Christmas Tree Color Themes: 6 Palettes From Classic to Pink

A Christmas tree with a clear color theme just looks finished. Even if you use a handful of inexpensive ornaments, a tight palette makes everything feel intentional, like it all belongs together. And the best part is that there's no wrong answer. Some families love the red and green they grew up with. Others want a pink tree that makes guests smile the second they walk in.

Here are six Christmas tree color themes, how to pull each one off, and the pieces that make them easy.

How to Choose Your Palette

Before you pick a theme, look at the room the tree lives in. Your wall color, sofa and rug are part of the picture, so choose a palette that works with them, not against them.

A few guidelines that help:

• Stick to two or three colors. One main color, one supporting color and one metallic accent is a reliable formula.
• Think in proportions. Let your main color cover most of the tree, your second color fill in, and your accent show up in small doses.
• Mix textures. Glitter, velvet, glass and feathers in the same colors add depth without adding clutter.
• Match your lights. Warm white LEDs flatter gold, red and cream. Cool white lights make silver and white feel crisp and icy.
• Repeat the colors nearby. A pillow, bow or wreath in the same palette ties the tree into the rest of the room.

1. Classic Red and Green

This is the palette most of us picture when we think of Christmas, and it never goes out of style. It works on any green tree, and it's the easiest theme to build on year after year.

Start with volume. The 132-Piece Red, Green and Gold Shatterproof Ornament Set fills a lot of branches, and because the pieces are shatterproof, they're a safer pick for homes with kids and pets. Add sparkle with the 12-Piece Red and Green Glitter Christmas Ball Ornaments, which are 2.4 in across.

For a natural touch, perch the 36-Piece Red Feather Cardinal Clip-On Ornaments throughout the branches. Each bird is about 2 to 2.4 inches and has a metal clip. Finish with the 48 in Red and Green Christmas Tree Skirt to cover the stand.

A Folk-Art Ornament Stash for a Fully Dressed Tree

132-Piece Red, Green and Gold Shatterproof Ornament Set

$84.99MSRP $136.00

A Dozen Glittery Baubles in Classic Colors

12-Piece 2.4 in Red and Green Glitter Christmas Ball Ornaments

$58.99MSRP $77.00

A Whole Flock of Cardinals for Your Tree

36-Piece Red Feather Cardinal Clip-On Christmas Ornaments

From $67.99MSRP $167.00

A Soft Red-and-Green Base for Your Tree

48 in Red and Green Christmas Tree Skirt

$56.99MSRP $90.00

2. Rich Red Velvet

Want the classic colors with a more elegant feel? Swap bright red for deep velvet tones and let bows do the heavy lifting.

The 24-Piece Burgundy Red Velvet Christmas Bows measure about 7 x 6 in each, a good size to tuck evenly around the tree. Crown it with the 36 x 18 in Large Red Velvet Christmas Bow Tree Topper and let its long tails trail down the branches. If you'd like a little shine, the 2-Pack Red and Gold Velvet Christmas Bows have gold shiny patches, and a second bow can go on the front door to match.

3. Pretty in Pink

Pink Christmas trees have become a favorite for anyone who wants something cheerful and a little unexpected. Blush, rose and pastel shades all work, and pink pairs beautifully with white, silver or gold.

Go all in with a pink tree. The 7.5 ft Pink Flocked Pre-Lit Christmas Tree has 500 warm white LEDs and 1,346 branch tips, and its hinged branches split into three sections. For a smaller room, the 5 ft Pink Flocked Pre-Lit Pencil Christmas Tree is about 18.1 in wide. Prefer a two-tone look? The 7 ft Pink and White Artificial Christmas Tree has 1,000 branch tips and auto-open branches.

Dress it with the 15-Piece Pink and Beige Velvet Ornaments, which are shatterproof and about 3.15 in across. Top it with the 52 x 13 in Pink Snowflake Tree Topper Bow, then stack the Set of 3 Pink Light-Up Christmas Gift Box Decorations underneath. They're battery operated, so no outlet is needed.

Seven and a Half Feet of Blush-Pink Glow

7.5 ft Pink Flocked Pre-Lit Christmas Tree with 500 Warm White LEDs

$96.99MSRP $116.37

Soft Velvet Baubles for a Blush-Pink Christmas

15-Piece Pink and Beige Velvet Shatterproof Christmas Ball Ornaments

$87.99MSRP $110.00

A Giant Pink Bow to Crown Your Tree

52 x 13 in Pink Snowflake Tree Topper Bow

$62.99MSRP $100.00

Pretty-in-Pink Presents That Glow

Set of 3 Pink Light-Up Christmas Gift Box Decorations

$93.99MSRP $110.00

4. Black and Gold Glam

For a modern, dramatic tree, pair black with gold. It feels formal and a little bit bold, and it looks especially good in rooms with dark wood or neutral walls.

The 6 ft Pre-Lit Black Christmas Tree has 350 white LEDs and 1,460 branch tips that can hold heavier ornaments. On a black tree, gold really glows. Wrap it with the 50 ft Gold Tinsel Christmas Garland, then hang the Set of 6 Egg-Shaped Black and Gold Glass Ornaments, each about 4.3 in tall with a brass cap. A Gold Metal Hummingbird Ornament or two adds a graceful accent at eye level.

350 Crisp White Lights on a Bold Black Tree

6 ft Pre-Lit Black Christmas Tree with 350 White LEDs

$99.99MSRP $159.70

Fifty Feet of Pure Golden Sparkle

50 ft Gold Tinsel Christmas Garland

$56.99MSRP $90.00

Baubles With a Bold Modern Twist

Set of 6 Egg-Shaped Black and Gold Glass Christmas Ornaments

$59.99MSRP $95.90

A Golden Hummingbird Hovering on Your Tree

Gold Metal Hummingbird Christmas Tree Ornament

$50.99MSRP $80.00

5. Winter White and Silver

A white and silver tree feels calm, bright and snowy. It's a great choice for Scandinavian, coastal or minimalist rooms.

Start with the 7 ft Unlit White Artificial Christmas Tree, which has 1,064 branch tips and hinged branches. Since it's unlit, you can choose your own lights, and cool white keeps the icy look. Hang the Set of 6 White Glitter Glass Ball Ornaments, each 3.9 in across, and crown the tree with the 3D Lighted Silver Star Tree Topper, which is USB powered with 8 modes and a timer. The 35 in White Faux Fur Christmas Tree Skirt finishes the base like a soft snowdrift.

Seven Feet of Bright White for Two Big Holidays

7 ft Unlit White Artificial Christmas Tree with 1,064 Branch Tips

$100.99MSRP $160.00

Six Frosty Glass Globes With a Glittery Glow

Set of 6 White Glitter Glass Christmas Ball Ornaments, 3.9 in

$50.99MSRP $79.82

A Shining Star With a Timer and Brightness Dial

3D Lighted Silver Star Christmas Tree Topper with 8 Modes

$83.99MSRP $134.00

A Fluffy Snowbank for Your Presents

35 in White Faux Fur Christmas Tree Skirt

$54.99

6. Buffalo Plaid Farmhouse

Red and black check feels cozy, rustic and made for a cabin weekend. The trick is to use plaid as the pattern and keep everything else simple, with natural textures like wood, burlap and woven baskets.

Replace a plain stand cover with the 26.8 in Hand-Woven Natural Christmas Tree Collar, which fits trees about 82.7 to 106.3 in tall. Then carry the plaid through the room. The Plush Christmas Gnomes with Buffalo Check Plaid Accents sit steady on a mantel or shelf thanks to a sand-weighted base, the 4-Pack Red Buffalo Plaid Throw Pillow Covers slip over pillows you already own, and the 3-Piece Buffalo Plaid Christmas Wreaths with Joy Signs can go on walls, windows or doors.

Want a playful red and white twist? The 6 ft Santa Hat Christmas Tree is one of our hot sellers. It has 300 cool white LEDs and a bendable top that can curve like a hat or stand straight.

Putting It All Together

Once you've picked your palette, decorate in this order for the most balanced tree:

1. Lights first. Work from the trunk out so the tree glows from within.
2. Garland or ribbon next. Drape it loosely in swoops or spirals.
3. Largest ornaments. Space them evenly, and tuck a few deeper into the branches for depth.
4. Smaller ornaments and accents. Fill gaps with your supporting color and metallic accent.
5. Topper and skirt last. They frame the whole look.

Step back every few minutes and squint. Any spot that looks dark or crowded will jump out.

Find Your Colors

Browse all of our Christmas trees and ornaments and accents to build your palette. Short on floor space? Our small-space Christmas decorating guide has ideas for slim and tabletop trees. And when the season wraps up, our tips on how to store Christmas decorations will keep your theme ready for next year.

Orders ship from US warehouses and usually arrive in 5-10 business days, with free shipping on orders over $75 in the lower 48 and 30-day returns. Happy decorating!