Decorating for Christmas is one of the most exciting traditions of the holiday season. But what happens when you don’t have a lot of space? Apartments, condos, or even small living rooms can make it tricky to set up a full, wide tree. That’s where pencil Christmas trees come in. Sleek, narrow, and space-saving, pencil trees let you bring festive cheer to tight areas—especially when styled in a corner. But the question many people ask is: how do you style a pencil Christmas tree so that it looks elegant and not like an afterthought?
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to style a pencil Christmas tree in a corner. From picking the right size to decoration themes, placement tricks, and lighting techniques, you’ll discover how to create a holiday focal point even in the smallest spaces.
Why Choose a Pencil Christmas Tree?
Before diving into styling tips, let’s look at why pencil Christmas trees are growing in popularity.
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Space-Saving Design: Unlike traditional full-bodied trees, pencil trees have a slim profile, making them perfect for corners, entryways, and tight spaces.
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Modern Look: Their sleek silhouette adds a touch of contemporary elegance to your Christmas setup.
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Versatility: Pencil trees can be decorated in minimalistic or maximalist ways, depending on your style.
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Easy Storage: After the holidays, they’re much easier to pack away than bulky trees.
If you live in an apartment, dorm room, or small home, or if you simply want an extra tree to accent a room, a pencil tree is the perfect option.
Finding the Perfect Corner for Your Pencil Christmas Tree
The first step in styling your pencil Christmas tree is deciding on placement. Corners are naturally great spots, but not every corner will work equally well.
Consider Lighting
Natural light can make decorations sparkle during the day, but you also want your tree visible from where people sit or gather. Place the tree near a window for extra glow at night but avoid direct sunlight, which can fade flocking or ornaments.
Think About Traffic Flow
Corners near doorways can get bumped often, which isn’t ideal. Choose a low-traffic corner where your tree can shine without being a tripping hazard.
Create a Focal Point
Corners near fireplaces, TVs, or sofas are ideal because they naturally draw the eye. When guests sit in your living room, the pencil tree becomes part of the holiday ambiance.
Choosing the Right Pencil Christmas Tree Size
Pencil trees come in many heights, from 4 feet to over 9 feet. When placing your tree in a corner, keep these tips in mind:
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Ceiling Height Matters: Always leave at least 6–12 inches between the tree top and ceiling for a star or topper.
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Balance the Room: A 9-foot pencil tree looks stunning in a large living room, but in a studio apartment, a 6-foot tree may be more appropriate.
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Width Proportion: Since pencil trees are narrow, you can go taller without overwhelming the space.
Styling a Pencil Christmas Tree: Decoration Tips
Here’s where the fun begins—actually decorating your pencil tree to make it beautiful and festive.
Choose a Theme
A clear theme ties your decorations together and prevents your tree from looking cluttered. Some popular pencil tree themes include:
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Classic Red & Gold – timeless, warm, and traditional.
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Winter Wonderland – whites, silvers, and icy blues for a frosted effect.
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Rustic Charm – burlap, pinecones, and wooden ornaments.
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Modern Glam – metallics, glass ornaments, and velvet ribbons.
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Minimalist Scandinavian – natural wood, white ornaments, and simple lights.
Layer Your Lights
Lighting is the foundation of styling any Christmas tree. Since pencil trees are slimmer, you’ll need fewer lights, but placement is key.
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Use warm white lights for a cozy glow or cool white lights for a modern look.
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Wrap lights evenly from top to bottom, weaving them inward and outward for depth.
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Consider fairy lights or LED micro-lights for a delicate sparkle.
Add Garland or Ribbon
Garland or ribbon adds texture and volume to narrow trees. Instead of wrapping horizontally, try cascading ribbon vertically for a sleek, elongating effect. Mesh ribbon, velvet, or organza work beautifully on pencil trees.
Ornaments: Balance is Key
Because pencil trees are slim, overloading them with oversized ornaments can overwhelm the design. Instead:
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Mix medium and small ornaments.
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Place larger ones deeper inside the tree for depth.
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Use similar colors in different finishes (matte, glossy, glitter) to add variety.
The Tree Topper
A pencil tree deserves a topper that enhances its vertical look. Stars, bows, or angel figures all work well. For smaller trees, try a ribbon spray or cluster of decorative picks instead of oversized toppers.
Styling a Pencil Christmas Tree in a Corner: Design Tricks
Corners can sometimes feel like afterthoughts in a room, but with the right design choices, your tree can become the star of the season.
Mirror the Glow
If your corner has a mirror or glass surface, place your tree nearby so the lights reflect and make the display look fuller.
Add Floor Décor
Don’t just stop at the tree—style the base with a tree skirt, faux snow, or a woven basket tree collar. Add wrapped presents or decorative lanterns to complete the scene.
Corner Complement Decor
Hang wreaths, stockings, or wall-mounted holiday signs near the tree to frame the space and make the corner feel intentionally styled.
Creative Styling Ideas for Pencil Christmas Trees
Let’s dive into some unique and trending ways people are decorating their pencil trees in corners.
Minimalist Neutral Tree
Use neutral tones like beige, ivory, and gold. Keep ornaments simple, and let the sleek tree shape speak for itself.
Double Tree Setup
Place two pencil trees of different heights in the same corner. This staggered effect adds depth and drama.
Color-Coordinated Rooms
Match your tree decorations with your existing décor. If your living room has navy accents, incorporate blue ornaments for a cohesive look.
Whimsical Theme
Bright colors, candy-cane ornaments, and playful decorations turn your corner into a cheerful holiday nook—perfect for families with kids.
Styling Pencil Trees Beyond the Living Room
Pencil Christmas trees aren’t limited to living rooms. Because of their slim shape, you can style them in unexpected spaces.
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Dining Room Corner: A pencil tree adds festive charm while leaving space for dining tables and chairs.
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Bedroom Corner: Imagine cozying up with twinkling lights near your bed.
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Hallway or Entryway: Welcome guests with a beautifully decorated slim tree right as they enter.
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Office Corner: Pencil trees add holiday cheer to workspaces without overwhelming the room.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Styling a Pencil Christmas Tree
Even the best decorators can make mistakes, so here are things to watch out for:
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Overcrowding: Because pencil trees are narrow, too many large ornaments can look messy.
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Uneven Lighting: Skipping spots will make the tree look patchy. Always step back and check from different angles.
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Ignoring the Base: A bare stand at the bottom ruins the look. Use skirts, collars, or decorations.
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Wrong Scale: Using decorations too big for the tree makes it look unbalanced.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Style a Pencil Christmas Tree in a Corner
- Place your tree in a low-traffic corner with good visibility.
- Fluff the branches to make the tree look full.
- Wrap lights evenly, starting from the bottom.
- Add ribbon or garland for texture.
- Hang ornaments, starting with larger ones deep inside.
- Add small accent ornaments to the outer branches.
- Finish with a topper that complements the tree height.
- Style the base with a skirt or decorative collar.
- Step back, adjust, and balance the look.
Final Thoughts on Styling Pencil Christmas Trees
Pencil Christmas trees prove that you don’t need a huge living room to create holiday magic. With smart placement, intentional styling, and the right decorations, your tree can transform a simple corner into a stunning Christmas focal point.
Whether you prefer minimalism, traditional holiday charm, or modern glam, learning how to style a pencil Christmas tree ensures that even the smallest space becomes festive and inviting. By following these tips, you’ll not only save space but also gain a beautifully styled Christmas display that brings joy all season long.
