How to Choose the Right Size Christmas Tree for Your Home
Avoid the #1 Christmas Tree Buying Mistake (Hint: It’s the Size)
At Santa & Sons Christmas Trees in Los Angeles, one of the most common issues we see year after year is this: customers buying a Christmas tree that’s way too big for their space. It’s a holiday classic—squeezing a majestic 10-footer into an 8-foot room and realizing, too late, that bending the top against the ceiling isn’t exactly festive. We’ve heard the stories. We’ve even seen the bruised doorways. And we’re here to help you avoid it.
So before you visit our Los Angeles Christmas tree lot, let’s get your sizing right.
Step 1: Decide Where the Tree Will Go
It sounds simple—until it’s not. If you live in a household where tree placement sparks debate, start early. Whether it’s the living room, front window, or foyer, agreeing on the location is the first crucial step.
Pro tip: One of our regulars wins the debate every year by letting his kids choose a tree that only fits in the exact spot he wanted all along. Smart.
Step 2: Measure Your Space (Ceiling Height & Width)
Once the location is set, it’s time to break out the tape measure. Don’t guesstimate—measure from floor to ceiling where the center of the tree will sit. Even if you’re not aiming for a full-height tree, you’ll want it to look proportional. As a rule of thumb, a Christmas tree looks best when it reaches about two-thirds to three-quarters of the room’s height. Leave at least 6–8 inches of clearance between the top of the tree and the ceiling, especially if you plan to add a tree topper.
And don’t forget width! Most premium-grade Christmas trees are about 60% as wide as they are tall. If you’re going for a 7-foot tree, expect it to be roughly 4 feet wide at its fullest point. Be sure to account for furniture and décor, and make sure you have a clear, unobstructed path to get your tree inside—especially in L.A.’s narrower hallways and stairwells.
Step 3: Bring Measurements to the Christmas Tree Lot
When you visit Santa & Sons’ Los Angeles tree lot, bring that tape measure along with your room dimensions. Start by browsing and finding a tree that looks great. Then check the actual height and width. You might be surprised! Trees always look smaller in the open air than they do in your living room.
Most Christmas trees have a long “leader”—the top stem that sticks up beyond the natural cone. That part can usually be trimmed to fit, leaving just enough space for your favorite tree topper. Focus on taper—the tree’s overall shape—and choose one that suits both your space and your style.
Step 4: Don’t Rely on Tree Tags Alone
Farm tags usually list height ranges like 6’-7’ or 7’-8’, measured from the cut base to the top of the crown—not the leader. And let’s be honest: when you’re working in the cold, wet field at harvest time, a perfect measurement isn’t always guaranteed. That’s why it’s always better to measure the tree yourself on the lot.
Step 5: If You Chose the Wrong Size Tree… We’ve Got You Covered
Hey, it happens. If you get your Christmas tree home and realize it’s way too tall, don’t panic—and definitely don’t hack away at the branches trying to make it fit. At Santa & Sons, we get it. Just bring the tree back and we’ll help you find the perfect replacement—no judgment, no problem.
The Takeaway
Finding the perfect Christmas tree isn’t just about height—it’s about harmony. With a little planning and measuring, you can bring home a tree that fits your space and your holiday spirit. At Santa & Sons Christmas Trees in Los Angeles, we’re here to help you find the freshest, most beautiful tree that fits just right.
Visit us today at santasons.com or come see us at our local Christmas tree lot in Los Angeles.