13 Faux Christmas Trees for Small Spaces and Beyond

If you're looking for a fun alternative to the classic evergreen, consider this list an early Christmas present.

By: Keri Sanders

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I love a good Christmas tree. I’m the kind of person that puts her Christmas tree up the day after Thanksgiving and leaves it up through New Year’s Day … and maybe a little longer. The smell, the color, the fond memories it evokes — a lush Christmas tree is definitely my idea of the perfect holiday accessory. Nothing beats it.

Make a Christmas Tree That Displays Cards

Christmas Tree Card Display

Try something new this year with a space-saving, alternative Christmas tree that can even display cards from friends and family. You'll need: 4x8-foot sheet of luan; latex paint or water-based stain; staining pad (if using stain); drill; 1/2-inch paddle bit; colored craft string; upholstery tacks or push pins; 6-foot strand of 12-gauge wire; tennis ball; picture nail; hammer; battery-operated LED twinkle lights; duct tape in metallic finish; scissors; chalk.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Photo by: Brian Patrick Flynn

Brian Patrick Flynn

But what do you do when you live in an apartment that doesn’t allow live trees? Or what if your space is simply too small? As a true Christmas tree lover, I’ve rounded up my favorite Christmas tree alternatives that are so adorable and unique, they may just be (dare I say it?) better than the real thing. Because everyone deserves a Christmas tree for the holidays.

Chalkboard Christmas Tree

Kid's Craft-Colorful Pom-Pom Garland

Kids love seeing their handmade ornaments and decorations used at Christmas. This colorful yard garland is fun and simple to make for kids of all ages, making it an ideal family craft.

From: Marian Parsons

Photo by: Marian Parsons

Marian Parsons

I always say I’m over chalkboard everything, but maybe I’m just kidding myself. This chalkboard Christmas tree with an adorable handmade pom-pom garland is simply too cute. The best part? It takes up virtually no space. Maybe a chalkboard wall is a worthy investment after all.

Make This: Pom-Pom Christmas Garland

Ombre Felt Trees

Ombre Tabletop Trees

Layer shades of same-colored felt to create a modern ombre effect, or use a solid color for a more traditional look. Either way, these eye-catching trees will add a handmade touch to this year's Christmas table.

From: Marian Parsons

You know those craft projects that once you start, you just want to keep making them for absolutely everyone you know? This is one of those projects. Stick with the ombre trend, or opt for your favorite colors with this easy felt DIY.

Make This: Ombre Felt Christmas Tree

Upholstered Christmas Trees

DIY Upholstered Christmas Trees

When it comes to Christmas trees, I say the more the merrier. This custom tree adds sophistication to any style holiday decor AND it's super easy to store away- so go ahead and make several! A grouping looks phenomenal!

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Photo by: Flynnside Out Productions

Flynnside Out Productions

If you like a very tailored, masculine look, these stylish trees are the ones for you. And with easy-to-follow instructions, you can create your own upholstered forest for the holidays.

Make This: Upholstered Christmas Trees

Wooden Outdoor Trees

Outdoor, rustic, DIY Christmas tree, using plywood and nail heads.

Outdoor Silhouette Christmas Trees Add Charm to Your Holiday Decor

Add some rustic charm to your yard with tree silhouettes made from plywood and nail heads. These attractive trees, designed by Brian Patrick Flynn, are fun in the daytime but look breathtaking when silhouetted at night by outside lighting.

Photo by: Brian Patrick Flynn

Brian Patrick Flynn

Not allowed to have a live tree in your apartment or rental home? Show off your Christmas spirit with one (or more!) of these fun outdoor wooden trees with a festive nail-head trim.

Make This: Rustic Nail-Head Christmas Trees

Wine Cork Christmas Tree

Cork Christmas Tree

Put a holiday spin on wine corks with a tabletop Christmas tree structure. Secure corks directly to floral foam cones using a hot glue gun and display all season long.

If you’re limited on space and happen to have a decent collection of wine corks, this cute tabletop tree is definitely the one for you! Simply attach the corks to a floral foam cone with hot glue. And if you decide to leave it up year round, we certainly wouldn’t blame you.

Christmas Card Tree

Christmas Tree Card Display

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Photo by: Brian Patrick Flynn

Brian Patrick Flynn

Perfect for small-space dwellers, this quaint tree does double duty as a Christmas card holder, as well. Surround it with presents and hang the stockings with care for an everything-Christmas corner.

Make This: Christmas Tree Card Display

Blue Christmas

White Built-in Bookshelf With Blue Vases & Silver Christmas Ornaments

Blue Holiday Vignette

"Use your collections to create a whimsical and engaging display in minutes," imparts stylist Matthew Mead. We adore the collection of turquoise glassware he gathered and positioned in a bookshelf to resemble the outline of a Christmas tree — it's even dotted with silvery orbs like the real deal. Photo courtesy of Matthew Mead.

For an ultra-creative way to display your Christmas cheer, try grouping jars, vases and other knickknacks on a bookshelf in the shape of a tree. A few presents at the base should solidify the look.

Fabulous Feathered Tree

Christmas tree alternative made from peacock feathers.

Glamorize Christmas with a Peacock-Feathered Holiday Tree

This gorgeous peacock-feathered tree, as seen in Dee Snyder's Celebrity Holiday Home, makes a plush and dramatic statement. The jewel tones are seasonal without being obvious and traditional.

Mix in some traditional green with a dramatic jewel-toned tree. As seen in rocker Dee Snyder’s home, this magnificent peacock-feathered variety definitely makes a statement.

Garden Tool Tree

Garden Tool Christmas Tree

Instead of letting your garden tools gather dust this winter, use them for decoration. This project does require a bit of commitment since you’ll need to drill holes to hang larger pieces, but it’s so much fun when it’s completed. Hang your garden tools in the shape of a Christmas tree and add ornaments and garlands for a festive touch.

One of my favorite Christmas tree alternatives is this wall tree made from garden tools. And if it wasn’t cool enough, the garland and bulb ornaments really take it over the top.

Wooden Plank Christmas Tree

Outdoor Holiday Wooden Tree

Make a big statement this holiday with a reclaimed wood Christmas tree sculpture. Created from reclaimed barn siding cut in different lengths and attached to a 10-foot 4 x 4 with wood screws. This rustic display adds a unique piece to any outside holiday space.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Great for outdoors and a cute option for inside as well, a lighted plank board Christmas tree is totally Pinterest-worthy. Your friends will be talking about this one for a while.

Make This: Wooden Christmas Tree

Coffee Filter Christmas Tree

Green Ombre Tree Made From Coffee Filters

Coffee Filter Christmas Tree

Dip coffee filters in fabric dye for a trendy ombre effect, then stack them to create a quick-and-easy tabletop Christmas tree. This party-time activity can double as a decorative favor that will last all winter long.

This tree utilizes one item most of us have at the ready — the ever useful coffee filter. This project is both cheap and easy, so go ahead and try one in every room.

Make This: Ombre Coffee Filter Christmas Trees

Sheet Music Christmas Tree

Sheet Music Christmas Trees

This sheet music Christmas tree display stands out against a delicate tree branch wreath backdrop.

From: Marian Parsons

For music- and shabby-chic-decor lovers alike, these mini music trees are a great alternative to the real thing. Just don’t cut up the Christmas carols — you’re going to need those come party time.

Make This: Sheet Music Christmas Tree

Modern Wall-Mounted Tree

DIY Christmas tree from fiberboard and fabric with ornaments.

Decorative Wall-Mounted Christmas Tree

Designer Casey Noble created the look and feel of a Christmas tree by creating a wall-mounted version using medium density fiberboard (MDF) trim and fabric. This tree a is perfect design for small spaces with low ceilings.

Photo by: Brian Patrick Flynn

Brian Patrick Flynn

This modern marvel was created with a bit of fabric and MDF trim. And for those who crave sleek, modern lines, this tree definitely fits the bill.

Make This: Wall-Mounted Christmas Tree