Why Velvet Christmas Trees Are the Holiday Trend Everyone’s Talking About
The first time I saw a velvet-adorned Christmas tree, I couldn’t stop staring. The branches weren’t just decorated — they glowed with soft, rich texture that felt elegant, modern, and surprisingly cozy.
It was a reminder that holiday decorating doesn’t always have to mean sparkle and glitter. Sometimes, it’s about subtle luxury that changes the whole mood of a room.
That’s what makes velvet trees so special. They aren’t just ornaments and ribbons — they’re a design choice that feels intentional.
In my own home, adding velvet ribbon to my tree instantly shifted the atmosphere. The living room went from festive chaos to something calmer, warmer, and almost cinematic.
In this article, we show why velvet Christmas trees are the perfect Christmas decor and 5 velvet Christmas tree ideas that are turning heads this Christmas.
Velvet Christmas Trees: Why the Hype?
Velvet has always been tied to luxury, but recently it’s become one of the most talked-about materials in interior design.
Designers love it because velvet absorbs light rather than reflecting it, creating depth and richness that other fabrics can’t match.
When draped across a Christmas tree — whether as ribbons, ornaments, or bows — it turns holiday décor into something refined yet inviting.
In fact, House Beautiful highlights velvet as a top trend in seasonal decorating, noting how its soft, matte texture creates a more elevated, modern holiday look.
What’s exciting is how versatile the trend is. Velvet can be jewel-toned and moody, soft and romantic, or classic in rich reds and greens. That flexibility is why it’s going viral — it works in city apartments, cozy cottages, and large family homes alike.
Now that we know why velvet is dominating holiday décor, let’s look at five creative ways you can bring the trend to life in your own home.
5 Velvet Christmas Tree Ideas That Are Turning Heads
1. The Classic Velvet Ribbon Tree
If there’s one way to ease into this trend, it’s with velvet ribbons. Wide strands spiraled around the tree instantly add elegance, while smaller bows tied onto branches create pops of soft texture.
I tried this look last year with burgundy ribbon, and the transformation was immediate — my tree felt like something out of a holiday magazine spread.
Action step: Choose two or three complementary shades (burgundy, emerald, and champagne work beautifully). Layer them at different widths — wide ribbon for spirals, thinner ribbon for bows — to create depth.
Lifestyle twist: No full-size tree? A single velvet bow on the top of a tabletop tree creates the same luxurious feel in a small space.
2. The Moody Jewel-Tone Velvet Tree
Velvet really shines in deep jewel tones — think emerald, sapphire, amethyst, or plum.
These shades soak up light and make a tree look moody, dramatic, and modern.
When I decorated with emerald and navy ornaments one year, the tree felt less “holiday kitsch” and more like a chic winter centerpiece.
Action step: Mix jewel-toned velvet ornaments with matte metallic baubles for balance. Place the darker shades deeper in the branches and the lighter ones closer to the lights for a layered, glowing effect.
Lifestyle twist: This look doubles as winter décor. After Christmas, leave the jewel-toned ornaments on the tree and swap out explicitly “holiday” pieces. It carries you stylishly into January.
3. The Velvet-and-Metallic Glam Tree
Velvet absorbs light, metallics reflect it — together, they create dazzling contrast. A tree decorated with velvet bows and metallic ornaments doesn’t just look festive;
It looks editorial. I once paired gold velvet ribbon with silver ornaments, and the result was a tree that glittered without being gaudy.
Action step: Place metallic ornaments near the lights for sparkle, then tuck velvet accents deeper in the branches to soften the shine.
Lifestyle twist: Hosting holiday photos? This looks built for photography. The matte velvet keeps things grounded while metallics give the perfect pop — ideal for Instagram-worthy holiday shots.
4. The Velvet Minimalist Tree
Minimalist doesn’t mean boring. A dozen velvet ornaments in one shade — navy, black, or deep green — can create a strikingly modern look.
No tinsel, no clutter, just texture and elegance. In fact, my friend once used nothing but navy velvet baubles and white string lights, and the effect was jaw-droppingly simple yet chic.
Action step: Stick to one or two velvet tones. Use string lights sparingly so the texture of the ornaments takes center stage.
Lifestyle twist: Perfect for pencil trees or apartment-sized spaces where too many ornaments might overwhelm the room. This proves you don’t need “more” to feel festive.
5. The DIY Velvet Accents around Christmas Tree
Not ready to overhaul your tree? DIY velvet accents are the easiest (and most affordable) way to dip into the trend.
You can wrap foam ornaments with velvet fabric, tie custom bows from fabric scraps, or even hot-glue velvet strips around plain baubles for a handmade touch.
Action step: Visit your local fabric store for remnants — they’re inexpensive and often available in bold colors. Wrap, tie, or drape the fabric into ornaments or garlands.
Lifestyle twist: This is child-friendly and craft-ready. Last year, I had my kids make mini velvet bows, and these were some of the best gifts for the tree. It made the decoration a memory-making.
The reason I like the five ideas is their flexibility. Whether you want your tree to be a big jewel statement, or simple with a few embellishments, or personalized with something DIY, velvet can fit your style, your budget, and your space.
And that is the loveliness of the velvet tree trend: it is not only about what you see on social media, but how it makes your home feel during the holidays.
Why It All Matters
Velvet isn’t just a trend — it’s a design moment that feels inherently warm, layered, and luxurious.
When applied in holiday decor, particularly on Christmas trees, it makes the typical twinkle look much warmer and friendlier.
This isn’t fleeting. Velvet has had a massive rebirth, both as a high street fashion and as a home decorative feature, with its lushness, sophistication and contemporary style.
The Associated Press highlights how velvet is returning to the spotlight in both luxury fashion and home décor for its ability to add depth without overpowering a space.
It is more practical and sustainable than ever, thanks to sustainable and performance-grade velvet options.
In other words, velvet Christmas trees are not merely Instagram-worthy aesthetics but a part of a change in terms of how people use holiday decor that can be both subtle, profound, and beautifully personal.
FAQs About Velvet Christmas Trees
Are velvet Christmas trees expensive to create?
Not necessarily. You may begin with a simple velvet ribbon at a price you can afford or you may make your own ornaments out of pieces of fabric. It seems like a fancy texture, however it does not need to strain your wallet.
Do velvet ornaments last?
Yes. With proper storage, velvet ornaments and ribbons can last for years. Store them in fabric or acid-free paper bags to avoid dust and to maintain their softness.
Can I mix velvet with other décor styles?
Absolutely. Velvet pairs beautifully with glass baubles, wood accents, or metallic ornaments. The trick is to maintain a strict palette so all feels unified.
Will velvet trees work in small homes or apartments?
Definitely. A single velvet bow or a few ornaments or even a ribbon wrap can be used on a tabletop tree or pencil tree. Velvet is an ideal space-saver as it creates an impression without a lot of mess.
How do I clean or refresh velvet ornaments?
Dust them gently with a soft brush or lint roller. Should they gather any stains, wipe with a damp cloth. Velvet should not be moistened out–this can alter its texture.
Closing Thoughts
I do not merely think of a trend when I imagine the velvet tree in my living room: I think of the manner in which it shifts the mood of the season.
The plush material, the jewel-like sounds, the manner the lights shine on matte ribbon all make the atmosphere that will be both celebratory and very personal.
That’s the beauty of velvet. It makes the task of decorating for the holiday a checklist into an experience.
You can either do it in the grand with jewel-toned drama or keep things simple with a single velvet bow; this trend provides you with the means to create a tree that reflects back on your personality.
As you design that seasonal decor, you should question yourself: do you want a tree that looks pretty in a photo or do you want one that reminds your entire house that it is Christmas?
It is possible to have both with velvet.
Also check out our article on – Top 10 Color Trends for This Year’s Christmas to find out which Christmas colors are hot right now.
