I used to think black and white was boring for Christmas.
Then I saw a green tree with matte black balls and white velvet ribbon. It looked bold, calm and expensive, all at once.
The best part is how easy it is to change. Add red for warmth, rose gold for shine or plaid for a cozy farmhouse feel.
Here are 8 black and white Christmas tree ideas, from simple ornaments to elegant flocked trees. Three of them come with full step by step build cards.
Quick Picks
- Easiest build: Simple Black and White Ornaments (idea 3)
- Coziest: Buffalo Plaid Farmhouse Tree (idea 1)
- Most elegant: Elegant Flocked White Tree With Black Accents (idea 6)
- Best pop of color: Black, White and Red Tree (idea 4)
1. Buffalo Plaid Farmhouse Tree
Black and white plaid is the heart of the farmhouse look. Wide ribbon in loose swags makes a plain green tree feel like a cozy cabin in minutes.
The trick is to tuck, not wrap. Poke the ribbon into the branches in big loops, working from top to bottom, and fix each loop with a bit of wire. Mix in white wood ornaments and warm lights for a soft, homey glow.
⏱ 45 minutes💲 Low🛠 Easy
Materials Needed
- Black and white buffalo plaid wired ribbon, 4 inch wide
- Green floral wire
- White wooden ornaments
- Scissors and warm white lights
How to Make It
- Start at the top of the tree and tuck the end of the ribbon deep into the branches, fixing it with wire.
- Drape the ribbon down in big loose swags, about 12 inches deep, tucking and wiring each peak.
- Keep going around the tree, spacing each swag evenly all the way to the bottom.
- Make a big bow from the leftover ribbon and wire it to the top as your topper.
- Fill the gaps with white wood ornaments and a few pinecones.
Tip: Keep lights and candles away from ribbon ends. Trim any loose threads so pets and little ones can’t chew them.
2. Classic Black and White Ornament Tree
Black and white is a bold way to decorate, and it looks stunning on a green tree. The contrast makes every ornament pop.
Mix finishes to keep it rich. Use matte black, shiny white, stripes and dots in different sizes, and group the same type together in threes. Hang the biggest balls deep inside the tree for depth.
Shop it: black and white shatterproof ornament set
Best for: first time themers and classic fans
3. Simple Black and White Ornaments
Simple is the whole point here. A plain wood slice, two paint pens and a few minutes give you ornaments that look styled and cost very little.
Keep the patterns easy: stripes, dots, a tiny plaid or a simple star. Draw them freehand, because small wobbles look handmade and charming. Make a dozen, and the tree looks full.
⏱ 1 hour💲 Low🛠 Easy
Materials Needed
- Wood slices with pre drilled holes, 3 inch
- Black and white acrylic paint pens, fine tip
- Natural jute twine
- A pencil and clear spray sealer
How to Make It
- Wipe each wood slice clean and let it dry.
- Sketch a simple pattern lightly in pencil, like stripes, dots or a tiny star.
- Fill the pattern with paint pens, adding a white base first for black designs.
- Let the paint dry fully, then spray with a light clear sealer in a ventilated space.
- Thread jute twine through the hole, tie a loop and hang your ornaments.
Tip: Spray sealer outside or in a well ventilated room, and keep painted ornaments out of reach of chewing pets.
Printable Bundle
Christmas Printable Bundle
Christmas planner, 24 advent activity cards, 36 gift tags, handmade labels, Santa letter and family games.
4. Black, White and Red Tree
A single pop of red takes black and white from calm to festive. It adds warmth, and it looks sharp in a modern room.
Keep the red small. Use velvet ribbon and a few berry stems instead of red balls, so black and white stay in charge. A red bow on top finishes the tree.
You’ll need: red velvet ribbon, 1.5 inch and red berry picks
Best for: adding festive color without a big change
Printable Games
Christmas Party Games Pack
9 fun games for family, friends and office parties: trivia, charades, gift swap and more.
5. Black, White and Rose Gold Tree
Rose gold adds a soft, glowing shine. It warms up the black and white and gives the tree a pretty, modern feel.
Use rose gold as an accent, not the main color. A few shiny balls, a beaded garland and a star on top are enough. Warm white lights bring out the glow best.
Shop it: rose gold shatterproof ornament set
Best for: modern and glam homes
6. Elegant Flocked White Tree With Black Accents
A white flocked tree is the perfect canvas. Add black bows and a few matte black ornaments, and it looks like a magazine photo.
Hang the black pieces evenly, in a loose zigzag from top to bottom. Use big velvet bows rather than lots of small items. Fewer pieces, spaced well, look more elegant.
Shop it: pre lit flocked artificial christmas tree, 7.5 foot
Best for: elegant homes and neutral rooms
7. Living Room Tree Corner Styling
The tree is only half of the picture. Style the corner around it, and your whole living room feels finished.
Add a plaid throw on the sofa, a basket of blankets and a small side table with a candle in a glass jar. Hide the tree base with a collar, and repeat the black and white colors around the room.
You’ll need: white metal christmas tree collar
Best for: living rooms and open plan homes
8. DIY Black and White Paper Garland
A paper garland costs almost nothing and looks surprisingly stylish. Mix plain black, plain white and striped paper for a crisp, graphic look.
Use a round paper punch so every circle is the same size. String them with a needle and twine, and leave a small gap between each one. Make it twice as long as you think you need.
⏱ 1 hour💲 Low🛠 Easy
Materials Needed
- Black and white cardstock paper, 65 lb
- 2 inch circle paper punch
- Natural twine
- A large needle and scissors
How to Make It
- Punch plenty of circles from black, white and striped paper.
- Thread a large needle with a long piece of twine and tie a knot at one end.
- Push the needle through the center of each circle, leaving about an inch between them.
- Keep going until the garland is long enough to go around the tree two or three times.
- Drape it loosely from the top, tucking it between the branches.
Tip: Paper burns easily. Keep the garland well away from hot bulbs, and use LED lights only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I decorate a black and white Christmas tree?
Use a mix of black and white ornaments in different finishes, add a ribbon in a simple pattern and keep the lights warm white.
What color tree is best for black and white decor?
A green tree gives bold contrast, and a white flocked tree gives an elegant look. Both work well.
How many ornaments do I need?
For a 7 foot tree, about 60 to 80 ornaments, plus ribbon and a topper. Use more small ones to fill gaps.
Does black and white look too plain for Christmas?
No. Add texture with velvet, wood and plaid, and a pop of red or rose gold if you want more warmth.
What lights suit a black and white tree?
Warm white lights suit almost every style. Cool white looks crisp on a flocked tree.
When should I decorate my tree?
Many people start in late November. Pinterest planning starts earlier, so now is a good time to gather ideas.
Final Thoughts on Black and White Christmas Tree Ideas
Black and white is simple, bold and never goes out of style. Pick one idea, add a little red or rose gold if you like and keep the lights warm. Your tree will look styled without much effort.
Amir Ali is the founder and site administrator of HomeDecorEdge, a modern home decor and interior design platform. Since starting the site, he has combined his passion for interior design, practical styling, and color coordination with hands-on content strategy and site management. He guides authors, curates high-quality articles, and ensures readers have access to actionable, visually inspiring, and user-focused home decor advice for apartments, small rooms, and family homes.