February 8, 2025

In House Innovates

Home Improvement Blog

6 Easy Tips to Upgrade Your Artificial Christmas Tree

artificial Christmas tree

It’s that time of year again! Time to bring out the decorations from the basement or attic and fill your home with Christmas cheer. After hauling all the bins and boxes of decorations into the living room, you decide it’s time to set up your artificial Christmas tree. You assemble the sections, secure them on the base, and take a step back to admire your handiwork… but what was once a beautiful tree now looks a bit flat. The branches have lost some of their “needles” after years of use and are squished from months of storage. Large gaps reveal the skinny trunk at the center. If this sounds like your artificial tree, don’t worry! We have some simple tricks to make your tree look fuller and more lifelike in no time.

Fluff Each Branch

One of the simplest ways to make your artificial Christmas tree look fuller is by fluffing each branch. Separate each section and gently pull on the branch tips to spread them out. Carefully arrange and shape each tip to create a natural, full appearance. The key to fluffing is patience! It may take some time to work through the entire tree, but the end result will be well worth the effort.

Add More Lights

Add More Lights

Another easy upgrade for your artificial tree is adding extra lights. If your tree is pre-lit, wrap a new strand around any sections where lights have burned out to restore its brightness. Adding an additional layer of lights can create a brighter, more twinkling effect in your home. Consider using bulbs of different sizes to add visual interest and depth. Mini lights and traditional large bulbs can help fill in any dark gaps.

Add Garland, Wreaths, or Picks

Weave garland through the branches to fill in empty spaces on your tree. Using a different style or color can add texture and depth, giving the tree a fuller appearance. You can achieve a similar effect with wreaths as well. Fluff the wreath branches in all directions to blend with the shape of your tree. Before fully assembling your tree, place a wreath on top of the bottom section, then connect the middle section to conceal it and fill in the center. Add another wreath on top of the middle section before placing the tree’s top section. For smaller gaps or edges, use real branches or artificial picks of pine, pinecones, or flowers to fill in the spaces.

Fill with Ornaments

Never underestimate the impact of ornaments! Use ornaments in various sizes. Place the largest ones toward the center of the tree to help conceal the trunk and provide a colorful backdrop for the outer branches. Hang reflective ornaments throughout the tree to catch the light and make the branches appear fuller. Visualize a diamond shape covering the tree and follow that pattern as you place ornaments near the branch ends. This approach creates a cohesive, symmetrical look while naturally filling in gaps.

Fill with Ornaments

Decorate with Ribbon

Add ribbon around the branches to fill in the space between each row. You can also create bows to tuck into the branches. Using different sizes and colors of ribbons can add a festive touch.

Consider the Top and Base

Once you’ve decorated the branches, don’t forget to finish off the top with a striking tree topper! Choose a topper that is appropriately sized for your tree to complete the look. Finding the right size topper ensures your tree looks perfectly finished after all the decorating is done.

Make sure to hide the stand of your artificial tree with a tree skirt or collar. Artificial trees often come with a plastic or metal stand that can detract from the overall beauty of your holiday décor. A tree skirt or collar not only completes the look but also provides a great spot to place presents for Christmas morning.

After trying these tips, your artificial Christmas tree should look fuller and just as stunning as when you first took it out of the box! If you have any additional tips for sprucing up an artificial tree, feel free to share your holiday decorating secrets below!

Don’t have an artificial tree? Check out this blog for advice on choosing the perfect tree for your home.