For your viewing pleasure, Art & Home has curated a collection of over 40 Unique Christmas Trees & Christmas Tree Alternatives to help you create your own unique take on the traditional Christmas Tree.
Years ago, I decided to forgo the traditional Christmas Tree for something a little bit smaller and more unique. After looking at different, unique Christmas Tree alternatives, I purchased and outdoor topiary, something intended for the front porch. Bucking the intended purpose, I placed it in my front hall and then decorated it like you would a traditional Christmas Tree. The end result is a compact version of your standard Christmas Tree, still very festive… but far smaller. I get a mix of reactions to my mini tree, some think it’s perfect. Some don’t think it’s not a “real” Christmas Tree.
I will fully admit that my tree is not special enough to feature in this post, but it did make me think about other unique Christmas Tree ideas, and therefore is the inspiration for this post. Maybe, someday, I’ll add it just for reference.
Here are some of the most unique Christmas Tree Ideas I could find online.
This collection includes a wide variety of DIY and other unique Christmas trees that may provide inspiration on how to create your own unique take on the traditional Christmas Tree.
The Treeless Christmas Tree
Image Source: trajkoska.deviantart.com
This unique Christmas Tree skips the tree all together. Instead, the Christmas ornaments are suspended from the ceiling using fishing line. I love the idea of this, as long as you don’t have cats. This design and cats would be an absolute nightmare.
DIY Wall Tube Christmas Tree
Image Source: All About Christmas
This unique DIY Wall Christmas Tree uses cut tubes of various sizes to create a wall mounted tree that holds the individual Christmas ornaments. Perfect for small spaces where it would be otherwise impossible to place a full-sized tree. I could see variations of this with the tubs painted in various Christmas colors.
Santa Boot Advent Calendar Tree
Source: Balsam Hill
Exclusive to Balsam Hill, these red mini boots are festive ornaments that represent Father Christmas himself. Made from glass, each small boot is numbered and accented by a white faux-fur cuff with string ribbon. Hung on a Gold Twig Christmas Tree, they make for an amazing and festive display.
The Painted Pallet Christmas Tree
Image Source: Architecture Art Design
Another example of a flat Christmas tree. This time, a recycled pallet has been painted and decorated to create a rustic Christmas display.
Wood & Berries Christmas Tree
Image Source: Architecture Art Design
The simple design of this wood Christmas Tree is festooned with colorful berries to create a festive display. If you look closely you can see a bird, perhaps a Partridge, perched on the middle support. A very quaint Christmas Tree, perfect for a farmhouse or country home.
Wall Mounted Corner Christmas Tree
Source: Pinterest.com
This industrial, space saving design is simple yet effective. It’s made out of various sized boards to create the tree form. Holes are drilled in order to hand the lights while burying the wires behind the boards. A fully lit “Christmas Tree” that takes up almost no floor space.
Modern Circles Alternative Christmas Tree
Source: Amazon.com
Easy to put up and take down, this modern take on the traditional Christmas tree collapses completely flat for space saving storage. Includes a mirror ball and spotlight to create a dazzling light show.
DIY Ribbon Christmas Tree
Image Source: WhipperBerry.com
This version, crafted using black and white ribbons, creates a modern, dramatic take on the traditional Christmas Tree. Check out the full tutorial at WhipperBerry.com.
Wood on Wood Lit Indoor or Outdoor Christmas Tree
Image Source: Pinterest
Simple, yet so effective. A wood “pallet” background is layered with cut branches and small logs, interspersed with Christmas lights to create a de-lightful (pun intended) display. This unique Christmas Tree alternative can be used indoors or out, depending on the types of lights that you use.
Asian-Inspired Bonsai Christmas Tree
Source: Martha Stewart
Inspired by the bonsai collection at the Arnold Arboretum in his native Boston, Martha Stewart Living’s Kevin Sharkey created this enchanting roost using an artificial bonsai that he spray painted with gold paint and then accented with glitter.
Galvanized Bucket Christmas Tree
Source: Finding Home Farms
A delightfully rustic Galvanized Bucket Christmas Tree with loads of country farmhouse charm.
The Wine Bottle Christmas Tree
Image Source: Pinterest.com
A take on the Beer Bottle Christmas Tree, but with a twist aimed at Wine lovers, this unique Christmas Tree celebrates your love of fine wine. This version uses old wine bottles, although I’ve also seen version that can hold full wine bottles so that you can enjoy the look of the tree and then drink the wine when the holidays are over!
Wine Cork Christmas Tree Alternative
Source: Pinterest
Another option for the Wine Lover is the Wine Cork Christmas Tree. Fashioned using old wine bottle corks, some hot glue, and some ribbon. Add some rustic berries and pine cones around the bottom for added flair. This is definitely a table-top alternative, unless you feel like being VERY ambitious with the glue gun!
Ladder Christmas Tree
Image Source: Pinterest.com
I love the combination of an old Ladder, some Christmas lights, and Christmas Ornaments that this tree creates. A delightful and unique Christmas Tree that looks like it would be sooo much fun to create! In this case, they’ve used a painted/distressed metal ladder because it provides a smaller frame than the more rustic wood ladder Christmas trees. This allows the Christmas Ornaments to take center stage.
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Wooden Ladder Christmas Village
Image Source: Imgur
This is a take on the Ladder Christmas Tree, but adds an extra layer by displaying a beautiful Christmas Village on each step of the ladder.
Wood Slices Christmas Tree
Source: Pinterest
Using slices of wood in varying sizes, this extraordinary creation is both rustic and festive and all sorts of other amazing things. Once the base is built, you could feed mini-lights throughout to create a lit version, and could tack on some simple decorations, such as red bows, to add a bit of Christmas color. Or, leave it exactly as is and the let the glory of the natural wood speak for itself. Your choice.
Wrapping Paper DIY Christmas Tree
Image Source: All About Christmas
You can quickly and easily create a quaint Christmas Tree by using rolled Wrapper Paper (on the tubes or off) cut to various lengths. Add additional decorations to create your own unique tree! For easy storage, mount on a large piece of foam core so that it can easily be moved in and out of the space for the Holidays.
DIY Adjustable Wood Christmas Tree
Image Source: Muttis Blog
This is a DIY Christmas Tree dream. The unique structure is easy to create and put together, easy to take apart and store, and creates a dramatic visual impact during the Christmas Season. Simply cut individual lengths of wood to form the shape of the tree, bore a hole in the middle of each, and then slide them over the pole.
What I love most about this tree is that – once built, but before it’s decorated – you can quickly and easily change how it is formed to display. The image below shows the exact same DIY tree, but in 4 different formations.
Rustic Twig Wall Mounted Christmas Tree
Image Source: The Log Basket
If space is limited and there’s little room for a traditional Christmas tree, this quick, easy, and rustic twig Christmas Tree could be what you need. String six branches together to create a simple tree form, add lights, and decorate however you choose. It’s as easy as that!
Snowman Village Christmas Tree Alternative
Source: Pinterest.com
This clever concoction uses a set of 3 different sized fishbowls to create a set of stacked winter scenes. A classic snowman’s hat is placed on top to complete the look. It’s a lovely, intricate, and quaint alternative to the traditional Christmas Tree.
Minimalist Maple Pop-Up Christmas Tree
Image Source: OneKindDesign
A slight, minimalist tree form crafted from wood can easily be wrapped with a decorated garland to create a quick and easy Christmas Tree with plenty of space for presents.
Metal Ornamental Christmas Tree Alternative
Image Source: Amazon.com
This isn’t really a DIY Christmas Tree Alternative, as you need to buy the stand. But, once you’ve done so, you can create your own version by adding as many or as few Ornaments as you’d like.
DIY Rustic Branches Christmas Tree
Image Source: My Desired Home
Another take on the use of rustic branches, this one does require more space… but it creates a wonderful and unique Christmas display.
Sushi Christmas Tree
Source: Pinterest.com
Ok, probably not practical for your own Holiday Display purposes. But you can’t have a list of Unique Christmas Trees without including at least one Sushi Christmas Tree. So, here. However, for something a touch more practical, there is this really cute Sushi Christmas Tree Platter.
Source: Pinterest.com
This would be a great edible accent to have out at your next Christmas Party.
Wall (or Door) Mounted Christmas Tree
Easy to create, this piece provides an easy and space saving way to add a touch of Christmas charm. Simply place a string of white Christmas lights on the wall or door in the shape of a tree, and then fill it with Christmas Ornaments. Plug it in and your’e done.
Modernist Paper Cones Christmas Tree
Source: Vtwonen
This DIY Christmas Tree has a Scandinavian feel to it, partly because of the start use of black and silver. Of course, you’re welcome to create this DIY tree in whatever color combination you choose.
DIY Card Display Christmas Tree Alternative
Source: HGTV.com
With a piece of Plywood and a little bit of yarn, you can easily create this DIY Christmas Tree shaped holiday card display. See the complete tutorial at HGTV.com.
Book Lovers DIY Christmas Tree
Image Source: udivitelno.com
For those who love reading as much as they love Christmas, this unique Christmas Tree offers the best of both worlds. Easy to create using your favorite books, and some Christmas string lights.
The Bookcase Christmas Tree for Book Lovers
Image Source: Unknown
Another great idea for Book Lovers, this one lets you leave your favorite books ON the shelf, but simply re-arrange them to create the shape of a Christmas Tree. Throw a star on top, string some lights on this bad boy, and you’re all set!
Carved Books Christmas Tree
Image Source: Juniper Books
Continuing with our book-themed Christmas Trees, this installment comes from Juniper Books in Boulder, CO. They carved up a bunch of old, defunct Law Books to create this unique bookcase display.
Pages out of a Christmas Book
And the final installation for DIY Christmas Tree for Book Lovers, this one uses the pages from an old book to create a lovely Christmas-shaped, wall-mounted Christmas Tree. Not all book lovers will adore this creation (some may think it’s an abuse of the written page), but I think it’s rather quaint. Just make sure you use a book that is already on it’s way to the recycle bin if you don’t want to ruin a favorite book.
I also like the idea of taking an old Children’s Christmas book (you could probably find one at a local thrift store) and creating this same collage, but with actual pages from a Christmas Book.
It’s a Very Recycled Christmas Tree, Charlie Brown
Recycled paper can make for an excellent DIY Christmas Tree, as indicated here with two very unique approaches to using recycled paper to create Christmas decorations. And wrapping paper! Celebrate the holidays and save the planet, you can’t go wrong with this one!
The Giving Tree
Image Source: udivitelno.com
Ok, The Giving Tree is a beloved book, but I thought it was an appropriate name for this wall-mounted Christmas Tree made entirely of wrapped gifts.
Hanging Fused Glass Christmas Tree
Source: Unknown
This tree is made of various lengths and shades of green fused glass, suspended from a disk like a mobile. It creates a unique, modern Christmas display. It could easily be reproduced in other mediums, including painted wood or metal.
Modern Wall-Mounted Christmas Tree Alternative
Source: HGTV.com
All you need are some mitered strips of MDF trim, some velvet fabric, and some lightweight ornaments to create this modern wall-mounted Christmas Tree. See the complete tutorial at HGTV.com.
Wood Triangle & Paper Mache Ornaments Unique Christmas Tree
Source: Unknown
Simply form a triangle out of overlapping slats of wood. Paint it white (or Green if you prefer). Using suspension wire, string large paper mache ornaments to create a unique look. This unique Christmas Tree will take a bit of time to recreate, but the end result will be worth the effort.
Photo Collage Christmas Tree
Source: Unknown
Use old family photos to create a personalized Christmas Tree that nobody else in the world could ever duplicate. This one is uniquely yours.
Everything But The Bird House Christmas Tree
Image Source: Funky Junk Interiors
There actually is a Christmas Tree buried deep inside there, but there’s so much else going on that I felt it worthy of inclusion in this list. You’ve got a sleigh, a ladder, logs, gears, lights, a tonne of garland, ribbons, bows, bells, and – yup – even a Bird House. This is a Rustic DIY Decor lover’s dream!
Scrapbook Christmas Tree
Source: Unknown
This one is a labor of love. Similar to a the Photo Collage Christmas Tree, this one takes it to the next level by incorporating other memorabilia and treasured objects to form a beautiful and unique Christmas tree.
Objects in Mirror May Appear Christmas Tree Like
Source: Elle Decor
I love the way this piece uses various green found objects, plus utilizes a mirror to instantly make the tree twice the size. So unique. So easy. So fun!!
Picture This!
Image Source: The Spruce
I love the idea of this, especially for smaller spaces. Take a picture of a Christmas Tree, either a decorated one or one in the full snow of nature. Enlarge it and print it out as individual prints that can be hung on the wall to create a collage of that tree. Beautiful!
Tapestry Printed Christmas Tree Alternative
Source: OneKindDesign
If you’re starved for space AND time, all you need is a large picture that you can print at Kinkos. Something about 3′ x 4′ will cost you around $10 to print. Hang it with some dowling and string, and you’re all set with the thinnest Christmas Tree possible!. If you want to add a bit more flair, layer on some small, lightweight ornaments, tinsel, lights, etc.
Sheet Music Christmas Tree
Image Source: HGTV.com
I love how the delicate notes of the sheet music enhance this DIY Christmas Tree accent. This is a table-top tree, as I don’t think this would translate well to a full-sized Christmas tree. If you prove me wrong, send me a photo!!
Tripod Christmas Tree
Image Source: All About Christmas
This is similar in concept to the Ladder Christmas Tree, but this uses a Camera Tripod, which are easy to expand and set up. The Tripod is then decorated with lights, ribbons, and Christmas Ornaments to create a unique Pop Up Christmas Tree.
Candle Christmas Tree
Source: Pinterest.com
The most complicated part of this DIY Christmas Tree is creating the multi-tier Christmas Tree shaped base. Once that’s ready, you simply add a variety of different votive candles to each tier to create a unique Christmas display that doesn’t need additional lights.
Rustic Wood Christmas Tree Advent Calendar
Source: Pinterest.com
This adorable, rustic creation combines a delightful Christmas Tree with a custom Advent Calendar. Absolutely precious!!
The Chalkboard Christmas Tree
Source: OneKindDesign
I’ve seen quite a few variations of the Chalkboard Christmas tree, and they are all fun and delightful. These are easy to create if you have an artistic flair, and can go from simple and homey to exquisitely detailed.
Tomato Cage Christmas Tree
Image Source: NEDC
One of the easiest ways to make your own Christmas tree is to use things from the garden, such as the humble tomato cage. Simply flip the tomato cage upside town, bind the ground spikes together to from a tree shape, then wrap with lights. It’s that easy! Feel free to add your own details.
Coastal Driftwood Christmas Tree Alternative
Image Source: HGTV.com
Add some Coastal Decor flair to your Christmas celebrations with a Christmas Tree alternative crafted entirely out of driftwood beauty. Creative, Coastal, and Classy!
Elf on the Shelf, Without the Elf
Image Source: RealSimple.com
Re-purpose your existing wall shelves by creating a tiered display of Christmas art and ornaments.
And there you have it! Some of the best and most unique Christmas Tree alternatives.
Merry Christmas from our Home to Yours!
All the Best!
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