"Out of all the holiday decor inspiration saved to my Pinterest boards, there’s one common denominator: Every image features long, fluffy, trailing strands of greenery. I think garland is an absolute must for holiday decor, and I love the way it looks draped across a fireplace mantel, cascading down a staircase railing, or hung along an archway. However, finding an affordable faux garland that actually looks realistic is a serious challenge. So many options on the market either look egregiously fake or cost upwards of $100 for one measly strand. And yes, using real greenery is an option, but it’s often even more expensive than faux versions, and you can’t reuse it from year to year.
This Baggy Dad style from Levi’s is a tried-and-true favorite our team swears by, made famous by an effortlessly cool fit and PJ-like comfort.
If you’re similarly on the hunt for a faux garland that doesn’t look like the cheap crap you bought for your college dorm room, keep scrolling because I’m here to help. Below, I share all the tips you need to know to find the most realistic-looking faux garland, as well as some of the best ones I’ve found for under $40.
What to Look for When Shopping for Faux Garland
For the most realistic look, choose a faux garland that includes the words “real touch” in the product description. This means the garland is soft and flexible, not stiff and pokey. It’ll be much easier to work with and offer a more natural, trailing look similar to real greenery. However, if you want to be able to manipulate the branches so everything lays just right, a faux garland with wired branches is a good idea. The wire inside will allow you to more easily shape the garland and make it stay in place. Just be sure to avoid anything that is overly shiny or made of a thin, tinsel-like material, as these garlands generally look cheap and obviously fake.
Size is also a key factor to consider when shopping for faux garland. Measure carefully where you want to put it, and account for some extra length to allow the garland to drape naturally. You don’t want it to be pulled taut across an archway or have it barely cover your fireplace mantel. And if you like a really full, fluffy look, you might want to layer two (or more) garlands together.
The Best Faux Garlands Under $40
Afloral is the gold standard when it comes to holiday garlands. Their faux greenery options are incredibly realistic and, therefore, can be quite pricey. However, their original Norfolk pine garland, which features beautifully soft branches and a lush green color, comes in at under $40 for a 60-inch strand. Considering the quality, the price is honestly a steal, and if you plan on ordering one, do it soon because these sell out every year.
If you love the look of the Afloral garland but want a slightly friendlier price point, this Norfolk pine garland from Kirkland’s is nearly identical but is currently on sale for $10 cheaper. Also measuring 60 inches in length, it features the same soft, flexible branches that are perfect for draping across a mantel or down a stair railing.
This garland mimics the look of blue spruce, which has a lighter, bluish-gray color and short, stiff needles. It’s a great option if you prefer a more structured look and neutral tones over vibrant green. It also features loops at each end for easy hanging.
If you like your garlands to look fluffy and full, look for ones made to look like cedar. The individual branches fan out a bit more than Norfolk pine ones, adding texture and a fuller look. Measuring 48 inches in length, this option from Afloral is perfect for draping down the length of a table, at the end of a staircase railing, or on a smaller fireplace mantel.
This faux cedar garland from Target feels soft to the touch but also features wired branches that are easy to manipulate. It has lots of reviews touting how realistic and high-quality it looks, my favorite of which reads, “I audibly gasped when I opened the box.” If that’s not a convincing testimonial, I don’t know what is.
JOANN might not be the first place you think of when shopping for holiday decor, but don’t sleep on their garland selection. They have several high-quality, realistic options at an affordable price point, especially when you can snag one during a sale—like the one going on right now. This garland is beautifully textured thanks to the mix of greenery and pinecones dotted throughout, and with a sale price under $20, it’s an absolute no-brainer.
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers.