Five Christmas Tree Alternatives for Decorating Small Spaces

I absolutely adore a Christmas tree - give me all the lights, tinsel, and baubles! However, for the past few years, living in a small one-bedroom flat (which also doubles as the headquarters for my small business, Skudaboo, where I sell premium giclée art prints), I've had to get creative with my holiday decorating.

With limited space, fitting in a tree often meant rearranging furniture, which felt like a lot of effort just for me, especially since I wouldn’t even be spending Christmas Day at home.

There are plenty of reasons why a full-sized Christmas tree might not be the best fit for you this year. Perhaps you’re a new parent, living in a shared house or flat, have a mischievous pet who sees baubles as toys, or you’re simply too busy to bother but still want to avoid being a total Scrooge!

If that sounds familiar, don’t worry - I’ve got some ideas for you. Here are some fun and festive alternatives to bring the Christmas spirit into your home, no tree required!

 

1. Decorate with Christmas Art Prints

Art prints are a simple yet stunning way to add some festivity to your home, especially when space is limited. Here are a few ideas to make the most of them:

• Swap out your current prints for Christmas-themed designs to instantly transform your walls.
• Lean prints on a mantelpiece, bookshelf, or console table, paired with fairy lights and garlands for a cosy, layered look.
• Refresh your gallery wall by swapping in a couple of festive prints for a holiday-inspired update.

The best part? Art prints are easy to update, lightweight to store, and ready to bring out again year after year.

Naturally, I can’t help but recommend our Skudaboo Christmas art prints here., thoughtfully curated to bring warmth and joy to your space.

Shop Ice Skating Village Art Print from £10
Visit Skudaboo website
Follow @skudaboo

 

2. Display a Christmas Tree Wall Hanging

[Image credit: Dibor]

If floor space is limited, or if you have a mischievous pet like my friend @melsherwoodeditor’s adorable puppy, Lyra, a wall-mounted Christmas tree can be a perfect solution. Last year, Mel (who happens to be the editor of Your Home magazine, so knows her stuff when it comes to home décor) decided to skip the traditional tree and opted for a tree-shaped wall light instead.

This clever idea adds a festive sparkle and cosy warmth to your space, without taking up valuable floor space or inviting curious paws to play with baubles!

My favourite option is the Pre-Lit Wall Hanging Christmas Tree Ladder from Dibor. Made from natural birch wood, it brings a rustic charm to your walls and even doubles as a Christmas card holder, so is practical and pretty.

Shop Pre-Lit Wall Hanging Christmas Tree Ladder £33
Visit Dibor website
Follow @dibor

 

3. Try a Tabletop or Mini Christmas Tree

[Image credit: Soto]

If a full-size tree feels like too much hassle, a tabletop or mini Christmas tree is a fantastic alternative. These petite trees fit perfectly on desks, shelves, or bedside tables, making them ideal for small spaces. Plus, they’re quicker to decorate, and you won’t need to rearrange your furniture to make room.

For homes with curious little hands or paws, placing the tree on a higher surface keeps it safe while still feeling festive.

For an effortless option, go for the Mini Christmas Tree from Soto. Wrapped in a hessian bag with a luxurious ribbon, it adds charm to any space. As it’s a real tree, you can plant it outdoors after the holidays which is perfect for eco-conscious decorating! Bonus: it also purifies the air and brings year-round greenery wherever it’s placed.

Shop Soto Mini Christmas Tree £30
Visit Soto Gardens website
Follow @sotogardens

 

4. Add Festive Textiles

[Image credit: Piglet in Bed]

Festive textiles are one of the easiest ways to update your décor for the holidays. Swap out your everyday cushion covers for seasonal ones to instantly create a cosy, festive vibe. The best part? They’re easy to store flat, making them a space-saving option for next year.

This idea doesn’t stop at cushions sdyou can extend it to tea towels, throws, and bedding too! For example, updating your bedding is a simple way to bring holiday cheer to your bedroom, especially if you’re in a shared house where decorating options might be limited.

I adore this Berry Gingham set from Piglet in Bed. Its rich, warm tones add festive charm during winter while being versatile enough for year-round use. Pair it with cosy blankets for the ultimate snug setup.

Shop Berry Gingham Linen Blend Duvet Cover from £139
Visit Piglet in Bed website
Follow @pigletinbed

 

5. Decorate with Garlands

[Image credit: Yaroslav Shuraev]

Garlands are a versatile and space-saving way to bring festive greenery into your home. They can be draped over staircases, bookshelves, doorways, or mantels, instantly adding a Christmas feel without taking up any floor space.

For extra sparkle, intertwine your garlands with fairy lights, ribbons, bows, or even baubles. They’re perfect for creating a warm and festive atmosphere.

If you’re a fan of that classic Christmas tree scent, opt for real garlands to fill the room with a natural, piney aroma. Prefer artificial ones? Pair them with Christmas-scented candles for a cosy vibe without the maintenance.

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I hope these Christmas tree alternatives have sparked some inspiration for decorating your space this holiday season! Whether you're working with a small area or simply don't feel up to putting up a full-sized tree, remember that Christmas is about joy, not stress. It’s all about celebrating in a way that feels right for you.

Whatever you decide, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas filled with warmth, happiness, and your own unique style.

Need help choosing the perfect Christmas art prints for your space or updating your gallery wall for the holidays? Drop me a message at hello@skudaboo.co.uk as I’d love to help you find something special!