50 DIY Modern Christmas Trees to Ditch the Traditional Style and Adapt Your Own
Updated on December 15, 2022
Using a DIY modern Christmas tree instead of a traditional one adds more style and character to your holiday decorations. Keep reading if you are researching ideas for DIY modern Christmas trees.
Christmas trees have come a long way since their humble beginnings when they were just evergreen trees cut down from the forest and decorated with paper ornaments. Nowadays, modern Christmas trees are iconic seasonal symbols often made of synthetic materials and adorned with LED lights, colorful baubles, and ornate tinsel. Moreover, they come in various styles to suit any Christmas décor theme and add sparkle to festive occasions, from traditional mini-trees to full-sized giants covered in dazzling decorations.
This article showcases DIY modern Christmas trees using crafting supplies instead of buying pre-made artificial trees from the store. We have included ideas for various sizes, from small to giant, including mobile, wall-hanging, and wall décor trees. Here is a list of the DIY projects described in this article as alternatives to traditional Christmas trees:
- DIY mini Christmas tree using string art
- DIY tiny Christmas tree using acetate paper
- DIY mini Christmas tree using pipe cleaners
- DIY tiny Christmas tree using frilled paper
- DIY tiny Christmas tree using washi tape
- DIY mini Christmas tree using ornaments
- DIY mini Christmas tree using ribbons
- DIY tiny Christmas tree using buttons
- DIY small Christmas tree using twigs
- DIY tabletop Christmas tree using pinecones
- DIY tiny Christmas tree using stacked boxes
- DIY mini plywood Christmas tree
- DIY mini Christmas tree using flat circles
- DIY mini Christmas tree using sea glass
- DIY tabletop Christmas tree using paper cones
- DIY tabletop Christmas tree using plastic spoons
- DIY tabletop Christmas tree with coat hangers and tinsel
- DIY tabletop Christmas tree with coat hangers and plastic mesh
- DIY tabletop Christmas tree using fishing line
- DIY tabletop Christmas tree using books
- DIY tabletop Christmas tree using alphabet blocks
- DIY tabletop Christmas tree using dowel rods
- DIY mobile Christmas tree using ornaments
- DIY mobile Christmas tree using stir sticks
- DIY Scandinavian Christmas tree art
- DIY Christmas tree art using paint chips
- DIY chalkboard Christmas tree for wall décor
- DIY Christmas tree using photos for wall décor
- DIY wall-hanging Christmas tree using macrame
- DIY wall-hanging Christmas tree using wine corks
- DIY wall-hanging wooden ladder Christmas tree
- DIY wall-mounted Christmas tree using string art
- DIY wall-mounted Christmas tree using wood slices
- DIY wall-mounted Christmas tree using PVC pipes
- DIY wall-mounted Christmas tree using wooden dowels and greenery
- DIY wall-mounted Christmas tree using honeycomb balls
- DIY wall-mounted advent Christmas tree
- DIY wall-mounted Christmas tree using string lights
- Christmas tree with DIY clay ornaments
- DIY white Christmas tree
- DIY Christmas tree with ombre paint
- DIY flocked Christmas tree
- DIY Christmas tree using firefly lights
- DIY Christmas tree using balloons
- DIY Tipi Christmas tree
- DIY Christmas tree using a wood platform ladder
- DIY Christmas tree using kraft paper
- DIY Christmas tree using cardboard
- DIY Christmas tree using copper pipes
- DIY Christmas tree using wine bottles
Read on to discover more information about each modern Christmas tree idea, including sources with tutorials.
1. DIY mini Christmas tree using string art
String art is a fun technique for kids to craft a DIY modern rustic Christmas tree using glue-drenched yarn. The interesting part about this tree is that the seemingly floating string pieces create an optical illusion. The crafting process may sound complicated, but it’s quite easy, so it’s a suitable project to keep children busy over the holidays. Find out more about making this string art Christmas tree in our full guide.
2. DIY tiny Christmas tree using acetate paper
This modern cone design proves that even the most unlikely crafting materials can become Christmas trees if handled properly. For example, this DIY project requires you to paint a cone made from acetate paper, resulting in a Christmas tree that looks like it was bought from a designer store. Check out the full details for crafting a cone Christmas tree.
3. DIY mini Christmas tree using pipe cleaners
Use pipe cleaners to build a modern Christmas tree so tiny that you can fit it into a dollhouse. This DIY project is excellent for keeping kids busy during the holidays, especially when charging them with the task of building a bunch of small Christmas trees this way. No other supplies than pipe cleaners are necessary for shaping a Christmas tree. Then you can decorate the tree using a tinsel pipe cleaner and beads. Check out Instructables for more details.
4. DIY tiny Christmas tree using frilled paper
Frilled paper is a great way to decorate a modern-looking DIY Christmas tree as a piece of décor for a table, mantel, or windowsill. Wrap rows of frilled green paper around a large styrofoam cone to cover it entirely and glue the paper in place. Use green patterned paper for a more eye-catching look. Find more about this nifty project over at HGTV.
5. DIY tiny Christmas tree using washi tape
Washi tape is a great way to decorate a small-scale modern Christmas tree in the shape of a cone. And if you’re a serial crafter, chances are you have lots of washi tape in your stash of crafting materials. So pick your favorite washi tape patterns for this DIY project and stick the strips on a paper mache cone from top to bottom until you cover its entire surface. Head over to Craftaholics Anonymous for more information.
6. DIY mini Christmas tree using ornaments
Use multiple Christmas ornaments to build a modern DIY tree small enough to place on the desk, table, shelf, or windowsill. Buy or build a cone-shaped frame and cover it entirely in large ornaments and garlands to fill in the gaps. Use ornaments of classic holiday colors, such as red, green, white, gold, or silver. Find more great tips for this DIY project at Full of Great Ideas.
7. DIY mini Christmas tree using ribbons
A DIY ribbon Christmas tree is quite modern since it is entirely made of colorful ribbons. The tree is small, ideal for placing it on the desk and adding holiday cheer to your work schedule. It’s an easy project that anyone can pull off since you must craft a cone and cover it from top to bottom with small strips of silk ribbon, arranging the strips in rows to form neat patterns. Check out our guide for making a DIY ribbon Christmas tree.
8. DIY tiny Christmas tree using buttons
Use buttons to craft a modern, charming Christmas tree small enough to decorate a desk, windowsill, or shelf. You’ll need a styrofoam cone to act like a pin cushion and secure numerous green buttons. To mimic the look of Christmas decorations, use pins with large, round, colorful ends. Visit Hey Let’s Make Stuff for more info.
9. DIY small Christmas tree using twigs
A DIY twig Christmas tree adds a modern rustic twist to the classic by leaving out the greenery. It’s quite small, ideal for those with limited space. For example, place the twig tree on a windowsill or desk. The supply list includes wooden twigs, a wooden slice, and glue. Check out our in-depth tutorial on how to craft this twig Christmas tree.
10. DIY tabletop Christmas tree using pinecones
Make a modern tabletop Christmas tree out of pinecones, and forget about ornaments, string lights, and other classic decorations. This DIY project teaches you how to glue a bunch of pinecones to a foam cone to form a tree. Check out Charleston Crafted for more details.
11. DIY tiny Christmas tree using stacked boxes
Make a modern Christmas tree using stacked boxes for table, mantel, or windowsill decorations. This DIY project is an excellent space-saver but still lets you express your creativity. Use small boxes of various sizes or foam cut into box shapes, wrap them in decorative paper, cover them in glitter, stack the boxes to build a Christmas tree, glue them together, and finish the design by adding a ribbon or a small pinecone as the topper. Check out the tutorial at In My Own Style, which uses white decorative paper covered in a handwritten French font for a contemporary chic style.
12. DIY mini plywood Christmas tree
Use plywood to construct a modern, minimal Christmas tree small enough to serve as a tablescape or decoration. This DIY project teaches you how to cut two plywood triangles, paint one side of them white, and interlock the triangles to form a shape that slightly resembles a Christmas tree. No gluing is necessary. Get the full instructions, measurements, and cutting specifications from Collective Gen.
13. DIY mini Christmas tree using flat circles
Use flat circles to create a modern, minimal Christmas tree that’s small enough to place on your desk and impress your colleagues and clients. The circles are very thin wood slices. Attach these wood slices to a small wood dowel, stacking them vertically while leaving about a 1-inch space between them. Despite the minimal design, this DIY project is a bit more complicated to pull off. For example, you must build a concrete base to stick the wood dowel and stabilize the Christmas tree. Check out Spoon Fork Bacon for more information.
14. DIY mini Christmas tree using sea glass
Sea glass is an innovative way to craft a modern Christmas tree small enough to place anywhere. Sea glass consists of weathered broken-down glass, such as beer bottles, so green is the dominant color, ideal for a DIY Christmas tree. Head over to Crafts by Amanda for more details.
15. DIY tabletop Christmas tree using paper cones
Make a modern ombre DIY Christmas tree from large paper cones in different hues of green to instantly add appeal to any room of the house. This homemade project uses multi-hued green letter-sized card stock, a cardboard wrapping paper tube, a glue gun, and a large sparkly bow. Check out the full tutorial at Frog Prince Paperie.
16. DIY tabletop Christmas tree using plastic spoons
Plastic spoons are a cheap yet great material for crafting a modern Christmas tree for tablescape decorations. Combine colorful plastic spoons and hot glue to create the 3D geometrical structure of a Christmas tree. Although it may sound complicated, this project is easy to pull off with the right materials and tools. Head over to Heathered Nest for more details and tips.
17. DIY tabletop Christmas tree with coat hangers and tinsel
A DIY coat hanger tree doesn’t look modern but uses an unconventional technique for crafting a Christmas tree with tinsel. It uses coat hangers to create the tree body and glues dark green tinsel around it to make it look like an authentic Christmas tree. Go to Instructables to learn more about this project.
18. DIY tabletop Christmas tree with coat hangers and plastic mesh
Plastic mesh is another way to decorate a coat hanger Christmas tree, giving it a modern rustic touch. And you can place the tree outside if the plastic mesh is waterproof. Check out The Shabby Tree for more info.
19. DIY tabletop Christmas tree using fishing line
Using a fishing line is a modern way to create and decorate an artificial Christmas tree since light bounces off the fishing line to produce an artistic effect, similar to optical fiber. The Christmas tree will look like it’s levitating. Besides, fishing lines are sturdy. Check out the complete guide at Holidappy, which requires basic carpentry skills.
20. DIY tabletop Christmas tree using books
Craft a table-sized modern Christmas tree by upcycling old books, adding a string of colored bulbs, and topping it off with a star ornament. This DIY project is ideal for bookworms. Open each book in the middle, turn it over, and make a stack. Add spools of thread between the books to make space for adding string lights. The resulting Christmas tree is unstable, so pick the right spot before starting. Nevertheless, it’s an excellent statement piece. Visit Media Tinker for more info.
21. DIY tabletop Christmas tree using alphabet blocks
Alphabet blocks are a great way to make a modern DIY Christmas tree small enough to place on a table, especially for a child’s room. Form a cone by arranging the alphabet cubes and placing them on top of each other. The bigger the base, the taller the tree will be. Try spelling out something, such as Merry Christmas! After building the tree, decorate it with Christmas ornaments, LED lights, and ribbons. Find out more at Always The Holidays.
22. DIY tabletop Christmas tree using dowel rods
Dowel rods are a unique way to craft a modern, minimal Christmas tree, which Jenga players would appreciate due to the resemblance of Jenga building blocks. Stack dowel rods vertically while rotating them in alternate rows to add a 3D effect to the Christmas tree. Then decorate the tree with Christmas ornaments. This DIY project is harder than it sounds since you need serious woodworking skills to cut each dowel rod to the exact size since no two rods are alike. Get the measurements and instructions from Curbly. Feel free to paint the dowel rods before building the Christmas tree.
23. DIY mobile Christmas tree using ornaments
A DIY Christmas tree ornament mobile is incredibly modern since you craft a portable tree out of Christmas ornaments and hang it from anywhere. A mobile Christmas tree is safe for homes with small children or pets since they can’t reach and knock it over. This DIY project teaches you how to use a fishing fire to hang ornaments by the ceiling or a mobile ceiling hanger at different heights. The floating ornaments will form the shape of a Christmas tree, which looks spectacular from various angles. Find out more about this unique craft at Not Martha.
24. DIY mobile Christmas tree using stir sticks
Floating stir sticks come together to form a modern-looking Christmas tree-shaped mobile in this DIY project from Curbly. To create a floating Christmas tree mobile, you must paint about 100 stir sticks in green hues and hang them by the ceiling. It’s wonderful to look at and leaves a lot of space under it for all the presents to fit. Go to Curbly for more information.
25. DIY Scandinavian Christmas tree art
A Scandinavian-inspired DIY modern Christmas tree is a project for crafters who love minimalist nordic artwork. This project brings the simplicity of Scandinavian décor into your home by making canvas Christmas trees using rectangular wood chips, glitter, craft glue, and Mod Podge. Find out more in our complete guide for making Scandi Christmas tree art. Hang this artwork on the living room wall or gift it to a friend.
26. DIY Christmas tree art using paint chips
Make a modern piece of geometric art by creating a DIY Christmas tree out of paint chips, which you can hang anywhere in your home. Cut multicolored paint chips into triangles, assemble the triangles in the shape of a Christmas tree, and glue all pieces to a roll of white paper. You can also use origami paper instead of paint chips. Go to We Are Scout for more information. For an 8-bit Christmas tree design, use squares instead of triangles.
27. DIY chalkboard Christmas tree for wall décor
Paint a wall with chalkboard paint and draw a Christmas tree to take an ultra-modern approach this holiday season. It’s the perfect project for small spaces since you’ll only be using the wall’s surface, so go ahead and try it if your apartment is tiny or overcrowded. Once the holiday season passes, erase the Christmas tree and replace it with anything else. Read more about this wall décor idea on Mr. Kate.
28. DIY Christmas tree using photos for wall décor
Make a modern and meaningful 2D Christmas tree on a wall using family pictures and string lights. It’s a great way to display your family’s favorite photograph from the current year to celebrate major milestones and funny moments. We found this idea on Pinterest.
29. DIY wall-hanging Christmas tree using macrame
Macrame is an excellent material for crafting a modern Christmas tree to hang on the wall. To make this tree, you must rely solely on your knitting prowess and some sturdy thread. After crocheting the Christmas tree, decorate it with firefly lights, add a hanger, and attach it to the wall. Cuckoo4Design has all the details.
30. DIY wall-hanging Christmas tree using wine corks
Upcycling wine corks is a fantastic way to create a small, modern Christmas tree that you can hang on the wall. It is also functional since you can pin notes to the wine corks. Besides, wine corks are easy to come by, and the whole project revolves around gluing them together to form a large triangle. Check out our guide for making a wine cork Christmas tree to learn more. For a bigger tree, add more rows of wine corks.
31. DIY wall-hanging wooden ladder Christmas tree
Craft a modern, two-dimensional Christmas tree in the shape of a wooden ladder using twigs and string lights. It’s a terrific project for people short on space and without enough room for a large Christmas tree. Hang this wooden ladder tree on any wall and use it to display a few ornaments. See Sea Salt Cornwall for more details.
32. DIY wall-mounted Christmas tree using string art
String art is a practical and creative way to craft a modern DIY Christmas tree on any wall in your home. It makes it possible to hang various objects from the string, such as family photos or lightweight ornaments. For example, make a string art Christmas tree in the hallway to add interest to an otherwise boring room during the holidays. For this project, you need decorating clips, colorful yarn, and small pegs. Head over to My Poppet for more information.
33. DIY wall-mounted Christmas tree using wood slices
Use wood slices to create a two-dimensional modern, rustic Christmas to hang on the wall. Take a dozen or more wooden slices and glue them together on a frame to form a triangle. It’s a DIY project accessible to almost anyone, and the folks at Country Design Style show you how to put it together.
34. DIY wall-mounted Christmas tree using PVC pipes
Make a modern Christmas tree to mount to the wall using PVC pipes. This DIY project is terrific for using leftover housebuilding materials. Cut the PVC pipes into rings, assemble them into a Christmas tree directly on a wall, and then hang your favorite ornaments. For full instructions and tips, head over to Makezine.
35. DIY wall-mounted Christmas tree using wooden dowels and greenery
Make a modern, minimal two-dimensional Christmas tree using wooden dowels and greenery to decorate a wall in a busy apartment. This DIY project is perfect for rooms filled with modern furniture and décor. Since you will be using evergreen branches, your house will smell like a forest, so you won’t lose this even though you won’t have a genuine Christmas tree. For full instructions, head over to Almost Makes Perfect.
36. DIY wall-mounted Christmas tree using honeycomb balls
Craft a modern, colorful Christmas tree on a wall using honeycomb balls and painter’s tape. It’s a wonderful DIY project for kids. The paper honeycombs create a unique visual effect, depending on the angle you’re looking from. The only drawback to this project is that you need many honeycombs for an average-sized Christmas tree. Check out Studio DIY for more details.
37. DIY wall-mounted advent Christmas tree
Make a modern advent Christmas tree and hang it on the wall by nailing 24 galvanized buckets into a 2D wooden-shaped tree. Fill each bucket with a small gift or decorations, and you’re done. For more details, head to Sugar & Charm.
38. DIY wall-mounted Christmas tree using string lights
Using string lights is a delightful way to make a modern, minimalist Christmas tree that hangs on the wall. You just need a way to attach the string lights to the walls without damaging them. For example, use tape. We found this lovely idea at Bell and Pistol.
39. Christmas tree with DIY clay ornaments
Make a Christmas tree instantly modern by decorating it with homemade clay ornaments. This DIY project is great for spending time with your kids during the holiday and involving them with crafts. Instead of traditional bells and ornaments, hang simplistic decorations made of oven-bake clay or wooden bead garlands. The Merry Thought has all the details.
40. DIY white Christmas tree
Glam white is a popular modern variation to the classic green Christmas tree, which pairs well with all-white home decorations. An all-white Christmas tree is subtle, elegant, inspires cleanliness, and will surely wow your guests. You need a white artificial tree, an assortment of pastel-colored decorations, and the full instructions for crafting a white Christmas tree. We went with sage green decorations, but feel free to use gold, silver, or another color.
41. DIY Christmas tree with ombre paint
Use paint in various colors to decorate a modern DIY Christmas tree with an ombre effect. All you need is a white artificial Christmas tree to paint each tier darker and darker as you go down. Anyone can achieve this look with spray paint, and it’s a great way to upgrade an old artificial tree. Head over to Little Inspiration for the full instructions.
42. DIY flocked Christmas tree
Create modern flocked Christmas trees to resemble outdoor frosted pinecone trees by making the branches look covered with snow. This DIY project teaches you how to coat the branches of a genuine or artificial tree with flocking powder. Check out Lovely Etc for all the steps.
43. DIY Christmas tree using firefly lights
Craft a modern DIY Christmas tree made entirely out of firefly lights to stun your guests and illuminate a room. Stretch the firefly lights between a single ceiling-anchored hook point and a large circular base to create a cone of small flickering lights that resembles a Christmas tree. Get the full details at Oh Me Oh My Blog.
44. DIY Christmas tree using balloons
Balloons are great for crafting a modern Christmas tree, especially for kids to have fun popping the balloons once the holiday season is over. Blow a bunch of balloons, preferably by using a pump, tie them together, and combine laters of balloons to form a Christmas tree. For more details, visit Sonic Party.
45. DIY Tipi Christmas tree
Create a modern Christmas tree for your kids’ room that looks like a tipi tent where they can hide to read stories. For this innovative DIY project, you must build a tipi using a wooden framework and cover it with a combination of green mesh materials and fir tree branches. Head to Instructables to see how they did it.
46. DIY Christmas tree using a wood platform ladder
Transform a wood platform ladder into a modern Christmas tree and create a statement piece to wow your guests. Use the ladder’s platforms to store presents and festive decorations. The DIY project is quite intricate, especially when topping the tree with a custom starlight ornament. Check out Instructables for more details.
47. DIY Christmas tree using kraft paper
Kraft paper is an accessible material for making a modern, stylish Christmas tree to show off your style. For this project, you need aluminum rings of various sizes to act as the Christmas tree’s skeleton. Then cover the metal frame with numerous strips of frilled kraft paper. Visit Lia Griffith to learn more.
48. DIY Christmas tree using cardboard
Cardboard is an accessible material for making a modern Christmas tree to fit any contemporary home. This DIY project involves using a free printable to create individual cardboard pieces, painting them, and assembling them to create a Christmas tree. Check out this YouTube video guide from HGTV Handmade to learn more.
49. DIY Christmas tree using copper pipes
Use copper pipes to craft a modern, minimal Christmas tree that perfectly blends with steampunk décor. This DIY project isn’t for everyone since it requires metalworking skills. For more details, visit Lia Griffith.
50. DIY Christmas tree using wine bottles
Make a giant modern DIY Christmas tree out of empty wine bottles, a tiered bottle drying rack, and string lights. This design looks like it belongs in a contemporary art museum since it’s extravagant but not over the top. No particular crafting skills are necessary since you must mount empty wine bottles on the drying rack and then wrap the tree in string lights. To maintain a cohesive look, ensure that all wine bottles have the same color – dark green if you’re going for the traditional Christmas tree. Or, if you have time to spare, paint each bottle in the color of your choice. Head over to House Beautiful for more info.
Conclusion
A modern Christmas tree is a fantastic way to celebrate the holidays in style without compromising aesthetics. This article has plenty of ideas to help you stay on top of your holiday decoration game. For more inspiration, check these Christmas tree ornaments to see what pairs well with your modern style.