Christmas lighting: What to think about when choosing the perfect lights

Christmas is around the corner and preparing for it includes, in addition to buying gifts or baking cakes, decorating our homes. The right decoration is definitely not complete without Christmas lighting, which can complete the magical atmosphere with lots of lights. We will advise you on how to choose the right one.

In the past, festive homes were decorated only with the flames of candles and kerosene lamps, today we have other conveniences. We can illuminate not only the Christmas tree, but also windows, balconies and entire houses usingChristmas lighting. 

What types of lighting do we know

There are tons of options on the market, but it can be difficult to get your head around them. Lighting can be divided into different categories, for example by :

1. Types of light bulbs for:

LED lights

They are modern and are currently among the most used. LED technology uses diodes to emit light.

Advantages:

• They are energy-saving (up to 80% less energy than conventional light bulbs).
• They have a long service life (20,000 to 50,000 hours). 
• They heat up minimally, so they are safe to place near flammable materials. 
• They are available in different colors, sizes and shapes.

Disadvantages:

• They have a higher initial price, but a quick return on investment.
• LED light is different from conventional light bulbs and can appear less warm.

Classic light bulbs

We know them mainly from childhood and today they are used less in Christmas lighting. The light is produced by heating a tungsten filament.

Advantages:

• They produce natural light that is pleasant to the eyes.
• They create a warm Christmas atmosphere.
• They have a retro look and may be preferred for aesthetics.

Disadvantages:

• They have high energy consumption, which is reflected in high costs.
• They have a low luminous efficiency because most of the energy is converted into heat.
• Light bulbs have a relatively short lifespan (1,000 hours on average).
• They get very hot, which can be dangerous if they are near flammable materials.

Halogen lights

It is a type of classic light bulb, but uses halogen gas for higher efficiency.

Advantages:

• They produce brighter light compared to conventional light bulbs.
• They create a similar atmosphere to classic retro bulbs, but are more efficient.

Disadvantages:

• They have a higher energy consumption than modern LED bulbs.
• They have a shorter lifespan than LEDs or longer than incandescent bulbs, around 2,000 to 3,000 hours.

Neon lights

Modern lighting produced by means of luminous hoses or tubes filled with gas (e.g. neon).

Advantages:

• Very effective for distinctive modern decorations.
• They are relatively economical.
• They have a longer lifespan than classic and halogen, about 5,000 to 10,000 hours.
• High brightness.
• Wide range of bright colors and shapes.

Disadvantages:

• They are fragile and prone to damage.
• Their light is not pleasant for the eyes.
• They do not provide the traditional look of Christmas lights.

2. Type of power supply:

Network lighting

• It is powered directly from an electrical outlet and thus provides stable and powerful lighting. 
• It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor lighting (however, outdoor lights must be IP44 or higher. 
• The advantage is a permanent power source without the need to change batteries. 
• The disadvantage may be the need for access to the socket or a greater risk of overheating and failure.

Battery operated lighting

• It is powered by AA, AAA batteries, or rechargeable batteries.
• It is ideal for placement out of the reach of an electrical outlet as well as for outdoor use.
• Especially ideal for smaller decorations, such as Christmas tree lighting, Christmas garlands, wreaths or window decorations. 
• Lighting is very mobile and flexible.
• It is safe to use due to low voltage.
• The disadvantage is the need to replace batteries and lower performance.

Solar lighting

• It is powered by solar panels that recharge the integrated battery during the day.
• It is suitable for outdoor decorations, e.g. on balconies, terraces and in the garden.
• Very ecological lighting without energy costs.
• Ideal for long-term outdoor use without the need to plug the light into an outlet or change the battery.
• The disadvantage is the dependence on sunlight, which can be limited during winter days.
• Provides lower brightness compared to other types of power supply.

3. Type of placement on:

The difference between Christmas lights suitable for indoor and outdoor placement is mainly in their resistance to external influences and safety standards.

• Interior lighting: it is intended for placement only in dry and protected spaces, because it does not have sufficient protection against rain, snow, UV radiation or low temperatures. It usually has a lower IP rating (eg IP20), so it is not protected against water. These influences can damage the lighting or cause a short circuit.
• Outdoor: it is designed to withstand moisture, rain, snow, frost and temperature fluctuations. It has higher protection against water and dust (e.g. IP44, IP65). It is made of more durable materials. It is therefore suitable for outdoor placement, for example on balconies, facades, trees or fences.

What to think about when choosing Christmas lighting

When choosing Christmas lighting, it is important to think about several factors that will affect not only aesthetics, but also safety, functionality and long-term satisfaction. Here are the main aspects to consider:

1. Type of lighting

First of all, think about where you plan to place the lighting - indoors or outdoors. Accordingly, buy lighting intended for indoor or outdoor use, which must meet a minimum protection of IP44. Also consider the type of light bulbs (LED, classic, halogen, neon) depending on whether you are looking for more modern or classic lighting, what energy consumption and lifespan you expect.

2. Light color and style

Lighting is primarily about aesthetics, so be clear about the look you want to achieve. Are you looking for warm natural lighting, cool white lighting or colorful lighting? Choose the color accordingly. Some lights offer different flashing modes or smooth color changes. Light chains are also available in different sizes from very small diodes to large bulbs, but also in different shapes such as stars, icicles, snowflakes and the like.

In addition to traditional light chains, there are many other types of lighting on the market, such as various light curtains, candlesticks, garlands, light figures and ornaments, e.g. stars, reindeer or snowmen. There are really no limits to imagination here.

3. Cable length and color

Consider how large an area you need to illuminate and what length of light chain you will need. If you are choosing network lighting, choose a sufficient cable length. If it doesn't reach the nearest socket, you will have to use an extension cord, which is not always aesthetically pleasing. 

Also think about the color of the cable. In the case of hanging lighting on a tree or bramble, the green color of the cable is ideal, a transparent color (blends with the wall or furniture) or black color of the cable (industrial style) is also suitable for a modern household.

4. Functions and control

Many lighting models allow you to switch different flashing modes or change the lighting intensity. They may also have an automatic on/off timer. Some more advanced types also offer the ability to change intensity and modes via a mobile phone app. It's up to you what features you require.

5. Energy intensity

In addition to the aesthetic aspects, the practical and ecological aspects should not be forgotten. If you plan to use the Christmas lights for a long time, for example throughout the winter, think about economy. LED lights consume much less energy than conventional or halogen bulbs, up to 80%. With long-term use, this will have a significant impact on your costs. They also have a longer shelf life, which contributes to their sustainability and waste reduction. 

Last but not least, it is definitely necessary to consider the price and clarify how much money you want to invest in Christmas lighting. It is often the case that the investment in more expensive lighting will pay you back in the form of quality and long life. However, if you are only looking for something for a few seasons, you will also find an economical choice on the market.

Choose the lighting for your home that will put you in the right Christmas mood. See our offer of LED lighting at Orava.eu.