Where to position your Christmas tree

As I write this it is the 27th of November, there is no tree up in my home yet. But! On the school run this afternoon my five-year-old and I spotted 12 Christmas trees already up and decorated on the eleven-minute walk back from school. And that’s just the ones we could spy in people’s living rooms!

I’ll be putting mine up this Friday (which is officially December) as my little girl wants it up in time for her birthday this weekend. And today’s walk home got me wondering. Will I put the tree where I always do? Or will I try somewhere new? And where is the best place to put your tree? 

The answer is always going to be personal to you based on your traditions, preferences and what you want from your tree. But there will always be aesthetic and practical considerations.  

So here’s the lowdown on…

Where to position your Christmas tree

1. Front and centre stage

If Christmas centres around your tree then it should be the focal point of your room, or even your whole home! Choose a spot where the tree is visible from the outside such as in a large window, or as soon as you enter your home, if you have a grand and large enough hallway. 

Trees are always more impressive when you can view them and approach them from a distance. So aligning a tree visible through a doorway at the end of a corridor can create an enticing and beautiful focal point. Or place it at the far end of a larger, open-plan space to create even more wow factor. 

If you want your tree to look as impressive as possible then pick one that has the right size and shape to work with the area you are placing it. Bigger isn’t always better. If your tree is too large and overwhelms the space the whole room will feel imbalanced and won’t look good. If you have very tall ceilings and your tree is too short it could also feel out of proportion. So choose the right spot then choose your tree. 

Where to position your Christmas tree

2. In a corner 

This is often the most practical option for those of us who have smaller homes. Trees are an absolute winner in a corner because they are round and round items soften corners beautifully. Whenever I design a room I will always try to place plants, floor lamps or an armchair with a lamp in a corner, so replacing one of these with your Christmas tree will be seamless. Power sockets are also often lurking in corners so winner-winner. 

Just beware it does make decorating the tree a little more challenging. But if you have a fancy prelit baby then this won’t be an issue, you’ll just need to lean around the back to chuck some baubles on there. 

Where to position your Christmas tree 

3. Against a wall

This is a tricky one to get right but it can work really well.

The thing to be wary of is the depth of space that the tree takes up. If you have a wall with something like a sideboard along it, and then you plonk a massive tree next to it, it may look like it’s jutting out from the wall too much in relation to the sideboard. And again this could throw off the visual balance of the room. However, if you have a wall with a very deep sofa along it or a dining table that is similar to the depth of the tree then this can look very harmonious. 

If your only option is a wall, rather than a corner and you don’t have a lot of depth to work with then try a half-tree, these are super popular now and really effective!

Where to position your Christmas tree

4. In a bay window

Baywindow? Yes! They make a great spot for a tree. They offer the right proportions and shape for a beautiful big tree and look beautiful inside and out. 

The only thing to consider is if you have blinds and/or curtains, just make sure you can still operate them around the tree! 

And think about what you may have to move out of the way in order to house your tree in your lovely bay window. A lot of bay windows are home to an armchair or a small sofa. Can you live without that seating over the festive period? Christmas is that time of year that often puts on pressure to add more seating to a space. So if you do have seating in your bay, make sure your tree is worth the seating compromise! 

Where to position your Christmas tree

5. Near a power source

It kind of goes without saying but most trees will have lights and need a nearby power source. Unless wireless lights are a thing now? If they aren’t already they probably will be. But for now, avoid trailing extension leads. 

Where to position your Christmas tree

6. Not blocking a radiator or door or creating a hazard

I do block a radiator with my tree, which is really annoying. It’s not the main radiator, there is a larger one in the room but I do turn the smaller one off before I put up the tree, no point paying all that money to heat one side of a tree. But these dull, practical issues ought to be factored into your decision-making process. Try to avoid blocking doorways, heat sources or creating any trip hazards!

Where to position your Christmas tree

7. Where you want the action to be

At the end of the day, if you want to enjoy tree-centred traditions and build memories around your tree then put it where you want the action to be. Don’t have it in the hallway or the dining room if you actually want to cosy up in your pj’s in the living room on Christmas morning. Christmas is a time to put comfort before aesthetics! 

Where will you be putting your tree?

I’d love to hear where you have your tree, let me know in the comments below 🎄.

Speaking of Christmas…🤫

Did you know I have the perfect gift for interior design-loving homeowners? Check out my Room by Room Renovation Planner. It’s the most beautiful book to plan your home interiors and decorating ideas for every room in your home. It’s available now while stocks last! 

Happy decorating, 

Sarah x