10 Ways to Use Festoon Lights Around the Home

By LED Lighthouse

Welcome to the enchanting world of festoon lights. Whether you’re looking to add a magical touch to your backyard gatherings or simply want to brighten up your indoor space with a cosy glow, festoon lights are the perfect solution. These versatile, decorative lights can transform any setting, making your events unforgettable.

We’ll explore various ways to incorporate festoon lights into your decor, offer tips for choosing the best ones, and provide inspiration for creating stunning lighting displays.

1. Garden Pathway Lighting

Imagine strolling through your garden at twilight, guided by the gentle glow of festoon lights. Line your garden pathways with these lights to create a magical journey through your greenery. Drape the lights along low hedges or place them on stakes to outline the path. The soft illumination not only highlights your garden’s beauty but also provides a safe walkway for evening strolls.

Festoon Lights along a pathway

Canopy Festoon Lights

2. Cosy Patio Canopy Lighting

Turn your patio into a cosy haven by creating a canopy of festoon lights. String the lights back and forth overhead, weaving them through beams or poles. This setup provides a warm, ambient light that’s perfect for intimate dinners or late-night conversations. Add some comfortable seating and a few potted plants to complete the look.

3. Outdoor Dining Lights

Elevate your al fresco dining experience with festoon lights. Hang them above your outdoor dining table to cast a soft, flattering light over your meals. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet family dinner, the glow from the lights creates a charming and inviting atmosphere. Pair with candles and rustic table settings for an extra touch of elegance.

Festoon Lights for Restaurant

Festoon lights in the trees

4. Tree Wrapping Lights

For a truly enchanting effect, wrap festoon lights around the trunks and branches of your trees. This method works especially well with larger trees, creating a stunning visual display that brings a sense of wonder to your outdoor space. The lights highlight the natural beauty of the trees, turning your garden into a fairy-tale setting.

5. Fence Lining Lights

Add a festive touch to your outdoor area by lining your fence with festoon lights. This is an excellent way to frame your yard, creating a defined space that’s both inviting and aesthetically pleasing. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a quiet evening outdoors, the illuminated fence provides a beautiful backdrop.

Fence Lining Festoon Lights

Gazebo Festoon Lighting

6. Evening Gazebo Lights

Transform your gazebo into a romantic retreat with festoon lights. String the lights around the roof edges and drape them inside for a cosy, intimate feel. This setup is perfect for relaxing with a good book, enjoying a glass of wine or having a heartfelt conversation under the stars.

7. Poolside Lights

Create a poolside paradise by hanging festoon lights around your pool area. You can string them between posts, along the pool fence or even across the water for a dramatic effect. The lights reflect off the water, creating a mesmerising ambience that’s perfect for evening swims or poolside gatherings.

Poolside Festoon Lights

Balcony Festoon Lights

8. Cosy Balcony Lighting

If you have a balcony, festoon lights can turn it into a serene escape. Drape the lights along the balcony railing and around any overhead structures. Add some comfortable seating, a few potted plants and perhaps a small table for your morning coffee or evening cocktail. The gentle glow of the lights makes your balcony a cosy, inviting space.

9. Pergola Lighting

Highlight the beauty of your pergola with festoon lights. Weave the lights through the beams and around the posts to create a stunning visual effect. This not only illuminates the structure but also provides a romantic setting for outdoor dinners or quiet evenings. Complement the lights with climbing plants and comfortable seating for an even more inviting space.

Pergola Festoon Lighting

Festival Tent Festoon Lighting

10. Festival-Inspired Tent Lights

Bring a touch of festival magic to your backyard by creating a tent or marquee adorned with festoon lights. Drape the lights around the edges and across the top of the tent. Inside, set up cosy seating with blankets and cushions, perfect for a night of storytelling, music or simply relaxing under the stars. This setup is ideal for parties, special occasions, or just creating a unique space for family time.

Tips for Choosing the Best Festoon Lights

When selecting festoon lights, consider the following tips to ensure you get the best quality and performance:
Weather Resistance: Ensure the lights you choose are suitable for outdoor use. Look for weatherproof or waterproof ratings to ensure they can withstand rain and other elements. Our 14.6 Metre IP65 Festoon Lights are a perfect example, designed to be water-resistant and bad weather-proof.

Bulb Type: Decide between LED and incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs are energy-efficient and last longer, while incandescent bulbs offer a warmer, more traditional glow. Our featured festoon lights come with ultra energy-saving and shockproof LED bulbs, ensuring longevity and cost-effectiveness.

Bulb Shape and Size: Festoon lights come in various shapes and sizes. Consider the style of your space and the ambience you want to create. Classic round bulbs offer a timeless look, while vintage Edison bulbs add a touch of retro charm. The robust S14 festoon lights in our product are both waterproof and shatterproof, ensuring durability.

String Length and Bulb Spacing: Measure your space to determine the appropriate string length. Consider the spacing between bulbs to achieve the desired lighting effect. Closer spacing provides more light, while wider spacing creates a softer ambience. The 14.6-metre length of our lights is perfect for various setups, with 15 individual LED bulbs providing ample illumination.

Power Source: Choose between plug-in, battery-operated, or solar-powered lights. Plug-in lights are reliable for long-term use, battery-operated lights offer flexibility, and solar-powered lights are eco-friendly and cost-effective. Note that our festoon lights require a power supply and additional cables, sold separately.

Dimmable Options: If you want to control the brightness of your lights, look for dimmable options. This feature allows you to adjust the lighting to suit different occasions and moods.

Connectivity: For larger areas, consider lights that can be connected end-to-end. Our festoon lights offer male-to-female connectivity, allowing you to connect up to 20 sets for expansive coverage.

Durability: Look for lights made from heavy-duty materials that can withstand the elements. Our featured festoon lights are designed with long-lasting materials, boasting a lifetime of 25,000 hours and a two-year warranty for peace of mind.

Each of these ideas offers a unique way to enhance your outdoor space with the charm and warmth of festoon lights. Whether you’re looking to create a cosy retreat, a festive party atmosphere or a magical garden, these lights are a simple yet effective way to transform your environment. So, grab a few strands of our 14.6 Metre IP65 Festoon Lights and start experimenting with these creative ideas to bring a touch of enchantment to your outdoor areas. Remember, choosing the right festoon lights can make all the difference in creating the perfect ambience for your space.

Festoon Lights at LED Lighthouse

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About LED Lighthouse

Specialist supplier of quality LED lighting

Established in 2011, we are dedicated to supplying quality LED lighting at an affordable price. We offer LED Lights and components from some of the best manufacturers including Integral, Samsung, Epistar, Meanwell and Ltech.
Due to customer demand, in recent years we've grown to specialise in LED Strip Lights and associated parts, developing many of our own products.