4 Best Spots in Your Home to Put a Christmas Tree (and Where to Avoid!)

Photo: Alea Moore

Traditionally, Christmas trees have been delegated to the living room. We see it in holiday movies, and, more than likely, it’s where you’ve always placed yours in your home. But there’s more to it than pushing some furniture aside and propping up a decorated Christmas tree in a corner of the living room.

Details such as lighting, hazards, pets, small children, and even Feng Shui, are factors you can (or should) take into account. After doing so, you might even consider placing the tree in an entirely different space. With the help of a Christmas tree expert, we're breaking down the best spots to put up a Christmas tree—along with the areas you should avoid.

How to Decide Where to Put Your Christmas Tree

“The best spots to place your tree can depend on several factors, including the central focal point of the home,” says Jen Derry, chief merchandising officer at Balsam Hill. From a strictly aesthetic standpoint, she suggests putting it up where as many people as possible can enjoy it. For example, displaying a tree in front of a large bay window facing the front yard. “[This] allows the tree to be enjoyed from both the inside and outside, creating a festive atmosphere for everyone," she says.

On the other hand, if you’d rather put it up in the family room at the back of the house because that’s where you spend most of your time and don’t care if neighbors see it or not, that’s absolutely acceptable as well. What’s important is that the tree makes your home feel warm and cozy all season long.

Christmas Tree Safety Tips to Consider

Live Christmas tree enthusiasts understand that there are higher risks (not to mention maintenance) involved with them than with the artificial kind. But there’s nothing quite like the scent of fresh pine, right? Just make sure you’re tree safety savvy. “Fresh trees should not be on display for more than a month as they can dry out (even with daily watering) and make the branches and needles brittle, which poses a fire risk," Derry says.

Even if you go the artificial route, it’s wise to choose a good-quality tree, ideally made with fire-retardant materials, which Derry considers an important safety factor when shopping around. “The display area should have a flat and stable surface so your tree doesn't topple over," she says.

When it comes to safety, Derry recommends avoiding high-traffic areas while positioning your tree near a power source to light it. If you need an extension cord to reach an outlet, ensure it’s not a tripping hazard. Regardless of whether your Christmas tree is real or artificial, Derry explains that it should always be placed at least a few feet away from heat sources, including vents and space heaters. Kids and pets are another concern. Even if you don’t have any in your home, it’s something to think about if you’re expecting guests for the holidays. "Avoid placing the tree in an area where they might be tempted to climb or knock it over," Derry says.

The Best Spots to Put Your Christmas Tree

Keeping the previously mentioned factors in mind, consider displaying your tree in the following rooms or areas of your home.

The Living Room
“The living room is ideal as the tree becomes the centerpiece of your holiday home decorating," Derry says. As we’ve established, it’s the popular go-to spot for displaying a Christmas tree because the whole family can enjoy it when relaxing on a cold, dark winter night. If you regularly prop yours up in a corner, why not switch it up this year? Move some furniture around if needed so it can stand in front of a large window to delight passersby.

The Family Room or Playroom
If you have young children and spend most nights gathered in the family room or their playroom, skip the living room display and make this the designated Christmas tree location. Alternatively, you can keep a smaller, secondary tree in this space and let the kids decorate it themselves.

The Entryway or Foyer
If you have a large entryway or foyer, this can provide a gorgeous backdrop for your tree—and you won't have to rearrange your furniture! “Trees in the entryway also create a joyful welcome to your guests,” Derry says. If you plan to do a lot of holiday hosting this season, putting the tree up in this area (such as at the base of the staircase) can also create more room for mingling in the living room.

On the East Side of Your Home
If you practice Feng Shui, consider use it to influence where you place your holiday decor. “Incorporating Feng Shui into your Christmas tree placement can help create a harmonious and balanced atmosphere by aligning with the principles of energy flow in your home," Derry says. There are three primary locations considered to be best for holiday decorations: the southeast (associated with prosperity), the south (associated with fame or recognition), or the east (associated with family).1 Anywhere in the east of your home—including the southeast—is linked to the element of wood, which fosters health and vitality.

Source: BHG.com, Mary Cornetta