How to make an artificial Christmas tree look more expensive – 6 ways experts elevate a tree for a more realistic finish

If you like celebrating the festive season in style like we do then making your Christmas tree look expensive, elevated and - if using the artificial kind, as many of us are - realistic should be high on the priority list when decorating for Christmas this year.

Unless you’ve managed to bag one of the best artificial Christmas trees on the market then it’s likely your tree could use a little extra pampering and dressing up to make it look its best. The more affordable a faux tree is, the less realistic it usually looks – so if you got yourself a budget buy, these are our top tips on how to elevate it and make it look premium in no time.

How to make an artificial Christmas tree look expensive

From making the tree itself look as realistic and bushy as possible to the right type of decor to deck it with, these are the expert-recommended tricks and Christmas tree ideas on how to make an artificial tree look more luxurious ahead of the big celebration.

1. Fill any gaps and bare patches

A sparse tree will always look cheaper than a full one. So if you notice any bare patches or gaps in the midst of your tree’s branches, then you can fill them – and there are actually a few different ways of doing that.

‘Use faux or real foliage to supplement the tree branches for a more luxurious look,’ says Danielle Le Vaillant, head of photography and film at Cox & Cox. ‘Garlands are a great way to fill gaps and add luxury and fullness. Depending on the length, we would suggest three to four pieces to really fill out a tree.’

Esme Amberg, head of design at The Roost, agrees, ‘If there are a few bare patches, raid the garden for branches and stems, spray them green or gold (there are plenty of foliage sprays out there, especially at this time of year) and simply plug the spaces to add fullness and texture.’

2. Layer rich textures

Just like Kelly Hoppen’s said, texture is one of the most important elements in a room that should not be overlooked. And that goes for your Christmas tree decor, too.

‘Layer textures to create visual interest with decorative fabric bows and metallic accents giving an elegant look,’ says David Sumner, sales manager at Christmas Tree World, validating one of this year’s biggest Christmas decor trends – bows. ‘Intertwine your shiny baubles with deeply-coloured floral elements and sequin accessories to add a sense of luxury.’

Esme at The Roost agrees, ‘Wired bows are the crowning glory to a tree and are another great way to fill in any empty branches.’

3. Choose a theme

‘To make your tree look more expensive you need to decorate it like a professional and this starts by choosing a theme,’ advises Jennifer Derry, chief of merchandising and design at Balsam Hill. ‘Whether a colour palette, bauble collection, or interest, having a theme that brings your decorations together into one cohesive look is a surefire way to elevate your artificial tree.’

4. Place decorations strategically

If you’re wondering how to decorate a Christmas tree like a pro, Jennifer breaks it down. ‘For a professional look, you want to ensure that your eye is drawn over the tree by using an even spread of baubles with different textures and tones. I recommend avoiding placing decorations that look similar too close to one another. A top tip to create more depth and a more elevated look is to layer your decorations – place larger baubles deeper into the foliage and build up around them, filling the gaps with smaller decorations as you go.’

5. Add a tree skirt

Apart from the regular hanging tree decorations, focusing on additional Christmas tree decor is also key – whether that’s a smart Christmas tree topper idea or a tree skirt. Or ideally both and make them coordinate if at all possible.

‘Another effective way to make your artificial Christmas tree look expensive is by investing in a tree skirt,’ recommends Ben Wightman, product expert at Christmas Tree World. ‘Placing a tree skirt or a stand at the bottom of your tree not only gives the tree an elevated look but also adds a touch of elegance to your holiday decor.’

6. Fluff the branches

‘We also recommend enhancing the realism of your artificial tree by fluffing the branches and shaping them to create a natural silhouette,’ Ben starts.

Fluffing out your artificial tree once you pull it out of the box is a Christmas tree trend not to be skipped on as it will not only make the tree look fuller but also more real.

Jennifer continues, ‘When first out of the box, artificial trees can appear somewhat compressed so need teasing out to reach their full potential – we call this process “fluffing”.'

'Working from the bottom up and from the trunk outwards, stagger each twig and sprig so that it is offset from the one before, pointing in a different direction to those immediately around it. By fanning out each branch and twig like this you mimic how the tree would grow in nature, helping to make it look more real.’

And that’s how you make a fake Christmas tree look fluffier and fuller.

‘Always style the centre branches vertically up - to hide the inner stem. Then zhuzh the outer branches into a natural position, ensuring some are curved up and others down,’ Danielle concludes.

FAQ

Which artificial tree looks most real?

As previously mentioned, the fastest route to an expensive-looking artificial Christmas tree is by purchasing one that looks the most realistic. And for us, the one leading the way on the market is the John Lewis & Partners Cotswold Potted Pre-lit Christmas Tree, which has earned the top spot in our buying guide of best artificial Christmas trees.

Just don’t forget to have fun with it and get creative with your Christmas tree decorating! After all, tis the season to be jolly!