Christmas · Shopping guide
How to choose an artificial Christmas tree
An artificial tree is one of the bigger decor purchases most people make, and a good one can come out of the box for a decade of Christmases. The right tree comes down to four things: the space it's going in, the shape that fits it, how you want it lit, and how much realism matters to you.
We'll go through each one in order. Do the measuring part first, honestly. It's the step that saves the most returns.
Measure first: height and width
Height
Measure floor to ceiling, then subtract room for the stand and topper. A common rule is to leave at least 6 to 12 inches between the top of the tree and the ceiling. That puts typical picks at:
- 8-foot ceilings: a 6.5- to 7.5-foot tree.
- 9-foot ceilings: a 7.5- to 8-foot tree.
- 10-foot ceilings: a 9-foot tree.
- Vaulted or two-story spaces: 10 to 12 feet, measured at the exact spot the tree will stand.
Listed height usually includes the stand, but check each product's specs to be sure.
Width
This is the measurement people skip. A full 7.5-foot tree can be around 4 to 5 feet across at the base, which is a lot of living room. Measure the floor space, leave room to walk around it, and remember that presents go underneath. If width is tight, a slim tree solves it beautifully.
Full, slim, or pencil
Full
The classic triangle. Best for open rooms, big ornament collections, and the "Christmas morning" look. Needs the most floor space.
Slim
Same height, narrower waist. A great middle ground for apartments, rooms with furniture close by, or spots near a window. You still get a proper tree silhouette.
Pencil
Very narrow, almost columnar. Perfect for corners, entryways, landings, and pairs flanking a fireplace. Ornaments are fewer, so ribbon and a handful of large pieces do the work.
Pre-lit vs unlit
This is the biggest decision after size. Both are good choices, for different people.
Why people choose pre-lit
- Setup is dramatically faster. Fluff, plug in, done.
- Lights are spaced evenly through the branches, including deep inside.
- Many have multiple modes (steady, twinkle, color-changing) and foot pedals or remotes.
- Most new pre-lit trees use LEDs, which run cool and use less power.
Why people choose unlit
- Full control over color, bulb type, and brightness, and you can change it any year.
- Lighting lasts independently of the tree, so the tree itself can outlive several light sets.
- Often a lower price for the same tree quality.
- Great if you love smart lights like app-controlled strings.
Things to look for in a pre-lit tree
- Light count. More lights per foot means a brighter, fuller glow. Compare trees of the same height.
- Section-by-section wiring. Many trees let one section stay lit independently, which makes troubleshooting easy.
- Warm white vs clear vs multicolor. "Clear" often reads cooler and brighter; "warm white" reads like candlelight. Some trees offer both.
- Connected poles. Some trees route power through the center pole, so you plug in once at the base.
Planning to light an unlit tree yourself? Our lights calculator estimates how many you need by height.
Needles, tips, and realism
Artificial needles generally come in two types:
- PVC needles are flat, cut from sheets. They're soft and good at filling the tree out, and they're typical of value trees.
- PE (molded) needles are cast from real branches, so they look three-dimensional and lifelike. Many trees mix PE on the outer tips with PVC inside for fullness.
Tip count is another useful number. More tips at the same height usually means a fuller tree. It's most helpful for comparing two trees of the same size and shape.
Flocked or green?
Flocked trees are dusted with a white, snow-like coating. They look wintry and soft, and they make colored ornaments pop. Green trees are the classic choice and work with any decor style. If you love the flocked look, set it up over a sheet the first time, since a little flocking can shed as you shape the branches.
Setup and storage features worth paying for
- Hinged branches fold down into place, so setup is mostly fluffing.
- A sturdy metal stand keeps taller trees steady.
- A storage bag or box with wheels makes the annual trip to the attic or garage far easier. If the tree doesn't include one, it's worth adding.
Our picks
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. How our links work.
How we chose: We chose trees currently sold by the linked retailer, covering full, slim, and pencil shapes, pre-lit LED and incandescent options, and budget, mid-range, and splurge tiers. Picks are based on manufacturer specs and listings; we haven't tested these trees in person. No brand paid for placement or provided product.
Budget · Best Choice Products
Best Choice Products Pre-Lit Snow Flocked Pine Tree (twinkling LED)
A flocked look at an entry price, offered from 4.5 ft up to 12 ft.
What we like
- Several heights, so it works from apartments to tall ceilings
- LED lights with steady, fade, and twinkle modes per the listing
Good to know
- Flocking can shed a little during setup, so lay a sheet down first
Price and stock set by Best Choice Products. Link checked Nov 2, 2026.
Budget · Best Choice Products
Best Choice Products Pre-Lit Spruce Tree (incandescent)
For people who love the classic warm glow of incandescent bulbs.
What we like
- Classic incandescent warmth
- Simple spruce shape that takes any ornament style
Good to know
- Incandescents run warmer and use more power than LED, so plan outlets accordingly
Price and stock set by Best Choice Products. Link checked Nov 2, 2026.
Budget · Hobby Lobby
Hobby Lobby Ultra Slim Flocked Pine Christmas Tree, 7 ft
A narrow pencil profile for corners, entryways, and small living rooms.
What we like
- Very small footprint
- Flocked finish reads wintry without extra decor
Good to know
- Slim trees hold fewer ornaments, so lean on ribbon and a few large pieces
Price and stock set by Hobby Lobby. Link checked Nov 2, 2026.
Mid-range · Target
Best Choice Products 7.5 ft Pre-Lit Hinged Douglas Full Fir (700 lights)
A full, classic 7.5 ft fir with hinged branches for faster setup.
What we like
- Hinged branches fold down into place
- Full silhouette that fills a standard 8 ft room
Good to know
- Full trees need roughly 4 to 5 ft of floor width, so measure the spot first
Price and stock set by Target. Link checked Nov 2, 2026.
Mid-range · National Tree Company
National Tree Company 7.5 ft Pre-Lit Dunhill Fir Slim Hinged Tree (600 clear lights)
Full height with a slimmer waist, a smart middle ground for tighter rooms.
What we like
- Slim profile keeps walkways open
- Hinged construction and clear lights
Good to know
- Clear lights only, so add a color strand if you want multicolor
Price and stock set by National Tree Company. Link checked Nov 2, 2026.
Splurge · King of Christmas
King of Christmas 7.5 ft Queen Flock Tree (1,000 warm white LEDs)
Dense flocking and a high light count for a showpiece tree.
What we like
- 1,000 warm white LEDs on a 7.5 ft tree is a generous light count
- Heavy flocked look that photographs beautifully
Good to know
- A premium price, so it pays off best if you keep it for many seasons
Price and stock set by King of Christmas. Link checked Nov 2, 2026.
Budget, mid-range, and splurge: what changes
Spending more on a tree usually buys a few specific things. Knowing which ones matter to you helps you put the money where you'll see it.
- Budget trees tend to use mostly PVC needles, fewer lights, and simpler stands. They look lovely once decorated, especially with plenty of ornaments and ribbon, and they're a smart choice for a first apartment, a second tree, or a kids' room.
- Mid-range trees often add hinged branches, more lights, more tips, and some molded PE tips on the outside. This is the sweet spot for a main family-room tree.
- Splurge trees typically bring a high share of realistic PE tips, generous light counts, multiple light modes, and heavier construction. They make the most sense if you'll keep the tree for many seasons.
One idea worth considering: buy a mid-range unlit tree and spend the difference on great lights. Lights are easy to upgrade later, and the tree itself can last for many years.
Artificial tree questions
How long does an artificial tree last?
It depends heavily on build quality and storage. Store it in a bag or box in a cool, dry spot, and fluff it gently each year. Pre-lit trees also depend on their lights, so a section-by-section lighting design is helpful for long-term use.
How do I make an artificial tree look fuller?
Take time fluffing: separate every tip on every branch, working from the trunk out and pointing tips up and out at different angles. Then add a garland or ribbon, a few picks of real-looking stems, and more lights deep inside. Each of these fills visual gaps.
Where should I put the tree?
Choose a spot near an outlet, away from heat vents, fireplaces, and radiators, and out of main walkways. A spot visible from a front window gives the house a glow from outside too.
Quick buying checklist
- Measure ceiling height and floor width at the exact spot.
- Pick a shape: full, slim, or pencil.
- Decide pre-lit or unlit, and warm white, clear, or multicolor.
- Compare light count and tip count between trees of the same size.
- Check for hinged branches and a storage plan.
- Read the retailer's return policy before you buy.
Sources
Product details come from each retailer's listing, checked Nov 2, 2026. Specs and availability can change, so confirm on the retailer's page before you buy. For safety, follow the manufacturer's instructions and the National Fire Protection Association's winter holiday safety guidance.
More tree, light, and porch ideas are on our Christmas hub.