"New Year's rush": secrets of choosing a Christmas tree
Kyiv • UNN
Overview of the three main materials for artificial Christmas trees: monofilament thread, PVC film and polypropylene. Detailed analysis of the advantages, disadvantages and price characteristics of each type, as well as recommendations for choosing the height of the tree.
Choosing a Christmas tree is a real art that creates an atmosphere of celebration and comfort in your home. Modern trends offer a wide range of materials, styles and approaches, from classic green Christmas trees to colorful ones.
Whether you're looking for a compact Christmas tree for a small space or a big lush beauty for family celebrations, there are a few important nuances to help make your choice perfect. UNN has collected for you the advantages and features of various materials so that you can choose your ideal Christmas tree.
How to choose an artificial Christmas tree?
It is worth starting with the fact that there are 2 types of artificial trees: pine and Spruce. They have their own characteristics, because the branches of the pine tree are directed upwards, do not cover the trunk with an Oval Crown. But the Christmas tree has a cone-shaped crown, the branches are directed down, so they hide the trunk, and so it has a characteristic darker color, unlike Pine. Here you already need to choose based on taste.
To choose the material from which your new year's beauty will be made, you should take into account the presence of pets, children, allergies and many other factors.
In general, there are 3 types of material: monofilament thread, PVC film, polypropylene (cast).
Monofilament thread: fluffy Queen Of Pines
This material provides an incredibly thick and fluffy look that is perfect for creating artificial pine trees. Thanks to its rigidity, the monofilament thread creates a natural effect.
Advantages
- Density and fluffiness, similar to a real pine tree.
- Strength and durability.
- Resistance to deformation even after many years of use.
- Beautiful view in large rooms.
Disadvantages
- Higher cost compared to PVC.
- The structure of needles is less realistic than that of cast models.
- Because of the density, it is more difficult to decorate with large toys.
Cost: overall, this is one of the most outstanding options
PVC film: Democratic holiday Star
PVC film is the most common and budget-friendly option for artificial Christmas trees. The material creates delicate and soft needles, which is ideal for making traditional Christmas trees.
Advantages
- Affordable price.
- Wide range of shapes, colors and sizes.
- Easy to use and store.
- Light weight, which simplifies installation and transportation.
Disadvantages
- Less realistic appearance than polypropylene and cast models.
- Soft needles that may lose their shape over time.
- Branches may look less dense, especially in larger models.
- Tendency to burn out in the sun.
Cost: will depend on the size, if you choose the "gold standard" of 1.5 m, the price is from 600 to 1200 UAH
Polypropylene: the ideal of perfection
Polypropylene is a premium material that allows you to create artificial Christmas trees that are almost indistinguishable from live trees. Needles are made by casting, which ensures maximum realism.
Advantages
- Absolute similarity to live Christmas trees.
- Strength and durability.
- The material does not lose color and does not deform even after decades of use.
- Eco-friendly: the material can be recycled.
Disadvantages
- High cost.
- A more complex production process that limits the size and shape options.
- Due to the weight, it can be more difficult to install in larger models.
Cost: a 1.5 M Christmas tree will cost from 2200 UAH
Also a great option can be a snow-covered Christmas tree.
There are several types of snow simulation:
- Flocked coating: a special glue is applied to the branches, and then a textured material (flock) is added that imitates snow. It can be crushed textile fiber or synthetic powder.
- Spray coating: this is the application of artificial snow in the form of an aerosol. This option is often used for budget models. It is less durable because snow can fall off over time, so if you have pets or children, you need to be more careful.
Advantages of a snow-covered Christmas tree
- Unique view
- Does not require additional decoration
- Variety of styles
- Durability
Disadvantages of a snow-covered Christmas tree
- Dust sensitivity
- Higher price
- Fragility
- Difficulty in choosing a decor
What about the height of the Christmas tree?
When choosing an artificial Christmas tree, you should take into account its height. Compact models with a height of up to 90 centimeters are perfect for small rooms or as a neat festive accent.
At the same time, Christmas trees with a height of 120-180 centimeters will be an ideal choice for creating a bright festive atmosphere, especially in large families or families with children. However, keep in mind that these models will require more free space.
Do not forget that the height of the Christmas tree indicated in the characteristics includes both the stand and the top.
The higher the Christmas tree, the larger its diameter, because more materials are used to make it, which makes the tree more lush.
The diameter is measured at the bottom when the branches of the lower tier are fully straightened. If you need to reduce the width a little, you can lift the branches up. To avoid inconvenience, you should measure in advance the space where your new year's beauty will stand. Don't just rely on visual evaluation: too small a Christmas tree will look out of place, and too large can create discomfort.
