A good artificial tree lasts for years, needs no watering and never drops needles on the carpet. Here is how to choose the right one before the December rush.
1. Height: measure your ceiling first
Leave at least 15–20 cm between the top of the tree and the ceiling for the star or angel.
- Standard UK ceiling (about 2.4 m): a 6ft (180 cm) or 6.5ft tree is ideal; 7ft fits if the topper is small.
- Flats, bedrooms, offices: 4ft–5ft trees.
- High ceilings and hallways: 7.5ft (230 cm) and up.
2. Width: slim, standard or full
Check the base diameter. A full 6ft tree can be well over 1 m wide. Slim or "pencil" trees are perfect for corners and small living rooms.
3. Pre-lit, fibre optic or unlit?
- Pre-lit trees have LED lights already threaded through the branches – no tangled wires every year.
- Fibre optic trees glow and change colour from the tips of the branches – kids love them.
- Unlit trees give you full freedom to choose your own lights and are usually cheaper.
4. Green, flocked or coloured?
Classic green looks most natural. Snow-flocked trees have a white "snow" coating for a winter look, and trees with pine cones and berries need fewer decorations. Brown or white trees suit modern interiors.
5. Stand and assembly
A metal stand is more stable than plastic, especially with pets and children. Hinged ("fold-out") branches set up in minutes; hook-on branches take longer but pack smaller.
6. Storage
Keep the original box or buy a tree storage bag, and store it somewhere dry. Flocked trees shed a little the first year, so give them a gentle shake outdoors before setting up.
Buy early, save more
The best trees sell out in November. Many of our trees are open-box returns – unused trees whose box was opened – at a fraction of the original price. Read what our condition grades mean, then grab yours before the rush.
Shop Christmas trees and decorations · Outdoor lighting · Just in
