18 Decorating with Tree Branches Ideas

By Interior Designer TRACY SVENDEN | Published February 29, 2024 | Updated June 24, 2024 |

In today’s modern world, where sleek and minimalist designs dominate, adding a touch of nature to your home can be a breath of fresh air. And what better way to do that than by incorporating the beauty and versatility of decorating with tree branches? From rustic to contemporary, tree branches can effortlessly enhance the aesthetic of any space. 

I decided to create this post as I have been incorporating branches into my home for several years now and love how they add organic texture, shades of earthy greens, and an innate sculptural quality that instantly elevates a space. Paired with the perfect piece of pottery, the result is a well-curated home that embraces natural elements and reflects the beauty of nature. 

Imagine walking into a room adorned with branches gracefully displayed as a focal point on a coffee table or elegantly displayed on a fireplace mantelpiece. The rustic texture and organic shapes of branches bring a sense of tranquility and warmth to your home.

Whether you choose to use them as wall art, create unique centerpieces, or craft one-of-a-kind lighting fixtures, there are endless ways to showcase the beauty of tree branches in your decor. They can be left bare, adorned with seasonal decorations, or color-treated to complement your existing color scheme.

Embrace Mother Nature’s creativity and bring the outdoors in – decorating with tree branches allows you to unleash your artistic flair. So why not branch out and discover the captivating beauty and versatility that tree branches can bring to your home? Start exploring the untapped potential in home decor that nature has to offer. Feature image courtesy of Nate Berkus Design.

Benefits of Using Tree Branches in Home Decor

Tree branches bring a myriad of benefits when used in home decor. Firstly, they add a touch of nature and create a sense of calmness and serenity in any room. The organic shapes and textures of branches evoke a feeling of being in the great outdoors, even when you’re inside your own home. A long-time favorite of interior designers, branches provide a sculptural aesthetic to the home. 

“I always want to engage something seasonal and natural into my home.  I also love the sculptural quality and slightly wild and unruly nature of branches in a refined space.  I love that they offer verticality.” – New York Interior Designer Athena Calderone. 

Secondly, using tree branches in your decor is a sustainable and eco-friendly choice. By repurposing branches that have fallen naturally or trimming them from trees that require pruning, you are reducing waste and giving new life to what would otherwise be discarded. This aligns with the growing trend of eco-conscious design and contributes to a more environmentally friendly home.

Lastly, tree branches offer endless versatility in terms of style and design. Whether you prefer a rustic, bohemian look or a sleek, contemporary aesthetic, you can incorporate branches that suit your style into your decor. They can be used as statement pieces, subtle accents, or even functional elements, making them a versatile choice for any home.

Here are a few tips on decorating with natural tree branches:

Majestic Branches in an Entryway
Image courtesy of Jamie Baird Photography & Interiors

1. Branch Art and Sculptures as Statement Pieces

One of the most striking ways to showcase tree branches in your decor is using them as art or sculptures. Large, visually captivating branches can be hung on the wall as a focal point, creating a stunning and organic piece of art. You can also create sculptures by arranging branches in unique shapes or patterns, adding an artistic and sculptural element to your space. 

If you follow top interior designers on Instagram, you’ve probably noticed how many of them use fresh cut natural tree branches that are carefully curated to display on a dining table. When paired with a gorgeous vase, this creates a dynamic focal point that instantly elevates the room.

Steve Cordony Kitchen Design with Sculptural Branches
Image courtesy of Eye Swoon

2. Purchase a Large Faux Tree with Organic Branches

I recently purchased a large-scale 8′-0″ Olive Tree from Costco with an oversized white planter pot for my home office. I expected a gigantic box, but the pot and trunk base were not attached to the branch stems. It was straightforward to assemble as each of the olive branches and insert points were numbered. Once I assembled it, I gently bent the branches to shape the tree. 

The picture does not do this tree justice. It is incredibly beautiful and looks extremely lifelike. It also looks much larger in person, so I suggest using it for large spaces as the top spans over 4′-0″. I added a spotlight next to the base as it causes a dramatic pattern on the ceiling and looks fabulous from the view from the living room below.

Large Costco Olive Tree 

3. Create a Focal Point with Branches on the Coffee Table

Styling a coffee table is about layering pieces that vary in height, texture, and material to create visual interest and balance. One of the easiest ways to elevate a coffee table top design is by including home decor like candle holders, decorative objects, organic shapes, books, a glass vase, books, and fresh cut or faux branches. Display your branches in a pot that coordinates or provides contrast with your living room decor. 

Styling a Coffee Table with Branches
Image courtesy of Kelly Hopter Interiors

4. Use Dried/Preserved Branches

I use natural branches whenever possible, but depending on the time of year, it can be challenging to forage them. I found it difficult to source faux branches from many online stores, such as Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel, as they lacked the realistic and natural feel I sought. They often have lime green hues in the stems, which read as plastic. 

I decided to try smaller branches that are dried/preserved and discovered By Two Fields in my research. They are a small business owned by Brea & Ryan Field in Ontario that ships throughout Canada and the US. 

I ordered preserved Parvifolia and Silver Dollar Eucalyptus and was delighted with the natural colors that boasted lovely shades of green. A single branch is quite full and priced at approximately $30.00.

5. Incorporate Branches into Your Kitchen Design

Using branches as a design element in your kitchen can add a unique and unexpected touch to the space. It creates a focal point while adding color and texture to make your kitchen warm and inviting. 

Branches instantly provide an organic earthiness to a kitchen that offers a contrast to kitchen cabinets, metallic hardware, and appliances. These beautiful branches take your kitchen design to the next level and provide the finishing touch. 

I used a rustic wood plant stand from Indigo as the base for my kitchen, with a Pottery Barn farmhouse-style vase centered on top. I incorporated two types of preserved eucalyptus branches with small white faux flowers and added them until they looked ‘full.’ 

Decorating with Branches in the Kitchen
Image courtesy of Kelsey Leigh Design

6. Use Branches to Bring Warmth to a Bathroom

Branches in the bathroom create a spa-like feel, whether you use a single branch or a striking display. The organic texture and earthy tones of tree branches can create a sense of tranquility and calmness, which is perfect for a relaxing and rejuvenating spa-like experience. 

You can decorate your bathroom by placing branches in a vase or as wall art. Branches are the perfect way to add an organic element to your bathroom design while adding color, texture, and visual interest. Whether you add a small display or a larger statement piece, incorporating greenery into your bathroom decor is a simple and effective way to enhance the overall look and feel of the room.

Decorating with Tree Branches in the Bathroom
Image courtesy of Lauren Nelson Design

7. Branches in the Entryway

Whether you use natural or beautiful faux branches, they can have a big impact in creating a warm and welcoming entryway. Depending upon the size of your entrance, you can incorporate a branch arrangement in a tall vase on a stairway landing, in an empty corner, or beside a console table. Branch displays also look beautiful on a console table surrounded by candles, a picture frame, books, and a table lamp. 

Decorating with Branches in the Entryway
Image courtesy of Studio McGee

8. Branches in the Bedroom 

Branches look fabulous in the bedroom when featured on a bedside table, dressers, or armoires. Use a tall vase with long branches as a focal point to add height and drama to your bedroom decor. You can place the vase on an existing surface or the floor in a corner of the room. 

Be sure to choose branches with interesting shapes or textures. Create a centerpiece for your bedside table with a few branches can create a beautiful centerpiece for your bedside table. Choose a vase that complements your bedroom decor and fill it with branches that suit your style. This is a simple way to add a touch of nature to your bedroom without overwhelming the space. 

Decorating with Branches in the Bedroom
Image courtesy of Modern Nest Design

9. Branches in the Dining Room

When choosing a potted branch for your dining room, consider the size and shape of the space. A large, leafy branch can be a dramatic statement piece, while a smaller, more delicate branch can add a subtle touch of nature to the room. 

You can also consider the type of plant you want to use. A flowering branch, such as a cherry blossom or magnolia, can add delicate color to your dining room. In contrast, a more sculptural branch, such as driftwood or a twisted willow, can bring a unique and exciting texture to your decor.

Once you have chosen your potted branch, consider how to style it in your dining room. You can place it on a sideboard or buffet or use it as a centerpiece for your dining table. To create a more cohesive look, consider incorporating other natural elements into your decor, such as woven placemats, wooden serving dishes, or linen napkins. 

Decorating with Branches in the Dining Room
Image courtesy of Jennifer Robin Interiors

10. Choosing the Type of Branch to Display

If you want a more rustic and natural look, consider using branches from trees like oak or maple. These branches often feature textured bark and exciting shapes, adding a sense of authenticity and character to your decor.

Another popular choice is birch branches, known for their stunning white bark and slender shape. Birch branches bring a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space and are often used in contemporary or Scandinavian-inspired designs.

Willow branches are sought after for their graceful and cascading appearance. Willow branches are perfect for creating dramatic centerpieces or adding a whimsical touch. Their flexible nature makes them suitable for crafting unique shapes or incorporating them into wreaths and garlands.

Decorating with Tree Branches
Image courtesy of Nate Berkus Design

11. Use Branches on the Fireplace Mantel

Using tree branches on a fireplace mantel is a great way to add a touch of nature and warmth to your living room. You can use large branches to create a focal point or smaller ones to complement other decor elements. Choose branches that match the style and color scheme of your decor to create a cohesive look. 

12. Get Creative with Decorative Plant Pots

Opt for decorative plant pots that complement your existing decor. Choose pots in different shapes, sizes, and materials, such as ceramic, terracotta, or woven baskets. For natural branches, consider using pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

Adrian Gaut for Crate & Barrel | Styling by Colin King
Image courtesy of Eye Swoon

13. Branches for Seasonal and Holiday Decor

Tree branches can be incredibly versatile regarding seasonal and holiday decor. Consider incorporating branches into your holiday displays by hanging ornaments, stringing lights, or attaching seasonal decorations.

Decorating with Seasonal Branches
Image courtesy of Jake Arnold Design

14. Fall Branch Arrangments

During the fall season, you can use branches as the base for a rustic centerpiece that celebrates the beautiful colors bountiful in the Autumn months, such as deep rusts, burnt oranges, yellows, and golden browns. 

You can choose naturally dried branches, bare of leaves for a sculptural look, or incorporate arrangements created using maple, purple eucalyptus, magnolia, oak, aspen, chestnut, and fall nandina. 

Decorating with Fall Branches
Image courtesy of Meghan Eisenberg Design

15. Summer & Spring Branch Arrangements

Spring is a beautiful time to incorporate tree branches into your home decor. As the weather warms up and flowers bloom, fresh branches can add a touch of nature and a burst of color to any room. 

Look for branches with plenty of buds or blooms, such as cherry blossoms, dogwood, lilacs, or forsythia. You can use branches with interesting shapes or textures, like curly willows or birch.

Choose a vase that matches your decor and complements the style and color of your branches. A clear glass vase will showcase the beauty of the branches, while a colorful or patterned vase can add a pop of color and personality to your arrangement.

Decorating with Spring Branches
Image courtesy of Mindy Gayer Design

16. Christmas Branch Arrangements

When decorating for Christmas, tree branches are a versatile and budget-friendly option. Use small tree branches to create a centerpiece for your holiday table by incorporating juniper, cedar, and pine. Arrange them in a vase or bowl, and add pinecones, berries, and candles for a festive touch.

Decorating with Branches for Christmas
Image courtesy of LivingEtc.

17. Rotate and Rearrange to Keep it Fresh

If you have branches displayed in vases or containers, consider rotating or rearranging them periodically. This will help prevent uneven wear or damage and allow you to enjoy different angles and perspectives of your tree branch decor.

Decorating with Branches 
Image courtesy of Studio McGee

18. Tips & Tricks for Choosing Your Branches

Here are designer Athena Calderone’s tips for branch selection and care:

• Trim your branches and smash the cut edges with a hammer. This allows water to absorb into your branches and prolongs their lifespan.
• Spin your vessel or walk around it as you arrange the branches so you can really get a 360 approach.
• Embrace asymmetry and do not cut them all to be the same height. Remember, these branches are a piece of nature that you’re bringing into your home and thus are imperfect—but that’s the beauty!
• Repurpose them when they die! Branches can look equally as beautiful once the leaves have dried out.
• Add water! These branches are thirsty. Make sure to water them every day.

Choosing Tree Branches to Display
Image courtesy of Whittney Parkinson Design

Decorating with Branches Conclusion

Incorporating tree branches into your home decor is a unique and creative way to bring the beauty of nature indoors. From their rustic charm to their versatility in design, tree branches offer endless possibilities for enhancing the aesthetic of any space. 

So, embrace Mother Nature’s creativity, branch out, and discover the captivating beauty and versatility that tree branches can bring to your home. Allow the organic shapes and textures of branches to create a sense of tranquility and warmth, and let your artistic flair shine through as you explore the untapped potential of nature. With tree branch decor, you can truly bring the outdoors in and create a space that is both visually stunning and in harmony with the natural world.

Decorating with Branches
Image courtesy of Rip & Tan

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