From expansive homes to commercial and retail spaces, tall Christmas trees create a striking impression for holiday décor. Unless you own a Christmas tree farm, however, finding a live tree the perfect height and shape can be challenging.
Then, there’s the problem of transporting the tree and setting it up. Even if the trunk fits into your standard tree stand, your big Christmas tree will need extra support to remain upright.
Those are just a few of the reasons why many people looking for a towering pine for their holiday display purchase a tall artificial Christmas tree.
What Size Christmas Tree Do I Need?
How do you calculate the ideal size for your tall Christmas tree?
When calculating the best height for your Christmas tree, a general rule of thumb is to choose a tree height that leaves room for your tree topper. Remember that the height of an artificial tree typically includes the height of the tree stand.
For tall trees, experts often recommend choosing a tree that’s about two feet shorter than the room’s height.
Higher ceilings allow for additional leeway. You don’t necessarily need a 28-foot Christmas tree for the 30-foot vaulted ceiling in your family room. Just choose a tree height that works proportionately in your space – as well as one you can reasonably decorate and store.
The width of the tree is also important, as taller Christmas trees have wider bases. Where a 6-foot tree may be between three-and-a-half to four feet wide at the base, a 12-foot Christmas tree can span seven feet across at its widest point.
That’s a lot of real estate, so many people typically choose a tall skinny Christmas tree that is less likely to impact traffic patterns and furniture placement. A slim profile shrinks the base diameter by a foot or more, while retaining the classic Christmas tree silhouette.
The Best Location for a Tall Tree
Your large Christmas tree will be the focal point for your holiday celebration. Put it where you can see it – or where it can be seen by others.
Family Room - Furniture placement and the location of windows, a fireplace, television or built-in bookshelves will likely guide where you place your tall tree in a room where your family goes to relax and spend time together.
Ideally, place your Christmas tree where it can be seen from multiple angles. People often position their tree in front of a large bank of windows, so it can be viewed from outside.
Make sure your tree does not obstruct doors or normal traffic patterns.
If you have a fireplace, be sure your tree is at least three feet away from the side and five to 10 feet away from the front. Artificial Christmas trees are fire-resistant – but wrappings, ornaments and tree skirts are not.
Foyer - Maximize your tree’s visibility in and outside the home. You might set it beside the staircase or where the top of the tree can be seen through a large transom window.
For easy lighting, make sure you have at least one electrical outlet nearby. Lighting cords should never extend across stairs or walkways.
Commercial Areas - Since they don’t require water or upkeep and can be used year after year, tall artificial Christmas trees are ideal for businesses, municipalities, churches and community centers. A commercial Christmas tree creates a grand display in lobbies, retail centers, public spaces and on church altars, among other high-visibility locations.
How to Decorate a Tall Christmas Tree
Obviously, the taller the tree, the more decorations you’ll need! The trade-off is that tall trees offer an opportunity to experiment with larger ornaments, ribbon, decorative picks and sprays.
A trick professional decorators use is to set a figure, tabletop decoration or LED neon light amongst the branches of a tall Christmas tree to serve as a focal point and help pull together a decorating theme. Even sizable decorations appear more in proportion on a larger tree.
Don’t forget the Christmas lights! For a well-lit Christmas tree, one guideline is to hang 100 mini lights for every foot in tree height. That’s 1,200 lights on a 12-foot Christmas tree! Of course, the exact number and style of lights is your choice.
Often, you will pay less for an unlit tree of the same height, but weigh cost savings against convenience. Many people prefer buying a pre-lit Christmas tree – one with lights already installed. This avoids the hassle of dragging a ladder around the tree to hang the lights.
Even easier, lights on some pre-lit trees, like our Real Touch Elite™ line, connect through the poles, so you can set up and start decorating in a snap!
Finding the Right Fit
Big Christmas trees bring a sense of scale and presence that few other decorations can match. Whether they’re set up in a large home, entryway or commercial space, they provide an impressive focal point for holiday decorating. Choosing a tall artificial tree makes the process simpler — no struggling to transport a live tree, no watering or falling needles and a consistent shape year after year.
The key is finding the right fit for your space and decorating style. Consider ceiling height, available floor area, and how you plan to decorate before deciding on size and shape. With thoughtful planning, a tall Christmas tree can be both practical and visually balanced, creating a welcoming atmosphere throughout the season.
Explore tall artificial Christmas trees at Christmas Central to find options designed to suit spaces of every scale and style.
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