A small Christmas tree is any little tree, real or faux, that sits on a table, windowsill, sideboard, or in a corner instead of taking over half the lounge. They’re having a real moment right now, and it’s easy to see why. They cost less, they’re quicker to decorate, and they fit into rooms that would never have space for a full-size tree.
A little tree works beautifully as a second tree for a bedroom, kitchen, or entryway, or as the main tree if you’re in a smaller home or a rental. It also gives you room to play. You can go all in on one theme, show off a handful of special ornaments, or try a look you’d never commit to on a big tree.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my full disclosure here.
Quick Tips for Styling a Small Christmas Tree
- Give it some height: Pop a small tree on a stool, side table, or stack of books so it reads as a proper tree rather than an afterthought. Lifting it closer to eye level also means every ornament gets noticed.
- Choose a pretty base: A basket, crock, terracotta pot, or old bucket hides the plain nursery pot or stand and does half the decorating for you. Pick one that suits the room so the tree looks like it belongs there.
- Keep ornaments in proportion: Small trees look best with smaller ornaments and fewer of them, so the branches don’t droop or look crowded. Stick to one colour story or theme and let a few favourite pieces shine.
19 Small Christmas Tree Ideas
1. Small Tree With Mismatched Ribbon Bows
Tying on bows in a few different fabrics, like gingham, velvet and frayed linen, makes a small tree look full and finished without needing heaps of ornaments. Mixing them with colourful baubles and a little tinsel gives it a happy, collected feel rather than a matchy shop-bought look. Wrap the base in hessian for a simple tree skirt that hides the stand or pot.
2. Tabletop Tree in a Painted Bucket
Lifting a little tree onto a side table puts it right at eye level, so every ornament gets noticed. A painted bucket or old planter makes a much prettier base than a plastic nursery pot, and a long tablecloth turns the whole table into part of the display. It’s a lovely way to fill a corner and still leave room for a few wrapped gifts.
3. Tinsel-Covered Tree With Small Red Bows
Draping fine tinsel over every branch gives a small tree loads of sparkle, especially once the fairy lights are switched on. Tiny red bows dotted through add colour without competing with all that shimmer. This one suits a window seat or bookshelf, where the light can catch it throughout the day.
4. Windowsill Tree in a Terracotta Pot
A small potted tree on the windowsill brings a cosy glow that can be enjoyed from inside and out. Keep the decorations simple with a string of little lantern lights, then add candles, a bowl of apples or a few favourite figurines around it. It’s an easy look for a kitchen, where bench space is precious.
5. Tree With White Clay Star Ornaments
Homemade clay stars are cheap and easy to make, and they look so charming hanging from a skinny little tree. Sticking to one simple shape and colour keeps the tree feeling calm and natural. A paper star garland wrapped around the pot ties the whole look together.
6. Sparse Tree in a Silver Bucket
A tree with open, airy branches lets every ornament hang freely, so you can actually see each one. Vintage-style mercury glass baubles suit this shape perfectly and give it a soft, old-fashioned feel. Popping it in an old ice bucket or champagne bucket makes it special enough for a kitchen bench or dining table.
7. Coastal Tree With Shell Ornaments
Scallop shells make beautiful ornaments, and they glow when warm fairy lights sit just behind them. This is a great idea for anyone who loves a beachy look or spends Christmas by the sea. Swap the usual star for a starfish on top and choose a weathered pot for a relaxed, coastal finish.
8. Potted Tree on a Wooden Stool
Standing a small tree on an old stool gives it extra height, so it feels more like a proper tree in the room. A plain terracotta pot topped with moss keeps it looking natural and simple. Add a few glass baubles and wooden slice ornaments painted with each family member’s initial for a sentimental touch.
9. Bedside Tree With Souvenir Ornaments
A mini tree on a bedside table makes a bedroom feel festive without taking up any floor space. Filling it with ornaments from places you’ve travelled or things you love makes it feel really personal. Tie a matching ribbon bow on a nearby lamp or frame to carry the look through the room.
10. Kids’ Room Tree With Retro Bulbs
A little tree in a child’s bedroom or play corner gives them their own tree to decorate and look after. Big retro-style bulbs, a wooden bead garland, and soft fabric ornaments are great for little hands, as there’s no glass to break. Choose a heavy crock or pot, so it stays steady at their height.
11. Slim Tree in a Vintage Crock
A tall, skinny tree is perfect for a tight corner or entryway where a full tree would get in the way. Sitting it in an old stoneware crock adds height and gives it a farmhouse feel. Warm white lights are really all it needs.
12. Blue and White Planter With Satin Bows
Setting a small tree into a blue and white bowl or planter instantly makes it look elegant and a little bit grand. Large satin bows tied on the branch tips add colour and movement without needing many ornaments. Fill the gaps with gold stars and small glass pinecones.
13. Basket Tree With Felt Mouse Ornaments
Felt mouse ornaments are so sweet and bring loads of personality to a little tree. Pair them with clay hearts and striped stars for a playful, handmade look. A woven basket makes an easy, cosy base that hides a plain pot.
14. Mantel Tree With Whimsical Handmade Ornaments
A small tree on the mantel is the perfect spot for a collection of quirky, one-of-a-kind ornaments. Felt animals, tiny frames, ceramic birds and little mushrooms all work together when every piece is a bit unexpected. Small makers on Etsy are a great place to find ornaments like these.
15. Wooden Toy Ornaments With a Gingham Bow
Little wooden toy ornaments like soldiers, snowmen, and hot air balloons give a small tree a nostalgic, old-world feel. A gingham bow on top is a sweet, simple swap for a traditional star. Set the basket on a stack of books to give it a bit more height.
16. Family Photo Ornaments and a Velvet Bow
Hanging old family photos as ornaments turns a small tree into a keepsake display. Pairing them with glass baubles and a big velvet bow keeps the look soft and classic. A ginger jar or blue and white pot makes a pretty base on a bar cart or side table.
17. Clip-On Candle Tree in a Wicker Basket
Battery-operated clip-on candles give a small tree an old-fashioned look without any of the worry of real flames. They’re a lovely alternative to fairy lights, especially on a simple tree with no other ornaments. Pop it in a wicker basket on a sideboard and let it be the star of the room.
18. Blue and White Ceramic Ornaments With Gingham Ribbons
Choosing one colour story, like blue and white, makes a small tree look really pulled together. Ceramic houses and Delft-style ornaments are the stars here, with gingham ribbon bows filling in the spaces between. A matching porcelain pot finishes the look.
19. Mini Pinecones and One Big Red Bow
Sometimes all a little tree needs is one big red bow on top. Mini pinecones and fine copper fairy lights keep the rest of the tree natural and pretty without any fuss. It’s a great choice when you want something festive that still suits the room all season long.
Small Christmas Tree Ideas Final Thoughts
Small Christmas trees prove you don’t need a huge tree to make your home feel festive. Whether you love a bow-covered tree, a calm natural look, or a little tree full of keepsakes, there’s an idea here to suit any room and any amount of space. Save your favourites so they’re easy to find when it’s time to decorate.
Which small Christmas tree idea would you try in your home this year?
