Book Christmas trees are one of the most creative ways to decorate for the holidays, especially if you live in a small space. They don’t take up much room, they look beautiful, and they let you display your love for reading in a fun way. You can use books you already have at home, so there’s no need to buy anything extra. These trees can be tall, short, colorful, rustic, or modern, depending on how you arrange your books.

In this post, you’ll find 15 unique book Christmas tree ideas perfect for small spaces. Each idea is simple, stylish, and easy to set up. Whether you live in an apartment, a dorm, or a cozy bedroom, these space-saving book trees will add charm and holiday spirit. Try one idea or mix a few to create your own look!

1. The Stacked Spiral Book Christmas Tree

A spiral book Christmas tree is an eye-catching design that fits perfectly in tight spaces. You simply stack books in a circular spiral shape, starting with the biggest ones at the bottom and the smallest ones at the top. This pattern creates a tall and stylish tree without needing a lot of floor space. Add a string of fairy lights around the spiral to make it glow beautifully at night. This design is easy to adjust based on how many books you have.

The spiral shape gives your holiday décor a modern look, and you can change the colors by choosing different book covers. This tree works especially well in corners, next to a bookshelf, or even beside your study table. It’s a great way to show off your favorite books and add a warm holiday vibe at the same time. Anyone who walks into your room will instantly notice this unique centerpiece.

2. The Wall-Mounted Floating Book Tree

A wall-mounted floating book tree is a clever space-saving design for very small rooms. Instead of using the floor, you stack books on floating shelves arranged in a triangle shape. The shelves create the outline of a Christmas tree, and the books fill the space with color and texture. This idea keeps the floor clear, making your small space feel more open while still looking festive.

You can decorate the tree with lights, small ornaments, or even tiny bows attached to the shelves. The wall-mounted design looks clean and modern, perfect for apartments or dorm rooms where you don’t want bulky decorations. It’s easy to customize the height based on your wall space. This style gives you a holiday centerpiece without taking up any square footage.

3. The Mini Tabletop Book Tree

A mini tabletop book tree is perfect for desks, nightstands, or small coffee tables. You only need a handful of books—maybe 10 to 20—to create a tiny tree that fits almost anywhere. Stack the books in decreasing sizes to form a pyramid. Add a small star, ribbon, or ornament on top to complete the look. This option is great for people who want a Christmas tree but don’t have space for anything large.

Tabletop book trees bring a charming and cozy holiday feeling to any corner. They are easy to build, easy to move, and easy to store. You can even create more than one and place them around your home for a matching theme. This idea is ideal for home offices, dorms, and kid’s study tables.

4. The Color-Coordinated Book Tree

A color-coordinated book tree uses books that match in color to create a stylish and aesthetic look. For example, you can use all green books for a classic tree style, or mix blue and silver books for a winter-themed design. Grouping books by color makes the tree look neat and intentional, even if it’s very small. This trick helps your book tree stand out even more in tight spaces.

You can decorate the tree with ribbons, lights, or small ornaments in matching colors. A color-coordinated tree is perfect for people who love organizing or want a clean, modern style. It works well on shelves, corners, and desks. Even with limited space, this design looks bold and beautiful.

5. The LED-Lit Book Tree

An LED-lit book Christmas tree is perfect for adding a magical glow to a small room. Build a simple stack of books in a triangle or round shape, then wrap it with battery-powered LED fairy lights. The lights create a warm, cozy look that makes your tiny tree feel special and festive. You can use warm white lights for a classic feel or colorful lights for a fun, playful vibe.

This idea works well in bedrooms, studio apartments, and reading nooks. The lights highlight the texture and color of the books, making the whole setup stand out. If you want a decoration that doubles as mood lighting, this is the perfect choice. It gives you the holiday feel without using much space.

6. The Rustic Rope-Wrapped Book Tree

A rustic rope-wrapped book tree is a great choice if you love farmhouse or cottage-style décor. Start by stacking books in a tall, narrow shape, and then wrap thick jute rope or twine around the tree. This gives the decoration a warm, handmade look. You can add pinecones, small wooden ornaments, or mini bells to match the theme.

This design looks beautiful in small living rooms or cozy reading spaces. It doesn’t take up much floor space and adds a simple, natural holiday charm. If you enjoy rustic or minimal décor, this tree will blend perfectly with the rest of your room. It’s easy, stylish, and full of personality.

7. The Book Tree with Hanging Ornaments

If you want your book tree to look more like a traditional Christmas tree, add tiny hanging ornaments. Stack your books in a pyramid or spiral shape, then hang small ornaments using string or mini hooks. Choose lightweight decorations so they don’t slide off. This makes your book tree look festive and colorful, even if it’s small.

This idea works well on desks, shelves, or small corners. You can use tiny baubles, mini stars, or even handmade paper ornaments. The ornaments bring the whole tree to life and give it a cheerful holiday look. It’s a great way to add color without needing a big tree.

8. The Star-Topped Book Tree

A star-topped book Christmas tree is a simple but classic design. Build a small stack of books and place a beautiful star on the top—this instantly gives it a tree-like shape. You can use a wooden star, a paper star, or a glittery store-bought one. Even in a small space, the star adds height and makes the decoration look complete.

This style works in all kinds of rooms and can match any décor theme. It’s especially pretty on shelves and tabletops. With the star catching the light, the whole arrangement feels festive. This is a great choice if you want something easy, clean, and traditional.

9. The Book Tree Under a Glass Dome

If you love miniature decorations, try placing a tiny book tree inside a glass dome. Use very small books or craft book-shaped blocks to create a tiny stacked tree. Then place it under a clear glass dome or jar. This creates a magical, snow-globe-inspired centerpiece without taking up much space.

This design looks beautiful on desks, side tables, or bedside stands. The dome protects the books from dust and gives the setup a soft, dreamy look. Add a battery tea light inside for a warm glow. It’s cute, compact, and perfect for small spaces.

10. The Corner Book Christmas Tree

A corner book tree is perfect for tiny rooms because it fits neatly into unused areas. Stack books in a triangular shape against two walls, letting the walls form the back sides of the tree. This saves space and gives the tree a structured look. Add fairy lights or a star on top to make it feel more festive.

Corner book trees blend beautifully into small apartments, dorms, or studio layouts. They look intentional without costing money or taking up valuable space. You can build them tall or short based on how many books you have. It’s practical, pretty, and smart.

11. The Layered Horizontal Book Tree

This design uses flat, horizontal layers of books arranged on a small table or shelf. You create thin layers that extend slightly outward as you go down, forming a tree-like silhouette. This method gives you a neat and organized look that doesn’t require a big stack. It’s great for small spaces because it stays low and wide instead of tall.

The layered style looks artistic and modern. You can add tiny lights or candles (LED for safety) around it to highlight the layers. This tree fits well on narrow shelves, window sills, or hall tables. It’s simple, clean, and perfect for minimalist décor lovers.

12. The Wrapped-Books Gift Tree

This idea combines books and gift-style wrapping. Wrap each book in holiday-themed paper, then stack them in a triangle shape. The wrapped books create a colorful, festive look that feels like a pile of gifts shaped like a Christmas tree. Even a small stack looks bright and cheerful.

This design works wonderfully in small rooms because the wrapping makes it look clean and compact. You can add ribbons, bows, or small pine sprigs to make it even prettier. It’s a fun idea for kids’ rooms, reading nooks, or small living spaces. It looks like a gift display, but with the charm of a book tree.

13. The Hardcover-Only Book Tree

This tree uses only hardcover books to create a sturdy, clean-looking design. Stack your hardcovers in decreasing sizes to form a tall but stable tree that doesn’t wobble. The smooth edges and uniform shapes make the tree look polished, even in small spaces. This is perfect if you want a solid structure that won’t shift.

Hardcover trees look especially nice with warm lighting or a metallic star on top. The bold covers stand out and make your décor feel intentional. This type of tree is great for office desks, reading corners, or small bedrooms. It brings a classy holiday look without taking up too much room.

14. The Book Tree With Garland Wrap

Wrap a simple book tree in a decorative garland to make it instantly festive. Use a thin tinsel garland, greenery garland, or even bead strings. Start from the top and wrap downward like you would on a regular Christmas tree. Even a small stack of books looks fuller and more decorative with the garland around it.

This idea is fast, easy, and perfect for last-minute decorating. It works well on shelves, tables, or small living room corners. You can match the garland to your room colors—gold, silver, green, or colorful. This book tree looks cheerful and stands out beautifully in small spaces.

15. The Two-Tone Book Christmas Tree

A two-tone tree uses only two book colors to create a clean and stylish look. For example, you can alternate green and red books for a classic Christmas theme, or use white and gold for a modern touch. The contrast makes the tree stand out without needing much space. The simple color palette gives the decoration a neat, organized feel.

Two-tone book trees look great in minimalist rooms or small apartments where you don’t want too many colors. You can add a matching star or lights to complete the design. This tree is easy to build and instantly elevates your holiday décor. It’s a perfect blend of simple and festive.