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Best Christmas trees for small spaces
Tis the season for festive décor across the home, but what if you have a smaller abode? Whether you’re in a flat, a cottage, or a small home you can definitely still bring Christmas cheer to your space.
Here we’ve rounded up the best Christmas trees to suit smaller spaces, as well as alternatives to the traditional to consider.
Real Trees
If you’re dreaming of a real Christmas tree to suit your space, consider a smaller grown pot tree.
Nigel Lawton, Dobbies’ Plant Buyer explains: “Pot grown trees can be just as effective as large trees when it comes to bringing the Christmas spirit into your home.
“Our pot-grown varieties start from just £20 and are perfect for compact spaces.
Available in Nordmann Fir, Noble Fir, Blue Spruce, Serbian Spruce and Norway Spruce, you can sit them on a table or stool to add extra height without taking up precious floor space, and they receive the same specialist care as our larger trees, so you won’t be compromising on quality.
“All of our trees are sustainably grown in partnership with real tree grower, Needlefresh, in environmentally managed fields across Scotland.
“If your space is particularly narrow, consider one of our slim-cut varieties.
“The freshly cut slim Fraser Fir and Nordmann Fir are both extremely popular for those who want the classic Christmas tree look, without taking up too much space.
“They’re ideal for compact rooms or cosy corners that would struggle to fit a full-size tree while still making a striking centrepiece.”
Best real trees for small spaces
Searching for the perfect real Christmas tree for your small home? Look no further than these suggestions!
1-2 ft Pot Grown Blue Spruce Real Christmas Tree 40-60cm
The Blue Spruce is best known for its stunning colour, varying between silvery-green and stunning steel blue.
It’s grown from hand raised seedlings transplanted into growing pots plunged in the open field.
Each pot is dotted with tiny holes, all of which allow the finer tree roots to find nutrients from the surrounding soils, keeping the main root system protected and intact within.
This process means it’s highly likely you’ll be able to replant your tree outside after the festive period, and then use again next Christmas.
- 1-2 ft Blue Spruce 40-60cm, £24.99 from Dobbies – buy here
Mini Potted Christmas Tree
This real mini tree in rustic hessian wrap is a great way to bring Christmas cheer into any size home.
It works as an ideal early gift or something for you! It’s available in two sizes, Tiny and Mini, and both are perfect for growing indoors and then planting outside in the new year ready to bring it back in for next Christmas.
The Mini Potted Christmas tree is approximately 50-60cm, so perfect for smaller spaces or to bring Christmas cheer to your office or bedroom!
- Tree2myDoor Mini Potted Christmas Tree, £35 – buy here
What about houseplants?
Houseplants are another fantastic alternative to a traditional Christmas tree, especially when your space is limited.
They fit easily into compact corners, shelves and tabletops, and can still be dressed up with lights, ribbons and decorative ornaments.
Houseplants also offer long-term benefits: they’re reusable year after year, more eco-friendly than cut trees, and continue to brighten your home long after Christmas. They’re also budget-friendly and ideal if you’re looking for a low-maintenance, stylish, modern take on festive décor.
Beards & Daisies founder, Jo Lambell shares some of her top houseplant Christmas tree recommendations below.
Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria Heterophylla)
“With it’s soft, symmetrical branches and traditional conifer-like shape, the Norfolk Island pine is often dubbed a ‘living Christmas tree’. It’s perfect for creating a classic holiday look without bringing in a cut tree.
“Keep it in bright, indirect light and water it regularly to keep the soil slightly moist. This plant enjoys higher humidity, so mist occasionally or use a humidier.”
Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata)
“The fiddle leaf fig boasts large, glossy leaves and a tree-like structure that can reach a great height, making it a stunning centrepiece.
“Its sculptural beauty adds elegance and a modern twist to festive décor.
“Place it in bright, indirect light and water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. String fairy lights around the trunk or drape them gently on the branches.
“Add lightweight ornaments or festive bows, but avoid any heavy décor to prevent damage to the leaves.”
Rubber plant (Ficus Elastica Robusta)
“This plant has thick leaves and a naturally upright form, giving it a robust and festive feel.
“With dark green, burgundy or variegated leaves, it can easily fit into different Christmas colour schemes.
“The rubber plant prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.
“Water once the soil dries out slightly and mist occasionally to boost humidity. Use minimal decorations on this plant to avoid weighing down its leaves.
“Think garlands, tinsel or mini baubles tucked around the base.”
African Fig (Ficus Cyathistipula)
“The African fig features a strong trunk and attractive foliage, giving it a tree-like presence.
“Its large leaves and branching form make it stand out as a natural statement piece, especially during the festive season.
“It thrives in bright, indirect light and needs consistently moist soil, so water when the topsoil starts to dry.
“Regular pruning will also help to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
“Use lightweight ornaments, mini wreaths or a string of fairy lights wrapped around the branches.
“Avoid too much decoration to prevent branch damage, as the plant is sensitive to excess weight.”
Artificial trees
If you’d rather invest in an artificial tree for your small space, there are plenty of options available that are designed specifically for you.
Nigel Press, Seasonal Buyer at Dobbies explains: “When it comes to artificial trees, there are a wide range of options designed specifically for smaller spaces.
“Pencil trees have become increasingly popular as they fit neatly into corners of dining rooms, kitchens, or bedrooms, making them perfect if you’re following the two-tree trend.
“They provide height without the width of a traditional tree, so they work beautifully in narrow nooks.
“Dobbies also offer a wide selection of tabletop artificial trees, ranging from 51cm to 2.5ft, which are perfect for coffee tables, desks, or shelves.
“These allow you to bring a festive touch into any room without taking up too much space, making it easy to enjoy a Christmas tree even in compact homes.”
Best artificial trees for small spaces
If you’re set on the idea of an artificial tree for your small space, allow us to showcase some of the best options currently on the market.
Potted Artificial Christmas Tree
The stunning snowy finish really is the finishing touch on this sweet little potted tree.
It’s presented in a rustic wicker planter, perfect for tabletops, entryways, doorsteps or even just in the corner of your home.
The cosy festive touch your home needs!
Potted Artificial Christmas Tree 51cm, £19.99 from Dobbies – buy here
7ft Snowy Aspen Artificial Pencil Christmas Tree
If you’re wanting to bring winter into your abode but are short on space, this 7ft Snowy Aspen Pencil Tree is perfect.
It has traditional dark green branches covered in white snow, and is a stunning alternative to the classic evergreen.
It’s super simple to build, so all you need to worry about is decorating with colourful baubles and lights.
- 7ft Snowy Aspen Artificial Pencil Christmas Tree, £59 – buy here
6ft Slim Alpine Christmas Tree in Wooden Base
If you’re after a traditional green tree for a smaller space, this slim alpine tree is perfect.
It’s ideal for those who prefer a minimalist look with a natural touch.
The slender profile makes it perfect for smaller spaces or corners, while the realistic PE tips give the branches a lifelike texture and fullness.
It’s finished in classic green on a wood-effect base, bringing a rustic, alpine charm to the seasonal setup.
- 6ft Slim Alpine Christmas Tree in Wooden Base, £79 – buy here
Christmas tree alternatives?
If you’re unsure a Christmas tree will fit into your smaller home, and you’re not sold on the houseplant idea – there are still plenty of ways to rock the festive look at home.
Sue Jones, co-founder and creative director at OKA talks us through a few alternative ideas.
Mantelpiece dressing
“There isn’t always room for a Christmas tree, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring the heavenly smell of spruce and the sparkle of decorations into your home.
“A mantelpiece, shelf or sideboard makes a wonderful spot to arrange a festive display.
“Begin by layering your foliage: think ivy, pine, holly and build from the back.
“I love letting stems spill gently over the front edge.
“Then nestle in your decorations, making sure to mix sizes, textures and materials.
“For example, velvet ribbons alongside twinkly metallic baubles.
“Finally, don’t forget to leave space for candlesticks at varying heights to add that warm seasonal glow.
“The beauty of styling a surface you already have is that it nods to the tradition of a Christmas tree, without sacrificing precious floor space.”
Statement Baubles
“Suspending decorations from the ceiling is a clever way to use space that’s usually overlooked.
“Oversized paper baubles in rich berry tones bring the same sense of drama you’d get from a Christmas tree, but without losing any floor space.
“I love clustering them at different heights above a dining table, in an atrium with a double-heigh ceiling, or in the corner of a sitting room where they’ll catch the light beautifully.”
Dining table centrepiece
“A showstopping dining table centrepiece lets you bring the magic of a Christmas tree right to where everyone gathers and celebrates.
“Think of it as a horizontal tree: start with a base of foliage running down the centre of the table, then layer in dinner candles, sprigs of berries, pinecones and a touch of sparkle.
“A beaded decoration or two always adds a charming touch.
“Just remember to keep the height low enough so that guests can still see each other across the table!”
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