Over the years, we’ve lived in lots of places that simply didn’t have room for an actual Christmas tree. Other years, we had the room but we were so busy that we just never got around to purchasing one or putting one up. Now, we’ve kind of started to really like the idea of getting a little crafty and building ourselves some kind of alternative tree, just for fun! That’s why we’ve had our eyes peeled recently for DIY Christmas tree alternatives that we’ve never tried before.
if you’re feeling just as intrigued as we were, if not more, by the whole concept of building yourself an alternative Christmas tree this year, check out these 15 fantastic ides, designs, and tutorials that we’ve come across so far in our search!
1. DIY wooden dowel and ornaments tree
Are you a little bit of a woodworker who enjoys creating structured things in a very hands-on way? Well, if you can get your hands on some wooden dowels, then we’re pretty sure this tutorial from Homey oh My will be right up your alley! We love the dowel tree’s minimalist aesthetic, especially once the ornaments are put into place.
2. Festive lights and trinkets tree in a bucket
Have you always been a collector of trinkets with pretty eclectic taste? Well, we’re much the same, so we certainly can’t say we blame you! That’s probably why this awesome festive lights and trinkets bucket “tree” caught our eye so well. This tutorial from Imagine Gnats has all the details you’ll need to make your very own version.
3. Wall mounted PVC pipe section tree
Did we really catch your attention with the concept of building your own structure and doing some cutting, but you don’t actually have the room to put a weighted bucket on the floor like you saw in the wooden dowel tree tutorial? In that case, we’d definitely suggest taking a look at this wall mounted PVC pipe sections alternative instead! We simply adore the way Martha Stewart made a collage-like collection of PVC sections on a wooden backing and then put their colourful Christmas ornaments right inside the rounded sections, almost like miniature trinket shelves.
4. DIY felt Christmas tree
Are you feeling quite interested in the idea of making something a little structured but you’re also usually more of a soft materials enthusiast, preferring to work with things like fabrics? In that case, we’d be willing to bet that you might get along a little better with something like this triangular cardboard and felt Christmas tree outlined step by simple step on So Sew Easy!
5. Cartoonish balloon tree and presents
Are you a lifelong fan of balloons who loves cartoony things and is feeling pretty open to a slightly more challenging idea than some of what you’ve seen so far? In that case, we’d absolutely suggest taking a look at this full tutorial and instructions list from 123 Peppy that teaches you, step by step, how to make a full Christmas tree from balloons, complete with ornaments, a star, and some gifts below! Yes, this really is made with real balloons. Impressive, we know!
6. DIY firefly lights tree
Have your favourite ideas so far on our list been either the one involving lights or the minimalist idea that looked rather understated and classy, but you’re having trouble decided between those two very different aesthetics and energies? Well, who ever said you have to choose? Instead, check out how Oh Me, Oh My combined a little bit of both ideas in order to make this absolutely stunning firefly lights tree that suspends from ceiling to floor with a simple, wintery display at the base.
7. Branches and burlap dress form tree
Are you feeling very crafty indeed but you’re also looking for something very unique and alternative indeed, even if it doesn’t actually look like a tree much at all? Well, if you happen to be able to get hold of an old dress form, then we’re pretty sure this design from Living After Midnight is just the kind of artistic piece you’re looking for! We think the evergreen branches of the skirt hearken back just enough to a classic tree to get the hint across, but the burlap top of the dress just gives the whole thing a unique vintage vibe we fully can’t get over.
8. “Almost traditional” space saving Christmas tree
Are you actually the kind of person who really enjoys having a classic Christmas tree, but the new place you’re living in simply doesn’t have the space for it? In that case, we think you’ll have much better luck with this shockingly easy tutorial from Lily Ardor that teaches you how to make a custom one that sits flush against the wall, saving you all kinds of space but still giving you that traditional Christmas aesthetic you adore!
9. Floating ornament mobile Christmas tree
Are you feeling very enthusiastic indeed about the suspended or mobile style Christmas trees we’ve talked about but you’re just not sure that a lighted version is really the route you want to take, since you can’t put your beloved ornaments on light strings? Then perhaps you’d prefer to strategically string up those ornaments to the ceiling on clear line until they make the shape of a tree themselves right there in the air! You can find help for getting your placement just right on Not Martha.
10. Vintage stacked book Christmas tree
Are you the kind of person who collects books more than anything else and loves to make just about any DIY project you make into an opportunity for celebrating your passion for reading? In that case, we think you just might be the perfect person to give this awesome stacked book “tree” a try! This tutorial from Alice Wingerden even shows you how to decorate your books with simple pom pom trim to emulate Christmas tree garland.
11. Wooden chalkboard Christmas tree
Are you actually so strapped for space this year that you really don’t have the room for anything bigger than a flat piece that can lie right close to the wall? Well, if you’re the kind of crafter who really enjoys painting things, then we’re convinced you’ll get a real kick out of the way Jaymee Srp used chalkboard paint, chalk, and a flat slab of wood to make this modern painted tree that would even fit on a mantel if you don’t have enough floor space.
12. Minimalist cardboard Christmas tree
Did you really love the shape of the felt covered Christmas tree we showed you earlier but you can’t help feeling that if you’re going to make the base shape out of cardboard first, you might as well let that shine through in its natural, minimalist charm? Then we’re absolutely convinced that you’d much prefer to follow a tutorial like this one from Instructables Living that shows you how to do essentially that. They even make recommendations for wrapping your gift boxes along that same paper aesthetic.
13. Crepe paper corner Christmas tree
Are you still really loving these clearly crafter and wall mounted Christmas trees but the only space you have free in your apartment is actually in the corner, so you’re wondering whether there might be any designs out there specifically meant for that part of a room? Well, you’re in luck! This tutorial from ShakeShakee actually shows you how to make a corner mounted Christmas tree from crepe paper and decorate it with pretty tinsel for a simple and charmingly DIY look.
14. DIY driftwood Christmas tree
Are you still thinking about how much you loved the wooden look of the very first dowel tree we showed you, but you can’t help wishing its whole style was a little more rustic rather than minimalist, even if that means taking up more space? In that case, we’d absolutely suggest taking a look at how Sustain My Craft Habit made this stunning tree from repurposed driftwood! It’s like combining all the holiday spirit of Christmas with the atmosphere you miss from your summertime beach house.
15. Flip sequin wood framed Christmas tree
Maybe woodworking is still an idea that appeals to you but you’re also the kind of person who will never hesitate to add a little bit of sparkle to just about anything you’re making? Well, if your kids are even half as obsessed with the current flip sequin trend as ours are, then we’d be willing to bet that this awesome wooden framed tree adorned with very Christmassy green and red flip sequin just might be the best project for everyone in your household! Get the full details for making your own version on At Charlotte’s House.
Have you made another kind of awesome DIY alternative Christmas tree before that you were very happy with and still put on display but that you don’t see here on our list? Tell us all about what you created and how you did it or link us to photos of your finished work in the comments section!
