When it comes to picking out a Christmas tree for a small space like an apartment, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure you find the perfect fit. The size and shape of the tree, your ceiling height, and decorating plans should all play a role in your decision making process. With some strategic planning and measurement, you can pick a beautiful Christmas centerpiece that doesn’t overwhelm your space.
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Measure Your Space
The first step is to take measurements of the spot where you plan to place your Christmas tree. Consider the height of your ceiling and any low hanging lights or ceiling fans that the tree would need to fit under. Measure the width and depth of the corner or area you have available for the tree. This will determine the maximum dimensions of the tree you can accommodate.
Make sure to account for circulation space around the tree as well. You’ll want to be able to easily access all sides for decorating and gift placing, so add an extra 12-18 inches beyond the tree dimensions to determine the total floor space required. Having these measurements handy while shopping will prevent you from falling in love with a tree that simply won’t fit.
Tree Height and Shape
For apartments and small spaces, a good guideline is to look for a Christmas tree that stands no taller than 6 feet high. This allows you to make full use of vertical space while minimizing how much floor area the tree takes up. The tree should be 2 to 3 inches shorter than your ceiling height to give some breathing room.
Miniature and tabletop trees under 3 feet are great options if you are really pressed for space. Just keep in mind you’ll have less room for ornament hanging with a tiny tree. For standard apartment ceiling heights of 8 to 9 feet, a tree between 4 and 6 feet tends to work well.
In addition to height, the shape of the Christmas tree matters too. Full, wide trees with densely packed branches look impressive but eat up a lot of square footage. Opt instead for a slim or pencil style tree, which takes up less floor space but still provides greenery and vertical scale.
Artificial or Real Tree
Artificial Christmas trees have improved greatly in recent years when it comes to realism and quality. For apartments, they provide the advantages of convenience, mess containment, and reusable longevity. With an artificial tree, you don’t have to haul it up and down stairs or worry about dropping needles.
Many renters prefer artificial trees because they can be easily stored from year to year. Just collapse it down and slide the box under a bed or into a closet. Of course, the authentic smell and charm of a real tree is hard to replicate. But live trees require more maintenance and cleanup.
If going for a real tree, make sure to place a tree skirt or basin underneath to catch any fallen needles. Also consider a smaller tabletop live tree instead of a towering fir that takes up your whole room. Properly measure and select a real tree stand to fit your tree’s trunk diameter and water needs.
Pre-Lit vs. String Lights
Pre-lit artificial trees with LED lights already attached can save time and frustration compared to stringing up lights yourself. This built-in lighting looks tidy and uniform. Just fluff out the branches and plug it in for instant illumination. However, you are stuck with the color and pattern of lights on a pre-lit tree.
Buying a tree and decorating it with your own string lights allows for more creativity and customization. You can shape the lights to your preference and swap out colors from year to year. But this option requires more effort, along with finding storage space for unused light strings. For small spaces, syncing your tree lights with the rest of your apartment can help everything feel cohesive.
Ornament Strategies
When it comes to decorating an apartment Christmas tree, you may need to edit your ornament collection or display methods. Bulky or oversized ornaments should be avoided, as they weigh down slim tree branches. Heirloom ornaments also run the risk of getting damaged if space is tight.
For a tree under 4 feet tall, stick to lightweight miniature ornaments. Craft stores sell affordable small ornaments perfect for pint-sized trees and tight branches. You can also sprinkle in a few special full-size ornaments for focal points. Just follow the general rule of not overloading branches to avoid sagging issues.
Embrace verticality when decorating by concentrating ornaments from top to bottom rather than circling the entire tree. This helps draw the eye up and creates a cleaner look in close quarters. Alternatively, decorate just the front half of the tree facing into the room. Skip embellishing the back portion that faces the wall or corner.
Alternative Christmas Tree Ideas
If you determine a traditional Christmas tree takes up too much space, there are creative alternatives to bring some festive greenery into your small dwelling:
- Set up a narrow shelving unit like a bookcase vertically and decorate with lights and garlands for a tree-like effect.
- Lean a birch log or branch against the wall and accent with ribbon and ornaments.
- Arrange several potted evergreens on a counter or tabletop and adorn with lights.
- Create a little tree out of a live or faux wreath form on a stand.
For tabletop trees, look for fun options like a miniature rose gold tree, a succulent tree, or a colorful feather tree. Just because you live in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t experience the joys of the season!
Key Takeaways
Picking the perfect Christmas tree for an apartment comes down to smart space planning. Follow these tree size guidelines:
- Measure your ceiling height and layout space first
- Look for a tree between 4-6 feet tall and pencil or slim shape
- Allow 12-18 inches of circulation space around the tree
- Decorate with small, lightweight ornaments
- Concentrate ornaments vertically from top to bottom
Take time to assess your options and stay flexible. With a little creativity, even the tiniest apartment can accommodate a festive Christmas tree that fills your space with holiday spirit.
Example Christmas Tree Size Table
| Ceiling Height | Maximum Tree Height |
|---|---|
| 8 ft | 5-6 ft |
| 9 ft | 6-7 ft |
| 10 ft | 7-8 ft |
This table provides examples of ideal Christmas tree sizes based on typical apartment ceiling heights. For an 8 foot ceiling, look for a tree between 5 and 6 feet tall. The tree should be 2 to 3 inches shorter than the ceiling height. Allow extra circulation space beyond the height and width of the tree itself when planning layout. Consider tree shape as well, opting for slim or pencil trees over full, wide options if space is tight.
Conclusion
With some strategic planning and tree shape selection, even small apartment dwellers can pick a Christmas tree that fits their space perfectly. Take into account ceiling height, overall layout, and circulation when deciding on dimensions. Look for slim artificial trees under 6 feet tall that don’t eat up too much square footage. Miniature trees under 3 feet are ideal for tiny homes and tabletops. Brighter, smaller ornaments and vertical decoration placements keep apartment trees looking neat. Don’t let apartment living stop you from spreading holiday cheer!