Best Tree Skirts

Buying guide for Best tree skirts

Your Christmas tree is the centerpiece of the holiday décor in your home, so you probably spend hours making sure every ornament and light is just right. However, you don’t want an ugly tree stand to mar all that hard work, so make sure your tree looks festive from top to bottom with a tree skirt.

Tree skirts are made of various materials, but they all have an open side and some type of fasteners to secure them in place. Some skirts have a simple design with a solid color and few embellishments. Others are more ornate, with details like embroidery, beads, or fur trim. The key is to find a skirt that fits the size of your tree so it effectively hides the stand, isn’t a tripping hazard, and doesn’t move around too much.

For many families, the tree skirt is a family heirloom that is passed down from generation to generation.

How to buy the best tree skirt

What is a tree skirt for?

It hides the tree stand. The main reason that most people use a tree skirt is to hide the tree stand. Most stands have unsightly screws and bolts sticking out of them that can ruin the look of your tree if left exposed. The skirt covers the stand so its utilitarian design is concealed with decorative fabric.

It complements your décor. A tree skirt can also add to your Christmas tree’s overall look or theme. You can find skirts in many different colors, patterns, and designs, so there’s sure to be one that matches your tree’s ornaments and lights. For example, if you use ornaments that are red and gold, you can finish off the look with a skirt in the same colors.

It provides a lovely backdrop for presents. You can set your gift boxes and bags on the skirt beneath the tree for a picture-perfect look on Christmas morning.

It catches loose needles. If you have a real Christmas tree, the skirt can also catch any pine needles that come loose so they don’t wind up all over your floor.

Tree skirt vs. tree collar

Tree skirts are made of soft materials like cotton, velour, velvet, felt, fleece, and other fabrics. They have a more voluminous look because the fabric is easy to spread out around the bottom of your tree. If you prefer a traditional look for your Christmas décor, a skirt is a better option for your Christmas tree. However, some people find that a skirt moves around too much or that its size is too large for a smaller home.

Tree collars have emerged as an alternative to tree skirts in recent years. They function in the same way as traditional skirts by covering up the base of your Christmas tree to hide the stand and give it a more polished look, but they’re smaller and made of rigid materials like galvanized metal, wood, or plastic. If you prefer a more streamlined, modern look for your décor, a tree collar is your best bet.

Size

The key to finding the best tree skirt for your Christmas tree is getting the right size. To determine the ideal size, it’s essential that you consider your tree’s size and the amount of skirt you want to be visible around it. The height of your Christmas tree is the most critical detail to consider.

Short trees: For small tabletop trees that are 2 to 3 feet tall, a skirt that measures between 20 and 30 inches in diameter works well.

Medium trees: Trees that are between 4.5 to 6 feet tall do best with a tree skirt that’s 42 to 48 inches in diameter.

Tall trees: Trees that are 6 to 8 feet tall need a skirt that’s between 48 and 56 inches in diameter.

Very tall trees: Trees that are 9 feet or taller require a skirt up to 72 inches in diameter if you want to be sure that it’s visible around your tree.

If you have a real Christmas tree, arrange your tree skirt so the side that opens is easy to reach. That makes it much simpler to water the tree when necessary.

What features should I look for in a tree skirt?

Fabric

Cotton, linen, and felt are versatile fabrics that work well and match nearly any décor.

Quilted fabrics, fleece, and flannel have a warm, cozy look that works well if your holiday décor has a country theme.

Velvet, velour, satin, and faux fur offer a rich, sumptuous look that pairs well with more elegant holiday décor.

Burlap and muslin have a rustic charm that can work well with country or farmhouse décor.

Colors and patterns

The most common color options are red, green, and white to match the traditional Christmas color scheme. However, you can find skirts in various colors, including gold, silver, blue, and black. Many skirts are also available in patterns, such as festive plaids or snowflake prints. Some tree skirts even depict holiday-related scenes, such as Santa in his sleigh, a snowy town, or a family of snowmen. You can also find skirts with phrases embroidered on them like “Merry Christmas,” “Let It Snow,” or “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.”

Embellishments

In addition to using colors and patterns to dress up a tree skirt, some styles include additional embellishments to really stand out. For example, some skirts have glitter accents to make the fabric sparkle, while others are decorated with sequins for added shine.

Some skirts even have 3D elements, so the scenes that they depict really come alive. You can also find tree skirts that can be custom embroidered with your family’s name, so it can be passed down as a family heirloom.

Closure

Many tree skirts have ties along the open edge that you simply tie together to secure the skirt around the tree. While these closures are easy to fasten, it can be awkward to crawl under the tree to tie them.

Other tree skirts have hook-and-loop closures along the open edge. These are easier to fasten than tie closures, but you still need to get under the tree to secure the skirt.

What do I need with my tree skirt?

Christmas tree stand

You won’t need a tree skirt if your tree doesn’t have a Christmas tree stand to hold it up in the first place. Many come in several sizes and can be adjusted to prevent wobbling.

Christmas tree topper

While you need a skirt to decorate the bottom of your Christmas tree, you also need a Christmas tree topper to decorate the top. You can find many styles to match your theme, from angels to stars to cartoon characters to snowmen. Some even have LED lights to add to the festivity.

Christmas lights

Every Christmas tree needs some lights to dress it up and help it sparkle. You have your choice of strands of white lights or colored lights, as well as strands with bulbs in shapes like stars or strands that twinkle on and off.

How much do tree skirts cost?

Inexpensive

The most affordable tree skirts usually cost between $10 and $29. Most in this price range are made of thin cotton or felt and have tie closures and a relatively simple design.

Mid-range

These tree skirts generally cost between $30 and $72. They are made of thicker materials, including cotton, fleece, velour, and satin and have more elaborate designs and embellishments like sequins. Some have hook-and-loop closures.

Expensive

The most expensive tree skirts usually cost between $73 and $220. These skirts are made of high-end fabrics like velvet, velour, faux fur, and satin and have embellishments like sequins or beading. Many also have hook-and-loop closures.

While tree skirts and tree collars serve the same purpose, you can also use them together. Fan the skirt out from beneath the bottom of the collar to truly dress up your Christmas tree.

Tips

• Coordinate your tree skirt with the rest of your holiday décor. That helps give your decorations a more cohesive look. For example, if your Christmas decorations are mainly red and silver, choose a skirt with those colors.
• Iron your tree skirt before attaching it to your tree. Many of the fabrics used for tree skirts wrinkle easily, so make sure that it’s as smooth and neat as possible before you attach it.
• Use a self-adhesive nonslip pad to hold your tree skirt in place. The pad helps keep the skirt from bunching up and becoming a tripping hazard.

You’ll get the most balanced look for your Christmas tree if you choose a skirt that’s approximately the same width as the middle of your tree.

FAQ

Q. Is a tree skirt really necessary?

A. That’s a matter of personal preference. If you don’t mind the look of your tree stand peeking out from beneath your tree, then a skirt probably isn’t necessary. However, if you’re bothered by the look of your stand or just want a more finished look for the area beneath your tree, a skirt is the perfect solution. You can find plenty of high-quality skirts at affordable prices.

Q. How can I keep a tree skirt in place?

A. Tree skirts can shift around fairly easily because they’re usually made of lightweight materials. The best way to keep your skirt in place is by using pieces of double-sided tape or a self-adhesive nonslip pad beneath it to prevent it from shifting around.

Q. Can I wash my skirt?

A. It depends on its fabric and design. Some styles can’t be washed in your washing machine or dry cleaned because they have sequins, beading, appliques, or other delicate embellishments that would get damaged during the washing process. Always check the care label to see if you can wash it. If it can’t be dry cleaned or laundered, spot clean any stains with cool water.