Ultimate Guide to Modern Christmas Tree Ideas You Have to See
This post is all about the best modern Christmas tree ideas you can recreate in your home this holiday season.
If you are a Christmas lover, then planning out your tree design is possibly something you look forward to as soon as the cool weather starts to roll in and your neighborhood begins to be lit up with lights galore!
There are all different styles when it comes to decorating for Christmas. Personally, I can be pretty sentimental, so I have cherished ornaments that will go up every year. But every now and then, I walk into a store that’s set up for Christmas, and they have a one-of-a-kind tree that one could only dream of having in their home!
Whether it be uniquely decorated or perfectly on this year’s trend, some people truly have a gift for creating an art piece out of their Christmas tree.
This guide is here to give you all the secrets and inspiration behind creating a modern and unique Christmas tree that will enhance your nostalgic ornaments, traditions, and holiday into something perfectly yours!
*skip to the bottom of this post for budget-friendly and eco-friendly tips!
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Modern Christmas tree themes
Throughout this post, you’ll find a blend of simple Christmas tree decorating ideas to pick and choose from, but sometimes it is nice to have an overall theme.
Especially if you are starting fresh with Christmas ornaments, Christmas tree toppers, and lights. Here are some alternative ideas that go past a standard green tree with red and green accents:
- Minimalist (white, neutral, and wood accents)
- Monochrome tree (pink, blue, or white tree with color-coordinated ornaments)
- Black and white tree with matte ornaments
- Metallic everything, from a sparkly tree to shiny ornaments
- Maximalist/eclectic tree with handmade decor and plenty of color
Best Modern Christmas Tree Ideas
Big metallic bows and simple Christmas lights
Bows are classic decor, but they are having a big moment right now. Especially if you add a metallic spin to it!
I love that these large bows can be reused year after year or even repurposed for upcoming holiday decor like Valentine’s Day right around the corner! You could easily thrift silk and make your own bows out of leftover fabric, buy silk fabric from a local shop, or buy pre-made bows to save year after year!
Here are a few different bow sizes, depending on the look that you want and the size of the tree that you have! I really think this could look great on Charlie Brown sized trees or the Christmas tree in your living room.
Upcycled Christmas ornaments in your current style for a maximalist look
You don’t need to throw out all of the ornaments you already own just because your style has changed! Hold onto them and get creative with glitter, metallic paint, rhinestones, or whatever you want!
If your ornaments have been passed down year after year but aren’t super sentimental, you can add your own spin to them now with a touch of creativity.
You could even find cool knick-knacks from local artists or vintage shops and then add a hook to them for a unique Christmas ornament all your own. Maximalist Christmas trees are trending this year, and creating your own from your unique treasures is the best way to do it!
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Rainbow painted Christmas tree ornaments
Ok, so this idea is very similar to the one before, but if you have a bunch of silver, red, and white ornaments, why not bring some new life to your Christmas tree with a rainbow Christmas tree design?
You definitely do not need as many ornaments as the one in the photo above, but creating some kind of gradient (or even ombre effect with one color!) would look really cool. Make sure to buff off the old paint or sparkles before adding on a new layer of this acrylic paint in whatever colors you dream of.
Paper lantern stars instead of ornaments
Instead of a single star tree topper, imagine a bunch of paper stars decorating your tree this year. I love how simple and minimalist this looks without being TOO simple and minimalist.
The warm glow of the stars gives off a cozy feel, and your tree would look perfect as is, or you could add some small Christmas lights to the mix as well. For a regular-sized Christmas tree, you could probably use about 6 paper stars.
If you are crafty, I say DIY why them, but if not, store bought works well too (; Just be sure to keep them out of reach from kids or cats since they’re paper and are delicate!
Monochrome neutral theme
Sometimes, simple is best, and minimalism definitely fits into a “modern” style. In order to keep a bit of warmth in your design, use neutral colors throughout your tree through your decor, ornaments, and even natural items from the outdoors (dried flowers and fruit etc.)
You can stick to one color or choose a few, but don’t go overboard because then you’ll end up in rainbow territory. Just keep it to the different shades of your favorite (or chosen) color. If you get bored with this color scheme next year, you can easily dye the fabric bows, repaint the ornaments etc. You get it (;
If you’re like me and don’t own a dehydrator, you can opt for store-bought, but I think you can also make dehydrated oranges in the oven! If you’ve done that, let us know in the comments below!
DIY Christmas banner (Merry Christmas message, family name etc.)
I think this idea may be my favorite on the list! If you aren’t ready to completely let go of your current Christmas decor but just want something a bit more fun, I think a banner with letters is the perfect addition to your tree!
It adds a bit of whimsy, and you can personalize it with your last name, “Merry Christmas” or simple festive phrases like hope, joy, noel, cheer, all strung together. This would be a suuuuper easy and fun Christmas craft, or you can buy premade letters to string together with ribbon.
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Potting a Christmas tree in a unique vessel, pot, or basket
I love a festive and homemade tree skirt, but sometimes it’s nice to mix things up with a pot. You can use a pot you already own or even thrift a basket to store your tree this year. This doubles as a great way to hide the water it sits in as well.
Paper ornaments with bold prints
Skip the normal glass or plastic ornaments and opt for paper ones instead. Choose whatever shape you prefer and then make a day or so out of decorating each paper ornament.
You could use cardboard pieces and burlap or even stock paper and bows, depending on the look you’re going for. I love the simple calligraphy on the decor pieces above, but I also think that little Christmas doodles or a scrapbook look to them would be cute as well!
Earthy modern with wooden garlands and dried oranges
I wanted to add this one to the end because I wasn’t exactly sure if this counted as “modern,” but I definitely don’t think this style of Christmas tree design is the most traditional!
All you need to achieve this look is the dried fruit from above, some wooden balls to make a garland, and regular Christmas lights! If you want a Christmas tree that blends perfectly into your more natural or neutral living room decor, this is the tree for you!
Can I use traditional ornaments on a modern tree design?
For sure! You can mix traditional ornaments (that you already own) with modern styles by choosing fewer pieces (that you are obsessed with!), sticking to a color palette, or using geometric and metallic accents with the newer ornaments you buy or thrift.
How to design modern Christmas tree ideas on a budget?
To keep costs low, try to DIY your ornaments and tree decor rather than buying new ones.
Make sure to store your decor properly (and even wash/dry it! before storage) to ensure it stays in great condition year after year, and you don’t have to rebuy.
You can also choose alternative Christmas trees, which tend to be more affordable:
- Wall-hanging trees made with lights
- small table top trees
- pallet wood trees
- Driftwood trees
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*Remember, sometimes simple is best, and some of the tree should shine through on your tree design! Don’t feel pressured to cover your tree in decor because that gets pricey quick!
Are artificial Christmas trees or real Christmas trees better for a modern look?
It doesn’t matter! It’s most important to take good care of the artificial tree that you already have or support your local tree farm when getting your Christmas tree. With a bit of DIY magic, you can style your tree in any way you can dream up!
What color schemes are the best for modern Christmas trees?
The most popular color palette right now is neutrals (white, black, and beige) or metallics (gold, silver, and copper). But truly, it isn’t all about the color scheme. You could easily keep the classic Christmas colors of red, green, and silver, but do it in a modern way with these styling tips!
Have any other contemporary Christmas tree ideas?
Let us know in the comments below! Iโm always looking for more ways to decorate my home for Christmas!
Stay well,
Maggie
This post was all about the best unique Christmas tree ideas.
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