Have you been looking for a unique way to bring festive cheer into your home this holiday season? Forget the traditional red-and-green palette. This year it's all about bold, modern choices! An orange, blue and brown Christmas tree is a showstopper that mixes elegance, warmth and unexpected pops of color for a look that feels both festive and chic.
I love changing up my Christmas color palette in the living room every year. I start by picking the colors I want to use, then go hunting for the perfect new additions to my decor. It's usually as easy as adding a few new ornaments and maybe a new ribbon. Many times I can use a lot of decor I already own!
My mom recently pointed out that I have a pattern when it comes to changing the Christmas decor in my living room. I switch back and forth between traditional and non-traditional colors, so I guess I like them both and each gets a turn!
Last year I did my most traditional Christmas room ever, with an emphasis on red, white and gold decor. I loved it at first, but by the end of the season I really missed my blues.
The year before that, I did a blue, white and gold theme for Christmas, and it turned out so well!
So this year I went back to basics with my love of blue, but added browns and oranges! It may seem similar to what I've done before, but the oranges and browns make it feel very untraditional. Let's take a look!
Plans for Blue, Brown & Orange Christmas Decor in the Living Room
Here's the vision I had for my blue, orange and brown tree:
I guess I called it brown, blue and gold, but I also added orange, caramel, camel and all kinds of tan shades to the tree, and I simply love it!
Usually I decorate the tree with pretty decor, take pictures, and then add all our family ornaments. But this year I told my daughters I didn't want the family ornaments on this tree. I love it too much to change it!
So we're going to hang the family ornaments on my primary bedroom tree, which doesn't normally have ornaments. I'm excited to decorate that tree now and see how cute it looks as our family tree!
Blue, Brown & Orange Christmas Decor in the Living Room
And here's how it looks, all decorated in the room!
ROOM SOURCES: Mantel Garland | Ivory & Gold Stockings | Blue Stockings | Hanging Bells | Mini Wreaths | 55″ Frame TV | Christmas TV Art | Chinoiserie Planters | Boxwood Topiaries | Christmas Tree | Wide Blue Ribbon | Orange Ornaments | Brown Ornaments | Plaid Orange and Blue Pillows | Antelope Pillow | Antique-style Blue Rug | Sectional in Twill Fabric | Faux Fur Throw Blanket | Blue Storage Ottoman | Wood Bowl/Tray | Mercury Glass Candle
It's very similar to other blue and white Christmas decor I've done in the past, but I think the brown and orange make it a little less traditional. And I LOVE it!
I really enjoyed drying my own orange slices for the first time this year and adding them to my tree and garland. I tied so many bows for this tree, too, which takes longer than you'd think! It's the little handmade details that make this tree so special to me.
I also wrapped a few presents for our nieces, nephews and siblings. I usually order those on Black Friday and wrap them when they arrive so they double as decor! If you're still grabbing those last few gifts, like me, be sure to check out my gift guides HERE!
It's even prettier in person, and I hope the screen does it justice! I spent many days tying ribbons and placing the ornaments in just the right spots. I love it so much!
Why Go for an Orange, Blue and Brown Christmas Theme?
The combination of orange, blue and brown might not scream "Christmas" at first, but trust me, it works beautifully together. Here's why:
- Orange adds warmth and energy, echoing the glow of a roaring fire or a sparkling sunset. It's unexpected but undeniably festive.
- Blue brings a calming balance, reminiscent of frosty mornings and clear winter skies. Bonus points if you lean into shades like navy or cobalt for a look that's sophisticated yet bold.
- Brown introduces earthy tones that ground the whole palette and evoke the coziness of woodsy cabins and natural elements.
This color scheme is a modern twist on holiday decorating that still feels inviting and magical! Don't you think?
I added gold accents so the tree would sparkle in the lights and still stand out when the lights are off. As you can see in the lights-off picture below, the gold really shines in the dark.
Christmas Decor on the Mantel
I stuck with the traditional, symmetrical, double-swoop mantel garland over the fireplace this year. It's been my go-to for the past two years. I've had this beautiful frame TV art for our Frame TV for a few years, and I always love the soothing, icy blues in the wintry scene!
You can find my tutorial, with a video, on how to put a garland on a mantel in this post. Hint: it's several garlands layered on top of each other. Then I add my bells and a ribbon bow to finish it off. This year I tucked in some of my dried orange slices, too.
I've used the ivory and gold stockings for many years, and they're still in stock and 50% off as I type this. They work with almost any color scheme and are really pretty! I grabbed the blue stockings at Target right when they put out their Christmas things, and surprisingly they're still in stock! They come in lots of colors to go with a variety of themes.
The stockings hang from hooks I screw into the underside of the mantel. Once Christmas is over, I take the hooks out, and you can't see any evidence of the holes.
Holiday Media Cabinet Decor
On the back wall of the living room is a media cabinet. I keep my wood-framed mirror there all year and simply change the decor around it. Then I add my flocked trees in baskets for Christmas and winter, and tie a coordinating ribbon around each basket.
I've been looking for a nice nativity scene to buy for years, and I finally found the perfect one! This beautiful blue and white nativity fits my decor, but it isn't so precious that it would be devastating if it broke. You know?
I took the stable from my old nativity scene, so I need to buy a new one for next year, but I'm so happy with this purchase! I love it so much!
Neutral Christmas Throw Pillows
I always love swapping out the throw pillows to coordinate with my color theme. This year's theme actually started with a throw pillow I fell in love with. It's the orange and brown plaid pillow that I just HAD to have!
It was on back order for a month, and that was the only problem! But I was willing to wait, and the wait paid off. I LOVE them! It's the perfect pillow to carry me through winter with this Ralph Lauren wintery plaid vibe.
I also grabbed this neutral winter forest pillow, which will be perfect all winter long! I'm so happy with both purchases! And if you've ever wanted the coziest throw blanket ever, perfect for Christmas and the holidays?? Grab THIS one!
The rest of my pillows are ones we've had for years, but they work for every season. (Never mind my wonky couch cushions… haha!)
Brass, Blue and Orange Built-in Bookshelf Decor
I didn't have to change too much on my built-in shelves, because I already love decorating with blue. So I added some of my wintery Christmas decor, then searched my house for orange and copper tones to bring in!
I always switch out my dough bowl for each season, and I kept some orange hydrangeas from my fall decor to bring in some coppery tones.
A Christmas card we got a few years ago was the perfect framed art for the shelves. I simply popped it into a frame and tucked it in a corner!
Then I borrowed this beautiful orange and blue art from my kitchen. It always sits on my kitchen desk, but it was the perfect addition to my orange and blue Christmas shelves this year!
I hung my favorite mini wreaths on the windows again this year. I leave the clear hooks up all year and change the ribbons to match my decor. It makes me so happy!
How to Decorate an Orange, Blue and Brown Christmas Tree
The secret to a designer-worthy Christmas tree is in the details. By focusing on the right balance of colors and decorative elements, you can create a tree that looks like it stepped out of a home décor magazine. There are truly so many layers to this tree. I felt like I added ornaments for days, and I actually did!
1. Pick the Perfect Tree
The foundation of any great Christmas tree is, of course, the tree itself! Whether you prefer a full green faux tree or a wispy flocked one, either option works for this palette.
I love my "Feel Real" Frasier Fir faux tree for its natural feel. The brown tones play so well with the natural-looking branches.
And if you don't have a pre-lit tree, string lights on your tree so it glows! The more lights, the better!
2. Select a Tree Skirt or Tree Collar, or Both!
I love using both a tree collar and a tree skirt under my living room Christmas tree. I add a tree skirt in a neutral shade like tan, navy or light beige to ground the display.
My tree collar basket is a staple under my tree every year! I got it years ago from the Hearth and Hand line at Target. I wish they'd bring it back, and I'll be sure to shout it from the rooftops if they ever do.
3. Choose a Base Ribbon
I like to start with a 4″ wide wired ribbon for the first layer on the tree. I love this wide herringbone blue ribbon (a similar ribbon comes in ivory) that I used a few years ago in my Blue and White Christmas Living Room. I'm so glad I get to reuse it, because it was so pretty the first time!
I wrapped it loosely around the middle of the tree. Knowing I'd have a lot of ornaments this year, I wove the ribbon through the branches loosely.
I also made a bow in the same ribbon for the tree topper! Since bows are so on trend this year, I loved being able to use one I made for a previous year's decor.
4. Create a Color Base with Brown and Blue Ornaments
Start by collecting ornaments in various shades of brown and blue. Variety is key here: use matte, glossy and textured finishes for depth, and mix shapes and sizes for visual interest. Some ideas to consider:
- Brown Ornaments: Caramel, copper or velvety taupe tones will give your tree a warm glow.
- Blue Ornaments: Use complementary shades like navy, turquoise or icy blue to balance the boldness of the browns and oranges.
Spread these ornaments evenly throughout the tree for a cohesive look. Alternate the colors on different levels of the tree so similar shades don't clump together.
I always start with 4-inch large white matte ornaments in the middle of the tree. They make the tree look fuller and give it a light, bright feel without messing with the overall color scheme. You'll see them peeking out from the middle of the tree if you look closely.
Blue and Brown Ornaments I used:
- Small blue velvet ornaments
- Small brown velvet ornaments
- Other small brown velvet ornaments
- Large matte blue ornaments
- Large camel velvet ornaments
5. Incorporate Orange for Warmth and Texture
Now it's time to layer in the orange accents! These elements add a rustic, cozy feel to your tree while pulling the color palette together. Here's how to do it:
- Opt for natural-looking items like dried oranges, or even feathers would work well.
- Add ribbon or garland with subtle orange tones.
- Blend in softer materials, like fabric or knit ornaments in tan or beige, to add warmth and softness.
Ribbons I used:
- 1″ Velvet Caramel Ribbon
- 5/8″ Antique Blue Velvet Ribbon
- 3/8″ Brown Velvet Ribbon
- 1″ Khaki Ribbon
6. Play with Metallic Accents
No Christmas tree is complete without a touch of sparkle! Adding metallic elements in gold or bronze will tie everything together and make your tree look magical. Think about:
- Gold or bronze tinsel.
- Metallic ribbon or tree picks for some extra dazzle.
- Dazzling gold deer, sparkly bows or other gold and brass shiny ornaments.
Metallic touches will elevate the overall look and give your tree a luxe, designer feel.
7. Finishing Touches
I've already talked about all the ornaments and finishing touches I've used, but here are a few more ideas:
- Include customized ornaments that match your color scheme. For example, paint wooden shapes in orange and blue, or add brown leather tags for a rustic touch.
- Wrap a furry blanket around the base of the tree for another "snowy" layer.
- Sprinkle faux snow or glittery accents for a wintry feel that screams holiday magic.
Final Thoughts
I'm so happy with how everything turned out! Whether you're going for a rustic cabin vibe, a modern winter wonderland or something in between, this color palette has endless possibilities.
If you try this color scheme or any of these ideas, please share your twist on Instagram and tag us so we can share it! Happy decorating!
Other Rooms Decorated for Christmas
I don't plan on changing too many other rooms this year. So if you want to see my other rooms decorated for Christmas, come take a look…
