How tall should your Christmas tree be? What size Christmas tree do you need? Should you go for the classic full shape, a narrow one, or something different? These are a few questions to consider when shopping for your new artificial Christmas tree.
Knowing the right height and shape ensures that your tree suits your space. It also helps you narrow down the size and type of decorations to buy. To guide you in finding your perfect artificial Christmas tree, we’ve broken down the process into four easy steps.
Step 1: Choose Where to Put Your Christmas Tree
Before you start looking for your tree, identify where you want to set it up. Here are the most popular areas for Christmas tree display, as well as important factors to think about when selecting your spot.
Common Rooms to Decorate
Living Room
Gather friends and family around your realistic Christmas tree for quality time and gift-giving.
Foyer
Welcome guests with a festive Christmas tree display in your entrance hall.
Dining Room
Bring cheer to mealtimes with a narrow or tabletop Christmas tree.
Bedroom
Choose a pre-lit Christmas tree for an enchanting glow come bedtime.
Other Areas
From the porch to your reading room or study, there are many ways to display Christmas trees throughout your home.
Practical Things to Consider
- Visibility – A Christmas tree serves as the focal point of your holiday home. Place it in the center of a large room or in a cozy corner to command attention.
- Foot Traffic – To avoid accidents, provide clearance between your tree and doorways or walkways. Allot extra space to accommodate gifts.
- Furniture – You may need to rearrange or remove some pieces to make room for your tree. If you prefer to keep your furniture set as is, opt for a slim or tabletop Christmas tree.
- Natural Light – Sunlight helps brighten and warm up your room, so leave space for it to filter in.
- Power Source – Place your tree near an electrical outlet for easy lighting. This eliminates the need for unsightly extension cords that may pose safety hazards.
- Safety – Keep your tree away from heat sources such as radiators, fireplaces, and candles.
Step 2: Measure Your Space
Now that you’ve chosen the location for your tree, it’s time to size up your area. Wondering how to measure for an artificial Christmas tree? Follow our simple tips below.
- Prepare the following materials:
- Measuring tape
- Step ladder
- Pen and paper
- Using the ladder, measure the distance between the ceiling and floor with your measuring tape.
- If you plan to use a tree topper, subtract 12 inches from your ceiling height. If you don’t need a topper, subtract 6 inches from your ceiling height. This measurement is the maximum height of your Christmas tree including its stand. Note that all Balsam Hill® trees are measured from the tree stand to topmost tip.
- Get the available floor space for your tree using your measuring tape. It's best to do this after you've rearranged your furniture to give yourself a more accurate idea of your space.
- Subtract 12 inches from this measurement and note it down. This is the maximum width of your tree.
Insider's Tip
Step 3: Find the Perfect Christmas Tree Size
Artificial Christmas trees are offered in various heights and shapes. As you review your options, don’t forget to match them to the measurements you listed.
Choose the Right Height
Allot 12 inches clearance between the top of your tree and the ceiling to accommodate a standard tree topper. Here’s our Christmas tree size chart for your reference:
| Christmas Tree Height | Recommendations |
|---|---|
Under 6 Feet | Tabletops, bedrooms, kid’s rooms, and small spaces |
| 6 To 6 ½ Feet | Areas with low ceilings |
| 7 To 7 ½ Feet | Standard 8- to 9-foot ceilings |
| 8 To 9 Feet | Rooms with high ceilings |
| 10 To 14 Feet | Public spaces and vaulted ceilings |
| 15 To 30 Feet | Tall Christmas trees for grand displays |
Insider's Tip
Pick The Ideal Shape
Full
The classic silhouette of natural Christmas trees makes this shape our most popular choice
Slim
Slender options perfect for tight spaces without compromising on style
Flatback
Get the look of a full Christmas tree while taking up only half the space
Sparse
Lifelike trees with spaces between branches to showcase ornaments
Wide
With its broad silhouette, wide artificial Christmas trees provide more room for décor and presents
| Tree Shape | Tree | Height | Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full | Bh Fraser Fir® | 7 ½ feet | 60 inches |
| Slim | Red Spruce Slim® | 7 ½ feet | 43 inches |
| Flatback | Fifth Avenue Flatback™ Tree | 7 feet | 50 inches |
| Sparse | Alpine Balsam Fir® Tree | 7 ½ feet | 48 inches |
| Wide | Bh Fraser Fir Wide | 7 ½ feet | 72 inches |
Insider's Tip
Step 4: Consider Other Factors
Details such as your decorations and the scale of your space may influence the size of your Christmas tree, so take note of the following before making a purchase.
Room Proportions
When choosing your tree, it's also important to match the scale of your room. A small tree may get overlooked in a tall room, while a large one may make a compact room feel smaller.
Christmas Tree Accessories
Christmas Tree Topper
Allot 6 inches of space between your tree topper and the ceiling. Check the dimensions of your topper to ensure your tree can accommodate it.
Christmas Tree Stand
Our artificial Christmas trees are measured from the tree stand to the top tip. If you plan to replace the standard tree stand, account for the height it adds to the tree.
Christmas Tree Skirt
Allow 6 inches around your tree for your Christmas tree skirt and gifts. Follow the same guideline for tree collars.
Christmas Tree Alternatives
Consider the following sizes of Christmas trees for tight spaces or secondary displays:
Potted Trees
Perfect for entryways and mantels
Tabletop Christmas Trees
Miniature trees in various styles and finishes
Learn More
For more tree set-up guides and holiday decorating ideas, visit the links below.
Traditional Vs Realistic Christmas Trees: A Guide To The Best Artificial Tree Styles