The Latest in Christmas Trees: 7 Modern Replacements for the Traditional Christmas Tree

Tired of the same old same old when it comes to Christmas trees? Is the traditional tree just not cutting it these days? Perhaps you'll have a hard time seeing the forest for the trees with the alternatives I've found (since some of these hardly qualify as "trees" in the first place), but on the eternal quest for variety and newness, here are some of the latest Christmas tree designs coming down the pike.

Modern Christmas Tree 7.
Eco-friendly "Green" Tree

Not very green "Green" tree

Available in three sizes, this plywood "Green" Xmas tree come flatpacked and is 80% more eco- friendly than traditional pine trees. Made with environmentally aware ingredients, they are CNC routered (a low-energy production technique) with waste material minimized by design. Plus, they can be used for several years to come. That is, if your children don't throw it out the window in protest. Buro North has a full report about its ecological benefits and analysis on his site.

Found at buronorth via dezeen

Modern Christmas Tree 6.
Merry Merry Tree Decal

Merry Merry to you!

Next up is a contemporary idea for the unconventional set. "Merry Merry" decals further the concept of going green, eliminating the 3D tree altogether. This six-foot, die-cut vinyl wall sticker performs all necessary functions as the symbol of a Christmas tree -- it's just...not. This self-adhesive decal can be applied directly to the wall, and provides a quirky alternative for those short on space or the desire for following tradition. For $180 you can get your own Merry Merry tree, which comes with four ornaments and a star topper to "trim" it with. What a tree-trimming party that would be.

Found via: works on whatever

Modern Christmas Tree 5.
Stray Dog Mini Trees

Pink Stray Dogorange stray

For smaller spaces or for an extra splash of holiday fare, you could try these funky little tin numbers by StrayDog designs. They come in two sizes (20" or 25" high) and assorted colors, and a group of them could make for a really cool (albeit pricey) whimsical forest. An extra-large, 51" striped version is handmade in Mexico and comes with flower magnets to display pictures and holiday cards.

Found at straydogdesigns via thisnext

Modern Christmas Tree 4.
The Yule Tree-to-Be Fir Planting Kit

Xmas tree of the future

The Yule Tree-to-Be Kit is a really sweet way to celebrate the holidays. This kit is perfect for marking milestone events like a baby's first Christmas, or as an eco-friendly housewarming gift. The kit includes Noble Fir seeds, a stratification bag with a medium for germination, a growing medium, a seedling pot, and complete instructions. Then just sit back and watch the little sucker grow. That's if you water it.

Found at Amazon

Modern Christmas Tree 3.

The Upside-Down Corner Christmas Tree

Xmas flip

Simply bizarre, this tree seems to be all the rage this season. The Upside-Down, Corner Christmas Tree allows for more room in less spacious areas, and increases the room for gifts as well. This pre-lit fir attaches to the ceiling via built-in hooks, and its inverted shape also makes it easier to showcase dangling ornaments that can get lost on a regular tree. The 370 "lifelike tips" are made of PVC, and the 200 pre-strung white lights have an estimated 3,000 hours of operation. Huh.

Found at Hammacher Schlemmer

Modern Christmas Tree 2.
African Laser-Cut Tree

And a partridge in a steel tree

This laser-cut African Tree creates a unique silhouette on any table. Made from mild steel and available in white or red, this piece is 35 cm high and is funky enough to be considered cool. The designs cut into the tree include an array of wildlife and flowers, and the two slotted piece allow for flat storage.

Found at designmyworld via designmilk

Modern Christmas Tree
1. The Ultimate Christmas Bonsai

the ultimate bonsai

And I think my favorite tree for the holiday season is a nice little bonsai. Sophisticated, classic and around for the long haul, this dose of green might just outlive you. This premium kit from UK-based Bonsai Direct comes fully stocked with all bonsai essentials, including two different trees, fertilizer and trays, a DVD to educate yourself about their care - they even throw in holiday wrapping and a Santa jingle balloon. And just think of how darn cute they would look adorned with mini-ornaments. Oh, goo.

Source: bonsaidirect

Those are my top seven picks in the fascinating world of Christmas tree design. If you've found any creative contributions or noteworthy twists on the classic version, feel free to share!

Sarah O
Innovative Interiors
Inventor Spot