Red is basically the default setting for December. We see it everywhere, from the Coca-Cola trucks to the wrapping paper at the grocery store. But lately, there’s been a shift. People are moving away from that bright, candy-apple red and gravitating toward something much heavier, moodier, and honestly, a lot more expensive-looking. I’m talking about burgundy. Using burgundy bows for christmas tree setups isn’t just a random choice; it’s a full-on design movement that leans into the "old money" or "dark academia" aesthetic that has dominated interior design lately.
It’s about depth. Bright red can sometimes feel a bit plastic, especially under LED lights. Burgundy, however, absorbs light. It looks like velvet because, well, it usually is.
If you’ve spent any time on Pinterest or TikTok recently, you’ve probably noticed that the "quiet luxury" vibe has finally hit the holiday season. We aren't just slapping plastic ornaments on a Douglas Fir and calling it a day anymore. We’re layering. We’re draping. We’re obsessing over the exact shade of wine-colored ribbon that makes the green of the needles pop.
Why Burgundy is Outshining Classic Crimson
Bright red is loud. It’s cheerful and nostalgic, sure, but it can also be a little overwhelming if you’re trying to create a sophisticated space. Burgundy—sometimes called merlot, maroon, or oxblood—is the sophisticated older sibling. It has those blue and brown undertones that make it feel grounded.
Designers like Shea McGee have often leaned into these muddier, earthier tones because they feel organic. When you put burgundy bows for christmas tree branches, you’re nodding to a more traditional, Victorian-era style of decorating. Back then, dyes were made from natural pigments, and they didn't have the neon brightness we have today.
There's a psychological element too. Deep reds are associated with comfort and warmth. In the dead of winter, when it’s grey and bleak outside, these rich tones make a living room feel like a sanctuary. It’s the difference between a high-energy party and a cozy night by the fireplace with a glass of Cabernet.
Choosing the Right Ribbon Texture
Not all ribbons are created equal. This is where people usually mess up. If you go to a big-box craft store and grab the cheapest roll of shiny satin, it’s going to look flat. To make burgundy work, you need texture.
Velvet is the gold standard. It’s heavy. It hangs beautifully. Most importantly, it has a "nap"—the way the fabric catches the light—that adds three-dimensionality to the tree. If you want that high-end look, search for "double-faced velvet." This means both sides are soft, so if the bow flips over, you don’t see a scratchy, ugly underside.
Then there’s silk and chiffon. These are for the "coquette" style trees that are everywhere right now. Instead of big, structured bows, you tie dozens of tiny, thin burgundy ribbons with long, trailing tails. It looks delicate, almost like the tree is wearing a dress. It’s a very different vibe from the chunky, rustic burlap bows of the 2010s. Honestly, we’re collectively moving away from burlap, and I think we’re all the better for it.
The Science of "The Drape"
Let's talk about how to actually put these on the tree. You can't just shove them in there.
The biggest mistake is making the bows too perfect. If they look like they were made by a machine, the tree feels stiff. You want a bit of "floppiness." Long tails are the secret. If you have a 7-foot tree, your bow tails should be at least 8 to 12 inches long. This creates vertical lines that draw the eye up and down, making the tree look taller and fuller.
- The Cascade Method: Instead of scattered bows, you tuck a large bow at the top and let several long streamers of burgundy ribbon fall down the length of the tree.
- The Cluster: Grouping three small bows around a central ornament.
- The Minimalist Tie: Just a simple overhand knot. No loops, just a knot with two long ends hanging down. It’s chic and takes about five seconds.
Color Palettes That Actually Work
Burgundy is a bit of a diva; it doesn't play well with everything. If you pair it with bright orange or neon green, it’s going to look muddy. To make your burgundy bows for christmas tree stand out, you need a tight color story.
Burgundy and Gold: This is the classic. It’s regal. Think of the Palace of Versailles. The gold acts as a highlighter for the deep red.
Burgundy and Navy: This is for the brave. It’s very dark, but in a room with a lot of natural light, it looks incredibly moody and expensive. It feels very Ralph Lauren.
Burgundy and Champagne: If gold feels too yellow for you, champagne or "rose gold" is a softer alternative. It lightens the mood without the harsh contrast of white.
Monochromatic: Using different shades of burgundy, from a light cranberry to a deep black-cherry. This creates a ton of visual interest without needing any other colors.
Where to Buy (and What to Avoid)
You don't need to spend a fortune, but you do need to be picky. Places like Etsy are great for handmade velvet ribbons that have a frayed edge—this adds to that "heirloom" feel. Anthropologie often carries ribbons that have wire edges, which are great if you want your bows to hold a specific, bouncy shape.
Avoid anything with glitter if you want a sophisticated look. Glitter tends to shed and can make the burgundy look "cheap." Stick to the matte finishes. If you’re on a budget, look for "florist ribbon." It’s usually cheaper than "gift ribbon" and comes in massive rolls, which is perfect because you’re going to need way more than you think. A standard tree can easily eat up 50 yards of ribbon if you’re doing a lot of bows.
The "Coquette" Trend and the Skinny Bow
We have to address the skinny bow phenomenon. For the last year, social media has been obsessed with putting tiny bows on everything—candles, wine glasses, hair, and now, Christmas trees.
Instead of five or six massive bows, people are tying fifty tiny burgundy ribbons onto the very ends of the branches. It gives the tree a "twinkly" effect even when the lights are off. It’s a labor of love, for sure. Your fingers will probably hurt by the end of it. But the result is this ethereal, whimsical look that feels very fresh for 2026.
Maintaining the Look
Real velvet can be heavy. If you have a real tree, like a Balsam Fir, the branches might sag under the weight of heavy ribbon. You’ll want to secure the bows closer to the trunk or use florist wire to "hoist" them up. If you have an artificial tree, you’ve got it easy—just bend the wire branches around the center of the bow to lock it in place.
Dust is the enemy of dark fabrics. By the time December 25th rolls around, those beautiful burgundy bows might look a little grey. A quick hit with a lint roller or a canned air duster will keep them looking sharp for the whole month.
Beyond the Tree
Don't stop at the branches. If you’ve committed to the burgundy bows for christmas tree look, carry that theme through the rest of the room. Tie a matching ribbon around your stockings. Use the same velvet to wrap a few "decoy" presents under the tree. This creates a cohesive visual flow that makes the whole room feel like it was styled by a professional.
It’s also worth noting that burgundy is a "transition" color. Unlike bright Christmas red, which feels weirdly out of place on December 26th, burgundy can carry you through the rest of winter. It feels cozy for January and even works for Valentine’s Day if you’re the type of person who keeps their tree up a little too long. No judgment here.
👉 See also: Buying a Fiddle Leaf Fig at Costco: What You Actually Need to Know
Practical Steps for Your Decorating Plan
To get started, don't just wing it. Measure the height of your tree and decide on your "bow density."
- Calculate your yardage. For a 7-foot tree, if you want 20 medium-sized bows with long tails, you’ll need roughly 40-50 yards of ribbon.
- Test your knots. Before you climb the ladder, sit on the floor and try a few different styles. Do you like a classic floppy bow or a structured wired one?
- Light it up first. Always put your lights on the tree before the ribbons. Ribbons are the "jewelry," and you don't want to be weaving light strands around your delicate velvet bows.
- Vary the sizes. Use larger bows at the bottom of the tree and smaller ones toward the top to maintain a natural sense of scale.
- Secure with wire. Don't rely on the ribbon itself to stay tied to a needle-covered branch. Use green florist wire to attach the bow to the branch so it stays exactly where you want it.
Burgundy is more than just a color choice; it's a mood. It's about slowing down and embracing a richer, more intentional holiday aesthetic. Whether you go for the tiny "coquette" ties or massive, sweeping velvet ribbons, you're tapping into a look that is timeless yet perfectly on-trend. It’s warm, it’s inviting, and honestly, it just looks really good.