Book Christmas Tree Styling Tip: How I Styled This Simple DIY 6 Ways

Have a stack of vintage books collecting dust? Turn them into a festive book Christmas tree in minutes with this simple DIY and styling tip from my seasonal Styling Tip series. In this post, I’ll show you exactly how I built one book tree, then styled it six different ways around our home using vintage books, ribbon, and a few cozy holiday accents. From coffee tables to mantels to dressers, this literary Christmas tree adds charm wherever it goes.

It’s also part of my Vintage Styling Challenge, so if you create your own book Christmas tree, snap a photo and tag me. I’d love to feature your version on the blog!

What Is a Book Christmas Tree?

A book Christmas tree is a simple and creative holiday DIY made by stacking books in a cone shape to resemble a Christmas tree, no pine needles or storage bins required. Start with vintage hardcovers at the base, add smaller books as you build upward, and let the spines face out to show off their color and texture.

Top your book Christmas tree with a ribbon bow, brass star, or even an open book for a literary touch. You can keep it classic with 20+ books or go mini with just 6 and a cute bow, like I did in this post. Add fairy lights, ornaments, or small accents, then style it on a coffee table, dresser, mantel, or wherever you want a cozy, bookish holiday moment.

How to Make a Book Christmas Tree — 2 Simple Versions to Try)

Over the years, I’ve made a few versions of a book Christmas tree using what I had on hand, from a mix of thrifted vintage books to a full set of white National Geographics. Both versions are simple to make, easy to style, and look completely different depending on where you display them. Here’s how I created each one.

My Original Book Christmas Tree With Vintage Books

This version features over 20 vintage books in various sizes. I started with seven smaller books stacked flat as a base, then layered 15 more to create the cone shape. A simple star ornament tops it off. This one feels more traditional and works beautifully as a coffee table centerpiece or tucked into a book nook. Fairy lights, tiny brass ornaments, and bits of sheet music are easy additions to add more holiday sparkle.

My New Mini Book Christmas Tree With a Pink Bow

For this year’s version, I used six matching vintage National Geographic books stacked directly on top of each other for a clean, graphic look. Then I attached a soft pink ribbon bow with a Velcro dot for a simple and playful finish. I styled this book Christmas tree all over the house, on a mantel, a bench, a dresser, and even in a bedroom. It’s compact, easy to move, and adds a sweet touch to any corner.

How to Make a Book Christmas Tree: Step-by-Step DIY Guide

Creating a book Christmas tree is easy, affordable, and adds a unique, vintage-inspired touch to your holiday decor. Whether you’re using mismatched vintage books or a clean set of hardcovers, here’s exactly how to stack and style one.

Where to Find Vintage Books for a Book Christmas Tree

Don’t have the books you need to make a book Christmas tree for the holidays?

Check your local thrift stores, yard sales, and church bazaars. You can often find used books for less than a dollar. Learn more in the Decorating with Old Books: 32+ Vintage-Inspired Ideas to Try post. This post, Top 23 Places to Buy Vintage Decor Online (Trusted + Unique Sources, may also be a great resource.

6 Pretty Places to Style a Book Christmas Tree Around Your Home

A book Christmas tree doesn’t need lights, ornaments, or a full-on vignette to make an impact. In fact, my newest version, made from just six matching vintage books and a pink ribbon bow, proved to be one of the easiest and most charming pieces to style this season. I moved it around the house and snapped photos in a few favorite spots, from dressers to mantels to benches. If you’ve made a book tree of your own, here are six simple styling ideas to inspire where to put it.

1. How to Style a Book Christmas Tree on a Bedroom Bench

Set at the edge of a bedroom bench, this book Christmas tree adds a soft, festive touch without overwhelming the space. I let the pink ribbon bow drape naturally over the side, giving it a playful, effortless feel. It’s one of those thoughtful little details that makes a bedroom feel extra special during the holidays, and one guests or family will truly appreciate. Try it with a cozy sheepskin or a small wrapped gift nearby for added charm.

2. Book Christmas Tree on a Vintage Dresser With Matching Pink Bows

In my sunroom, I styled this simple book Christmas tree on top of a vintage wooden dresser, right next to another favorite holiday DIY, my Christmas tree mannequin, complete with a matching pink bow. I love how the soft pink accents tie the two together and give this space a cheerful, feminine twist that works even beyond the holidays. The sunroom already has hints of pink and blue throughout, so the pink ribbon felt like the perfect seasonal accent. You can even swap out the bow color throughout the winter to keep the look fresh, I’m thinking icy blues or even a deep velvet plum for January.

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3. Book Christmas Tree on a Dining Table for Effortless Holiday Charm

One of the things I love most about this mini book Christmas tree is how easy it is to move around and style just about anywhere. I placed this one right on the edge of our dining room table, not a spot I’d usually decorate with books, but it totally works. With just six stacked books and a bow, it becomes an instant conversation piece and brings a little unexpected charm to the room. The size makes it so versatile; you can rest it on any tabletop, shelf, or nook that needs a simple festive touch. No outlets, no glitter, just books and a bit of ribbon.

4. Book Christmas Tree on a Vintage Mantel With Blue and White Accents

Of all the places I styled this mini book Christmas tree, the vintage mantel in our dining room might be my favorite. I set it in front of my blue and white vintage platter wall, a backdrop that always makes seasonal decor pop, and added a small blue bell as the tree topper. The bell came from a dear friend who passed along her mother’s collection, which made it feel all the more special. I love that this little tree can carry a story too.

The soft pink bow, paired with the blue and white tones in this space, gives it a subtle winter charm that could easily last beyond the holidays. If you have a faux mantel or vintage fireplace surround, this is a great spot to add a small decorative piece like this. Looking for more vintage mantel styling ideas, here are a few of my favorites:

5. Book Christmas Tree on a Window Seat With Custom Pink Plaid Cushions

This might be the coziest little spot I’ve styled this book Christmas tree yet, right on our window seat, nestled into my custom pink plaid cushions from Zip Cushion. The soft pink bow ties perfectly into the fabric, and with the mountains glowing outside the window, it all feels like a quiet moment of holiday charm.

These book Christmas trees may be simple, but they really pack a punch. Just six stacked books and a bow can create a collected, thoughtful, and personal touch that feels festive without trying too hard. It’s the kind of detail that looks intentional and designed, but only takes minutes to put together.

6. Book Christmas Tree on a Bookshelf for a Classic Holiday Touch

You can’t go wrong styling a book Christmas tree on a bookshelf; it just fits. Whether tucked into a built-in, cabinet shelf, or book nook, this simple DIY blends seamlessly with your everyday decor while still bringing in a dose of festive charm.

Make Your Book Christmas Tree Today and Share It

A book Christmas tree is quick, budget-friendly, and full of vintage charm. Grab a stack of thrifted hardcovers, build your tree, add a few ornaments, then show us your spin. Share your literary Christmas tree in my Vintage Styling Challenge and I’ll feature favorites on the blog. Tell me in the comments how many books you used, your topper, and where you styled it.

Pin this Book Christmas Tree DIY to save it for later, and join my email list for new vintage decorating tips delivered each week.

Enjoy your unique and literary-inspired book tree as a decorative centerpiece for the holiday season or any other special occasion!

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