green christmas tree placed near the staircase by a chair

How to Decide Where to Put Your Christmas Tree

When you’ve set up as many Christmas trees as I have over the years—both real and artificial—you learn a thing or two about what not to do. I remember one year, my youngest son pulled down half our decorations trying to reach the star. It reminded me that setting up a tree involves more than just tossing on some lights and tinsel. It’s about avoiding those common mishaps that could lead to safety issues or decorating blunders.

The best place to put your Christmas tree is in a visible, accessible spot that enhances the holiday atmosphere without obstructing daily life. Choose a location with good lighting, consider proximity to outlets, and keep the tree out of high-traffic areas. Ensuring the tree fits comfortably in your chosen space will create a beautiful focal point that’s practical and festive.

Choosing the Right Spot for Your Christmas Tree

artificial christmas tree in the living room

What Room is Best for the Christmas Tree?

The living room is usually the go-to spot since it’s where families gather, but consider other options like an entryway to make a bold first impression or even the dining room if you entertain there during the holidays. The goal is to create a festive ambiance in the room where everyone will spend the most time together.

Does Natural Light Affect Tree Placement?

Natural light can give your tree an extra glow during the day, especially if you’re using a tree that doesn’t have pre-lit branches. However, too much direct sunlight could fade decorations over time, particularly on an artificial tree. If you prefer a well-lit tree, place it near a window but out of direct sun exposure.

How Close Should the Tree Be to an Outlet?

For convenience, having an outlet nearby is essential for easily connecting lights without running cords across the room. This way, you can avoid extension cord clutter, which can be both a tripping hazard and a distraction from your beautiful setup.

Creative Locations for Christmas Trees

  • Bedroom: A smaller tree in bedrooms adds a cozy, personal touch to holiday decor and makes a lovely addition, especially for children’s rooms.
  • Kitchen: Consider a small tree or festive arrangement in the kitchen for a bit of holiday spirit. Just keep it clear of cooking areas.
  • Entryway: An entryway tree makes a warm welcome, especially if you have guests over during the holidays.
  • Dining Room: Setting up a tree near your dining area adds elegance and a festive atmosphere to holiday meals.

Making the Most of Your Space for Christmas Trees

girl sitting on the bed in her bedroom with a christmas tree

When setting up a Christmas tree, using your space effectively can make all the difference. Here’s how to work with various types of spaces and even consider adding multiple trees for a cohesive, festive feel throughout your home:

Best Tree Placement for Different Types of Rooms

  • Small Spaces: For apartments or cozy rooms, choose a slim or tabletop tree to save space without sacrificing holiday charm. Corners are ideal as they maximize the room layout.
  • Open-Plan Living Areas: In open spaces, create a “zone” around the tree with furniture or a stylish rug to define the tree as a focal point.
  • High Ceilings: If you have tall ceilings, choose a larger tree to fill the space, leaving at least a foot of clearance from the top to the ceiling.

Should You Have A Tree In Every Room?

Having more than one Christmas tree allows you to spread the holiday cheer throughout your home. A large “showpiece” tree in the living room can set the main holiday vibe, while smaller, themed trees in spaces like bedrooms or the kitchen can bring a bit of festivity to every corner.

To create a cohesive look, you can stick to a consistent color scheme across all trees, or go for a more playful approach with different themes for each room, giving each space its unique holiday personality. This way, you get a beautifully coordinated yet festive variety in your holiday decor.

Special Considerations for Real vs. Artificial Trees When Deciding Placement

holiday christmas tree in the corner of the living room
  • Proximity to Heat Sources
    • Real Trees: Need to be placed away from heat sources, such as fireplaces and heaters, since they can dry out quickly, increasing the risk of fire.
    • Artificial Trees: More resilient near heat sources, though it’s still best to avoid placing them directly by fireplaces or radiators to prevent fading or heat damage.
  • Space and Room Size
    • Real Trees: Require sufficient space for branches to spread naturally. Smaller rooms may feel cramped with a full-sized real tree, especially if foot traffic is a concern.
    • Artificial Trees: Come in various shapes and sizes, often adjustable, making them ideal for small or awkward spaces. For example, our platform tree can be customized to different heights to suit varying room dimensions.
  • Lighting and Visibility
    • Real Trees: Often look best in natural light, near a window, but be cautious of sunlight exposure as it can speed up drying. The tree’s natural beauty is enhanced by soft, indirect lighting.
    • Artificial Trees: Not affected by sunlight and can be positioned in dimmer areas of the home. This allows for more creative placement, even in spaces where natural light is limited, like hallways or corners.
kid opening presents in front of the christmas tree placed by the windows
  • Access to Water
    • Real Trees: Must be placed somewhere that allows easy access to refill the water reservoir. If water access is inconvenient, consider moving the tree slightly to avoid constant reaching or bending.
    • Artificial Trees: No water required, so placement is more flexible, even in hard-to-reach areas where a real tree might struggle to thrive without regular watering.
  • Flooring Type
    • Real Trees: Can drop needles and may cause water spills, so it’s best to avoid delicate floors or carpeted areas. Hardwood or tiled surfaces are easier to clean and protect with a tree skirt or mat.
    • Artificial Trees: No shedding or water spills, making them suitable for all flooring types, even delicate surfaces. Ideal for apartments or rooms where a real tree could lead to extra maintenance.

Why Our Platform Christmas Tree is the Perfect Fit for Any Space

green holiday celebration tree placed in the corner of the living room with gifts around it

Deciding where to place a Christmas tree can be a challenge, but our platform tree simplifies the process. Designed with adaptability in mind, it can be adjusted to a range of heights—from a modest 3 ft to a striking 7 ft—making it a seamless fit for any room size, whether in a cozy nook or a spacious open-plan area. This adjustability means you don’t have to worry about ceiling height or room constraints; instead, you get a tree that adapts to your space.

Because of its unique platform design, our tree is both versatile in decoration and a natural conversation piece. You can dress it up minimally for an elegant, understated look or go maximalist with layers of ornaments and lights, depending on the vibe and placement you envision. Its eco-friendly construction from high-quality, recycled materials also ensures that it’s a sustainable choice you can enjoy year after year, no matter where life takes you.

Check out our platform Christmas tree here

FAQs

How far should the Christmas tree be from the fireplace?

Keep it at least three feet away to prevent fire hazards.

What if I don’t have a large enough space for a big tree?

Consider a slim or tabletop tree, or place it in a corner to save space.

Can I put my tree near the dining table?

Yes, placing it nearby adds charm, but ensure it doesn’t block movement around the table.

Is it safe to put a tree near a window heater? 

Avoid placing trees near heaters, as real trees can dry out and both real and artificial trees can become fire hazards.

Does tree height include the stand?

Most artificial tree measurements include the stand. Be sure to double-check product details to confirm.

Closing Thoughts

holiday celebration tree closeup shot of the snowflocked white tree

Choosing the best spot for your Christmas tree is all about balancing functionality with festivity. By considering room layout, ceiling height, and household needs, you can create a beautiful and safe holiday display. Our platform Christmas tree offers the ultimate flexibility for any space, with eco-friendly materials and adjustable height options to suit every home. Explore our unique tree collection to find the perfect fit that complements your home’s holiday decor.

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