Minimalist Tree Styling in 3 Steps – Shoppable Ornament List You’ll Actually Want to Use
Let’s Be Honest—Tree Decorating Can Get… A Bit Out of Hand
You know the vibe: tangled lights from last year, glitter in places glitter should never be, and enough ornaments to decorate a department store. Been there. Done that. Never again.
So, if you’re thinking, “There has to be an easier, calmer way to do this,” you’re 100% right.
Minimalist Christmas trees are where it’s at. They’re chic, calm, Instagrammable, and—here’s the real kicker—so much easier to style. You don’t need ten bins of holiday junk. You just need a strategy. And a solid coffee. ☕
Today, I’m walking you through my 3-step minimalist tree styling guide—with a shoppable ornament list included (you’re welcome). If you’re craving a stress-free holiday look that still screams “I have my life together,” this is it.
Step 1: Pick a Tree That Sets the Mood (Real or Faux, Just Keep It Sleek)
First things first: let’s talk tree.
Whether you’re team fresh pine scent or zero-needle-drop faux, the tree you pick is your canvas—so choose wisely. Minimalism doesn’t mean boring. It means thoughtful.
Look for these features:
Slim or pencil trees – Perfect for tight spaces and clean lines.
Sparse branches – Let your ornaments breathe. No one wants a cluttered tree.
Neutral base color – Green or snowy flocked? Up to you, but stay within a neutral color palette.
My go-to this year? A Scandinavian-style faux spruce with spaced-out branches and a natural wood stand. It’s giving “Pinterest mom who has her life together,” even if I’m still folding last week’s laundry 😬.
If you're buying online, look for these brands:
Balsam Hill – Pricey but stunning.
Target Wondershop – Affordable + surprisingly stylish.
IKEA – Minimalism’s mothership.
Step 2: Curate, Don’t Clutter — Ornaments That Actually Belong
Alright, here’s where the magic happens. And by “magic,” I mean restraint.
Minimalist tree styling is about editing.
No, you don’t need every ornament you’ve ever owned. You just need a cohesive look. Think of your tree like an outfit—stick to a color scheme and a vibe.
Choose a palette:
Pick 2–3 core colors. That’s it.
My favorite combos:
Matte white + gold + wood tones
Blush pink + champagne + cream
Charcoal + silver + frosted glass
Don’t overthink it. Just ask: “Would these colors look good together in an outfit?” If yes, you’re golden.
Must-Have Minimalist Ornaments (aka your shoppable list):
These are my current obsessions and top recs. All sleek, neutral, and shoppable without the holiday headache.
1. Matte Ceramic Balls
Look: Clean, soft texture
Why: They add depth without stealing the show
Try: H&M Home, CB2, West Elm
2. Glass Droplet Ornaments
Look: Elegant and airy
Why: Light catches them beautifully
Try: Anthropologie, Crate & Barrel
3. Wooden Shapes (stars, trees, or snowflakes)
Look: Scandinavian-chic
Why: Adds warmth and texture
Try: Etsy handmade shops (support small!)
4. Metallic Accent Ornaments
Look: Shiny but not tacky
Why: One or two per side adds luxe vibes
Try: CB2 for brushed gold or matte black
5. Paper Honeycomb Ornaments
Look: Modern meets cozy
Why: Lightweight + major visual interest
Try: Muji or Amazon minimalist brands
Hot tip: Stick to sets of 6 or 12. Your tree doesn’t need 100 ornaments. Repeat a few—consistency = sophistication.
🕯️ Step 3: Add the Final Layer—Lights + Tree Skirt = Done
Okay, you’ve got the perfect tree and a gorgeous set of ornaments. But we’re not done just yet. We need to frame the whole thing, like the minimalist masterpiece it is.
Lighting: Keep it Warm & Simple
Go for:
Warm white LEDs – Cool white lights = dentist office vibes. No thanks.
Micro fairy lights – Hide the wires, let the glow shine.
Pre-lit trees – Lazy? Yes. Regret it? Never.
Ever wondered why minimal trees look so “soft” on Instagram? It’s the warmth of the lighting. Not brightness. Warmth.
Tree Skirt or Base Cover: Don’t Skip This!
The bottom of the tree needs love too. You don’t want gorgeous ornaments sitting above an old towel and some power cords. 🙃
My fave minimalist tree base options:
Chunky knit tree skirt – Cozy but clean
Rattan basket collar – Natural and structured
Wooden crate base – Rustic, but polished
Stick to neutral tones like cream, beige, light grey, or natural wood. The goal? Let the skirt support the vibe—not compete with it.
Real Talk: Why This Method Actually Works
So why does minimalist tree styling always look effortlessly stunning? Easy.
Because:
It’s intentional, not chaotic.
It lets each element shine—tree, lights, ornaments, all get their moment.
It photographs so well, even if your lighting situation at home is less-than-Holiday-Hallmark-level.
Also? It saves you TIME. And storage. And decision fatigue. You pick a palette, stick to a plan, and enjoy the freaking holidays. Sounds like a win, right?
P.S. My tree took 45 minutes this year. Total. From box to beauty.
A Few Quick Tips You’ll Be Glad I Mentioned
Just a couple extras that can make or break your minimalist look:
Hang ornaments in a zig-zag, not just on the tips. Creates dimension.
Vary ornament sizes. Big, small, medium = visual balance.
Use fishing line or clear hooks. Because chunky wire hangers ruin the aesthetic. Sorry not sorry.
And remember: empty space is part of the style. If it feels “too bare,” walk away, make a coffee, and come back. It probably looks better than you think.
Minimalist Tree Styling in a Nutshell
Here’s the TL;DR version for you list-lovers:
Pick a clean, slim tree (faux or real, just keep it sleek).
Stick to 2–3 core colors for your ornaments—edit ruthlessly.
Add lights and a neutral base—just enough to frame the look.
That’s it. You’ve got yourself a tree that says modern elegance, not chaotic Christmas explosion. 🎄
Final Thought: Give Yourself a Break, Babe
Look, the holidays can be a lot. Between shopping, wrapping, baking, and pretending you didn’t just order everything on Amazon Prime at 2am, it’s easy to feel like decorating has to be perfect.
But this minimalist tree method? It’s forgiving. It’s fun. And honestly, it gives you more time for the stuff that actually matters—like eating cookies and watching cheesy movies. 😎
So go forth, friend. Decorate that chic, pared-down beauty of a tree. And if someone says, “Is that it?” just smile and say, “It’s minimalist.” ✨
Because honestly? That’s code for “I actually know what I’m doing.”
Now over to you: Are you team bold and bright or soft and minimal this year? Tag me in your tree pics—I’ll be the one in the comments saying, ‘OMG obsessed.’ 😉