Christmas Living Room

Where the tree fits best in a Christmas living room layout

Pick a corner away from foot traffic and heating vents for your tree if you want it out of the way while still visible from the main seating area. Place it near a window instead if you want the lights showing from outside in the evening, though keep in mind direct afternoon sun can fade coloured decorations if the tree sits there for several weeks. Leave enough space around the tree for the topper and any low branches to spread out too, so it doesn't end up looking cramped against a wall or piece of furniture. Measure the space before you buy, particularly for a larger or wider tree style, so you're confident it'll fit before it arrives.

Find a tree sized to your space in our full Christmas trees range.

Mantel and shelf styling for a Christmas living room

Start with the mantelpiece if you want an easy way to add Christmas styling without touching the rest of the room, using a garland, stockings or a small collection of decorations arranged along the shelf. Use bookshelves and floating shelves for smaller pieces instead, like baubles in a bowl or a string of fairy lights woven between books. Group decorations in threes or fives, rather than spacing them evenly apart, if you want the display to look more considered on a shelf or mantel. Leave some open space between groupings to avoid it looking cluttered.

Browse our Christmas wreaths and garlands for the mantel and shelves.

Cushions, throws and soft furnishings for the festive season

Swap in a few Christmas-toned cushions or a throw over the sofa if you want to bring the season into the living room without decorating every surface. Go for red, green or metallic accents against a neutral sofa, or stick with a plain cream or white cushion set if the room's already decorated elsewhere. Layer a throw over the back of a sofa or armchair to add texture as well as colour, which is especially useful once the tree comes down in January and the room feels a bit bare. Choose pieces that suit the room outside the festive season so they don't need to be packed away completely each year.

Pair your soft furnishings with matching Christmas tree decorations for a coordinated room.

Frequently asked questions

What size tree suits a small living room?

A slim or small tree between 1.2 and 1.5 metres generally suits a smaller living room without overwhelming the space. A corner placement helps a taller tree fit if floor space is tight.

Can a living room be decorated for Christmas without a tree?

Yes, a garland, mantel styling and Christmas cushions can create a festive look without a tree. This works well in smaller living rooms or shared houses where a full tree isn't practical.

What Christmas colours work well in a neutral living room?

The good news is that any colour combination looks great against a neutral backdrop. Traditional red, green and gold add contrast against a neutral or beige room, while white, silver and blush pink blend more softly. Metallic accents can enhance the room.

How do I keep a Christmas tree safe around pets in a living room?

Placing the tree away from walkways reduces the chance of a pet knocking it over while moving through the room. Securing the base with a stand designed for the tree's weight also helps if a pet brushes against it.