The right Christmas tree skirt can do more than just hide the base of your tree, it can elevate your entire holiday decor. When it’s thoughtfully coordinated with your ornaments, your tree looks cohesive, balanced and visually stunning. Whether your style is classic, modern, rustic or whimsical, matching your tree skirt with your ornaments is an easy way to create a polished, festive look.

Why Matching Matters

A Christmas tree is often the focal point of your holiday decorating. Choosing a tree skirt that complements your ornaments helps:

• Create a harmonious color palette
• Ground the tree and draw the eye downward gracefully
• Add depth and texture for a layered, designer look
• Tie in your holiday decor with the rest of the room

Think of your tree skirt as the foundation of your tree’s “outfit” just like shoes complete a great ensemble.

Step 1: Start with Your Ornament Color Palette

Before you select a tree skirt, take a good look at your ornament colors. Are they warm and traditional (reds, greens, golds) or cool and modern (silvers, blues, whites)?

A few quick matching guidelines:

• Warm tones pair beautifully with burlap, red velvet, cream or gold skirts.
• Cool tones shine against crisp white, silver, or icy blue skirts.
• Neutral ornaments can work with almost any skirt, but look especially elegant with natural fabrics and soft textures.

If your tree has a multi-color theme, choose a skirt in a grounding neutral like cream, linen or gray, to balance the variety.

You might also enjoy – The Best Neutral Tree Skirts for Minimalist Homes.

Step 2: Consider Ornament Style and Finish

Ornaments aren’t just about color, their finish also plays a big role in the overall effect.

• Matte ornaments pair beautifully with soft fabrics like linen, wool or cotton for a cozy, understated look.
• Glossy or metallic ornaments shine against luxurious skirts like velvet, silk or faux fur.
• Rustic or handcrafted ornaments feel at home with natural textures like burlap, jute or knit.

Matching textures creates a sense of flow between the top or the tree and its base.

Step 3: Match (or Complement) Patterns

If your ornaments have patterned designs – like stripes, plaid or intricate detailing – consider a solid-colored tree skirt to keep things balanced. On the other hand, if your ornaments are simple, a patterned skirt can add personality and visual interest.

Some popular pairtings:

• Plaid ornaments + solid red or cream skirt
• Solid gold ornaments + subtle metallic or embroidered skirt
• Natural wood ornaments + neutral cable knit skirt

The key is to ensure one element plays the lead while th other supports it.

Step 5: Tie It All Together with Accents

Once your skirt and ornaments are matched, you can add small details to pull the look together:

• Wrap your tree stand in matching fabric for a seamless finish.
• Coordinate your gift wrapping with your skirt and ornaments (think matching ribbons or paper colors).
• Add a tree collar underneath or around your skirt for extra structure and elegance.

These subtle touches make your entire tree look professionally styled.

Bonus: Matching Doesn’t Have to Mean “Exact”

Matching doesn’t always mean picking the same color or fabric. Often, complementary tones work best. For example:

• Gold ornaments with a cream skirt.
• Silver ornaments with a pale gray or white skirt.
• Red ornaments with a natural burlap skirt.

This creates a layered look that feels more natural and less matchy-matchy, while still keeping everything cohesive.

Inspiration by Theme

• Classic Christmas: Red, green and gold ornaments paired with a red velvet or plaid skirt.
• Scandinavian Minimalism: Wooden or white ornaments with a soft faux fur or sheepskin rug.
• Glam Metallics: Gold and silver ornaments with a champagne satin skirt.
• Rustic Farmhouse: Burlap ornaments with a jute, linen or knitted tree skirts.

Matching your skirt and ornaments by theme makes decorating quicker and more intentional.

You might also want to check out: Scandinavian Christmas Trees & Sheepskin Rugs or Pet Friendly Tree Skirts & Alternatives.

Final Thoughts

Your tree skirt is more than a decorative afterthought – it’s the finishing touch that ties your entire tree together. By considering color, texture, pattern and proportion, you can create a holiday look that feels thoughtful and cohesive. Whether you prefer a neutral foundation or a bold statement piece, matching your tree skirt with your ornaments is a small details that makes a big impact.

See our full guide for more tree skirt ideas and alternatives.

As much as we love our pets, they can make decorating a little tricky especially around the Christmas tree. From curious cats to playful pups, tree skirts can quickly become toys, chew targets or even hazards. Luckily, there are plenty of stylish and practical pet friendly tree skirts & alternatives that work beautifully in homes with fur babies.

I’ll always remember when we first got a family dog, he arrived just before Christmas and had obviously not seen a Christmas tree before because when we put it up I’m sure he thought we’d brought him an inside toilet! That was the year I first realized that Christmas wasn’t always pet-friendly!

Read on to find out why traditional tree skirts don’t always work with the fur members of the family, pet friendly alternatives as well as some tips to keep pets away from the base of your tree.

Why Traditional Tree Skirts Don’t Always Work

Most tree skirts are made from soft fabric that sits loosely on the floor. For pets, this looks like:

• A comfy bed to nap on.
• A fun toy to scratch or chew.
• A hiding sport for mischievous adventures.

This can lead to constant readjusting and sometimes, a toppled tree.

Best Pet Friendly Alternatives

1. Woven Baskets or Tree Collars

A tree collar made from wood, wicker or metal fits snugly around the base of the tree. It hides the stand completely, looks polished and is far less tempting to paw at. These baskets and tree collars also complement a number of different Christmas tree themes.

Wooden or Fabric Wrapped Boxes

You can place your tree stand inside a decorative box, either custom made or repurposed. This creates a clean, structured base that pets can’t easily disturb.

Sheepskin or Low Profile Rugs (Secured)

If you prefer a softer look, you can still use rugs – just secure them underneath the stand or use a heavier mat so pets can’t pull it away.

Pet Friendly Fabrics and Finishes

If you want to stick with a skirt, opt for durable, tightly woven fabrics that are less appealing to claws and teeth. Canvas, burlap and washable cotton blends ca stand up to more wear and tear than delicate faux fur or knits.

Christmas Tree Fences

In recent years I’ve seen Christmas Tree Fences available and these are great at keeping both pets and young children away from the tree. Now I’m not sure that it will keep a larger animal or very determined one away, but they can look really good. There are some that look like white picket fences which would really go well with a rustic farmhouse style of tree. You can also get clear acrylic gates (these are often marketed as foldable pet playpens when it’s not Christmas)

The wood style of fence is the most popular (although sometimes it looks like wood, but is plastic) and they come in a range of colors including candy cane stripes. They can even come with lights attached..

 Christmas Tree Picket Fence Clear Acrylic Tree Fence Candy Cane Picket Tree Fence

Tips to Keep Pets Away from the Tree Base

• Use double-sided tape or a pet deterrent spray around the skirt area.
• Keep dangling ornaments higher up the tree to reduce temptation.
• Add a soft pet bed nearby to redirect their attention.
• Choose a sturdy stand and secure the tree well to prevent accidents.

Stylish Doesn’t Have to Mean Fragile

With the right approach, your Christmas tree can still look elegant and festive without worrying about constant pet chaos. Many pet-friendly tree collars and boxes are designed to look chic and complement modern, holiday decor, so you won’t have to sacrifice style for practicality.

You Might Also Like

Now that you have a way to keep your tree safe from your fur babies, let’s look at a few posts you might enjoy.

• How & Why You Need to be Fluffing Your Christmas Tree
• Slim Christmas Trees: Elegant Solutions for Tight Spaces
• Minimalist Christmas Trees
• How to Create a Coffee Lovers Christmas Tree

If your home leans toward minimalist design – think clean lines, muted colors and calm spaces – then your Christmas tree should reflect that same understated beauty.

Choosing the right tree skirt is one of the simplest ways to tie your holiday decor together without overwhelming the room.

Neutral tree skirts are the perfect solution because they complement a clean, uncluttered aesthetic allowing for the tree to become the focal point rather than the skirt.

Why Neutral Works So Well

Minimalism thrives on simplicity and balance. A neutral tree skirt blends seamlessly with your existing decor, allowing the tree itself to shine.

Whether your palette is warm beige, crisp white, oft gray or earthy taupe, there’s a neutral option that can Complement your space effortlessly.

Using a neutral skirt with a minimalist home decor helps to enhance the sophistication and uncluttered look that aligns with modern minimalist design. It also provides a polished finish as it hides the base without adding visual clutter.

Popular Neutral Tree Skirt Materials

• Linen and Cotton: Lightweight, soft and breathable. Ideal for a casual, airy aesthetic.
• Burlap: Perfect for adding rustic texture without too much visual weight.
• Cable Knit or Wool: Cozy but still clean and classic, great for softening a modern interior.
• Faux Fur: Offers a winter wonderland vibe without going over the top.

These materials give just enough texture to feel intentional while keeping the overall look calm and cohesive.

Neutral Doesn’t Mean Boring

Just because it’s neutral doesn’t mean your tree skirt has to be plain. Look for subtle details like:

• Soft fringe, ruffled edges or tassels
• Delicate quilting
• Tone on tone embroidery
• Scalloped or stitched edges

These small design touches elevate a neutral skirt from basic to beautiful, all while staying minimalist.

Pairing with Minimalist Decor

When your tree skirt is neutral it pairs easily with a variety of minimalist tree styles:

• A tree with simple white or metallic ornaments
• Sparse Scandinavian style branches for a ‘forest chic’ look
• A monochrome color palette to keep things cohesive

The beauty of neutral tones if that they don’t compete with your decorations – they frame them.

A Timeless Investment

Unlike trendy patterns that can feel outdated after a season or two, neutral skirts are timeless. You can reuse them year after year, no matter how your decorating style evolves. That makes them both a sustainable and smart choice.

Shop the Look

Here’s a few neutral tree skirts for you to choose from:

 Chunky Knit Tree Skirt Faux Fur Tree Skirt Ruffled Edge Tree Skirt

Related Posts You May Enjoy

• How & Why You Need to be Fluffing Your Tree
• Minimalist Christmas Trees
• Flocked Vs Green Trees
• Top Ornament Trends for Christmas 2025

When it comes to holiday decorating, Scandinavian style has a way of making everything feel calm, warm and effortlessly elegant.

One of the simplest ways to bring this look into your home is by swapping the traditional Christmas tree skirt for something a little cozier – a sheepskin rug.

Sheepskin rugs make perfect Christmas tree skirts because they provide a luxurious, cozy and warm look that fits the winter and holiday theme. Their fluffy texture adds elegance and texture to holiday decor.

A Natural Fit for Scandinavian Style

Scandinavian Christmas decor is all about minimalism, natural material and layers of soft texture. Think warm whites, pine greens, flickering candlelight and neutral tones. A sheepskin rug fits beautifully into this aesthetic because it adds instant softness without distracting from the tree itself. Instead of a busy pattern or heavy fabric, the gentle fluff of a sheepskin rug creates a “snowy forest floor” effect that feels both organic and inviting.

Warmth & Texture Without the Clutter

Unlike a traditional tree skirt, which can sometimes look bulky or be hard to arrange neatly, a sheepskin rug drapes effortlessly around the base of your tree. It hides the stand, frames your decorations and brings visual balance to the room. The texture adds warmth – literally and visually – making the entire tree area feel more grounded and cozy.

Flexible Styling Options

Sheepskin rugs are surprisingly versatile. You can:

• Drape one piece around the base for a soft, snow-like effect.
• Layer two or more smaller rugs for larger trees or a fuller look.
• Fold or bunch the edges to create an interntional, natural shape.

You can also find faux sheepskin options if you prefer an animal-friendly alternative. They look just as beautiful and are often easier to clean.

A Practical Alternative Too

Beyond aesthetics, sheepskin rugs are practical. Many are machine-washable or can be gently handwashed, making cleanup after the festive season much easier than with bulky tree skirts. They’re also reusable year-round simply repurpose them as a coxy throw on a chair or under a coffee table.

Finishing Touches to Complete the Look

To enhance the Scandinavian vibe, keep your tree decorations simple:

• Neutral ornaments in white, wood or soft metallics
• Warm fairy lights or soft gold string lights
• A few handcrafted details, like wooden stars or straw ornaemnts

Pairing your sheepskin rug with understated decor creates a look that’s timeless, elegant and beautifully simple.

Dressing the Base of Your Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree may be the centerpiece of holiday decorating, but what about the base? A beautifully decorated tree can look unfinished if its stand is left exposed. That’s where Christmas tree skirts and alternatives come in. Whether traditional fabric skirts, modern collars or creative DIY solutions, dressing the bottom of your tree elevates the entire look.

This guide explores everything you need to know about tree skirts and their alternatives, from history and styles to creative ideas and buying options.

A Brief History of the Christmas Tree Skirt

Originally, tree skirts weren’t about decoration at all.

• 19th Century Origins: In the 1800s when real Christmas trees were used and were decorated with real, wax candles Christmas skirts were practical. They were designed for catching the dripping wax and the fallen needles.
• Transition to Decor: By the early 20th century as electric lights replaced candles, skirts became for decorative. Christmas tree skirts were often handmade, quilted or embroidered with festive motifs.
• Today’s Purpose: While wax catching is no longer necessary and more and more people are using artificial Christmas trees we are still finding tree skirts an essential Christmas tree accessory. They now play a part in hiding stands, protecting floors and adding a great finish to your tree decor.

Classic Christmas Tree Skirts

Traditional tree skirts are circular fabric pieces with a slit to wrap around the trunk or stand.

Materials and Styles

• Velvet or Velour: This style feels luxurious and soft, it works really well with a classic, sophisticated style of tree. Check out some of the classic velvet tree skirts available at Amazon.
• Plaid or Tartan: This can suite a more rustic, cozy look that is still classic and traditional.
• Felt or Wool: Great for a more simple and durable look that will suit a number of different styles of tree.
• Sequined or Metallic: This is definitely for a glamorous sparkle of a look – it will look good with neon colors for a fun or retro themed tree. This also would suit a more glamorous or dramatic look.

Size Guide: How Big Should a Tree Skirt Be?

It’s all very good deciding that you need a tree skirt, but you need a size guide or it just will not work!

• For trees up to 6 feet: a 42-48″ skirt works.
• For trees over 6 feet up to 8 feet: go for 50-60″.
• For very large trees, 9 feet and over: choose a 70-72″ skirt.

Tip: The skirt should be wider that the tree’s full base diameter for balance.

Modern Alternatives: Collars, Crates & More

Traditional skirts aren’t the only way to cover your tree base, let’s explore some other options.

Tree Collars

Tree collars are rigid covers that encircle the base. Popular materials for these collars are:

• Woven wicker or rattan: these offer a natural, rustic feel to your tree.
• Galvanized metal: this style certainly adds to a farmhouse chic style.
• Wooden slats: these are sturdy and timeless and suit a wide range of tree styles.
• Fabric covered or even chunky cable knit collapsible collars: these are easy to store and the chunky cable knit collars add a very warm, cozy feel to your Christmas tree.

Wooden Crates & Barrels

For a farmhouse or rustic look, some people build or by wooden crates to surround their stand. As well as being stylish these are also sturdy and can be pet proof and even baby proof.

For a DIY option you can repurpose pallets or vintage crates.

Decorative Baskets

Large woven baskets can be cut to fit around a tree stand, creating a cozy base. Another great idea if you use a woven basket is that you can incorporate something else to the base as well – fabric, burlap, faux fur, chunky blankets etc – any of these can be used to be in the basket and draping over for a sumptuous, rich cozy look

Creative & Budget-Friendly Alternatives

You don’t need to buy a skirt or collar to dress your tree. Many people use:

• Sheepskin Rugs: These create a lovely soft, Scandi-inspired look that is cozy and on-trend. Checkout Scandinavian Christmas Trees: Why Sheepskin Rugs Work for inspiration.
• Chunky Knit Blankets: Wrap these around the stand for a hygge vibe (they also double up as a wrap for when watching Christmas movies on the couch)
• Faux Fur Rugs: These give off a luxe and festive feel and go with so many different tree styles.
• Layered Fabric or Burlap: This gives off rustic charm and is perfect for farmhouse appeal – the burlap is also great for a coffee inspired tree or a woodland animal inspired tree.
• Quilts or Tablecloths: Repurposing these textiles for a unique look is a great idea. I love to look in the post Christmas sale for things like Christmas tablecloths or bedding as they are greatly reduced and then repurposing them the following year for things such as your tree skirt is a great and budget friendly idea.

DIY Christmas Tree Skirt Ideas

For crafters, making your own tree skirt can be fun and cost-effective.

• No-Sew Felt Skirt: Even non crafters can make this. Simply cut a large circle of felt, snip a slit and you’re done.
• Quilted Skirt: If you’re a quilter this can look amazing, there’s so many different holiday fabric squares you can find to make a festive patchwork design.
• Repurposed Materials: You can use all different types of material for very creative skirts from old denim, blankets or curtains. If your family wear Christmas t-shirts you could even repurpose these for a very special keepsake Christmas tree skirt.

Practical Considerations for a Christmas Tree Skirt

Before choosing a skirt or alternative please think about the following:

• Floor Protection: Especially important for real trees with water stands.
• Pets & Kids: Collars or crates can prevent pets and young kids from playing in the water or tugging at the fabric.
• Storage: Fabric skirts will fold flat so if storage is at a premium these are the best option. If you have the space then you can look to collars and crates.

Where to Buy Tree Skirts & Alternatives

You can purchase both budget-friendly and luxury tree skirts or alternatives online at Amazon. If you’re after a more personalized Christmas tree skirt then it’s worth checking out Zazzle. For handmade and unique skirts and alternatives check out Etsy and local craft markets.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose a classic velvet skirt, a rustic wooden crate, or a cozy sheepskin rug, dressing the base of your tree is the finishing touch that completes your holiday decor. With so many styles and DIY options, there’s a solution for every taste and budget.