Creative Ways to Decorate Around a Tree: 1 Minute to Transform Your Outdoor Space

Trees, whether inside a home or gracing your garden or yard, can elevate the ambiance of any setting, acting as a natural centerpiece. Decorating around a tree poses a unique opportunity to blend nature with creativity, while maintaining harmony within your space. For interior designers like me, every tree brings a fresh design challenge—how can you make it a true focal point without overpowering its natural beauty? Below, I’ll share inventive ideas to enhance the area around your tree while keeping your overall decor cohesive and memorable.

1. 1. Create a Circular Seating Area: Positioning a bench or semi-circular sofa around a tree—especially a mature one—forms an inviting gathering spot. It’s perfect for reading nooks or socializing outdoors. Opt for natural woods or weather-resistant materials to blend seamlessly with the environment.
2. 2. Layered Ground Cover: Low-lying plants, ornamental grasses, or flowering annuals can be planted around your tree for color contrast and a lush look. In interiors, large potted plants or textured rugs can create a similar layered effect.
3. 3. Highlight with Lighting: String lights or lanterns nestled among branches create a magical nighttime atmosphere. Uplighting at the tree’s base also defines the space after dusk.
4. 4. Tree Skirt Decor: Decor doesn’t have to stop at the holidays. A rustic tree skirt—made from stones, wood chips, or even ornate tiles—frames the trunk and sets a design tone, indoors or out.
5. 5. Art Installations: Suspend hanging sculptures, eco-friendly ornaments, or wind chimes from sturdy limbs. Mirrors or reflective items can amplify greenery and introduce surprising perspectives.
6. 6. Outdoor Rugs and Pillows: If your tree is in a patio or terrace, layer the area with durable textiles to define the space and offer cozy comfort.
7. 7. Multi-Level Planter Displays: Build or arrange tiered planters around your tree’s base for added height and dimensional interest. This is a perfect way to merge function with style—plus, extra foliage means more visual depth.

As a designer, I always recommend tailoring your decor approach based on your overall floor plan and how the tree relates to the rest of your space. Sometimes, when I’m planning how a tree fits into a room’s layout, using a digital tool lets me experiment virtually with seating, plant arrangements, and even lighting concepts—all before making any changes in real life. Doing so ensures every design feels intentional and integrated.

Tips 1:

Take cues from the tree itself—its size, shape, and light requirements can guide your design. For example, larger trees offer opportunities for swing seating or dramatic lighting, while smaller or indoor trees shine with subtle floor accents or minimalist planters.

FAQ

Q: What materials are best for outdoor tree seating?

A: Weather-resistant woods like teak, recycled plastics, and powder-coated metals are durable options for circular benches or seating around trees.

Q: How do I choose plants to go around a tree?

A: Select shade-tolerant plants for trees with dense canopies, and mix in seasonal blooms or decorative ground cover for contrast and texture.

Q: Can lighting harm my tree?

A: Using low-voltage, LED lights minimizes heat and energy use, keeping your tree safe. Avoid attaching hardware directly to growing limbs.

Q: How do I decorate a tree indoors without making a mess?

A: Opt for large, attractive pots, tidy base decor using pebbles or moss, and keep hanging ornaments lightweight to preserve branches.

Q: What’s a designer’s best tip for integrating a tree into home decor?

A: Use surrounding furnishings, floor coverings, and vertical elements to visually anchor the tree—always considering your overall layout for maximum harmony.