Understanding Aluminum Christmas Trees

The story of the Aluminum Christmas Tree

As someone who loves the festive season, I find it intriguing to learn about the history of the Aluminum Christmas Tree. Apparently, these trees were first introduced in the early 1960s and quickly became a popular design trend of that time due to their unique Space Age aesthetic. With colors like silver, green, yellow, and pink, and color wheels that illuminated them with rotating colored lights, the Aluminum Christmas Tree was not only beautiful but also easy to maintain.

The Aluminum Christmas Tree’s popularity began to decline after the infamous 1965 A Charlie Brown Christmas episode. In the show, Charlie Brown chooses a sad, real tree over the shiny aluminum one, which contributed to the Aluminum Christmas Tree’s downfall. By 1969, production of these trees had stopped, leading to near-extinction of this once-beloved festive item on the market by the early 1970s. Unfortunately, all company records, including the story of how the Aluminum Christmas Tree became popular, were lost over time.

Interestingly, in recent years, Aluminum Christmas Trees have made a comeback. These trees are now treasured by vintage collectors, people who love Mid-Century Modern design, and those who appreciate their durability and low maintenance. It’s fascinating to see how these unique trees have once again found their place in our festive celebrations.

The story of the Aluminum Christmas Tree teaches us that trends may come and go, but sometimes old favorites make a surprising comeback. It’s amazing how the passage of time can transform something once popular into a niche item that is deeply appreciated by a few.

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Varieties of Aluminum Trees

Standard Aluminum Tree

I want to talk about the Standard Aluminum Tree. These trees are artificial and are made entirely out of aluminum with branches covered in foil needles. I’ve seen several of these trees made from actual aluminum. It’s a simple design, but it’s popular among many people. In fact, they are highly sought after by collectors nowadays. One reason people love them is their durability. They last years, even decades, and are easy to assemble and disassemble. Another reason is their sleek and modern appearance. They look great with any decor and can be decorated with any color scheme. These trees have a fascinating history. They were created in the mid-20th century as a response to concerns about deforestation and fire safety. The Standard Aluminum Tree may seem basic, but it has a lot of interesting features that make it a timeless and beloved holiday decoration.

Northlight Vintage Model

It’s a 5-foot metallic tinsel Christmas tree with thin branches, which makes it perfect for smaller spaces or those who prefer a less dense tree. The base of the tree is 36 inches wide and it comes with a footed stand. What I love most about this tree is that it’s easy to assemble and looks beautiful once decorated. It also has a subtle shimmer that adds a touch of elegance to any room. I highly recommend the Northlight Vintage Tree for anyone looking for a smaller, yet stylish Christmas tree.

Retro-Styled Aluminum Christmas Trees

It’s crucial to determine if the tree is truly made of metal aluminum or if it’s made of PVC or Mylar tinsel, which can look similar but lack the durability and authenticity of a genuine aluminum tree. It’s also worth noting that these vintage trees come in a variety of sizes and styles, from tabletop options to towering full-sized trees, and can be further customized with colorful add-ons like pom-poms and tinsel garlands. Whether you’re a collector or simply seeking a unique and nostalgic holiday decoration, a genuine aluminum Christmas tree is a timeless and eye-catching choice.

Jabetc

I am excited to tell you about Jabetc’s amazing 7-foot replica of a 1950s aluminum Christmas tree. This tree definitely stands out with its unusual and nostalgic feel due to its stunning silver finish and aluminum pompoms on the branch ends

Hayneedle

4′ high silver tinsel artificial tree from Hayneedle’s National Tree Company! It’s so full with 110 sparkling tinsel tips, combining aluminum and PVC materials. Plus, the included silver-gray plastic stand makes it easy to display. Hayneedle clearly knows how to create beautiful holiday decor that is both festive and practical.

Silver Tinsel Tree Accompanied by Color Wheel

I have a silver tinsel Christmas tree which requires a color wheel to be lit up. This is because electric lights could cause a short circuit upon contact with the metal tree. The color wheel is a replacement for electric lights which rotates on the floor, shining lights of different colors. In case you want to light up your silver tinsel Christmas tree using a color wheel, you will have to buy it separately. This type of tree is made from a PVC or mylar with a metallic coating and is a modern version of the original aluminum trees.

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The Vermont Country Store

The silver tinsel Christmas trees from The Vermont Country Store. They come in three sizes: 2 feet, 4 feet, and 6 feet. The plastic needles have a shiny silver finish which makes them look real. These trees are perfect for everyday decor and add that extra shine to my home during the holiday season.

Antique Tinsel Christmas Trees

Looking to add a touch of retro charm to your holiday decorations? Consider getting an aluminum Christmas tree. These shiny tinsel trees are often available for resale and come in various styles, like those with straight branches or ones featuring pompoms at the ends. Some popular brands that specialized in these vintage beauties include Aluminum Specialty Co, Evergleam, Peco, Taper Tree, and The Continental Pom Pom.

What to Anticipate

If you’re on the hunt for an aluminum Christmas tree, keep in mind that most sellers usually include the original boxes and tubes for each branch. However, the count of these branches is often determined by the height of the tree. Given their vintage status, it’s not uncommon to find trees with bent or even missing aluminum needles – finding a flawless one might be a tall order. So, when shopping online, don’t hesitate to ask for plenty of pictures to ensure you know what you’re getting. Pricing for these retro gems can fluctuate quite a bit, influenced by factors like size, condition, and who made it. You could snag one for as little as $25, or you may end up shelling out $800 or more.

Hued Aluminum Christmas Trees

Aluminum Christmas trees, especially the colored ones, are a breath of fresh air from the usual silver variants. With an array of colors to choose from, they add an extra dash of delight to your holiday decorations. Far from ordinary, these trees infuse a sense of playful novelty and excitement into your Christmas festivities.

Illumination Techniques

The design of an aluminum Christmas tree is quite unique – each needle essentially acts as a mini mirror, reflecting light brilliantly. This isn’t your typical tree that’s draped with strings of lights. Instead, its illumination comes from a different source: a color wheel. It’s this unconventional method of lighting that truly sets these trees apart and makes them shine in their own right.

Incorporate a Color Wheel

Lighting up an aluminum Christmas tree often involves the use of a color wheel. This unique type of spotlight shines in a variety of hues – think red, blue, green, and even a warm amber. It’s a favorite among many for its ability to add a dynamic splash of color to the tree, making it a vibrant centerpiece for the holiday festivities.

Rotating Tree Platforms

Rotating tree stands are another coveted add-on that brings an extra dash of enchantment to the aluminum Christmas tree. Their hypnotic spin pairs perfectly with the shifting colors of the spotlight from a color wheel, creating a truly mesmerizing spectacle right in the heart of our living rooms. It’s no wonder they’re such a hit!

Guidelines for Purchasing Aluminum Christmas Trees

Here’s a handy guide to understanding aluminum Christmas trees:

1. Opt for trees that come with protective paper sleeves – these are great for safeguarding the branches when they’re packed away.

2. The cost of vintage aluminum trees can differ quite a bit, with silver ones being relatively affordable, while pink ones can be quite pricey. In fact, some of the rare pink ones have been known to fetch over $3,000!

3. If you’re on a budget, don’t worry. There are plenty of high-quality reproductions out there that won’t break the bank. But if it’s an authentic vintage tree you’re after, why not go for a smaller one? Those under 3′ can fit nicely on tabletops or even be hung on walls as a festive throwback.

4. And let’s not forget about the color wheel. New ones can be found for as little as $35, but if you’re after an authentic vintage piece, be prepared to shell out around $200. A good tip is to look for ones that come with their original box – these tend to be better cared for by their owners.