Eight years ago, my husband and I made a life-changing decision to downsize. We had lived in a house packed with years of accumulated belongings—holiday decorations, kitchen gadgets, movies, and more. It felt overwhelming, and I started to ask myself: Do we really need all this stuff?

Around the same time, the tiny house movement was gaining popularity. I even found myself inspired while scrolling through Instagram back in 2016 (a deep dive into my old posts brings back so many memories!). The movement’s message really resonated with me: prioritize experiences over possessions.

Over the next few years, we fully embraced this mindset. I listed nearly everything we didn’t use on Facebook Marketplace, making sure each item went to someone who could truly enjoy it. One of those items was our artificial Christmas tree—a unique collapsible tree that, while space-saving compared to traditional models, was still bulky to store.

I’ll never forget the woman who bought it. She was overjoyed to bring home this festive centerpiece for her two young children. Knowing it would bring another family so much happiness made letting it go easier.

When Christmas came around that year, I knew I wasn’t going to buy another tree. Instead, I got creative—and that’s how the wall tree was born.

The wall tree is a minimalist, space-saving Christmas tree alternative that fits perfectly into small living spaces. It’s simple to create and even easier to store. Here’s how I made mine:

1. Materials Needed:

•   Bamboo sticks in various sizes
•   Jute twine
•   LED string lights
•   A heavy-duty picture hanger

2. Step-by-Step Instructions:

•   Measure and Cut: Start with the longest bamboo stick for the base and cut each subsequent stick slightly shorter, creating a triangular shape when assembled.
•   Assemble the Tree: Tie the ends of the sticks together with jute twine, leaving space between each stick for that classic “tree” look.
•   Add Lights: Wrap LED string lights around each layer, securing them with thread to keep them in place. This saves time during future holiday seasons, as you won’t need to rewrap the lights.

3. Hanging the Tree:

Use a sturdy picture hanger to secure the tree to the wall. I replace a large frame in our living room each December and hang the wall tree in its place. It’s simple, secure, and has never fallen in all these years.

If you’d like to create your own wall tree, here’s a rough guide for the stick lengths I used:

The wall tree has been a game-changer for our minimalist lifestyle. Not only does it take up minimal space when displayed, but it’s also incredibly easy to store. In our 700-square-foot apartment, I kept it tucked under the bed during the off-season.

 Beyond its practicality, this tree carries a story that means so much to our family. Every year when I hang it up, it reminds me of our journey toward simplicity and creativity.

Even now, years later, our wall tree makes its annual appearance, glowing with the same lights and memories we’ve cherished since its creation. I hope this project inspires you to embrace creativity this holiday season.

Here are some photos of our wall tree through the years—proof that less really can be more.

If you enjoyed this holiday craft, you may also like my tutorials for a cardboard fireplace. Be sure to check them out by using a TV box or large U-Haul boxes.