The Clever Way To Fit A Christmas Tree In Small Spaces—it's So Simple, Yet Effective

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You know it's the Christmas season the moment you decide to lug out that ole tree. And while a giant Christmas tree can certainly bring joy, it's a little different if your home is lacking space. Suddenly, you're forced to sacrifice elbow room for the most quintessential decoration of the holiday. Many get around this with Christmas tree alternatives or by purchasing small versions. However, there's a brilliant way to make an artificial tree gobble up half the space — allowing you to have the best of both worlds.

According to the American Christmas Tree Association, 83% of U.S. households setting up a tree this year will use one that's artificial. Did you know that it's possible to reduce the size by approximately 50%? If you've heard of flat-back Christmas trees, you might have an idea of where this trick is going. It's a tree that looks as if it were chopped in half. The benefit is that it can be placed against the wall or nestled into a corner — giving the illusion of a full, bushy tree while taking up only a fraction of the room.

Flatback trees are available online, such as this 6ft Pre-lit Half-Shape Christmas Tree. But if you have an old tree you don't mind operating on, you can create your own. It's also a project that would pair well with a thrifted tree since they're typically less expensive, so you might not feel as bad cutting into one. In addition to saving space, you won't need as many ornaments either.

Set up your tree so that you can access the branches then decide which side you're going to be making "flat." Using wire cutters, carefully begin snipping the branches off near the base. Don't throw them out though. You can use them to make your tree appear fuller. After you've finished cutting all the branches, look for bare sections in the front of the tree and stick them in. You can attach the branches with a clear wire, or with this pool noodle hack where you would slice the noodle lengthwise along one side, then cut it into several pieces. Next you would wrap those pieces around the center of the tree, so you'll be able to stick your branches into them.

Place your tree against a wall or in the corner, and you'll see that it only takes up half the space. Fluff it out and decorate with fun and unique Christmas ornaments to make it even more magical. Just be sure to secure it to the wall if needed, especially if you have kids or pets around. This is a wonderful idea for small homes, apartments, offices, or if you've always dreamed of having your own Christmas tree in your bedroom. Plus, if you use an old or thrifted tree, it's a budget-friendly project, too. Finish it off with lights, garland, and a tree skirt. Surely, you won't miss the other half!