How to Make a Wall Christmas Tree | Space-Saving DIY Holiday Decor Tutorial
If you love the magic of a Christmas tree but don’t love sacrificing precious floor space, a wall Christmas tree is about to become your favorite holiday hack. Think: the glow, the ornaments, the festive vibe—without the bulky base or crowded corners. This project is perfect for entryways, narrow halls, apartments, studio spaces, or any room where a traditional tree won’t fit.
I’ve wanted to make one of these since last year, and finally did it—and I’m thrilled with how it turned out. It’s lightweight, affordable, customizable, and it looks surprisingly full. With a couple of tri-fold foam boards, inexpensive garland, and battery-operated lights, you’ll have a beautiful, modern alternative that mounts flat against the wall and still feels like a “real” tree—especially once you stack wrapped gifts below.
Let’s walk through everything step-by-step so you can recreate it with confidence.
Why a Wall Christmas Tree?
• Space-Saving: Max holiday impact with minimal footprint—no furniture Tetris required.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses low-cost materials (hello, $2.50 garland!).
• Customizable: Choose your garland type, color, and lights. Add ornaments, crystals, bows—your style, your vibe.
• Easy to Hang: Lightweight enough for OOK hangers or Command strips.
• Great for Renters: Minimal wall impact. (Paint the hook the wall color if it peeks through.)
• Fast to Build: Most of your time is simply attaching the garland in a zigzag.
Materials & Tools
Structure & Template
• 2 tri-fold foam boards (standard presentation boards)
• Duct tape (to join the boards—front and back)
• Ruler or straightedge (for marking triangle lines)
• Marker (for layout)
• Utility knife (to cut foam board—fresh blade recommended)
• Screwdriver or awl (to punch holes for wire)
Garland & Wiring
• 7–9 rolls of 9-ft artificial garland (the $2.50 Walmart kind is great; OP used 8)
• Floral wire (precut into 5 or 6″ lengths; you’ll use a lot)
• Battery-operated LED string lights (warm or cool; built-in timer is a plus)
Detailing & Hanging
• Artificial snow spray (optional, for frosted tips)
• OOK hanger (for strength) and/or Command strips (for added stability)
• Ornaments (lightweight recommended)
• Crystals or bling (e.g., Totally Dazzled pieces—optional)
• Cardstock/foam for a small “trunk” (optional)
• Small finishing nails or additional Command strips (optional, for battery pack placement)
Safety
• Cut-resistant glove (for utility knife work)
• Drop cloth or protective surface
• Mask & ventilation (for spray snow)
Pro Tip: If you plan to place wrapped boxes beneath the “tree,” keep the bottom edge of the triangle at a height that allows gifts to tuck under and visually complete the illusion.
Step 1: Build the Backer & Layout the Tree Shape
1. Join the boards: Lay two tri-fold foam boards flat. Use duct tape to join them edge-to-edge, both front and back. This creates a stable, oversized panel to carve your tree from.
2. Mark the top: Find the center top of the board, mark it, then make two additional marks one inch to the left and one inch to the right. This defines the “crown” thickness so your tree doesn’t come to a needle point—much more realistic.
3. Adjust the height: If you prefer ~6-ft finished height (as in the video), trim about two-thirds of the second board with your utility knife.
4. Draw the triangle: Use a ruler to connect each top point down to the full width at the bottom—two diagonal lines forming a tall triangle.
5. Cut the shape: Carefully cut along your lines with a sharp utility knife. Go slow; make several lighter passes rather than one deep pass to keep edges clean.
Safety Reminder: Always cut away from your body and keep your hand out of the blade’s path. Use a sharp blade—dull blades slip.
Step 2: Pre-Punch the Wire Holes
To attach the garland cleanly and quickly, you’ll pre-set “tie points” along the edge of the triangle.
1. Using a screwdriver or awl, punch holes about 1″ apart along both sides of the triangle from top to bottom.
2. Where you anticipate “turns” in your zigzag, add an extra hole slightly inward so you can pull the garland taut across the surface.
Why holes help: They let you thread wire through the board and twist it tight on the back, keeping the front tidy and the garland anchored.
Step 3: Pre-Cut Floral Wire
Cut a batch of 5-6″ floral wire pieces. You’ll use them to:
• Anchor the first row at the base
• Transition cleanly at each zig or zag
• Secure the light strand as you go (sandwich the light wire beneath the garland and twist)
Pro Tip: Twist the wire lightly at first, then fine-tension once your garland section is positioned and fluffed.
Step 4: Attach the First Garland Row (Build the Base)
1. Start at the bottom edge of the triangle. Thread a wire through the first hole, loop it around the garland, and twist to secure.
2. Continue along the base to create your foundation row. A full, anchored base sets the “fullness tone” for the whole tree.
Budget Insight: The inexpensive 9-ft garland looks surprisingly lush once layered in a zigzag pattern. Aim for consistent tension—not too loose, not too tight.
Step 5: Build the Zigzag (Fullness = Fabulous)
1. Take the garland up at a slight angle to create a zig, thread wire through the nearest hole, loop over garland, and twist.
2. Bring it back down for a zag, secure again.
3. Repeat this up the tree, edge to edge, in evenly spaced zigzags.
4. When you reach the end of one roll, tie the next roll to it tightly (simple square knot), trim excess, and keep moving.
Visual Tip: Maintain consistent vertical spacing between zigzag rows to create the illusion of layered boughs. Adjust timing of turns so the tree widens gracefully in the lower third and narrows near the top.
Step 6: Add the Lights (No Outlet? No Problem.)
Battery-operated LED strings are perfect here—especially with a timer function.
1. Unravel the light string.
2. Starting at the top, weave the lights along the garland path so bulbs sit just proud of the greenery, not buried.
3. Use your floral wire at attachment points to include the light wire under each twist—this keeps it neat and aligned with your zigzag.
4. Place the battery pack near the bottom or off to the side where you can reach it. Use Command strips to anchor it to the back or the wall.
Warm vs Cool: You used warm lights (which can read yellow on camera); cool white gives a frosty, modern look. Both are pretty—choose the one that matches your palette.
Step 7: Frosted Finish (Optional but Gorgeous)
A light mist of artificial snow spray adds depth and softens the budget garland texture.
• Shake the can well.
• Lightly mist from 12–18″ away, focusing on outer edges and tips for a natural “dusting.”
• Let dry fully.
Clean-Up Note: Overspray wipes off hard surfaces easily, but protect textiles and rugs. Ventilate well and wear a mask if you’re sensitive.
Step 8: Hang the Tree
Even fully built, the panel is surprisingly lightweight.
• Use an OOK hanger (great weight ratings for size) and a couple of Command strips for lateral stability.
• Mark your wall, center your tree, and hang it like a large frame.
• If your hanger peeks out, paint it the wall color to make it disappear.
Entryway Friendly: This shines in narrow halls and foyers where a floor tree just isn’t practical. Your side-shot video proves it’s made for tiny spaces.
Step 9: Ornaments, Crystals & Trunk
• Add lightweight ornaments (go shatterproof if it’s in a high-traffic zone).
• For sparkle, hang crystal pendants (Totally Dazzled is a favorite). Just slip an ornament hanger through the loop on the back and clip to the garland.
• Optional: Cut a small rectangle from foam or craft board to create a trunk and spray it brown/black. Attach at the bottom. If you’re staging gifts under the tree, the trunk may be hidden—your call.
Step 10: Gifts + Styling
• Stack wrapped gift boxes along the base to complete the illusion.
• Style a small bench or console below for a curated, designer look.
• Add a tree topper (lightweight star or bow) at the upper center point if you love that traditional finish.
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
• Garland looks sparse? Tighten your zigzag spacing and fluff the needles outward after each run. Add a supplemental half-row where needed.
• Wire shifting? Thread wires through the board and twist firmly on the back. If a section keeps slipping, add an extra hole closer to the turn.
• Lights drifting? Include the light wire in your twist ties each time you anchor the garland. Command clips behind the panel can also guide wire routes.
• Wonky triangle edges? Trim gently with a fresh blade. Irregularities are less noticeable once hung.
• Hook showing? Paint the visible metal to match the wall or tuck a small sprig of garland over it.
• Battery access: Mount the pack on the back lower corner with Command strips so you can reach it easily for timer or battery swaps.
Cleaning, Storage & Reuse
• Post-season: Remove ornaments and dust with a microfiber cloth.
• Storage: Hang the entire panel in a closet (cover with a sheet), or detach from the wall and slide behind a dresser.
• Reuse: Next year, refresh with new ribbon, different lights, or a fresh snow layer—no need to rebuild unless you want to change the triangle size.
Budget & Sizing Guide
Estimated Costs (your mileage may vary):
• 2 tri-fold foam boards: $10–$14
• Duct tape: $5
• Garland (8 × 9-ft @ ~$2.50): ~$20
• Floral wire: $3–$5
• Battery lights (2–3 strands): $8–$15
• Snow spray: $4–$6
• OOK hanger + Command strips: $6–$10
Total: ~$56–$75 for a ~6-ft wall tree
Save More: Already have duct tape, wire, lights, or ornaments? Your total may land under $40.
Recommended Triangle Sizes:
• Entryway/Narrow Hall: 66–72″ tall; base width 28–34″
• Over Console: 54–60″ tall; base ~26–30″
• Gallery Cluster (two or three): 36–48″ each at staggered widths
Small-Space Styling Ideas
• Entryway Moment: Hang above a slim console with a bowl of ornaments, a candle, and a framed holiday print.
• Stair Landing: Place mid-landing to glow up a forgotten corner.
• Studio Apartment: Use as your main tree; keep ornament scale small for balance.
• Kids’ Room: Mini version with felt ornaments and color-changing lights.
Safety Notes
• Cutting: Use a sharp blade; cut away from your body on a protected surface.
• Electrical: Use LED battery lights—they run cool. Avoid mains-powered strings on foam.
• Sprays: Ventilate and protect nearby surfaces during snow application.
• Hanging: Confirm your hanger rate matches the panel weight; add Command strips to prevent lateral slide.
• Pets & Littles: Use shatterproof ornaments and secure battery packs out of reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will the garland stay on foam?
A: Yes. Threading floral wire through pre-punched holes and twisting at the back locks each section in place. It’s sturdy yet easy to adjust during build.
Q: How many garlands do I need?
A: For a ~6-ft triangle, 8 rolls of 9-ft garland gave great fullness. Scale up/down based on your height and zigzag spacing.
Q: What if my lights look too yellow?
A: Choose cool white LEDs for a crisp winter look. If you’ve already used warm lights, layer in a second cool strand or lean into a champagne/gold ornament palette.
Q: Can I attach directly to the wall without a foam backer?
A: You can, but the foam backer makes layout, wiring, and takedown easier—and protects paint. If attaching directly, use removable hooks at zigzag points.
Q: How do I hide the battery pack?
A: Mount the pack to the lower back of the panel with Command strips so it’s easy to access but invisible from the front.
Q: Will Command strips hold?
A: Yes for lateral stabilization. Use an OOK hanger (or two) for primary load, and Command strips as anti-shift anchors.
If your home is short on square footage but big on holiday spirit, this wall Christmas tree is the perfect solution. It’s quick to build, rewarding to decorate, and easy to store for next year. Add lights, ornaments, a sprinkle of “snow,” and those wrapped boxes underneath—and enjoy a stunning seasonal focal point that doesn’t steal your floor space.
When you make yours, share pics—I’d love to see how you style it!
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