5 Black Christmas Tree Ideas for a Modern Holiday Look

Black might not be the most traditional holiday color, but this season, the black Christmas tree trend is putting a chic spin on a holiday classic. It’s modern yet timeless and makes a festive statement that’s bound to wow guests at every holiday gathering you host. Interior designer Sandra Funk of House of Funk compares the trend to a timeless fashion icon—the LBD—and shares ideas for decorating a black Christmas tree. “Like a little black dress, black is classic," she says. "Keep it festive by loading it with sparkle."

If you want to trade the traditional red and green for a dramatic touch of glamor this year, try an artificial black Christmas tree. Black is a neutral color which gives the tree ultimate versatility. "It’s an incredible backdrop to set off glass, feathers, metals, and twinkling lights," Funk suggests. It’ll look stunning dressed in an array of colorful baubles and holiday string lights for a modern, glam-style Christmas, but it also makes the perfect canvas for buffalo check ribbons and neutral ornaments that give a cozy farmhouse Christmas look.

If you’re itching to put the tree up as soon as possible, an artificial black tree will give you all the more reason to do so—deck it out with Halloween-themed decor for the month of October, then transition into Christmas come November. Whether you want to use it for your main Christmas tree or as a second tree in the family or dining room, we're sharing our favorite ways to implement this non-traditional holiday trend.

1. Black and White

Stick with a monochrome color palette of black and white for the ultimate sophisticated Christmas tree. When using a limited color palette to decorate your tree, it’s important to mix different sizes, shapes, and textures of ornaments in order to create depth and visual interest. Use both shiny and matte glass ornaments that will add a striking pop of white against an all-black tree. Not only will it look incredibly elegant, but it’ll also create the illusion of snow covering the branches. You can also recreate this theme on a traditional evergreen if you're set on having a live Christmas tree. Simply add all-black ornaments and ribbons for a classic look. Tuck additional decorations such as feathers or snowflakes in between glass ornaments and light up the tree with plenty of white lights for a classy look.

2. Farmhouse Plaid

The black Christmas tree trend works with countless decor styles including the ever-popular farmhouse look. Incorporate quintessential farmhouse-style accents such as a buffalo check ribbon, neutral-colored ornaments, pinecones, and a rustic wood tree topper for a woodland-inspired feel. The neutral tones and wood accents will pop against the branches of a black Christmas tree. Continue the buffalo check theme with a black and white tree skirt or add a contrasting texture with a simple burlap skirt. 

3. Mixed Metallic Ornaments

A mix of shiny metal ornaments stands out against the dark, moody branches of this black Christmas tree ($105, Walmart). Hang red, silver, gold, and clear glass ornaments on the tree to create a classic holiday look, and choose ones with varying finishes—shiny, matte, or glittered—for an additional layer of decorative detail. To elevate the look, wrap the tree branches in thick gold or silver ribbon and nestle glittery sprays and picks into the branches to create depth and contrast.

4. Glamorous Black Christmas Tree 

Go for the glitz and glam look by decorating your black Christmas tree with as many holiday accents as it can hold. Cover the tree with multi-colored lights, then fill it with tons of colorful ornaments. The color scheme is up to you: Soft pastels and deep jewel tones will pop against the dark branches, while traditional colors or warm metallics will create a stark contrast and add drama. Add a textural element with peacock-style feathers, velvet ribbon, or floral picks, and finish off the glamorous tree with an oversized metallic topper.

5. Christmas Twinkle Lights

You can never have too many on a tree as far as we’re concerned. Whether it’s a traditional evergreen or an artificial black Christmas tree, it’s the soft glow of twinkle lights that creates a magical holiday feel. Use white lights for an elegant, understated look, or go bright and colorful with multi-colored string lights for a retro-glam take. If your tree is not pre-lit and you’re worried about the green cables on traditional string lights showing, there are string lights with black cords that will blend in seamlessly with your black Christmas tree.