Enter the alternative Christmas tree — 15 creative ideas for adding cool to your yule this year. Some of these trees are 3-dimensional, and some are flat. Some are quick and easy, while others may require a few tools to assemble. But regardless of style or substance, each tree is full of wit and whimsy, ensuring that you'll celebrate the season in a way that's anything but traditional.
FIRST ROW:
1. Re-imagined Spruce - design and image by Johan Lagerstrom via Annikas Inredning
2. String of Lights Tree - Domino Magazine via Apartment Therapy
3. Standing Flat Tree - BASICLABEL*SWEDEN
4. Envelope Advent Tree - Krakvik & Dorazio via Shoebox Apartment Living
5. Canvas Glitter Tree - Marie Claire Maison
SECOND ROW:
6. Painted Corner Tree - Design Sponge
7. Washi Tape Tree - Teip
8. Chalkboard Christmas Tree - Matthew Mead via House & Home
9. Unfinished Wood Tree - mérchant design
10. Margareta Fabric Tree - Ikea via CÔTÉ MAISON
THIRD ROW:
11. Stacked Books Tree - The Moravian Book Shop, image by Soon Remembered Tales
12. Bookcase Tree - Michael Johansson
13. Driftwood Tree - Live Eco
14. Instagram Tree - helt enkelt
15. Craft Paper Drawn Tree - Styled Creative, image by Alison Conklin via Style Me Pretty
MORE ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS TREES ON APARTMENT THERAPY:
• Creative Christmas Trees for Small Spaces
• Not Your Average Christmas Trees
• Simple & Thrifty: Branch Christmas Trees
(Images: as linked above)
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I will definitely have to do one of these next year. My living room is small, so I like the idea of something flat on a wall.
I had given up on a Christmas tree in my studio apartment until I stumbled upon Ikea's fabric tree (#10 above). Its great! I've pinned flat (or mostly flat) origami creations as ornaments, and have hung lights above it. I love it, as does everyone else who has seen it so far. For anyone interested...they were on clearance at my Ikea in the SF Bay Area last weekend...not sure if they would still be there.
Most of my friends don't send cards, but I'm going to save the 3 or 4 I get from family until I have enough to make a wreath or tree shape on the wall in a few years. It will be the perfect way to decorate my tiny foyer.
I love the chalkboard Christmas tree. I have a small house and didn't want to spend big bucks on a tree, so I made a tree "arrangement" and shared about it here.. http://turningithome.blogspot.com/2012/12/our-homemade-christmas-tree.html
I like traditional Christmas which include the tree however I really like #6 and I think #7 is just sad.
In a few years...lol why wait? be creative, you can use other stuff like snowflakes to fill in the bare spots.. enjoy yourself. Have fun
Love these. Somehow they're even more rustic than a traditional tree. And what character! We ran out of time last year but one of these will be in our home by next year. Love!
This reminds me of the tree I saw at the law school in my old university. It was made out of old law books.
The paint by number looking tree and the wall hanging are my favorites, but I don't think I'd be able to give up having a live tree and putting up all of my vintage glass ornaments (although I do love a good DIY project)!
Here's my traditional tree with DIY touches... www.kitsch-love.tumblr.com