One of the most magical parts of the holiday season is decorating the Christmas tree. Whether you go full glam or keep it cozy and classic, a big question always comes up:
How many ornaments do I actually need?
We’ve got you covered with a helpful guide based on your tree’s height—plus a few tips to make your tree look stunning from every angle.
Ornament Guide by Tree Height
Here’s a good starting point for how many ornaments you’ll want, based on a “medium full” tree and average-sized ornaments:
- 3-foot tree: 20 ornaments
- 4-foot tree: 60 ornaments
- 5-foot tree: 75 ornaments
- 6-foot tree: 90 ornaments
- 7-foot tree: 105 ornaments
- 8-foot tree: 120 ornaments
- 9-foot tree: 135 ornaments
- 10-foot tree: 170 ornaments
Keep in mind—this is just a guideline!
What Really Matters? Your Style + Ornament Size
There are two main things to consider when deciding how many ornaments to use:
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Your personal preference:
- Do you love a tree packed full of sparkle and story?
- Or do you prefer a minimalist look with more greenery showing through?
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The size of your ornaments:
- Larger ornaments naturally fill more space, so you may need fewer.
- Smaller or flat ornaments (like our wooden styles!) are perfect for layering in and filling gaps.
Tree Decorating Tips from The Little Ornament Shop
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Mix it up!
Use a variety of shapes and sizes to create visual interest. Combine round ornaments with novelty shapes, flat wood ornaments, and textured pieces. -
Add depth:
Don’t just hang everything on the outer tips. Tuck some ornaments closer to the trunk to create layers and a rich, dimensional look. -
Leave breathing room:
Let your tree branches shine! A bit of space between ornaments helps the tree feel balanced and intentional. -
Don’t forget the topper:
A beautiful star, angel, or custom topper pulls the whole look together. Bonus points if it matches your theme!
The Best Trees Tell a Story
Here at The Little Ornament Shop, we believe the best Christmas trees are full of memories, milestones, and meaning. Whether you decorate with a color theme or hang a collection of handmade keepsakes from years past, each ornament is a little chapter in your holiday story.
Need a few more to complete the look this year?
Browse our handmade ornaments