Christmas Tree Types
Whether you're looking for fresh cut or faux, find your perfect tree this holiday season with our guide.
Decorating a Christmas tree is one of the highlights of the holiday season, but in order to do that, you have to find the perfect tree first. There are many Christmas tree types to choose from. We’ve covered all you need to know about how to choose a Christmas tree, from types of Christmas trees to decorations and features.
Christmas Tree Types
The two main types of Christmas tree are artificial and real.
Artificial
Faux Christmas trees, unlike live Christmas trees, can last for years if it is kept in good condition. They also require much less upkeep than living Christmas trees; they don’t need to be watered or trimmed, nor do they leave needles and sap all over your home. They can be assembled without much strain and then stored back in their packaging until the next year’s holiday season comes around. Many artificial trees come pre-lit, so you can save yourself the hassle of stringing lights on the tree yourself. They’re also insect- and flame-resistant.
Real
Choosing a Christmas tree at a Christmas tree farm is a time-honored tradition that the whole family can enjoy. Artificial trees can’t match the authentic smell and feel of a real tree, nor do they clean and oxygenate the air around them. Real Christmas trees are heavy though, and their transportation and mounting may be tricky if you live in a smaller home with narrow doorways or an apartment up some stairs. At Wayfair, we sell real fir, spruce, and pine trees. Learn more about types of Christmas tree species below.
Types of Artificial Christmas Trees
When choosing an artificial Christmas tree, there are many options available. To help you choose, we go over tree shapes, species, foliage lushness, lighting options, decorations that are included, and features..
Christmas Tree Shapes
From a traditional tapered tree to a quirky upside-down option, there are a handful of Christmas tree shapes to explore. Here are the most popular types to help narrow down your choices.
Slender: Available in a wide range of heights, a narrow, slender Christmas tree is a versatile option that requires fewer ornaments and less square footage. Create a mini holiday forest by grouping three or more slender trees of varied heights or place a tall slender tree in a narrow space.
Regular (or Full): This tree features that iconic cone shape that isn't too full or too slim. This width complements almost any style and size of space. For those looking to capture the realness of nature in a faux, this is a great choice.
Extra-Full: Extra-full Christmas trees have wider bases and are more populated with branches, which makes them appear fuller. They are available in a multitude of heights, all of which require a bit more floor space than less-full trees of the same size. Consider stocking up on extra ornaments to fill out the body of the tree.
Upside-Down: An upside-down tree is a unique look that will make a big visual statement. These trees showcase ornaments like no other. A centuries-old tradition in Eastern Europe, most upside-down trees are used in smaller homes because the narrow base provides extra floor space.
Half & Corner: Interested in a tree that will fit perfectly against a wall or in a corner without bunching up? Go with a half- or corner-shaped tree that has full branches only where it needs them.
Spiral: Add intrigue to your holiday decor with a spiral-shaped Christmas tree – not only are they elegant and stylish, but they are narrow and won't take up too much space in your home.
Whether real or faux, there are many different types of Christmas trees. Choose from one of the popular options below.
Fir: Fir trees are known for their tall and narrow look. Whether real or artificial they have a blue tint to the needles.
Pine: Pine trees are known for being a popular Christmas tree, with it’s classic pine cone shape and green color. The needles on a pine tree are long, making it a popular option for decorating during the holiday season.
Spruce: Spruce Christmas trees are known for their cone-like shape, making them a Christmas favorite. While they are the perfect shape for decorating, real Spruce trees have needles that can break easily.
Cedar: Cedar trees are large, coniferous evergreen trees known for their dark green color. Commonly used in parks or for landscaping, they also make for the perfect Christmas tree.
Tropical: Tropical trees, like palm trees or cacti, are often found in warm climates. While Christmas trees are typically a traditional look, you certainly can go against the grain and showcase a tropical Christmas tree this holiday.
Cypress: While artificial Cypress trees have needles but when found in the wild, they shed their needles in the fall, showing off a bare version of this tree throughout the winter season.
Sparse: As the name states, these tress have less foliage and you can see more of the tree trunk.
Lush: These are the standard artificial tree foliage. It is in between sparse and very lush. You can
Very Lush: These trees have the most branches and fewest gaps.
Flocked: This standout Christmas tree style is frosted with artificial snow for a winter wonderland feel that complements more sophisticated holiday decor.
Pre-Lit: A hassle-free option, pre-lit Christmas trees won’t have you balancing on a ladder to wrap string lights around your treetop. Lights come attached, so you do not have to worry about hanging or untangling. You can choose from clear/white and colored lights. You can also choose between warm and cool lights, as well as color changing, twinkling, and blinking lights.
Pre-Decorated: Save time this holiday season by skipping the process of decorating your Christmas tree. Opt for a pre-decorated tree instead. A pre-decorated tree has lights attached like a pre-lit tree, but may also have pinecones, ribbon, or even ornaments depending on the tree you choose. One of these trees can help make your space feel decorated without you having to take the time to do it.
Christmas Tree Features
Cashmere: Cashmere Christmas trees have small amounts of cashmere sprinkles on the end of the tree branches; this makes the tree look like it has a frosty finish. The cashmere resembles fresh fallen snow.
Stand Included: Skip having to find a stand that you love and opt for a Christmas tree that has a stand included. This will save you the hassle of purchasing a tree stand and allow you to set up your Christmas tree that much faster.
Potted: Potted Christmas trees tend to be smaller than your traditional full-size Christmas tree due to their ability to fit in a pot. They make for beautiful Christmas decor and are great options for smaller spaces that may not be able to fit a traditional tree.
Tree Set: Looking for matching trees? A tree set is the best option for you! A tree set includes more than one tree, with every tree in the set matching the others. Most sets include a pair of trees but some sets include multiple trees, a garland, and even a wreath.
Tip!
If you want to get creative, choose a tree that isn't green. There are white, pink, purple, and silver.
Christmas Tree Sizes
There are many sizes available. Check out our Christmas Tree Size Guide for more information on how to find the right size for your space.
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