5 easy ways to make your Christmas tree decor look more expensive
From choosing a color scheme to decorating the tree base, these tricks are easy to follow
The countdown to Christmas is officially on, and it's arguably no longer too early to put the decorations up. Decorating the Christmas tree can be subjective: some prefer a simplistic, pared-back scheme while others opt to go all out with color, playful decorations, and a more-is-more look.
Whatever way you choose to decorate your tree, it's worth thinking about how your Christmas decor ideas can promote a sophisticated look. Here, we've explored how to decorate a Christmas tree to make it look more expensive, with a few easy tricks to embrace.
By considering these simple ideas, it can help you elevate the look of your Christmas tree to one that looks refined and timeless.
1. Opt for warm white lights
If you want your tree to look more expensive, opting for classic white Christmas lights is a must. While multi-colored lights can look playful, they can also result in a less timeless look.
Make sure you also pay attention to the warmth of your white lights: cool-toned white lights can look blue which isn't the most flattering on a Christmas tree and can reflect a cold, stark feel throughout the room. Instead, opt for warm-toned white lights that will achieve a cozy ambiance, such as these Amazon Christmas Tree Lights which are 25 meters long and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
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2. Stick to a color scheme
Choosing a color scheme for your Christmas tree decor is an important step if you want to achieve a balanced look that looks sophisticated and expensive. 'Choose at most two colors, preferably one neutral and one of a color,' advises Marzia Dainelli, interior designer and co-founder of Dainelli Studio.
The colors you choose depend on your taste, some prefer classic combinations such as red and gold, but you can opt for modern Christmas decor ideas with cool-toned colors, as pictured above. Whichever colors you choose, deciding on a scheme of two or three will achieve a cohesive and balanced look – essential to achieving a luxe feel.
3. Choose timeless ornaments
The key to creating a Christmas tree that looks expensive is to opt for ornaments that are timeless. This doesn't mean only buying expensive ornaments, but rather considering the overall look and feel of ornaments. It's about choosing decorations that are classical, rather than trend-driven that may not maintain appeal for years to come. You can also experiment with DIY Christmas decor ideas for decorations that will look organic, adding depth to the overall look.
It's also worth considering how to distribute the ornaments, as Marzia Dainelli explains: 'Placing the decorations sequentially and neatly is essential to give a nice visual balance to the tree.'
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4. Embrace a "less is more" approach to decorations
Less is more when you want to achieve a timeless and expensive look to your Christmas tree decor. 'A Christmas tree is beautiful because it expresses one's creativity, but let's not get too carried away!' advises Marzia Dainelli. While it can be tempting to go overboard with filling the tree with as many decorations as possible, choosing to keep it pared-back can create a more effective end result.
This also depends on the overall style of your home; if you have a minimalist living space then it will look best with minimalist Christmas decor ideas, or for maximalist homes embrace maximalist Christmas decor ideas to create a cohesive look.
5. Don't forget the base
Lastly, don't forget to consider what's beneath the Christmas tree. Opting for a Christmas tree skirt or collar that ties in with the color scheme of the rest of your decor will complete the overall look, whilst also ensuring there's no awkward gap between the bottom of the tree and the floor.
Below, we've rounded up some of our favorite Christmas tree skirts which you can shop to achieve a more expensive-looking Christmas tree.
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How you choose to decorate your Christmas tree comes down to your personal taste, and while there are Christmas tree decorating mistakes to avoid, you should ultimately aim to decorate your tree with whatever brings you the most joy.
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Emily is H&G's Paint & Color Editor, covering all things color across interior design and home decor. She joined the team in the summer of 2023, having studied Fashion Communication at university before working in various creative roles ahead of making the leap into interiors. She lives in Glasgow where she loves admiring the city's architecture, frequenting her favorite coffee spots, and sourcing vintage furniture for her tenement apartment. Emily's interior style is inspired by the simplicity of midcentury design, mixed with more playful modern pieces that inject small (but bold) doses of color.
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