EDUCATION
Christmas Light Education
What we have learned installing commercial-grade lighting, written for homeowners and DIYers.
What we have learned installing commercial-grade lighting, written for homeowners and DIYers.
LED and incandescent are the two primary types of Christmas lights that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, types and more. This category in particular refers to their power source.
Incandescent bulbs work by passing a current through a thin piece of wire, called a filament, which heats up and gives us a result.
LED, which stands for Light Emitting Diode, work by passing an electrical current through a semiconductor which creates light via electroluminescence.
Incandescent Lights: Although less energy efficient, these lights offer a classic, warm glow that many people prefer. However, they are prone to overheating and have a significantly shorter lifespan, making them a less durable option for long-term use.
LED Lights: Known for their energy efficiency, LED lights consume up to 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last up to 60,000 hours. They are safer because they produce very little heat and consume very low amounts of electricity relative to incandescent bulbs making them ideal for longer runs of bulbs.
LED and incandescent lights come in a variety of bulb shapes and sizes. Some of the most common bulb shapes and sizes you’ll see are:
C9 bulbs are one of the most popular choices for Christmas lighting, especially for large, outdoor displays. These bulbs are the largest traditional Christmas light bulb size, making them ideal for outlining rooflines and the perimeters of buildings or entire trees.
Their bright glow and substantial size create a dramatic, festive effect that is highly visible from a distance. C9 bulbs are available in various styles, including faceted, smooth, and opaque, allowing homeowners to choose the perfect look for their home.
C7 bulbs are another widely used option, particularly for those who want a smaller C9 look without the larger profile. Slightly smaller, these bulbs offer similar versatility and are commonly used for outdoor settings. We use these bulbs to line windows and other accent parts of the home.
Like C9 bulbs, C7s come in various styles and colors, including faceted and smooth finishes, providing multiple options to suit different holiday aesthetics.
C6 bulbs are slightly smaller than C7s, making them a good choice for those who prefer a subtler appearance. They are commonly used for decorating smaller trees, wreaths, and shrubs, both indoors and outdoors.
C6 bulbs often have a faceted surface that adds a shimmering effect, enhancing their visual appeal, especially when used in clusters or as part of net lights. Their size makes them versatile enough for a wide range of holiday setups, offering a balance between brightness and subtlety.
T5 bulbs, also known as mini bulbs, are a traditional and highly popular option for holiday decorations. Featuring a small, cylindrical shape with a pointed tip, they are perfect for use on Christmas trees, garlands, wreaths, and other festive decorations.
Their versatile and small size make them suitable for a wide variety of applications, both indoors and outdoors. T5 bulbs are available in LED versions, providing energy-efficient options for those looking to reduce energy consumption during the holiday season.
M5 bulbs are similar to T5 mini bulbs but have a rounded end rather than a pointed tip. They provide a clean, consistent look, making them a popular choice for creating uniform lighting displays.
M5 bulbs are commonly used on trees, bushes, and as part of net lighting wraps. The absence of the pointed end gives them a slightly softer appearance, which is ideal for those who prefer a more modern or streamlined look in their holiday decor.
The 5MM bulb is a smaller and less common option compared to the traditional mini bulbs. Its compact size and shape resemble an M5 bulb that has been cut in half, offering a low-profile and understated glow.
These bulbs are often used for applications where a subtle light effect is needed, such as in pathway lights, smaller bushes, or as part of intricate, delicate displays. Due to their smaller size, they are ideal for areas where larger bulbs would be too overpowering.
The G12 bulb is an uncommon choice for Christmas lighting, featuring a unique shape that resembles a 5MM bulb with a small, round ball on top. This distinctive design makes them perfect for close-up decorative touches in creating whimsical or distinctive holiday displays.
G12 bulbs are smaller, making them suitable for close-up decorations such as smaller bushes, garlands, or indoor arrangements where a softer, rounded light is desired. Their distinctive shape adds visual interest, making them a unique choice for creative holiday setups.
Both LED and incandescent lights come in a variety of styles and bulb-cover materials. It’s safe to say that any incandescent bulb is available as an LED, due to their popularity. You’ll find the cover material, that is, the clear or colored housing surrounding the light filament or LED, to come in:
Glass is the least commonly produced in this list. Polycarbonate and acrylic are used almost equally as there is not a significant difference in these materials for the end consumer.
Polystyrene is another common plastic that is used. Given it is less durable than polycarbonate or acrylic, it offers a more affordable alternative material.
Christmas lights come in several styles, each designed for specific decorating purposes. Whether you are outlining your roofline, wrapping a tree, or creating a custom holiday display, there are options to fit every need.
The classic Christmas light design, stringers are versatile and can be used for virtually any decorating purpose, from wrapping trees to outlining windows and rooflines. Light stringers are the empty sockets that are attached to wire that ends on a female or male plug.
Light stringers may also come pre-assembled as non-replaceable. This is common in the LED market for wraps for any big box store. We generally recommend against buying non-replaceable bulbs as you lack the customization and ease of replacement of simple stringers.
Icicle lights hang down in a cascading fashion, making them perfect for creating a winter wonderland effect on roof edges, porches, or outdoor railings. These are commonly found hanging from gutters and rooflines. Icicles may come as a solid light or have a twinkling effect.
Wraps and nets are designed for easy installation on trees, columns, or bushes. They provide an even distribution of light, creating a professional, cohesive look with minimal effort.
Rope lights and LED strips are flexible, making them ideal for outlining pathways, stairs, or architectural features. These styles are perfect for creating clean lines and a modern holiday aesthetic.
Selecting the right tone and socket type for your Christmas lights is essential for both functionality and safety. Different light setups may require specific tones and wire types, depending on the environment in which they will be used.
We install commercial-grade LED C9 across Lexington and Louisville. Send the form and we will send pricing and a rendered mockup within 48 hours.