4 Ways to Make an Inexpensive Christmas Tree Look Amazing

Real or artificial, few Christmas trees are perfect.

Real trees almost always have a gap or bare spot somewhere and artificial Christmas trees can appear sparse, especially the budget models.

The good news is that some simple designer tips can help make your sparse Christmas tree look full and gorgeous. All it takes is a little know-how!

Give it a fluff! Artificial trees, especially those right out of the box, require fluffing to look their best. This can be a tedious and prickly process, but take the time to shape your tree properly. You’ll be so glad you did!

The branches of artificial Christmas trees have a flexible wire core so you can move and arrange them to your liking.

It’s easiest to shape your Christmas tree while you put it together. Insert the lowest section of branches into the tree base. Then, start adjusting the branches, bending individual tips alternately to the left and right, up and down for a realistic look. Work your way down each branch from the trunk to the tips, moving methodically up and around the tree.

For the most consistent results, fluff each individual branch. Step back and examine your work frequently to achieve the fullest appearance from all angles.

For more pointers, check out our video on How to Set Up and Fluff Your Artificial Christmas Tree.

Decorating experts often advise hanging 100 mini lights for every foot in tree height. Chances are, your Christmas tree doesn’t have nearly that number, so let loose with light!

Adding more Christmas tree lights visually fills spaces to create the illusion of fullness. Even if your artificial Christmas tree is prelit, you can always add more lights and lighted ornaments.

For greater visual depth, one helpful designer trick is to weave lights from the outer end of the branches to the trunk. Work lights from front to back and get them deep within the tree, not just on the tips.

The type of lights you use can make a difference, too. Mini lights add brightness and fullness. However, hanging large or different style lights can be an effective way to feign a full, more perfect shape. Use big bulb globe lights for drama, C9 bulbs for a retro vibe or novelty lights for a look that’s whimsical or quirky.

Christmas ornaments can hide plenty of bare spots, especially if you’re strategic about ornament size, materials and finishes.

For instance, oversized ornaments are tailor-made to fill large gaps in a skimpy Christmas tree. You can also cluster ornaments in groups of three. Use complementary colors or shapes, or combine matte, shiny and glittered ornaments for visual interest.

Shiny ornaments help reflect your Christmas tree lights, creating an even greater impression of fullness. Sparkly ornaments placed near the trunk also catch the light and add visual depth.

In addition, many Christmas tree designers place holiday figures and tabletop decorations on branches to create a focal point and anchor a theme. Small metal holiday signs and neon-style LED lights are other options to disguise large openings.

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To fake a fuller tree, weave in some artificial pine garland, or add artificial pine sprays or other foliage in a complementary color and species. Work the garland into the tree near the trunk for dimension and depth.

This trick works with real trees, too! Tree lots often have spare branches available that you can tuck into bare spots.

Your filler decorations don’t necessarily need to be green. Do you know how to use Christmas picks, sprays and branches? These Christmas tree decorations feature berries, starbursts, greens, florals, foliage and glittery baubles that can be inserted into tree branches to fill spaces and add interest.

Ribbons are another decorative way to mask asymmetry and fill gaps. Use a shimmering ribbon in your favorite Christmas color. Starting at the top, tuck ribbon into branches at intervals all around the tree. Many people wind the ribbon around the tree in a spiral, but you can also place a fancy bow near the top of the tree and let multiple ribbon tails trail down.

A less-than-perfect tree doesn’t need to be a sad Christmas tree. With a few designer tricks and helpful decorations, you can create a lush look for your artificial tree just like the pros!

Our Tree Resource Center offers additional advice on choosing, lighting and decorating your Christmas tree. Rely on Christmas Central to provide a large selection of Christmas trees and decor.

Broken or scruffy branches, shedding, damaged hinges, non-functioning lights and general misshapenness are signs of an artificial Christmas tree that has seen better days. Buying a new tree now can help avoid those frustrations.

You might also want to consider additional trees for other rooms in your home. If you have moved and the tree no longer fits your room, a new tree can be a good investment. Additionally, as styles change, it can be fun to explore a new look with a flocked tree or colorful Christmas tree.

Take a closer look at our full range of artificial Christmas trees, including our line of lifelike Real Touch™ and Real Touch™ Elite Christmas trees.

Christmas Central is a trusted online Christmas store with a deep and diverse selection of artificial trees and all the trimmings you need for your holiday home.