Hanging outdoor holiday lights is a time-honored tradition for many families and communities. However, before you start stringing up those bulbs, there are several important steps to take.
This guide will walk you through the essential steps to create a stunning and safe holiday light display that will make your home shine bright all season long.
Measure and Plan Your Lighting Display
Proper measurement and planning will ensure you have enough lights to complete your display and avoid multiple trips to the store.
Calculate Linear Feet Needed
To determine how many lights you’ll need, measure the areas where you plan to hang them. Take down measurements for your roofline, windows, doors, and any other features you want to highlight. Add up these measurements to get the total linear feet of lighting required.
Determine Power Source Locations
Identify the location of your outdoor electrical outlets. This step will help you plan the most efficient route for your light strings and determine if you need extension cords.
Remember to factor in the distance between your power source and the starting point of your light display.
Choose the Right Type of Lights
Several kinds of decorative lights work well outdoors. Below, we’ll review the options and explain the pros and cons of each.
Incandescent vs. LED Bulbs
When it comes to holiday lighting, you have two main options: incandescent and LED bulbs. Each has its advantages:
- Incandescent bulbs: These traditional lights offer a warm, nostalgic glow that many people associate with the holidays. They’re generally less expensive upfront but consume more energy and have a shorter lifespan.
Incandescent bulbs can also generate more heat, which might be a concern if placed near flammable materials. - LED bulbs: While initially more costly, LED lights are more energy-efficient, last longer, and are available in various styles and colors. LEDs also come in eco-friendly options, reducing the overall environmental impact of your holiday display.
They’re also more durable and cooler to the touch, making them safer for outdoor use.
Color Temperature Considerations
The color temperature of your lights can significantly impact the overall look of your display. Warm white lights create a cozy, traditional atmosphere, while cool white lights offer a more modern, crisp appearance. Consider the style of your home and personal preferences when choosing between warm and cool tones.
Specialty Bulbs
Specialty bulbs, such as icicle lights, net lights, and projector lights, can add a unique flair to your holiday display.
- Icicle lights typically trim rooflines and eaves, creating the effect of dripping icicles.
- Net lights are ideal for covering bushes and shrubs evenly without much effort.
- Projector lights cast various festive patterns onto your home, adding a dynamic element to your decor.
Consider Proper Light Spacing and Placement
The spacing between lights can make or break your holiday display. Proper placement creates a cohesive and visually appealing look.
Spacing for Different Bulb Sizes
Different bulb sizes require different spacing to achieve the best effect:
- C7 or C9 bulbs: These larger bulbs look best with 6-10 inches between each light.
- Globe lights: Aim for 4-6 inches of spacing for a balanced look.
- Mini lights: Space these closer together, about 1-2 inches apart.
Best Practices for Various Outdoor Features
Different areas of your home may require specific lighting techniques. For the best outcome, we recommend the following:
- Roofline: For maximum impact, use larger bulbs spaced 6–10 inches apart. Ensure even spacing between the lights and fasten them securely to avoid gaps or sagging.
- Windows and doors: Space mini lights close together for a defined and polished effect. Outlining these elements draws attention to your home’s architectural features.
- Columns and posts: Wrap lights evenly, maintaining consistent spacing as you go up. This method creates a uniform look that highlights the structure of your home.
Wrapping lights around columns and posts can also add depth and dimension to your overall display.
Safely Power Your Holiday Lights
Ensuring your holiday lights connect to a safe power source is crucial for preventing electrical hazards and fire risks.
Overloading circuits can lead to blown fuses or electrical fires in more severe cases.
Understanding Electrical Load Limits
When stringing holiday lights, it’s important to know how many light strings you can safely connect.
- Incandescent lights: For incandescent lights, limit yourself to no more than three strings connected end-to-end.
- LED lights: LEDs generally allow for more strings to be connected, but always check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Using GFCI Outlets and Extension Cords
Always plug your outdoor lights into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet. These outlets help prevent electric shock and are essential for outdoor use.
When using extension cords, ensure they are rated for outdoor use and can handle the electrical load of your lights.
Extension cords should be in good condition without frays or damage to the insulation.
Ensure all connections are secure and off the ground to avoid water intrusion, which can lead to short circuits.
Safe Cable Management
Proper cable management is essential to avoid trip hazards.
Use outdoor cable organizers or clips to secure loose wires. Try to keep cables and extension cords hidden from view for a cleaner appearance and to minimize the risk of accidents.
Additionally, consider using weatherproof cable covers to protect the cords from moisture and potential damage.
Decorate Trees and Shrubs Effectively With Lighting
Bringing your landscape to life with holiday lights can create a magical atmosphere. Here’s how to light up your greenery effectively.
Lighting Techniques for Conifers
For evergreen trees, follow this rule of thumb: use approximately 100 lights for every vertical foot of the tree. Start at the base and work your way up, wrapping the lights around the tree in a spiral pattern.
Weave lights deeper into the branches and along the outer edges for a fuller look. Mixing different light sizes and colors can also enhance your tree’s visual depth and appeal.
Strategies for Deciduous Trees and Shrubs
When lighting deciduous trees or shrubs:
- For trees with a trunk less than 4 feet in circumference, use string lights wrapped around the trunk and major branches.
- For larger trees, consider using net lights to cover wide areas quickly. Net lights offer a uniform appearance and are easy to install, ensuring an even distribution of light.
- With shrubs, tuck mini lights into the foliage in a random pattern, keeping strings 4 to 6 inches apart for a natural look. Avoid over-lighting, as this can overshadow the natural beauty of your plants.
Balancing the amount of lighting with the size and shape of the foliage will result in a more elegant and understated display.
Adding Ornaments and Accessories
Add ornaments, bows, or garlands to your outdoor trees and shrubs along with the lights. Doing so can create a more cohesive and festive appearance.
Weather-resistant ornaments and accessories that reflect the lights can add an additional layer of sparkle to your outdoor decor.
Essential Lighting Safety Precautions
Safety should be your top priority when hanging holiday lights. Taking the proper precautions can prevent accidents and ensure a worry-free holiday season.
Ladder Safety Tips
When using a ladder to hang lights:
- Always place the ladder on stable, level ground.
- Maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times.
- Never stand on the top rung or overreach while on the ladder.
- Have a helper hold the ladder steady and hand you supplies.
Weather Considerations
Be mindful of weather conditions when planning your light installation:
- Avoid hanging lights in wet or icy conditions.
- Ensure all connections are weatherproof to prevent short circuits.
- Consider using timers or smart controls to turn lights off during severe weather. These devices can help you manage your display more effectively and enhance safety by ensuring lights are not left on unnecessarily during adverse conditions.
Inspecting and Testing Lights
Before installation, inspect all your lights for signs of damage, such as frayed wires or broken bulbs. Testing your lights before hanging them can save you time and frustration, preventing the need to remove and reinstall faulty strands.
Tools and Accessories for Lighting Installation
Having the right tools and accessories can make your light installation process smoother and more efficient. We recommend using the following.
Clips and Fasteners
Invest in quality light clips designed for your specific application:
- All-purpose clips for securing lights to various surfaces
- Gutter hooks for hanging lights from gutters
- Shingle clips for attaching lights to your roofline
Avoid using nails or staples, as these can damage your home’s exterior and the light wires. Proper clips and fasteners ensure a secure and stable installation, reducing the risk of lights falling or becoming loose.
Timers and Smart Controls
Automate your holiday lighting with timers or smart controls:
- Programmable timers allow you to set specific on/off times.
- Smart plugs enable control via smartphone apps or voice assistants.
- Some advanced systems even allow you to create custom lighting schedules and effects. Incorporating smart controls can also lead to energy savings and provide added convenience.
Our Conclusion
Remember to prioritize safety throughout the process, from choosing weather-resistant materials to using proper ladder techniques.
By following these guidelines for measuring, selecting, and safely installing your lights, you’ll create a warm display that captures the spirit of the season.