Decorating your living room around the Christmas tree is an exciting holiday tradition that brings warmth and cheer to your home. Choosing the perfect tree, deciding where it should go, and creating a cohesive holiday look that fits your room can enhance your holiday celebrations and make your living room a cozy, inviting space for friends and family.
Below, we’ll walk through a step-by-step guide on positioning your tree for a beautiful and functional living room layout. From arranging furniture to creating an aesthetic flow, we’ll cover all the details, along with design tips from La-Z-Boy’s in-home interior designer, Magaly del Castillo. Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways:
- Consider the layout of your living room to choose a tree that complements the space.
- Identify a focal point for your tree to ensure it enhances the room without overwhelming it.
- Create a balanced layout by removing or rearranging furniture for more space.
- Explore Feng Shui principles for positive energy during the holidays.
- Choose a decor theme that ties the tree and living room together.
In This Article…
Before picking the spot for your Christmas tree, assess the layout and size of your living room. "The first step is always to look at the room with fresh eyes," suggests Magaly del Castillo. "Think about how much space you can comfortably dedicate to a tree and where it would fit best in the existing layout."
Start by noting the height of your ceilings and the width of any available open floor space. A large, full tree could be the perfect choice to fill the space and create a warm, cozy ambiance if you have tall ceilings and a spacious layout. But, if your living room is more compact, opt for a smaller or slimmer tree that won’t overpower the room.
You can still bring in holiday cheer in particularly tight spaces without a full-sized tree.
Magaly recommends festive alternatives: “Dress up a fireplace mantel or coffee table instead. With thoughtful decor, you can make any space feel festive without compromising on comfort or function.”
2. Choose a Focal Point for Your Tree
Your Christmas tree serves as the star of the holiday season, so placing it in a prominent location can maximize its impact. Think of areas in your living room where the tree will catch the eye from various vantage points, like:
- A corner of the room – This is a great option if you have a more compact space or if the room’s layout guides the eye to this area naturally.
- Near a fireplace – Positioning the tree near a fireplace adds warmth but keeps it at a safe distance.
- In front of a large window – A bay window is an ideal backdrop for a tree, adding both indoor and outdoor appeal, especially when the tree is lit.
- Behind the main seating area – Positioning the tree behind a couch can make it a subtle yet impactful feature in the room.
Magaly notes, “Choose a spot where you and your guests can enjoy it from multiple angles. A tree that can be seen and appreciated throughout the room brings the holiday spirit to life.”
After selecting your focal point, take a moment to evaluate how the tree will look from different angles. Try to avoid placing it where it obstructs key views, like the television or other seating areas. Placing the tree in a corner, near a wall, or in front of a window often allows it to be both prominent and practical.
3. Check Sightlines and Flow
Once you’ve chosen your focal point, observe the sightlines to see if the tree is visible and functional from all main areas in the room. This will help ensure it doesn’t block walkways or essential views, like the television.
“Remember to keep functionality in mind,” Magaly suggests. “You want to enjoy the tree without it disrupting the flow of the room or becoming an obstacle. Assess the main pathways around the living room to keep the space open, especially if you’ll be entertaining guests.”
When positioning your tree, it’s best to avoid setting it up too close to a high-traffic area where it might get bumped or jostled. If your layout feels too cramped, move nearby furniture a bit to free up space and improve flow.
4. Embrace Feng Shui for Festive Energy
If you’re open to Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese practice of arranging spaces to optimize energy flow, the placement of your Christmas tree can add positive energy to your home. The tree’s placement within the room can influence certain aspects of energy, symbolizing:
- East: Health and family.
- Southeast: Wealth and abundance.
- South: Fame and reputation.
According to Magaly, the concept of Feng Shui blends well with the holiday spirit. "Think of it as a way to bring in more harmony. By positioning your tree in these areas, you might be able to bring a little extra holiday joy, good fortune, or prosperity into your home."
To maximize the benefits of feng shui, decorate your tree with colours and ornaments that reflect your intentions. For instance, green and red decorations enhance prosperity and family unity, while gold or silver adds a touch of fame and reputation.
To learn more about using Feng Shui in your living room, take a look at this article.
5. Rearrange or Remove Furniture
Making room for a Christmas tree may require temporarily rearranging or removing furniture. Magaly shares that one of the most common mistakes is "Overcrowding the space with furniture around the tree can take away from the magic. Sometimes, removing a single piece can open up the entire layout."
If possible, clear a few non-essential pieces, like side tables or smaller chairs, to allow for an open and airy feel. Utilize multifunctional furniture, such as nesting tables, which save space when stacked, yet provide surfaces when needed. Ottomans can also be a helpful addition, as they can serve as both seating and table space.
If moving pieces out of the living room isn’t feasible, consider arranging them in a way that enhances the open space around the tree. This may mean placing furniture against the walls or creating a central cluster that offers more space to highlight the tree as a focal point.
6. Bring in the Tree and Start Decorating!
Now that the room is arranged, it’s time for the best part—bringing in and decorating the tree! Magaly suggests letting the theme of the tree inspire the room’s holiday decor. "Coordinate the colours and decor theme throughout the space for a harmonious look. If your tree has a vintage theme, for example, bring in cozy textures and warm, nostalgic colours in the rest of the decor."
Choose ornaments, garlands, and other decorations that suit both the tree and the room’s style. Consistency in colour and theme will create a cohesive and festive look throughout your home. Magaly encourages everyone to make this process personal: "Your holiday decor reflects the traditions and memories that mean the most to you. Embrace them and make them uniquely yours."
Don’t forget the tree’s skirt or base covering, which can add a finished look to the tree and conceal the tree stand, while tying together the decor.
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 Ottawa?
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 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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