Across design-led homes, a new statement piece is edging past tradition. It is smaller than a spruce, warmer than plastic, and built to last. The shift looks gentle, but it changes the mood of a room in minutes, and it speaks to budgets as much as taste.
A surprising Christmas switch is gathering pace
Why chic households are rethinking the tree
Many city flats cannot spare the square footage for a full conifer. Families want less mess and quicker set-up. Budgets are tight, yet style still matters. That mix pushes people towards a cleaner, lighter centrepiece that carries a soft glow rather than a forest of branches.
Design lovers also want fewer plastics. They prefer natural fibres and honest textures that sit well with oak floors, linen sofas and muted paint. A tree that works with the room, not against it, feels right for 2025.
The 123 cm rattan “tree” at €99 has become the season’s mood-setter: slender shape, natural weave, instant warmth.
Meet the rattan ‘Lourmarin’ tree
A clean silhouette with natural warmth
Alinéa’s rattan Lourmarin tree trims the idea of Christmas down to its essentials. The frame draws a simple, tapering outline. The weave adds depth and shadow. At 123 cm, it fits a snug corner in a small lounge or anchors a larger space without dominating it. Rattan brings a tactile finish and a gentle amber tone that soft lighting loves.
The price point, €99, lands in a sweet spot. It feels considered, not throwaway. You can bring it out year after year, change its look in minutes, and pack it into a cupboard when spring arrives.
Make it yours in five easy moves
The piece looks striking on its own. It also plays well with a few curated touches:
- Trace its outline with micro LED strings to sculpt a warm halo.
- Hang pale wood, paper or wool ornaments for a soft, handmade note.
- Keep colours tonal: chalk, cream and pale gold keep the weave centre-stage.
- Let children add origami stars or salt-dough shapes for a personal spark.
- Anchor the base with a woven basket and slip gifts inside for a tidy finish.
Minimal dressing keeps the lines crisp; a handful of crafted pieces adds poetry. Both approaches work.
Where it fits and why it lasts beyond Boxing Day
The rattan frame moves easily from room to room. Place it by the front door to welcome guests with a soft glow. Slide it next to an armchair to turn a reading corner into a winter nook. Set it in a child’s room as a wish tree for notes and drawings. Put it in a covered balcony for low-key sparkle through to Candlemas.
Because it is a sculptural object rather than a cut tree, it can stay in play for the whole season. Dim the lights in January, swap baubles for dried flowers in February, and let it breathe as a quiet accent until the first daffodils appear.
Money, mess and meaning
What you gain and what you lose
| Option | Upfront cost | Storage | Setup and mess | Look and feel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real fir | €35–€90 per year | None | Needs stand, drops needles | Classic scent, bulky footprint |
| Plastic tree | €60–€250 once | Large box, loft or cupboard | Fast setup, no scent | Full silhouette, synthetic finish |
| Rattan ‘Lourmarin’ | €99 once | Slender, easy to store | Ten-minute setup, no needles | Light, natural texture, modern line |
People who value speed and tidiness will notice the difference at once. There is no trunk to trim, no mulch to sweep, no hoover full of needles on New Year’s Day. The piece slides behind a wardrobe or under a bed when it is time to reset the room.
Under €100, no needles, and a ten-minute setup: the rattan switch answers three December pain points in one go.
Sustainability without the sermon
A reusable, natural-fibre frame keeps the seasonal waste pile smaller. You can refresh its look with paper, fabric, reclaimed wood and dried greenery rather than buying crates of plastic baubles. That suits families who want festive atmosphere with gentler impact. It also helps people who prefer a calmer visual field to enjoy the season without the usual overload.
How stylists are working the look
Colour, light and placement
Keep the palette quiet to let the weave breathe. One tone for lights, warm-white rather than ice-blue, keeps it cosy. Aim for low, layered pools of light: a floor lamp nearby, candle-effect LEDs at the base, and one micro chain running up the spine. If the room is small, place the frame where you see its outline in reflection, such as near a window or a mirror, to double the glow.
Use texture to set the scene. A Berber-style rug or a chunky knit throw tightens the composition. A bowl of clementines, a bundle of eucalyptus, and a brass tray will carry a relaxed winter mood without shouting for attention.
Safety, pets and small-space realities
Keep it safe, keep it simple
- Choose low-heat LED lights and check cables for wear before first use.
- Keep the frame away from radiators, stoves and open flames.
- Add felt pads beneath the base if you have wooden floors to prevent marks.
- Secure the top with a discreet wall hook and clear fishing line in homes with toddlers or energetic cats.
- For covered balconies, bring the frame indoors during heavy rain or frost to protect the weave.
Is the rattan swap right for you?
Who benefits most
Renters and first-time buyers gain a lot: compact storage, low effort and a clean look that sits with modern furniture. Busy families keep the magic while cutting the chores. Minimalists get a sculptural object that feels festive without visual noise. Hosts in small dining rooms can finally fit a “tree” without bumping chairs.
If you love the scent of pine, add it back with fresh branches in a vase or a wreath on the table. If you crave colour, thread ribbons through the weave or group bold baubles at the base. The frame sets the stage; your pieces tell the story.
Useful extras to stretch your budget and your look
Power, cost and swaps that make sense
A 5 m micro-LED string draws about 3 W. Run it six hours a night for 30 days and you use roughly 0.54 kWh. At around £0.28 per kWh, that lighting costs close to 15p for the month. Add a second string and you still spend less than the price of a mince pie.
Rattan versus wicker: wicker is the technique, rattan is the vine. Your tree uses rattan woven by hand, which explains the subtle variations in tone. Treat it like a good basket: dust with a soft brush, avoid soaking, and it will see you through many winters.
Try a quick layout test before buying. Mark a 45 cm footprint with masking tape where you plan to place the frame. Stand back at night, dim the lights, and check sightlines from sofa and table. If it feels balanced, the 123 cm height will read as a calm beacon rather than a block of décor.
