How to Choose the Perfect Christmas Tree: Real vs. Artificial, Size, and Style

Choosing a Christmas tree is about more than finding one that looks beautiful. The right tree should fit your space, complement your decorating style and work with the amount of time and maintenance you want to put into the holiday season.

How Tall Should a Christmas Tree Be?

To find your ideal tree height, subtract 12 to 18 inches from your ceiling height. This leaves room for the stand and a star, angel or other tree topper.

How Do I Pick a Christmas Tree That Fits My Living Room?

Start by measuring your available floor space, then compare it with the tree’s width, measured tip to tip with the branches fully extended. As a general guide, a slim tree takes up about as much space as a recliner, a regular tree is closer to a loveseat, and a full tree is about the size of a sofa.

From there, choose a style that suits your room:

• Traditional Full: The classic Christmas tree most people picture. Wide branches leave plenty of room for ornaments, ribbon and garland, making it ideal for larger living rooms.
• Slim or Pencil: A narrower profile delivers plenty of presence without overwhelming the room, perfect for apartments, corners and entryways. Look for one with a mix of longer and shorter branches for a natural, fresh-cut look.
• Flocked: Snow-dusted branches bring a cozy, wintry feel indoors and pair well with neutral, rustic, traditional or glam decor.
• Tabletop: A great fit for small spaces or secondary rooms. Set one on a console, kitchen island or dresser to add holiday spirit without using any floor space.

Christmas Tree Size Guide

Should I Get a Real or Artificial Christmas Tree?

The choice between a real vs. artificial Christmas tree ultimately comes down to the experience you want. Choose a real tree if you love tradition, fresh evergreen fragrance and picking out a new tree each year. Choose an artificial tree if you prioritize convenience, consistent appearance and easy setup.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Artificial Christmas Trees?

Artificial trees are ideal for convenience, allergy-conscious households and anyone who wants a consistent look from one Christmas to the next. Setting up today’s artificial Christmas trees is quicker and easier than ever, with some pre-lit models taking as little as five minutes to assemble and light. Many feature lights that are wired through the center pole, so the sections connect and power up as you stack them, eliminating the hassle of connecting tangled strands of lights.

Branches made with memory wire also make decorating easier. After you shape and fluff the branches the first time, they’re designed to hold their shape year after year, meaning less time spent on setup and more time enjoying the holiday season. Plus, artificial trees don’t require watering or leave fallen needles to clean up, and you can reuse the same tree for many seasons.

With these innovations, setting up your tree is no longer an all-afternoon project. Many of today’s artificial Christmas trees go from box to ornament-ready in just five minutes.

The main tradeoff is that artificial trees don't provide the natural scent or experience of a fresh-cut tree. However, today’s options come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and realistic materials, making it easier to find a tree that looks right at home while simplifying your holiday routine.

What Is the Best Type of Artificial Christmas Tree?

The best artificial Christmas tree depends on your budget and how realistic you want it to look. PE branch tips offer the most natural appearance, while PVC delivers a classic look at a lower price. Here are the three main types of artificial tree construction:

1. PVC: PVC trees are the most budget-friendly option. They come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, making them a smart pick for first-time buyers or secondary spaces like a guest room or office.
2. PE/PVC Blend: A blend combines the best of both materials. PE tips, molded from real branches, create a natural look on the outside, while PVC fills out the interior. The result is a realistic tree at a lower price than most full-PE options.
3. Full PE: If realism is your top priority, choose a full-PE tree. Every branch tip is molded to mimic the shape and texture of real evergreen needles, creating a fuller, more lifelike appearance. These trees cost more upfront, but they’re a worthwhile investment if you plan to enjoy your tree for many seasons.

Should I Get a Pre-Lit Christmas Tree?

A pre-lit Christmas tree saves time during setup and eliminates the annual task of wrapping strands of lights around every branch. Today’s pre-lit artificial trees offer more lighting options than ever, from delicate micro lights to color-changing LEDs that let you customize your holiday look. When choosing a tree, consider light color, lighting technology and the features that make decorating easier.

Micro lights strung on fine wire create a subtle, twinkling glow that blends seamlessly into the branches for a natural, elegant look. Soft, warm-white tones are also popular for creating a cozy, inviting holiday atmosphere. If you like to change things up, RGB and color-changing LED options let you switch from classic white to festive multicolor lighting with the touch of a button.

LED lighting is a great choice for convenience and longevity. Many modern LED systems are designed so that if one bulb burns out, the rest of the strand stays lit, helping your tree maintain its glow throughout the season. Some pre-lit trees also use low-voltage lighting powered by an adapter, offering long-lasting performance and added peace of mind.

Christmas Tree FAQs

Should I get a real or artificial Christmas tree?

Choose a real tree if you love the traditional experience and fresh evergreen scent. Choose an artificial tree if you want convenience, less maintenance and a consistent look you can use year after year.

What size Christmas tree do I need for my room?

Start with your ceiling height and subtract 12–18 inches to determine the maximum tree height. Then measure your available floor space to make sure the tree's width won't interfere with furniture or walkways.

What is the best type of artificial Christmas tree?

For the most realistic appearance, choose a full-PE tree. A PE/PVC blend offers a balance of realistic branch tips and value, while basic PVC trees are a budget-friendly option.

How many lights do I need for my Christmas tree?

A good starting point is approximately 100 lights per foot of tree. A 7-foot tree would need around 700 lights, although your preferred brightness and decorating style may change that number.

What Christmas tree style is best for a small living room?

A slim or pencil tree is usually the best choice for a small living room because its narrow profile takes up less floor space. A tabletop tree is another option if you have very limited space.

Where Can I Find Christmas Trees at HOM Furniture?

HOM Seasonal Concepts offers a selection of artificial Christmas trees in a variety of sizes and styles, along with other holiday décor to complete your space. Explore the current selection to find everything from full-size statement trees to slim, flocked and smaller options.