Shopping for an artificial Christmas tree sounds simple until you hit the first real decision: pre-lit or unlit? Both have loyal fans, and the right answer depends on how you decorate, how much time you want to spend, and how your living room is laid out. Here is a straightforward guide to choosing well, plus how to pick the right height so the tree looks intentional instead of crammed in.
Pre-lit trees: plug in and decorate
A pre-lit tree arrives with lights already woven through the branches. You assemble the sections, connect the plugs, and the lighting step is done. That matters more than it sounds: stringing lights evenly is the most tedious part of tree setup, and it is the step most people rush.
Pre-lit makes the most sense if you:
- Want the tree up and glowing the same evening it arrives.
- Prefer an even, professional-looking light distribution without the fuss.
- Decorate a larger tree, where hand-stringing lights can take an hour or more.
Our 7.5 ft Green Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Tree is the classic version of this: full PVC branches, a sturdy metal stand, and a sectioned design so it comes apart for storage. If you want something with more drama, the 7.5 ft White Snow-Flocked Pre-Lit Tree gives you the snowy, wintry look that photographs beautifully against dark walls and modern furniture.
Unlit trees: full creative control
An unlit tree is a blank canvas. You choose the light color, the bulb size, the density, and whether you want warm white one year and multicolor the next. It is also the more budget-friendly starting point, which leaves room for the ornaments and garland that actually make a tree feel like yours.
Unlit is the better pick if you:
- Already own string lights you love.
- Like to change your color scheme from year to year.
- Are decorating a smaller space or a second tree, such as a bedroom or entryway.
The 5 ft Green Unlit Tree is a great fit for apartments, offices, and kids' rooms, while the 6 ft Green Unlit Tree is the all-rounder for most living rooms. Both use the same durable PVC branches, metal stand, and shapeable tips as the pre-lit models, so you are not giving up build quality by skipping the lights.
How to pick the right height
Measure your ceiling, then subtract at least 12 inches for a tree topper and breathing room. With a standard 8-foot ceiling, a 6 ft tree looks balanced and a 7.5 ft tree fills the room with a slim topper. With 9-foot ceilings or higher, 7.5 ft is the sweet spot. A 5 ft tree is ideal on a riser, in a corner, or anywhere you want a festive touch without rearranging furniture.
Also consider width. A full tree next to a low-profile modular sectional looks generous and cozy; the same tree squeezed between two armchairs can feel crowded. If your living room is tight, place the tree diagonally in a corner so the branches have room to be fluffed out.
Three setup tips that make any tree look fuller
- Fluff from the inside out. Spread each branch tip in a different direction before adding anything. This single step makes the biggest difference in how full the tree looks.
- Layer lights in depth. If you are stringing your own, weave some lights closer to the trunk and some near the tips so the glow has dimension rather than sitting on the surface.
- Anchor the base. Make sure the metal stand sits flat and tighten it fully before decorating. A tree skirt or woven basket hides the stand and ties the tree into the room.
Finish the look
Once the tree is up, carry the theme to the front door and mantel. A pre-lit flocked wreath with pine cones and berries pairs naturally with either a green or white tree, and the Holiday Shop has ornaments, entryway sets, and outdoor pieces to round out the house.
Whichever you choose, order early. Holiday décor ships from a U.S. warehouse with a 1–3 business day processing time and about 3–8 days in transit, and every order ships free, so there is no reason to wait until December to get the tree up.