I remember the first Christmas I set up an artificial tree. It looked perfect in the box, but once it was standing in the living room, it didn’t quite have that full, lush look I had imagined. My boys didn’t mind, of course—they were all about the presents!
Over time, I learned a few tricks to make it look fuller, and while we now use an alternative where fullness isn't an issue, these tips are perfect for anyone still using a traditional fake tree and looking to make it feel more magical.
To make a fake Christmas tree look fuller, start by fluffing and shaping the branches, add large ornaments, use ribbon or garlands, and incorporate extra greenery or floral picks to fill gaps. These techniques will help create a lush, full appearance, making your tree look more natural and festive.
Why Do Fake Christmas Trees Often Look Less Full?
Fake Christmas trees are convenient, mess-free, and reusable, but one drawback is that they can look a bit sparse compared to real trees. Artificial trees often lack the density and branch depth of real ones, especially lower-priced models. Additionally, because the branches are often packed tightly in the box, they can be flattened, reducing their volume.
The key to solving this problem lies in how you fluff and decorate the tree. A little time and creativity can go a long way in making your artificial tree look just as full and beautiful as the real thing.
How Can You Fluff and Shape a Fake Christmas Tree for a Fuller Look?
Fluffing Techniques
The most important step in making a fake Christmas tree look fuller is fluffing. Start from the bottom and work your way up. Separate each branch and individual tip, making sure they’re all spread out. Instead of having the branches pointing downward, bend some of them slightly upward and outward to give the tree a more layered and fuller look.
Shaping Tips
Don’t be afraid to manipulate the branches. Bend and shape them so they look more organic and less uniform. Try to fill in any gaps by spreading the branches as wide as possible, giving the tree more volume. Fluffing and shaping alone can dramatically improve the appearance of your tree.
How Can Decorations Make a Fake Christmas Tree Look Fuller?
Using Large Ornaments
One of my favorite tricks to make a tree look fuller is to use large ornaments. These not only fill in the gaps between branches but also create the illusion that the tree is more robust. Larger decorations like oversized baubles or themed ornaments help draw the eye and create a sense of fullness.
Adding Ribbons and Garlands
Wide ribbons, mesh, or garlands are excellent for creating layers and depth. Wrap them around the tree, tucking them into the branches to cover any sparse areas. You can even double up on the ribbon for extra volume. Garlands can add texture and color, making the tree appear lush and full.
Strategic Placement of Lights
Lighting is another way to make your tree appear fuller. By placing lights deeper into the tree, closer to the trunk, you create a sense of depth. The glow from the lights can mask any thin areas, making the tree look more vibrant and dense.
How to Make a Fake Tree Look Fuller Using Filler Greenery
Using Floral Picks and Sprays
Floral picks or stems are a fantastic way to add both volume and a touch of personality to your tree. You can find floral picks with berries, pinecones, or even frosted snow for that wintery look. Strategically place these throughout the tree to give it more depth and dimension.
Adding Extra Greenery
One of the best ways to add volume is by incorporating extra greenery. You can add faux branches like pine, cedar, or eucalyptus to the tree. These pieces fill in any gaps and help create a fuller, more natural appearance. Additionally, displaying real plants around the base of the tree can enhance the overall fullness and bring a touch of nature to your setup.
How Can Our Platform Christmas Trees Help Achieve a Fuller Look?
Our platform Christmas trees are designed to offer flexibility and creativity when decorating. One of the best features is how the tree’s unique elevated design allows you to add decor not just around the base but across multiple levels, creating a visually fuller tree.
Whether you choose the white tree for a snowy, winter wonderland or our green with berries version for a more traditional, cozy look, you have the freedom to decorate in a way that makes your tree feel fuller. By using the platform levels, you can showcase large ornaments, floral arrangements, or Christmas villages that fill space without making the tree feel cluttered.
Even with minimalist decorations, our platform design keeps the tree balanced and visually appealing, offering a new way to enhance the fullness of your tree.
Check out our platform Christmas trees here to explore more.
Additional Tips for Making a Fake Christmas Tree Look Fuller
Use a Tree Skirt or Collar
A well-chosen tree skirt or collar can help ground the tree, giving the illusion of a fuller, more substantial tree. It also hides the base and creates a polished, cohesive look. If you’re using our Red Knit or Cream Knit tree skirts, their extra-wide diameter ensures that the base is fully covered, providing a luxurious finish to your tree decor. For more tips on decorating the bottom of your tree click here.
Use Different-Sized Ornaments
When decorating, mix small and large ornaments to create depth and layers. The variation in size adds interest and helps fill in the empty spaces on the tree. By distributing ornaments evenly across the branches, you can achieve a more balanced and fuller appearance.
FAQs about Filling Out a Christmas Tree
Do I Need to Add Extra Branches to Make a Fake Tree Fuller?
While it's not necessary, adding extra greenery or faux branches can make a big difference in filling out sparse areas, making your tree look more natural and full.
Can I Use Lights to Make My Tree Look Fuller?
Yes, strategically placing lights closer to the trunk and throughout the branches can create the illusion of depth and help the tree appear fuller.
What’s the Best Way to Fluff an Artificial Christmas Tree?
Start from the bottom and work your way up, separating and shaping each branch individually. Spread the tips out and bend them slightly upward and outward to create a fuller look.
How Can I Make a Minimalist Tree Look Fuller?
You can use ribbons, garlands, or oversized ornaments to add volume and texture, giving your minimalist tree a fuller, layered appearance without overwhelming the space.
Closing Thoughts
Making a fake Christmas tree look fuller isn’t as hard as it might seem. By taking the time to properly fluff and shape the branches, adding the right decorations, and using a few tricks like extra greenery or large ornaments, you can create a tree that’s lush, festive, and full of holiday spirit.
And with our platform Christmas trees, you have even more opportunities to showcase your creativity and achieve a fuller, more layered look. Ready to elevate your Christmas decor? Check out our platform trees here and start planning the most magical holiday season yet!
