Every ornament adds meaning to your tree, turning it into a story of the season. Together, they create the joy and spirit that make the holidays shine. To bring your vision to life, here are some layering guides and an ornament calculator to help you decorate with ease.
Ornament Calculator
Not sure how many ornaments you need? Just tell us your tree details and preferred look—we'll do the math!
WE RECOMMEND AN ESTIMATED Christmas Ornaments
Know Your Tree
When shopping for ornaments, it helps to know exactly what you need to bring your dream display to life. After all, a thoughtfully decorated tree requires a balance of careful planning and creative inspiration.
Here’s a few details we will need about your tree to help calculate how many ornaments you’ll need:
1. Tree Height
Tree height refers to how tall your Christmas tree is from the bottom to the topmost tip. At Balsam Hill, this measurement includes the tree stand. Knowing your tree’s total height helps the calculator estimate how many ornaments you’ll need for the best coverage.
2. Tree Shape
Tree shape affects how full your tree looks and how many ornaments it can hold. To give you the right count, we’ll also need your tree’s shape. Full or wide trees need more ornaments for even coverage, while slim, Flatback and Sparse trees need fewer to keep the look balanced.
Illustration shows: Flatback, Slim, Full, Wide and Sparse Tree shapes
3. Coverage
Lastly, choose your preferred ornament coverage. This sets how decorated you want your tree to look. Light coverage gives a simple, minimal look, while Standard and Heavy coverage create a richer, more festive display. Your choice helps the calculator suggest the right number of ornaments for your style.
Are you ready to start your festive decorating journey?
Simple Ornament Layering Tips
Now that you know how many ornaments your tree needs, the next question is, where do you begin? There’s an art to decorating beautifully, and it’s not about placing ornaments at random. With a few thoughtful layers, you can create a tree that feels balanced, refined, and effortlessly elegant.
Add Layers
Layer Christmas tree ornaments to give it a fuller appearance. Place larger pieces at branches nearest to the trunk of the tree, then hang smaller ones towards the front to create depth and dimension. You can also add ribbons in a cascading style to complement your theme.
Use Different Types
Using a variety of ornament types, shapes, and textures is another great Christmas tree filler idea. Hang baubles next to finials or mix and match glass, metal, and fabric ornaments for visual interest. When using pieces from different ornament sets, follow a color scheme for a cohesive look.
Experiment With Colors
A well-thought-out color scheme can make your tree seem fuller and more uniform. Go for tones of the same color or use complementary hues for a bolder approach. You can also stick to traditional holiday shades for a classic theme or modern ones like blue, purple, or pink for a more contemporary look.
Incorporate With Lights
Use Christmas lights to create depth and add warmth to your design. Hang your own or go for Pre-lit trees for easier setup. Choose between Clear LED for a soft glow or color-changing bulbs for a more festive theme.
Storage & Care
Decorating is only half the story. Learn how to take care of ornaments and store them with ease.
These rolling storage cases help preserve beloved ornaments:
100-piece Deluxe Rolling Ornament Storage Case
120-piece Deluxe Rolling Ornament Chest
140-piece Deluxe Telescoping Rolling Ornament Chest
150-piece Deluxe Rolling Ornament Ches
Store your ornaments with care so they’re ready to shine again next season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some quick answers to help you decorate confidently and make the most of our Ornament Calculator.
How Many Ornaments Do I Need for My Christmas Tree?
The number of ornaments depends on your tree’s height, shape, and how full you want it to look. As a general guide, a 7.5-foot full tree typically needs around 100 to 150 ornaments for balanced coverage. Instead of guessing, use Balsam Hill’s Ornament Calculator to get an exact count customized to your tree and preferred decorating style.
Does Tree Shape Affect How Many Ornaments I Need?
Yes. Tree shape determines how much surface area you have to decorate. Full or wide trees can hold more ornaments for even coverage, while slim or flatback trees need fewer to maintain a proportional look. The Ornament Calculator factors this in automatically so your tree looks beautifully balanced from every angle.
What Ornament Coverage Should I Choose—Light, Standard, or Heavy?
Your choice depends on your personal style and how festive you want your tree to feel.
- Light coverage gives a minimalist, airy look with subtle sparkle.
- Standard coverage creates a traditional, evenly decorated display.
- Heavy coverage offers a lavish, high-impact design with layered ornaments.
Each setting in the calculator adjusts your total count to help you achieve your desired look effortlessly.
How Do I Choose the Right Ornament Size for My Tree?
Mixing ornament sizes adds depth and texture to your tree. Use larger ornaments (around 4-6 inches) near the inner branches, medium ones (3-4 inches) in the middle layer, and smaller ones (2-3 inches) on the outer tips. This layering technique creates a natural sense of dimension and helps fill any gaps.
How Do I Make My Christmas Tree Look Full and Balanced?
Start by spreading ornaments evenly around the tree and varying both sizes and finishes for visual interest. Place larger pieces deeper into the branches, hang smaller ones closer to the tips, and weave in ribbons or picks for texture. Using the Ornament Calculator ensures you begin with the right quantity, making it easier to achieve a full, harmonious look.
With the right ornament count, decorating becomes effortless and enjoyable. Whether you love a minimalist look or a grand, glittering display, Balsam Hill’s Ornament Calculator helps you plan the perfect balance of sparkle and style.
Explore our full collection and find the perfect pieces to complete your Christmas tree.