Learn how to incorporate the perfect sparse Christmas tree that nestles into any space with ease. These trees offer a magical glow and make decorating a breeze!
Our sparse Christmas tree might just be my favorite Christmas tree ever! Why? Because there are so many ways to decorate it, and the ornaments hang so beautifully.
This style of tree fits in beautifully with our warm and cozy minimalist home, and I’ve got tips and tricks for how to style it with love, plus shopping links for 12 of the cutest sparse trees on the market right now.
Over the past few years, we’ve done a lot to make our cozy living room feel larger, including removing the built in wet bar. It sat directly behind the corner where this sparse Christmas tree is now located! See the full before and after of our St. Louis home.
We’ve also removed a wall between the foyer and living room, but the footprint hasn’t changed. It’s a small Neutral Living Room which demands a slim Christmas tree – and that works beautifully for our family!
Today’s post is dedicated to this charming sparse Christmas tree style, but you can read more about the Frame TV seen in these photos, along with our Fireplace Mantel, our Built in Bookshelves and Bookshelf Decor Ideas, and even our new Pottery Barn Sofas here!
A sparse artificial Christmas tree is perfect for small spaces, breakfast rooms, kitchens, and even bedrooms!
It has an alpine-inspired, mountain feeling that I just love. It shows ornaments off so beautifully because there’s so much room in between the layered branches.
Sparse Christmas Tree
Of course we all dream of grand spaces with high (coffered) ceilings, but it isn’t always a reality, so I chose a grand 7′ pre-lit sparse artificial Christmas tree that feels magical and is the perfect scale for the space.
It doesn’t overwhelm our living room but adds so much whimsy and charm!
This is no Charlie Brown sparse Christmas tree, my friends. It feels special, magical, and perfectly fitting for the style of our simple home.
This tree nestles perfectly in the corner between our living room and kitchen. It’s seen from the moment you walk into our home and because it’s a pre-lit tree, you can also get a glimpse passing by on the street.
A pre-lit tree is always magical with lights strung throughout each and every branch – which is difficult to achieve with a real tree.
How to Decorate a Sparse Artificial Christmas Tree
There’s an incredible variety of options for how to decorate your sparse Christmas tree! You can go opulent, as shown in these living room images. This tree allows every ornament, twinkling light and garland to truly shine.
Or, go equally minimal with a Scandinavian Christmas look, with less ornaments and glitz.
We’ve approached our sparse Christmas tree in three different ways over the last few years, as you’ll see below.
Glitzy
The first year, we went glamorous! We used sparkling ornaments, bejeweled garlands, silk ribbons and more.
The pearl and crystal garlands drape so effortlessly and have a sweet little bell at the end. The glow of the lights of the pre-lit tree make them twinkle.
I also tied a few silk bows to the ends of branches throughout for a touch of effortless elegance. Don’t forget to come over and see how this Christmas tree looks all lit up at night in our nighttime Christmas tour!
Minimalist
We’ve also used this sparse Christmas tree in our Christmas bedroom! When we used it in this space, I knew it would need very minimal decorating to feel warm and special.
So with that in mind, we added only the crystal garlands from our glitzy tree year, swagging them from branch to branch as casually as we could.
Didn’t it turn out just beautiful? As much as I love an over the top Christmas tree, this one might be my favorite look of all!
Scandinavian Inspired
Most recently, we used our sparse Christmas tree at our lake cottage. (See the full before and after of our lake home here!)
I created a Scandinavian Inspired Christmas, using tons of soft velvety blues, creams, raw wood garlands and aged brass. It felt natural, soft and beautiful, reflecting the view of the water through our living room windows.
The sparse Christmas tree felt equally at home in this setting, because we treasure our calming view and the minimalist, Coastal Modern style we’ve embraced here.
Tips
- Let the simplicity of the tree shine! Don’t overload it with ornaments, to allow the beauty of these trees to be showcased.
- Looking forward to a minimalist Christmas? This is the right tree for you!
- Looking to accent your sparse tree with some holiday garlands? Read more about Pine Garlands and Cedar Garlands here.
Frequently Asked Questions
These trees are referred to under a variety of names. Some folks call them an Alpine tree, some call it a slim tree, or slender tree. Our favorite is just referring to it as a sparse Christmas tree!
First, add the bottom layer of branches to the main trunk of the tree. Then, wrap each branch by starting at the base and working your way around each individual branch, from center of tree to tip of each branch, and then back to inside.
Repeat this process from center to tip of each branch all the way up. It will appear as though your tree is lit from within – giving it a truly magical glow!
Sparse Christmas Tree Sources
(as pictured in this post, pre-lit)
6′, 7.5′, 9′
Flocked 6.5 Pre-lit Sparse Tree
The flocked version of our tree.
6′, 5′ and 4′ options
Slender Green Spruce Christmas Tree with LED Lights
6, 7, 9 ft tall
60” Lighted Artificial Fir Christmas Tree
$135.99 current sale price
Faux Pre-Lit Washington Spruce
5′, 6′, 7.5′, 9′ height options
Faux Hemlock Pre-Lit LED Christmas Tree
4′, 6′, 9′ available
(no lights)
Mini Tabletop Sparse Christmas Tree
2 ft Pre-lit for $29.99 (and often a coupon, too!)
For even more Serena and Lily dupes and up-to-the minute finds, follow on our Amazon Storefront and LTK!
Let the season begin! How are you decorating for the holidays this year?
Can you tell me the width of the tree . I need one to fit in a small space and I love the look of the sparse branches. In your photographs it appears to be at least 7 ft and narrow. But looking on the balsam hill website the width of that tree states 56 inches 🤔
Hi Lynsey!
I believe ours is only 48″ across as we have the 7.5 foot version. It’s called the Alpine Balsam Fir if that helps!
I’ve had several people purchase this tree as well, which looks quite similar in shape and size and is on sale right now- not sure if it’s any more slender though? (affiliate link) https://rstyle.me/+E_o2lRiwV_dM56KmtejFDw
Good luck!
Julie
I love how you decorate for the holidays! However, I don’t love Balsam Hill. This is our 2nd Christmas with a tree from them…our 3rd tree…and each one defective. We have asked for a refund and they have turned us down.
Oh no, I’m sorry to hear that. I’ve had really great luck with them.
Love love love your sweet tree my friend!! And we think alike!! 🙂 I have the frosted versions of these cuties dressed with the same pink baubles!! Love how your beautiful tree came out and so thrilled to be on this BH tour with you!!! xoxo
Thank you, Courtney! Your Christmas decorations are always an inspiration!
I bought this tree in the flocked version 9 feet. It is so beautiful and magical. Balsalm Hill trees are the best. Love how you decorated yours. So pretty!
Aren’t they? I bet the flocked is oh so pretty in your home!
This sweet little tree looks perfect in your living room.
Thank you, Danielle! Hope you enjoy the holiday season!