A white Christmas tree looks clean, modern and a little like a snowy forest. It also behaves differently from a green tree: colors stand out more, lights glow softer, and some color schemes that look great on green can feel busy on white. This guide covers color schemes that work on a white tree, how to light it, and how to finish it so it looks full and intentional.
Why decorate a white tree differently?
A green tree is a dark background, so bright ornaments pop and the tree itself fades into the background. A white tree is a light background. Ornaments read as color against white, the tree itself is part of the look, and every gap between branches shows. That means color choice, branch fluffing and ornament spacing matter a little more.
Color schemes that work on a white tree
Red and gold
The classic combination looks crisp on white. Use red as the main color and gold as an accent, with a few clear or white ornaments to tie it together.
Silver and blue
Cool tones on white give a wintry, frosted look. Mix matte and shiny ornaments so the tree does not look flat.
Blush pink and rose gold
Soft and modern, good for bedrooms, entryways and apartments with warm light.
All white and clear
White, silver and clear glass ornaments with warm white lights give a soft, snowy look. Add texture (glitter, felt, wood) so the ornaments do not disappear against the branches.
Bright multicolor
Rainbow ornaments look playful and very bright on white, which suits a kids' room or a cheerful living room. Keep the ornament size consistent to avoid a cluttered look.
Natural and rustic
Wooden beads, pinecones, dried orange slices and burlap ribbon give white branches a cozy, cabin-like look.
Lighting a white tree
- Warm white lights give a soft, cozy glow and make the tree look slightly ivory.
- Cool white lights make it look icy and very bright.
- Colored lights tint the white branches, which can look magical but makes ornament colors harder to plan.
Use a white or clear light cord so it blends into the branches; a green cord stands out on a white tree. Start at the top and wrap down, tucking lights deep into the branches as well as around the outside. Always follow the safety instructions that come with the lights.
Step-by-step decorating
- Fluff every branch. Gaps are more visible on white, so separate each tip and bend it slightly up or out, working from the bottom up and from the trunk outward.
- Add lights before anything else.
- Add ribbon or garland, loosely spiraling down the tree.
- Place large ornaments first, deep in the branches and toward the bottom, to fill space.
- Add medium and small ornaments, with smaller ones near the top.
- Finish with a topper in your accent color.
- Step back across the room and fill any gaps you see.
Small white trees
A 4-foot white tree is easy to decorate in under an hour and works on a table or in a corner. Scale everything down: small and medium ornaments, a thin ribbon and a short string of lights. The 4 ft White Artificial Christmas Tree we carry has 200 white branch tips and a pot-style stand, so it needs no separate base or tree skirt. Lights and ornaments are not included. For more small-space ideas, read how to decorate a 4-foot Christmas tree for a small space.
Keeping a white tree white
- Handle it with clean, dry hands when you set it up and take it down.
- Keep it away from fireplaces, candles and heaters.
- Store it in its box or a storage bag in a cool, dry place, loosely wrapped in an old sheet to keep dust off.
Quick recap
Pick a color scheme that stands out on white (red and gold, silver and blue, blush, all-white or natural), use a white light cord, fluff every branch, place large ornaments first and scale everything to the size of your tree.
See our holiday decor. Orders ship free within the US; delivery times are on our shipping policy page.