How to Choose the Perfect Real (or Fake) Christmas Tree
From fir to flocked and extra full.
In the market for a new Christmas tree this holiday season? Then make sure your next tree is your best one yet by reading our guide to Christmas tree types. We’ve covered all you need to know about how to buy a Christmas tree, from Christmas tree dimensions to Christmas tree varieties and their many advantages.
Christmas Tree Types, Explained
There are two main types of Christmas tree to choose from - real and artificial. Below is a brief overview of each Christmas tree type, as well as the pros and cons of both.
Real Christmas Trees
Heading to your nearest tree farm to choose a Christmas tree to fill with Christmas decorations is a time-honoured tradition that the whole family enjoy. Artificial trees won't ever match the authentic smell and feel of a real tree, nor do they clean and oxygenate the air around them, however real Christmas trees are heavy, and their transportation and mounting may be tricky if you live in a smaller home with narrow doorways or an apartment up some stairs.
Keep reading to find a list of all the different species of Christmas tree but please note that on Wayfair UK, we sell only artificial trees.
Types of Real Christmas Tree:
Balsam Fir: The most 'Christmassy' looking tree, a balsam fir tree gives off a strong, spiced, festive scent
Douglas Fir: Douglas fir tree are the typical pyramid-shaped trees. This tree variety comes with full branches that don't require a lot of fluffing
Fraser Fir: A frasrer fir tree has soft needles, making it ideal for anyone who likes to go all out with decorating
Noble Fir: This type of fir tree also gives off a welcoming festive scent
White Spruce: The needles on a white spruce are a green-bluish colour and are short in size
White Fir: Again, the needles on this tree go against the typical dark green to produce a silvery undertone
Norway Spruce: It's vital to water and trim this a Norway spruce tree often to retain its shape and overall health
Scotch Pine: A Scottish or Scotch pine tree will retain all of its needles if watered properly
Artificial Christmas Trees
Faux Christmas trees, unlike real trees, can last for years if kept in good condition. Of course, artificial trees are fairly low-maintenance and require much less upkeep than real Christmas trees; they don’t need to be watered or trimmed, nor do they leave needles and sap all over your floor. Artificial trees can be assembled without much effort and then stored back in their packaging until the next year’s festive season comes around. Many artificial trees come pre-lit, so you can save yourself the hassle of stringing lights on the tree yourself. An added bonus? They’re also insect and flame-resistant.
If you're shopping for an artificial Christmas tree, there are two specific materials to choose from: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and PE (polyethylene). Take a peek at the pros and cons of each.
PVC: This material is hard-pressed into thin pieces and then cut into slim, rectangular needle-like strips. Then, the strands are twisted with wire to outline tree branches. This is a popular, budget-friendly option, but it can often look unrealistic up close due to the flat nature of the needles.
PE: These trees are constructed with an injected molded plastic coating. Unlike flat PVC tree branches, PE features the thickness and mass of a real tree branch, for a three-dimensional, realistic look. PE is the more expensive option.
Christmas Tree Size Guide
Christmas Tree Height
Christmas trees are available in a wide range of heights, from 3ft to 14ft and up. As a good rule of thumb, make sure to measure the room where you'll be placing the Christmas tree before purchasing, as well as the entrance halls and doorways that lead to the room. This ensures the tree will fit easily through your front door and complement the space. We've highlighted the benefits of the most popular height options below.
Mini (Less than 4ft): These petite Christmas trees are more likely to be used as accent pieces and are optimal if your space is limited.
Small (4ft - 5.5ft): At between 4ft – 5.5ft tall, small Christmas trees are excellent at bringing the holiday spirit into smaller, non-central rooms. Where a larger tree would best suit a living room or family room, a small Christmas tree looks best in a hallway or bedroom.
Medium (6ft - 7.5ft): Christmas trees that fall within the medium height range of 6ft – 7.5ft tall are a safe bet for most homes. At the shorter end, medium Christmas trees are modest, but still have ample space for decorating. Taller medium trees are classic and complement both large and small spaces with ease without feeling overwhelming.
Large & Extra Large (8ft - 12ft+): These breathtaking 8ft and taller Christmas trees are best suited for rooms with tall or vaulted ceilings. These grand trees have ample space for lots of ornaments and garlands, so they’re great for the avid decorator. These trees are the heaviest and tend to be more expensive than the others, especially when you’re buying a real Christmas tree.
The size of your room, the amount of available floor space and your personal preference should dictate which of the three popular Christmas tree widths to choose. Having a sense of what you want is helpful when searching for artificial Christmas trees.
Regular (or Full): This tree features that iconic cone shape that isn't too full or too slim. This width complements almost any style and size of space. For those looking to capture the realness of nature in a faux alternative, this is a great choice.
Extra-Full: Extra-full Christmas trees have wider bases and are more populated with branches and foliage, which makes them appear fuller. They're available in a multitude of heights, all of which require a bit more floor space than less-full trees of the same size. Consider stocking up on extra ornaments to fill out the body of the tree.
Slender: Available in a wide range of heights, a narrow, slender Christmas tree is a versatile option that requires fewer ornaments and less square footage. Create a mini holiday forest by grouping three or more slender trees of varied heights or place a tall slender tree in a narrow space.
Choosing a Christmas Tree Style
From a traditional tapered tree to a quirky upside-down option, there are a handful of Christmas tree styles to explore. Here are the most popular types to help narrow down your choices.
Traditional
This style is the true classic that matches any holiday decor. It is a blank canvas upon which you can express your festive cheer.
Pre-Lit
A hassle-free option, pre-lit Christmas trees won’t have you balancing on a ladder to wrap string lights around your treetop. Lights come attached, so you do not have to worry about hanging or untangling. You can choose from white, yellow and coloured festive lights.
Flocked
This standout Christmas tree style is frosted with artificial snow for a winter wonderland feel that complements more sophisticated holiday decor.
Coloured
A coloured Christmas tree is for a modern enthusiast with quirky style and has become a popular way to achieve an unexpected holiday look. White Christmas trees have become wildly popular, though other bolder colours like bright pink and blue are available as well.
Half and Corner
Interested in a tree that will fit perfectly against a wall or in a corner without bunching up? Go with a half or corner-shaped tree that has full branches only where it needs them.
Spiral
Add intrigue to your holiday decor with a spiral-shaped Christmas tree – not only are they elegant and stylish, but they are narrow and won't take up too much space in your home.
Upside-Down
An upside-down tree is a unique look that will make a big visual statement. These trees showcase ornaments like no other. A centuries-old tradition in eastern parts of Europe, most upside-down trees are used in smaller homes because the narrow base provides extra floor space.
Tip: Once you've decided which tree is perfect for you and your home, take a look at our expert tips on How to Decorate a Christmas Tree in 5 Easy Steps. Including everything from how to place lights to which size baubles look best.
Enjoyed this article? Then discover more holiday ideas and inspiration:
- How to Decorate Scandi Style this Christmas
- Which Christmas Lights Will You Decorate With This Year?
- DIY Christmas Table Decorations to Keep You Merry and Bright
