Get yourself an artificial Christmas tree and you can expect a cost-effective, convenient and allergy-friendly decoration that takes pride of place in your home year after year.
If you are in the market for one of these Christmas tree, what features should you be looking out for? Not all artificial trees were created equal, so in this article, we’ll pinpoint six features that should be at the forefront of your mind as you browse available options.
Size
Did you know that the average ceiling is about 9 feet? You might think that statement is off topic, but it’s important when it comes to a Christmas tree; artificial or not.
Let’s say your ceiling size is 9 feet – that means you should be looking at a tree of around 7.5 feet. The general idea is to find a tree that fills the space and is an impressive sight. But you must leave enough clearance at the top of the tree, Not only is a Christmas tree that meets your ceiling a bad look, but you may also want to use a Christmas tree topper decoration (traditionally an angel), and this should be factored into your size choice. When it comes to diameter; work out whether a Christmas tree can fill a corner of your living room without overwhelming the rest of the space.
Size is something it’s worth paying close attention to if you want to avoid a return trip to your tree seller.
Shape
There’s size, and then there’s shape. Christmas trees are like people – they come in a broad variety of profiles! You can find wide, slim and everything in between. There isn’t a right or wrong choice, and bigger isn’t necessarily better.
The most important thing to bear in mind on shape is that the tree should complement, and not compromise, your room. That mega-size Christmas tree that you saw grabbing attention in your local shopping mall might look cool, but it won’t look clever jammed into the corner of your living room.
You may want to take three-dimensional measurements of the space you have in mind for the tree, so that you know you are on the right track with size. If you don’t have a lot of space to work with, look for the ‘pencil’ artificial Christmas trees that will stand modestly in the corner of a small- to -medium-sized room.
If you are planning your Christmas tree outside, that’s different. Shape has much fewer limitations in a garden space. You can find artificial trees up to 15 feet tall and beyond with a large diameter.
Strength
Which decorations do you have in mind? If your artificial Christmas tree isn’t strong enough, even seemingly light baubles and tinsel might have a hard time staying up.
However, there are many artificial Christmas trees that are made of tougher stuff. A sturdy, metal frame will give you the structural integrity you need to carry all manner of ornaments, lights and stockings if you wish.
If your artificial Christmas tree is self-shaping – that is, with wire branches that you extend yourself – be sure that decorations are comfortably held by the branches and that there is no weakness. If the branches aren’t strong enough, imbalance or drooping could be the result.
Pre-lit or plain
Artificial Christmas trees that come with lights already included are known as pre-lit. You can also find many plain artificial Christmas trees that you will decorate yourself.
Pre-lit Christmas trees will give you the advantage of a display that has been designed for you. The lights can be of multiple colours, and co-ordinated nicely in festive patterns. They may also be lights that change colour. If you want part of your job done for you, a pre-lit Christmas tree is an excellent no-hassle option.
For those who enjoy getting creative, and perhaps want to get children involved, a plain artificial tree that you decorate yourself seems most suitable. A plain tree is also likely to be cheaper than a pre-lit tree of the same standard and size.
Set up
How will you assemble your tree? You’ll find some artificial Christmas trees come ready for display, whereas others, such as self-shaping trees, require you to extend the branches out.
The main thing to remember here is space – self-shaping trees are easily packed away for storage until next year. If your tree isn’t self-shaping, ensure you have ample storage space – a garage, loft or cellar can be a good location.
Realism
Finally, how about the artificial part? Artificial Christmas trees vary greatly in their appearance; from quite obviously fake to unbelievably realistic.
While it is impossible to fully replicate the look, feel and smell of a real tree, some artificial trees do a better job than others. The most realistic artificial trees may be modelled on real firs with distinct needles and branches and have life-like foliage.
And look out for flocked Christmas trees. They are made with a textured material that mimics snowfall, giving your tree the charming, white-coated look of a December morning.
We hope this article will serve as a buying guide when you come to browse for your next artificial Christmas tree. Happy hunting!
