Decorating your living room for Christmas is one of the most joyful parts of the holiday season. Whether you prefer a traditional, cozy atmosphere or a clean and modern holiday look, the placement of your Christmas tree has a major impact on both the feel and the function of your space.
According to Magaly del Castillo, La-Z-Boy’s in-home interior designer, arranging your room thoughtfully can make your tree feel purposeful rather than crowded.
“Start by looking at your space with fresh eyes. The tree should enhance the room, not overwhelm it. A few small changes can make a big difference,” she explains.
This guide walks you through positioning your Christmas tree, adjusting your furniture layout, and creating a festive, cohesive look that suits your home and its occupants.
Key Takeaways:
- Assess your living room layout and choose a tree size that fits your ceiling height and available space.
- Select a clear focal point where the Christmas tree can stand out without obstructing walkways or obstructing important views.
- Improve sightlines and traffic flow by moving or removing furniture as needed.
- Incorporate simple Feng Shui principles to enhance harmony and holiday energy.
- Use a coordinated decor theme to tie your tree and living room together.
In This Article...
- Assess the Size and Layout of Your Living Room
- Choose the Best Focal Point for Your Christmas Tree
- Check Sightlines and Traffic Flow
- Use Feng Shui Principles to Enhance Holiday Energy
- Rearrange or Remove Furniture for Better Space
- Set Up and Decorate the Tree
Step 1: Assess the Size and Layout of Your Living Room
Before deciding where your Christmas tree will go, take a moment to evaluate your living room’s overall layout. This includes measuring ceiling height, checking available floor space, and noting any fixed elements such as fireplaces or built-ins.
Magaly recommends pausing to see your room as if you were walking into it for the first time.
“Think about how much space you can comfortably dedicate to a tree and how the tree will interact with the rest of the room,” she says.
What to Consider:
- Ceiling height to determine tree height.
- Room width to avoid crowding.
- Existing furniture layout to anticipate adjustments.
If your space is limited, consider a slimmer tree or alternative decor such as a decorated mantel or tabletop tree. You can still achieve a festive look without overwhelming the room.
To learn more about How to Measure a Room, take a look at this article.
Step 2: Choose the Best Focal Point For Your Christmas Tree
Your Christmas tree should feel intentional, not accidental. Choosing a strong focal point ensures that the tree supports your living room layout rather than disrupting it. Before looking at specific locations, consider how the tree will look during both daylight and evening lighting.
Natural light may highlight your tree during the day, while in the evening it becomes a warm visual anchor. If you plan to host gatherings, think about where your guests naturally gather and choose a spot where the tree will be appreciated often.
Here are some popular focal point options that work well in most living rooms:
- A corner of the room, which helps maintain balance
- Near a fireplace, positioned safely but visually connected
- In front of a large window, offering indoor ambiance and curb appeal
- Behind a sofa, creating a subtle but elegant backdrop
Magaly notes that choosing a spot where the tree can be seen from multiple angles helps unify the space with holiday spirit.
Step 3: Check Sightlines and Traffic Flow
Once you identify where the tree might go, take a moment to observe how it affects visibility and movement in the room. Walk through your living area as if you were carrying holiday treats or wrapped gifts. This helps you understand how naturally the space flows and whether the tree interrupts any pathways.
Even small adjustments, such as angling a chair or shifting an end table, can make the room feel more open and organized.
Use these simple flow considerations as you plan:
- Avoid blocking doorways or walkways
- Keep the tree from obstructing key views
- Maintain room for guests to move comfortably during gatherings
Magaly reminds homeowners that the tree should contribute to the room rather than compete with it. Functionality is key, especially in busy households during the holidays.
Step 4: Use Feng Shui Principles to Enhance Holiday Energy
Feng Shui can be a helpful guide when choosing the best placement for your Christmas tree.
In this practice, the tree symbolizes life, renewal, and growth. Beyond placement, your ornament colours, ribbon textures, materials, and even the tree skirt can influence the energy you are inviting into your space.
Here are common Feng Shui placement zones:
- East for health and family
- Southeast for prosperity and abundance
- South for reputation and creative expression
Magaly explains that Feng Shui blends naturally with the holidays because both focus on harmony, warmth, and meaningful intention. Decorating your tree with colours that reflect your goals can help create a joyful, balanced atmosphere throughout your home.
To learn more about using Feng Shui in your living room, take a look at this article.
Step 5: Rearrange or Remove Furniture For Better Space and Balance
Making room for a Christmas tree often requires adjusting your layout. Before moving anything, envision how the room should feel once the tree is in place.
If your goal is to highlight the tree as the seasonal centrepiece, you may want to create a small holiday vignette nearby with an accent chair and small table. This defines the tree area without crowding the main seating zone.
Consider these furniture adjustments:
- Shift accent chairs closer to the walls
- Swap larger tables for nesting tables
- Remove non-essential pieces to reduce clutter
- Cluster seating to free more space for the tree
According to Magaly, removing even one unnecessary piece can make the entire layout feel open and refreshed, especially in smaller living rooms.
To learn How to Properly Arrange Your Furniture in Your Living Room, take a look at this article.
Step 6: Set Up and Decorate the Tree
Once your layout is ready, bring in the tree and begin decorating. Before placing ornaments, take a moment to think about how the tree’s style connects to the rest of your room.
A tree decorated in metallics may pair well with modern decor, while rustic ornaments complement warm, traditional spaces. Consistency in colour and material goes a long way in making your living room feel cohesive.
Follow this simple layering method:
- Start with the lights
- Add garland or ribbon
- Place ornaments from largest to smallest
- Finish with a tree skirt or decorative base
Magaly encourages choosing items that feel personal and meaningful, since holiday decor should reflect traditions and memories that bring you joy.
What's Next?
Now that you know how to arrange your living room around a Christmas tree, you’re ready to arrange your furniture to your heart’s content! With that being said, if you’re looking for new furniture, why not shop at La-Z-Boy?
Although there may not be any specific examples of furniture pieces to choose from when it comes to Christmas, Magaly says a lot of our frames encourage holiday festivities and family-friendly seating.
That being said, visit us at a local Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston La-Z-Boy location to view our selection in person and take a sit test. You can also schedule an appointment online.
Our sales consultants are always eager to lend a helping hand. Additionally, consider taking advantage of our interior design services and working with an interior designer to see how our furniture could fit in your living room design. To learn more about what you can do with La-Z-Boy Home Decor, take a look at this comprehensive Home Decor Buyer’s Guide.
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