The Story Behind Upside-Down Christmas Trees
Having an upside-down Christmas tree might sound like a wacky idea that someone came up with to get a good Instagram picture, but it’s actually a historical practice.
In recent years, store merchandisers have started hanging trees upside down to create eye-catching displays intended to showcase ornaments, and the trend is catching on in homes too. If you live in a home where floor space is at a premium but still want to set up a Christmas tree for the holidays, hanging your tree could be a fun and practical option. If you struggle with pets or small children reaching for and breaking delicate ornaments — or you’re just tired of your cat climbing the tree — hanging the tree upside down can keep it safe and out of reach. No matter what, your hanging Christmas tree is sure to be a conversation piece that your holiday guests won’t soon forget.
The Ins and Outs of Hanging an Upside-Down Christmas Tree
If you plan to hang your Christmas tree this year, make sure you do it right.
Safety Measures to Keep in Mind
When suspending anything inside or outside your home, safety and security need to be your top priority. Choose where you position your tree carefully so as not to compromise the structure of your home or potentially damage important features like support beams. You also want to ensure that nothing fragile or precious is located underneath the tree in case a fall does occur. Caution children and guests against pulling on the suspended tree and advise taller adults to watch out for it so they don’t bump their heads.
Size and Weight
Because of the aforementioned safety concerns, you’ll want to consider the size and weight of the tree that you’re choosing to hang. You’ll also be restricted based on the size of your home and the height of your ceilings. Small trees will be easier to hang and pose less of a risk for falling and causing major damage if they fall, but they’ll make a subtler statement. No matter what size your tree is, consider keeping your lights and ornaments as lightweight as possible so as not to put additional stress on your suspension method. You may also want to choose décor options that are made of resilient materials or are shatterproof in case they fall.
Tree Types
Artificial Christmas trees are typically made of plastic and hollow metal tubing. They’ll weigh less than a real tree of a similar size since real wood is heavy and dense. If you use a pre-lit Christmas tree, you won’t have to worry about your lights coming loose or falling off.
How to Hang Your Tree
There are two main methods of hanging a tree from your ceiling. The first option is to loop a hanging wire through a hole you drill in the trunk of the tree and then secure the wire to the ceiling. You can also drill a strong ceiling hook into your ceiling and suspend your tree from the hook.
Be sure to choose a wire or hook that’s rated to support the weight of the decorated and lighted tree. Secure the anchor to a ceiling joist for a strong hold.
Other Installation Options
If you’re looking to hang your tree in a more convenient or less precarious way, consider mounting your tree tip down on a wall or purchasing a freestanding artificial tree that’s constructed upside down.
Fun Ideas for Upside-Down Tree Décor
- Place or hang your upside-down tree on your porch or patio to surprise your neighbors.
- Hang your tree near the fireplace (but appropriately far away from the flames) for a twist on the classic image of a roaring fireplace and a twinkling Christmas tree.
- Suspend a small tree over a table or your kitchen island for a unique conversation starter.
- Instead of rigging up a single large tree, hang several small trees at different levels in the same room or place them throughout your home.
- If you’re worried about falling ornaments, stick with lightweight garland and classic tinsel instead.
- For a tree hanging in your kitchen or dining space, decorate with artificial fruit, especially the kind that looks frosted.