Okay, let's get real—literally. There's no beating a real Christmas tree, with all its imperfect branches and the fresh-cut scent of pine and sap. But there are countless reasons not to get one, from allergies and fallen needles to the nightmare of trying to dispose of a dried-out dead tree in the new year. Plus, they can be difficult to squeeze into small spaces. Going faux is a smart solution, especially with so many different options. And, by far, the coolest tree style—especially for those without a lot of extra room—is the pencil tree.

I discovered this lean, lanky option while looking for something festive that wasn't a mini table-top tree. I wanted something with presence and these svelte fake evergreens are as tall as regular trees, but are a fraction of the width. Some are as narrow as 18 inches across. Apparently, they've been on the market for over a decade but have exploded in popularity as people start populating more spaces with trees. These skinny confiers can be wedged into an entryway or an office without even moving any furniture. I placed mine in front of a bookshelf or on the side of the TV console and despite the meager stature, my lean tree always gets compliments from guests. Why go without a tree when you can have your very own obelisk-esque tannenbaum lighting up your room with the warm glow of the season? Here are a few that we'd recommend.