Your Christmas tree is basically the celebrity of your living room for six weeks. You spend hours untangling lights, swearing at the sap on your hands, and hanging ornaments that definitely shouldn't have survived the move in 2018. But then, you look at the bottom. There’s that metal stand, looking all industrial and weird, or maybe a pile of messy extension cords that ruins the whole vibe. That's where a world market tree skirt comes in to save the day, and honestly, it’s the most underrated part of the whole setup.
Most people just grab whatever red felt circle is on sale at the big-box store. Big mistake. Huge.
When you start looking at textiles from Cost Plus World Market, you’re not just buying a floor covering. You’re getting hand-block prints from India, heavy tufted cotton, or those thick, chunky wool weaves that make the room feel like a high-end cabin in the Alps. It’s about texture. If your tree is glossy and bright, you need something matte and earthy underneath to ground it. If you have a minimalist, "sad beige" aesthetic, a vibrant kantha-stitch skirt adds the soul you’re probably missing.
The Problem With "Standard" Holiday Decor
Let’s be real. Typical holiday decor is kinda plastic. It’s shiny, it’s mass-produced, and it feels a bit hollow after a while. The reason a world market tree skirt tends to trend every year on TikTok and Pinterest isn't just because of the brand name; it’s because the materials feel "real." We’re talking about sustainable cotton, recycled saris, and jute.
Jute is a big one. It’s scratchy, sure, but it looks incredible against a green pine. It has this organic, raw edge that balances out the glitter of the ornaments. Plus, if you have cats, they usually find jute less appetizing than those weird tinsel-fringed skirts that they inevitably throw up later. That’s a win for everyone.
What Most People Get Wrong About Sizing
I’ve seen it a thousand times. Someone buys a gorgeous 48-inch skirt for a nine-foot Noble Fir. It looks like the tree is wearing a tutu that’s three sizes too small. It’s awkward.
If you have a massive tree, you need a skirt that actually extends past the widest branches. You want the fabric to puddle a bit. That "puddle" effect is what creates that cozy, high-end magazine look. For a standard 7-foot tree, a 52-inch or 56-inch world market tree skirt is usually the sweet spot. If you go too small, the gifts you put under the tree will just sit on the hardwood floor, and the whole visual "island" you’re trying to create falls apart.
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Handmade vs. Machine Made: The World Market Difference
There’s this specific type of embroidery you’ll find in their collection called Zardosi. It’s a Persian style of metallic embroidery. When you see it on a velvet tree skirt, it catches the light from the tree above it. It’s moody. It’s sophisticated. It’s definitely not the "Santa in a sleigh" print you find at the grocery store.
Then there are the block prints. India has been doing this for centuries. Artisans use hand-carved wooden blocks to stamp patterns onto the fabric. Because it's done by hand, the ink isn't always 100% perfect. Some people think that’s a flaw. I think it’s the whole point. That slight variation is what makes your living room feel like a curated space rather than a showroom.
Durability Is Actually Kind of a Big Deal
Tree skirts take a beating. They get covered in dry pine needles. They get stepped on. Your dog will almost certainly decide it’s their new favorite bed.
This is where the material choice in a world market tree skirt matters. A heavy canvas or a thick wool rug-style skirt can handle a vacuum. Those thin, cheap polyester ones? One run-in with a Dyson and the seams are toast. I’ve had a heavy cotton World Market skirt for six years. I shake it out, spot clean it, and it looks exactly the same as the day I bought it.
The Rise of the Tree Collar
We can't talk about tree skirts without mentioning their trendy cousin: the tree collar. World Market basically cornered the market on woven seagrass and galvanized metal collars.
- The Pro: They hide the stand perfectly and keep the tree looking "contained" and tidy.
- The Con: They are a nightmare if your tree stand is slightly too big or if you have a real tree that needs frequent watering.
If you're a "real tree" person, stick with the fabric world market tree skirt. You can easily peel it back to pour water into the reservoir without wrestling with a giant wicker basket. If you’re an artificial tree person? The collar is a game changer. It makes the fake trunk look like it’s actually planted in something.
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How to Style Your Tree Skirt Without It Looking Cluttered
The secret to a "pro" tree is layering. Don't just lay the skirt flat. Scrunch it. Give it some waves.
I like to take a basic world market tree skirt—maybe a neutral cream or a natural jute—and then layer a smaller, colorful textile on top. You can even use a throw blanket or a large scarf you found in the international section. This adds depth. It makes the base of the tree look like a destination rather than an afterthought.
Also, think about your flooring.
- Dark Hardwood: Go for a light-colored, cream, or metallic skirt to create contrast.
- Light Carpet: Go for deep reds, navy, or charcoal to ground the tree.
- Tile: Use a heavy, textured wool to warm up the space.
It’s basic color theory, but it’s the difference between a tree that "floats" in the room and one that feels integrated into your home's design.
Addressing the "Ethical" Elephant in the Room
One of the reasons people specifically search for a world market tree skirt is the brand's association with global artisans. However, it's always worth checking the specific tag. Not everything is "fair trade" in the strictest legal sense, but they do have a long history of sourcing from craft communities. In a world of fast fashion and disposable decor, buying a piece that feels like a textile—something that has weight and history—is a better move for the planet anyway. You’re less likely to toss it in the trash in two years.
Mixing Modern and Traditional
Don't feel like you have to match your skirt to your ornaments exactly. If you have a bunch of "found" ornaments—the ones your kids made, the ones you bought on vacation, the vintage glass balls—a neutral, textured world market tree skirt acts as a canvas. It ties all that chaos together.
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On the flip side, if your tree is very strictly themed (all white, all gold, etc.), a bold, patterned skirt is exactly what you need to keep it from looking boring. A black and white geometric print under an all-gold tree? That’s a move. It’s unexpected and looks way more expensive than it actually is.
Actionable Steps for Your Holiday Setup
If you’re looking to upgrade your tree's foundation this year, don't just click "buy" on the first thing you see. Follow these steps to get it right.
Measure your stand width first. This is the most common mistake. If your stand is 24 inches wide, you need a skirt that is at least 48 inches to ensure there’s enough fabric to cover the legs and still look generous.
Consider the "Needle Factor."
If you have a Frasier Fir or another high-shedding tree, avoid the high-pile wool or shaggy skirts. The needles get trapped in the fibers and you’ll be picking them out until Easter. Go for a flat-weave cotton or a smooth velvet world market tree skirt instead. They are much easier to lint-roll.
Don't ignore the back of the tree.
Unless your tree is tucked deep into a corner, people are going to see the back. Make sure your skirt has a clean closure. World Market usually uses simple ribbon ties or button closures. If the ties are ugly, turn them toward the wall. If they’re pretty (like oversized wooden buttons), make them a feature.
Think beyond December 25th. The best thing about these "global" styles is that they don't scream "Christmas." A neutral, textured skirt can actually be used as a small floor throw or a table topper for the rest of the year if you’re creative.
When you finally pack the ornaments away, don't just shove the skirt into a plastic bin. Fold it loosely with some acid-free tissue paper if it has metallic threads or delicate embroidery. These textiles are meant to last a decade, not a season. If you treat it like a piece of home decor rather than a "holiday accessory," your world market tree skirt will be the one thing you actually look forward to pulling out of the attic every year.