5 places you should always avoid putting a Christmas tree

Bringing an actual full-sized tree into your home is exciting. It can also be a bit of an effort to work out the best place to position it. You of course want your Christmas tree to be the focus of the home, it's where the majority of Christmas decorating happens after all, but practically, you don't want it to get in the way, or overheat, or massively affect the flow of your home.

If you're looking for direction and need help positioning your tree, we asked the pros where you shouldn't be displaying it – where do you need to avoid placing your Christmas tree if you want it to be in pride of place, but not look out of place.

1. Don't go for high traffic areas

Situating your Christmas tree in an entryway may theoretically sound like a great idea. It would be the first thing guests see when they enter and make a festive statement. However, in practical terms, it's probably not the best option.

Designer Catherine Olasky says, 'It's always tempting to place your tree in the spot that will have the most "Wow!" factor when guests walk in the door, but I would not place a Christmas tree in a place where you cannot sit and enjoy it.'

Liad Schwartz, a Los Angeles-based interior designer who works in Martyn Lawrence Bullard's design studio, agrees, saying 'Placing your Christmas tree in a busy walkway is a recipe for disaster! It can disrupt the flow of movement in your home and increase the risk of accidents (no one wants a toppled tree or broken ornaments).'

2. Avoid blocking architectural features

Liad says he wouldn't place his tree by a window either as it obstructs the light and deprives you of a nice view. 'Because I love a good view, I’d never place a tree in front of a large window or stunning architectural element. The goal is for your Christmas tree to complement your space, not compete with its natural beauty.'

However, many people place their trees by a window. It signals festivity and invites onlookers to enjoy your decorations too. Setting your tree in your living room's bay can be functional and invites overall appreciation.

Designer Darren Henault voices similar reasoning, explaining, 'If you’ve got a ballroom then stick that tree smack dab in the middle and it's Christmas in the round. For the average-sized room, I still try to center the tree on a wall rather than putting it in a corner. I also love having them in front of a window. It’s nice to pull up to your own home and to see the tree through the window.'

Sadly, there's no Christmas tree handbook that outlines the dos and don'ts of positioning and decorating. It's down to a combination of your own judgment and the architectural design of your home. If you have a small room or a small window so natural light needs to be a priority, avoid positioning the tree in front of the window or pull it slightly away to allow some light to flow around it.

3. Be careful of a tree in a dining room or kitchen

There's been a shift from the traditional placement of trees over the last few years. Hosting family and friends often happens in the dining room, particularly during holiday festivities. It's near the kitchen and allows your guests to sit and relax whilst you cook, so it's clear why the dining area is a newly popular spot for Christmas trees.

Liad however, says 'While it might seem fun to extend the holiday cheer to your kitchen or dining room, these areas are better left functional and clutter-free. A tree in these spaces can feel like an obstruction rather than an enhancement. Save the Christmas magic for rooms where it can shine without interfering!'

4. Steer clear from heat sources

The most obvious place to avoid is near heat sources or areas of potential hazard. Steering clear of an open fire or radiator ensures that your tree lasts longer and stands proudly all season.

Drew Michael Fox from Lone Fox explains his views on this. 'Avoid putting a tree too close to heat sources like fireplaces or vents, as this can dry out the tree quicker. As winter brings the cold, you don’t want an obstruction of heat flow!'

Darren agrees, explaining it's best to avoid the tempting fireplace position. 'In terms of safety keep them away from fireplaces. It may seem obvious but for some the charm of the tree next to the fire is too good a visual. Also, avoid heating vents. The hot air dries out the tree and the needles fall like rain.'

5. Don't waste the tree on rooms you never use

Drew says 'In my opinion, the best (and most common) place to put a Christmas tree is in the living room or main gathering area. Typically we see them placed in a corner to create a festive area, and to not block off too much of the room.'

To truly get the most out of your tree, you've got to place it in a used communal area. Catherine explains. 'Put it in your family's most used room where you can sip a cup of tea each morning and enjoy the glow. After all, trees are a lot of work on both ends of the holiday season – best to absorb the mood for as long and as often as possible!'

The consensus is to opt for the unbeatable living room spot. Whether you're lusting over that intoxicating pine scent or admiring your taste in decor, place your tree where you can enjoy it most – we don't get to enjoy one every day of the year.

Keep in mind these handy tips when bringing home your tree this year. Remember to make the most out of your Christmas tree and position it where family and friends can gather with ease and appreciation, and keep it out of areas that are walkways as the tree will just get in the way.