Selecting the Perfect Artificial Christmas Tree: Tips & Tricks

Artificial Christmas Trees are art in my book. They offer many benefits, such as saving our forests, but the true art is in how realistic they look nowadays! I must admit, I have been using them in my own home for the past 20 years. What I love most about artificial Christmas trees is that when the right tree is thoughtfully selected, they last for several years, they are easy to install, and they save you time and money!

Here are a few tips to consider when selecting and purchasing an artificial Christmas tree:

First, define the style of tree that you like best. You’ll know it when you see it! While all trees are beautiful, everyone has a particular style they gravitate towards. Often, your style is influenced by the trees surrounding you during your childhood. My personal favorite is a flocked Noble Fir. You may prefer other popular styles like a Blue Spruce, White Pine, Downswept Pine, or Douglas Fir.

All trees come in flocked (faux snow) or natural varieties, and your choice is purely a matter of personal preference. However, be aware, I won’t lie; flocked trees are messy but worth it! Living in sunny Southern California, I like a bit of snow on my tree. For a creative touch, try an upside-down Christmas tree or opt for a slim tree. There’s a shape, style, and size for everyone! And here’s a money-saving tip – some artificial trees now come with decorations included! Also, check out your local thrift store; you might get lucky and find an artificial Christmas tree there.

Once you’ve defined your Christmas Tree Style, it’s time to consider placement and size. Decide where you want to display your tree and measure from the floor to ceiling to determine your ceiling height. This is crucial to ensure you select the right size and scale for your space. You can place your tree in various locations, from your family or living room to your bedroom, dining room, foyer, or at the end of a long hallway. Have fun with it! For size, I like to take my tree up to the ceiling to draw the eye upward. If you have a tree topper, subtract 12″ from your ceiling height. Without a topper, I recommend subtracting 6″ from your ceiling height to find the perfect Christmas tree height for your space.

Clients often ask me what to look for when purchasing an artificial Christmas tree. While there are extremely expensive options and more budget-friendly ones, there’s a tree for everyone. For example, I bought a LED pre-lit 7′ artificial tree from Big Lots for $99 in the past, and it lasted for 12 years! It looked like a high-end artificial tree without the hefty price tag. Deals like this are out there; you just have to hunt for them.

Here are a few things to consider. Look for a tree with sturdy branches and a nice, robust stand. There’s nothing worse than a tree that easily tips over. For durability and if it fits your budget, seek a tree made from Polyethylene material or mostly Polyethylene versus PVC. When purchasing a pre-lit tree, which I recommend for time and money savings, opt for one with LED lights instead of incandescent. Similar to our homes, LED lights last 25 times longer than incandescent lights and can save you about 75% on your energy costs. That’s a huge upside!

Regarding price, it varies. Trees made entirely from Polyethylene are the most expensive because they have injection-molded tree needles. However, they’re also the most realistic artificial trees available. These trees can range from $750 to thousands, depending on the style and height. The average price for a combination of PE and PVC trees ranges from $200 to $600, and an all PVC tree will cost you, on average, between $75 and $350, again depending on the style and height.

Ultimately, the Christmas tree and decorations you choose should reflect your unique style and personality, so have fun with it! It’s your home, your life, and you should love it!

-Julee Ireland, NKBA-Interior Design Architect, Tile Mart Brand Ambassador and Founder Home Renovation School