Festoon Lighting and Outdoor LED Strip Lighting: The Pro’s and Con’s.

By LED Lighthouse

As summer approaches, our thoughts turn to long evenings spent outdoors with friends and family. Whether you’re planning a garden party, a cozy dinner on the patio, or just want to enhance your gardens ambiance, the right lighting can make all the difference. Here we’ll look at two popular outdoor lighting options: festoon lighting and external LED strip lighting. We’ll compare their costs, installation processes, and the different atmospheres they create.

Illuminate Your Outdoors: Festoon Lighting vs. LED Strip Lighting

Which lighting system is going to be right for your installation? Or would you be best combining the two?

Festoon Lighting: Timeless Charm and Warmth

Atmosphere: Festoon lights, also known as string lights or bistro lights, exude a classic, nostalgic charm. They are perfect for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere reminiscent of summer fairs and rustic weddings. The soft glow of the bulbs provides a cozy, intimate setting, ideal for social gatherings, relaxed evenings, and romantic dinners.

Cost: Initial purchase costs for festoon lights can vary widely depending on the quality and length of the string. On average, you can expect to spend between £50 to £90 for a 15-meter string of decent quality festoon lights. While the bulbs are usually incandescent, there are LED versions available, which, although slightly more expensive initially, can save money in the long run due to their energy efficiency and longevity.

Installation: Installing festoon lights is generally straightforward but can be time-consuming, especially if you’re covering a large area. You’ll need to consider the layout, as these lights need to be strung between supports. This might mean using poles, trees, or the sides of your house. Clips or hooks are often necessary to secure the lights properly, and an outdoor power source is required.

 

Warm Festoon Lighting Outside

RGBW Lights in a garden

External LED Strip Lighting: Modern Versatility

Atmosphere: LED strip lights are incredibly versatile and can create a variety of atmospheres. They can provide bright, focused illumination or soft, ambient lighting. With options for different colors and programmable settings, LED strips can set a dynamic mood for lively parties or subtle, tranquil tones for relaxing evenings. Their sleek, modern appearance is ideal for contemporary outdoor spaces.

Cost: LED strip lights are generally more expensive than festoon lights, especially for high-quality, waterproof versions designed for outdoor use. Prices typically range from £90 to £150 for a 10-meter strip. However, the higher upfront cost is offset by their energy efficiency and longer lifespan compared to traditional bulbs.

Installation: The installation of LED strip lights can be easier or more challenging, depending on your setup. They come with adhesive backing, which simplifies attachment to surfaces like walls, railings, or under steps. However, for more complex installations, such as around curves or in hard-to-reach places, additional mounting hardware and a bit of DIY skill might be required. Ensuring a reliable power source and weatherproof connections is crucial to maintain the longevity and performance of the lights.

Comparing the Lighting Atmospheres

Festoon Lights:

  • Ideal For: Romantic dinners, rustic weddings, backyard barbecues, cozy get-togethers.
  • Ambiance: Warm, nostalgic, inviting.
  • Color Temperature: Typically warm white, though some LED versions offer cool white.

LED Strip Lights:

  • Ideal For: Modern outdoor parties, dynamic lighting displays, architectural highlighting.
  • Ambiance: Versatile – can be vibrant and colorful or soft and understated.
  • Color Options: Full RGB spectrum for color-changing effects, plus various shades of white.

When deciding between festoon lighting and LED strip lighting, consider the ambiance you want to create, your budget, and the complexity of the installation you’re comfortable with. Festoon lights are perfect for those seeking a classic, warm atmosphere with a relatively simple setup. In contrast, LED strip lights offer unparalleled versatility and a modern aesthetic, ideal for those willing to invest a bit more in both cost and installation effort.

Ultimately, both lighting options can transform your outdoor space into an inviting and visually stunning environment. Whether you’re sipping wine under the gentle glow of festoon lights or dancing the night away illuminated by vibrant LED strips, the right lighting can make your summer evenings truly magical.

LED Driver Calculator

By LED Lighthouse

Try our LED Driver calculator to work out the size of the LED power supply required for your LED installation.

More Resources

By LED Lighthouse

Below are a few useful guides to helping you choose the right LED lighting for you project. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

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.