It’s that time of year again! Time to bring out the decorations from the basement or attic and fill your house with Christmas cheer. After bringing all the bins and boxes of decorations into the living room, you decide it’s time to put up your artificial Christmas tree. You assemble the sections, stand them up on the base, take a step back to look at the tree… and what once was a beautiful tree is now looking a little flat. The branches are missing “needles” from years of use and are squished from months of storage. You notice large gaps in the tree, showing off the skinny trunk at the center. If this sounds like your artificial tree, never fear!
We have some easy tricks to make your artificial Christmas trees appear fuller and more realistic in no time.
1. Fluff the Branches
The quickest way to make your tree appear fuller is by fluffing each branch. When you pull your tree out of storage, the branches are often squished together, which creates gaps and makes the tree look less full. Start by separating each section of the tree, and gently pull the branch tips apart. Spread the tips out in different directions, making sure to fill any empty spaces. Take your time and work on each branch from top to bottom. While fluffing can be time-consuming, it’s worth the effort, as it will dramatically improve the overall look of your tree.
Pro Tip: Watch our video to see how easy it is to fluff a Christmas tree and achieve that full, natural look.
2. Add More Lights
Even if your artificial tree is pre-lit, you can add more lights to brighten it up and make it look fuller. If some sections of your pre-lit tree have burnt-out bulbs, wrap a new strand of lights around those areas to fix the issue. You can also double the number of lights to give your tree an extra sparkle. Try using a combination of small mini lights and larger bulbs to create depth and make the tree look more lively. The different sizes of lights will not only fill in gaps but also add a touch of variety and excitement to your tree’s glow.
3. Use Garland, Wreaths, or Picks
Garlands, wreaths, and picks are great ways to fill in gaps and make your tree look fuller. Garlands can be wrapped through the branches to add texture and depth. You can choose different styles of garlands, such as ones made from pine, tinsel, or beads, to match your tree’s look. If you want to fill larger gaps or spaces in the middle of the tree, try using wreaths. Place a wreath between sections of the tree before fully assembling it. For example, put a wreath on top of the bottom section of the tree before adding the middle section. This will help cover up the trunk and make the tree appear denser.
For smaller gaps or edges, use artificial picks—small branches, pinecones, or flowers—that can be inserted into the tree to add fullness and a natural touch.
4. Fill in Gaps with Ornaments
Ornaments are another great way to make your tree look fuller. Use a variety of sizes and styles to fill in gaps and add interest to your tree. Place larger ornaments toward the inner branches, closer to the trunk, to help cover up any visible gaps and add a colorful backdrop for the smaller, outer ornaments. Reflective ornaments are especially useful because they catch the light and make the tree look fuller and brighter. As you hang your ornaments, try to imagine a diamond shape pattern across the tree. This helps keep the decorations balanced and naturally fills in any empty spaces.
5. Add Ribbon
Ribbons can be used to fill in the space between rows of branches. Wrap ribbons around the tree in a spiral pattern, weaving them in and out of the branches. You can also make bows out of ribbon and place them around the tree to add volume. Using ribbons in different colors and textures gives your tree a festive look while making it appear fuller.
6. Pay Attention to the Top and Bottom of the Tree
Once you’ve decorated the branches, don’t forget about the top and bottom of your tree! The tree topper is a key element of any Christmas tree, so choose one that fits the size and style of your tree. A topper that’s too big or too small can make the tree look out of balance, so take time to find the perfect one that brings everything together.
At the base of the tree, cover the stand with a tree skirt or collar to hide it and complete the look. Most artificial tree stands are made of plastic or metal, which can detract from the overall beauty of the tree. A tree skirt or collar adds a nice finishing touch and creates the perfect spot to place presents for Christmas morning.
Final Thoughts: A Fuller, More Festive Tree
With just a few simple tricks, you can make your artificial Christmas tree look as full and festive as it did when you first bought it. Fluffing the branches, adding more lights, using garlands or wreaths, and filling gaps with ornaments and ribbon are all easy ways to transform your tree. Don’t forget to decorate the top and bottom of the tree for a polished, finished look.
Do you have any favorite tips for making an artificial tree look fuller? Share your holiday decorating ideas with us! And if you don’t have an artificial tree yet, check out our guide on choosing the perfect one for your home.
