minimalist or fuller approach, depending on your taste. With fewer branches, each decoration stands out more, so balance is key.
Minimalist vs. Full Look
A slim tree naturally lends itself to a minimalist style, which keeps decorations sparse and balanced. With fewer ornaments, each one makes a statement. For a minimalist look, focus on a simple color scheme and place ornaments carefully so there are no empty gaps on one side or bunching on another. On the other hand, you can also go for a “fuller” look on a slim tree by adding more garlands, ribbons, or stemmed picks to bulk up sparse areas. You might weave ribbon or wire garlands loosely through the tree or add clusters of berries and greenery inside the branches to give a “filled-out” effect without overcrowding.
Balancing Decorations
No matter which route you take, distribute ornaments evenly from top to bottom. Think vertically – for a tall skinny tree, group similarly sized ornaments at similar heights, and avoid putting all the larger decorations at the top or all small ones at the bottom. In general, place larger ornaments lower on the tree and smaller ones higher (this trick helps balance a tall tree visually). Step back occasionally while decorating to make sure one side isn’t more crowded than the other.
Best Ornaments
Choose small to medium-sized ornaments (about 2–3 inches or less) so the branches aren’t weighed down or hidden. Lightweight glass, matte or glossy baubles, and metal ornaments work well. As Balsam Hill suggests, “Choose smaller, lighter ornaments that won’t weigh down the branches”. Mixing finishes (shiny, matte, glitter) and shapes adds interest without extra bulk. Ribbon bows can also serve as ornaments: create small puff bows and tuck them between branches for a soft touch. Avoid very large or heavy ornaments, which can overwhelm the slender shape. (If you love big ornaments, space them out and let the tree’s height show – you’ll get an “oversized ornament” look without covering every limb.)
Garland Techniques
Garland and ribbon add depth and fill gaps on skinny trees. Place garlands or ribbons before hanging most ornaments, since winding them around the tree is easier when branches are largely bare. For skinny trees, use garlands sparingly so they don’t swallow the tree’s profile. Simple bead strings, berry garlands, or wired ribbon can look elegant draped loosely top-to-bottom. For a natural look, try twine or faux greenery garland. Alternatively, weave ribbon in and out of the branches by folding it in loops: tuck one end into the tree’s center and loop the ribbon outward over the tips, fluffing it so each loop puffs out (as shown in MyHomierHome decoration tips). The goal is to create volume without covering the tips entirely.
Lighting Tips
Lighting is everything on a slim tree – it adds warmth and fills in spaces with sparkle. Pre-lit slim trees are convenient, but if you string your own lights, follow a few guidelines. Use about 100 mini lights per foot of tree height as a general rule of thumb. For a 6-foot tree, that’s around 600 lights. Choose warm-white LEDs if you want a cozy, classic glow, or cool-white LEDs for a crisp, snowy effect. Multicolored lights can look playful, especially on a bold-color or vintage-themed tree. Also, wrapping lights deep into the branches (not just on the surface) will help the tree “glow from within,” making it look fuller and more luminous.
Tree Skirts and Collars
Don’t overlook the base. A slim tree looks even more polished with the right skirt or collar. Choose a skirt that’s proportionate to the tree’s footprint: something narrow and tailored so it doesn’t overwhelm. Textured burlap, cozy knit patterns, classic plaid, or a metallic-finish skirt can all complement a slender tree. Alternatively, a tree collar (a stylish wood or metal base cover) is a space-saving option that hides the stand without extra fabric bulk. Collars come in many finishes (wicker, metal, rustic wood) and add an elegant, tidy look.
Styling a Tall Slim Tree
Slim trees are often tall and narrow, so it’s important to balance their height visually. Otherwise, they can look top-heavy. Here are some tips:
- Layer Decorations Vertically: Start from the top and work downward. Place your largest ornaments or first garland loops near the top, then gradually use smaller ornaments as you go down. This helps avoid all the “weight” being up high and keeps the eye moving smoothly down the tree.
- Anchor the Base: As noted earlier, hang your statement pieces at the most visible spots (often middle areas) and put larger ornaments on the bottom sections with smaller ones near the top. This grounds the tree visually. You can even place a few extra picks or floral stems (tall pointy decorations) near the bottom to widen the silhouette slightly.
- Step Back and Adjust: Periodically step several feet away and look at the tree from different angles. Make sure no bare spots appear and that decorations look balanced from every side. It’s easy to see if the top looks too sparse or the bottom too dense when you take a broader view.
- Use Height to Your Advantage: Embrace the tree’s height by adding vertical elements. Ribbon can be draped in tall loops, or you can weave garlands lengthwise to emphasize height. If your tree is very tall and still feels narrow, consider “filling” it with extra picks: ivy sprays, berry branches, or large bows tucked deeper in the tree can add dimension and make it seem fuller without physically widening it.
Slim Flocked Tree – Snowy & Textured Look
Flocked slim trees (those sprayed with artificial snow) are a trendy way to get a wintery look. The snow-dusting instantly adds texture and the illusion of fullness. In fact, flocking can make a slender tree look plumper, because the white “snow” clings to the branch tips and broadens them. To enhance a flocked tree’s frosty vibe, decorate with cool-toned or neutral accents:
- Hang white, silver, or icy-blue ornaments for a cohesive snowy palette.
- String white or cool-white lights to mimic a wintry glow.
- Use translucent or glittery icicle and snowflake ornaments to echo the snow theme.
- Layer on extra texture: white ribbon, silver bead garlands, or snowberry stems will pop against the white flocking.
Together, flocking and these accents give a rich, layered texture. You might also highlight the snow effect by adding evergreen picks or pinecones (the green and brown stand out nicely against white, creating contrast). Finally, top it off with a star or angel in white or metallic silver to complete the winter-wonderland effect.
Fitting Slim Trees Into Your Space
The beauty of slim trees is that they slide easily into tight spots – narrow corners, small entryways, or beside furniture – without compromising holiday flair. For example, a slim tree can tuck neatly behind a sofa arm, in an unused hallway corner, or next to a tiny foyer table. Because they take up little width, they let you keep festive décor even in small homes or apartments. Their compact design doesn’t detract from the holiday mood; instead, it makes decorating feasible where a larger tree simply wouldn’t fit.
Decorating Styles for Every Aesthetic
Slim trees can adapt to any holiday style. Here are a few ready-made aesthetics you might try:
Modern Aesthetics
For a sleek, contemporary look, embrace minimalism and metallics. Stick to a limited palette (e.g. gold and white, or black and silver). Use glass ornaments, geometric shapes, and ribbon bows sparingly. Keep garlands and tinsel to a minimum – often just a handful of metallic baubles and a star or angel topper is enough. Think streamlined and sophisticated.
Vintage Charm
Evoke nostalgia with retro ornaments and traditional colors. A classic red-and-green scheme feels timeless. As one decorating guide notes, “Use a classic red and green color scheme and vintage-style ornaments for a warm, nostalgic feel. Hang heirloom baubles, glass icicles, or even wooden ornaments. Add strings of popcorn or berries for an old-fashioned touch. A ribbon in velvet or plaid, plus twinkly warm lights, will complete that cozy, vintage vibe.
Scandinavian Simplicity
Keep it natural and neutral. Stick with whites, greys, and light wood tones. Decorate with wooden ornaments (stars, hearts, small skaters), faux fur accents, and paper or felt decorations. Real or faux evergreen clippings can be tucked in among the branches. The result is understated and serene, with a focus on texture and natural light. (Bonus: Scandinavian-style trees often use sustainable or handmade decorations, perfect for eco-minded decorators.)
Glamorous & Bold
For all-out sparkle, go metallic and dramatic. Drape your slim tree in gold, silver, or copper ornaments. Use metallic ornaments like reflective baubles, glittery stars, or sequined garlands. Complement with jeweled-toned baubles or glittery shapes. A shiny satin or sequined tree skirt finishes the glamour. The tree becomes a dazzling focal point that glitters in every photo.
Classic Christmas
Think timeless themes like “rustic cabin” or “winter wonderland.” For a cabin-style tree, use plaid ribbons, wooden bead garlands, pinecone and berry picks, and a chunky knit skirt. Warm white lights and a star or wood-slice topper accent this cozy look. For a “winter wonderland,” go all-white and silver: white lights, silver ornaments, faux snow accents, and a white tree skirt. Another fun classic theme is nautical: decorate with navy and white ornaments, rope or netting accents, miniature anchors or shells, and anchor it all with twinkling white lights. Whatever theme you choose, pick colors (e.g. red/green, white/silver, navy/white) and stick to it for coherence.
Monochromatic Elegance
For a high-impact yet simple style, use one color (plus metallics). A popular choice is silver/white/champagne. For example, coating a slim tree in silver and champagne ornaments with warm LED lights gives a refined, sophisticated glow. Alternatively, an all-red or all-blue tree makes a bold statement. The key is that all the decorations (ribbon, baubles, picks) are variations of the same hue family, which unifies the look and keeps the slender shape from looking too busy.
Decorating a slim Christmas tree proves that less really can be more. With the right planning and a cohesive style, even the skinniest tree can look polished, festive, and full of personality. Whether you go minimalist or maximalist, warm and rustic or sleek and modern, have fun experimenting with colors, textures, and ornaments. A slim tree might take up little space, but it can deliver maximum holiday cheer. Ready to find your perfect slim Christmas tree? Shop our premium slim Christmas trees now and get inspired to create a beautiful, space-savvy holiday centerpiece.
Discover More From Hearth & Fir
Want to bring the magic of multiple trees into your home? At Hearth & Fir, we have everything you need—from flocked, pre-lit, unlit, and classic white Christmas trees—to help you create a breathtaking holiday display.