Decorated with traditional glass-bulb icicle lights and curtain lights, this house takes our breath away. Our icicle lights are longer than big box store sets so their effect is more dramatic. Curtain lights have the same structure as icicle lights but have 6-foot long icicles so they partner well together.
Here is what Jane had to say about her lights:
I have used curtain lights in my windows at Xmas for over 20 years. I put them in each window of my house. They are easy to install. I am also glad you have the longer strands now. These are the best quality of any that I have seen. I am so grateful that you carry them as they are very hard to find. Thank you so much!!
Jane J.
We love the traditional look that icicles give vintage homes during the holiday season. Using icicle clips along the roof's edge makes creating a sharp line quick and easy.The materials list below outlines what was used on this project. Thanks, Jane, for sharing photos of your wonderful display!
Originally published 11/18/2021
]]>Here are a few things you may not know about Christmas lights:
1. Thomas Edison invented the first electric Christmas lights.
In 1882, Edison's colleague Edward H. Johnson strung 80 colored electric lights around a Christmas tree in Edison's New York City laboratory. The lights were a huge success, and they quickly became a popular way to decorate for the holiday season.
2. The first Christmas lights were expensive.
Early electric Christmas lights were hand-wired and made with delicate glass bulbs. As a result, they were very expensive. It wasn't until the early 1900s that Christmas lights became more affordable for the average family.
3. The first Christmas lights were used to decorate the White House in 1894.
President Grover Cleveland was the first president to decorate the White House with Christmas lights. He had 100 electric lights strung around the Christmas tree on the South Lawn.
4. The world's largest Christmas light display is at the National Grove of Lights in Grove City, Ohio.
The National Grove of Lights features over 3 million lights, and it's one of the most popular Christmas light displays in the United States.
5. The most Christmas lights ever used on a single tree was 500,000.
In 2014, a Christmas tree in Norway was decorated with 500,000 lights. The tree was over 200 feet tall, and it could be seen for miles.
6. The longest strand of Christmas lights is over 5 miles long.
In 2009, a group of people in Australia strung together a strand of Christmas lights that was over 5 miles long. The lights were draped over trees and buildings in the town of Albany, Western Australia.
7. The best-selling Christmas light colors are white and red.
White and red are the most popular Christmas light colors, but green, blue, and yellow are also popular choices.
8. Over 150 million light sets are sold in the United States each year.
That's a lot of lights!
9. Christmas lights use about 6% of the nation's electrical load each December.
That's a lot of electricity, but it's worth it to make the holiday season bright and cheery.
10. Christmas lights can help to reduce crime.
A study by the University of Pennsylvania found that neighborhoods with more Christmas lights had lower crime rates. The researchers believe that the lights make the neighborhood feel more welcoming and cohesive, which can deter criminals.
So, not only do Christmas lights make our neighborhoods look festive and cheerful, they may also help to make them safer. That's a fun fact I can get behind!
Conclusion
Christmas lights are a fun and festive way to decorate for the holiday season. They're also a great way to show your holiday spirit. So next time you're putting up your Christmas lights, take a moment to appreciate the history and fun facts behind them.
]]>Here is what the customer had to say:
The lights are nice and bright. I personally would consider these a cool white. Everything on the roof line in the picture are these lights. The lights on all the bushes, garage, railing, and door frame are pure white lights from Menards. Was hoping they would match a little more closely. I may just have to replace the lights from Menards eventually.
Ryan J.
This review addresses the difficulty in matching LED colors from different manufacturers. At a glance, the bulbs and cords are similar but do not exactly match the nets and light strings from Menards but they do blend nicely. The key is to stay within the color family for white LEDs. Think of them as two camps: cool (leans to an icier end of the spectrum) or warm (more yellow-toned).
Projects incorporating traditional glass mini light strings (for example, yard sculptures with glass strings installed) consider heading to the warmer LED family for complementary Christmas Lights.
We like this sweet Christmas display that includes almost every component of a well-rounded installation with the roofline, yard edge, hedges, doors, and an outdoor Christmas tree all lit for the Holidays. Well done!
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Thanks, Brian, for sharing this photo of your project and your comments as well!
Just wanted to thank you for all of your help. The bulbs were exactly what we were looking for and are actually brighter than the other incandescent bulbs being used on houses on our block. I had nothing to worry about in regards to brightness. Talking to a neighbor they actually had no idea they were LED.
Attached is a picture. We have a streetlight right in front of our house which effects the look but the brightness of the bulbs counteract it.
They are on GFCI and I will work on getting a surge inline.
Thanks again.
Brian
See our blog with handy tips on measuring a house like this for an installation.
Be sure to plug your LED lights into a surge protector. That's in addition to GFCI when located out of doors.
Post originally published on December 7, 2017. Updated and re-released December 4, 2020 republished 10/25/2023
]]>Closeup and wide view shots.
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We love this classic Christmas display featuring 1500 C9 warm white bulbs and cords and 1000 feet of C9 Christmas cords. Outlining the rooflines and driveway plus wrapping the tree trunks creates a stunning display.
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After outlining the house, the columns and wreaths are lit with 5mm warm white light strings.
The only think we might add to this project would be extra LED bulbs and cord plus stakes to outline the sidewalk. Outlining the roof ridges would also ramp this disply up to an even higher level.
You can easily go all white LED (either pure, warm, or natural) or this look would be a great fit for a traditional glass C9 bulb.
Suggested Materials
Measure your home to confirm how many of each bulb you'll need. This count includes the windows. If you add the optional items below, be sure to adjust your bulbs count and cord length required as well.
Optional Additional Materials
Adding these add-ons will increase the requirement for bulbs so keep track of how may extra you'll need.
If you find that you need more than 400 feet of cord, it might be economical to consider purchasing a 500-foot spool of cord. Start at our general C9 cords page to see all the choices.Installation Tips
Here is a additional reading as you plan your project:
]]>In this guide, we'll explore how to choose the right Christmas lights to make your home shine brightly this holiday season.
1. Consider Your Decorating Theme
The first step in choosing the right Christmas lights is to consider your decorating theme. Are you going for a traditional look with warm, inviting colors, or do you prefer a more modern and vibrant display?
Understanding your theme will help you determine the color and style of lights that best suit your vision.
2. Determine the Type of Lights
Christmas lights come in different types, each with its unique characteristics. The most common types are:
String Lights: These are the traditional lights that come on a string, making them versatile for decorating both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Bulbs and Cords: Classic Christmas lights using C7 or C9 bulb installed into commercial cords. Normally purchased separately.
Icicle Lights: Icicle lights mimic the appearance of icicles hanging from the roofline, creating a beautiful, cascading effect.
Net Lights: These lights are pre-arranged in a net-like pattern, making them perfect for draping over bushes and hedges.
Rope Lights: These lights are encased in a flexible, transparent tube, allowing for unique shapes and patterns.
Choose the type that works best for your specific decoration needs and preferences.
3. Calculate the Length Needed
Before purchasing Christmas lights, measure the areas you plan to decorate to ensure you buy the right amount. It's always a good idea to buy a little extra in case of unexpected twists and turns during installation. To calculate the length you need, measure the distance you plan to cover, such as the roofline, windows, or tree branches.
4. Energy Efficiency
Consider the energy efficiency of the lights you choose. LED lights are known for their energy efficiency compared to traditional incandescent lights. They consume less power, last longer, and emit less heat. While LED lights may be slightly more expensive upfront, they are a cost-effective choice in the long run. Make sure your electrical service is sufficient to power the style of lights you choose.
5. Indoor vs. Outdoor Lights
Not all Christmas lights are suitable for outdoor use. Be sure to check descriptions to ensure you choose lights designed for the environment you plan to decorate. Outdoor lights are built to withstand the elements, while indoor lights may not be weather-resistant.
6. Accessories
Don't forget the plugs, extension cords, timers, clips and stakes that are required for a professional lights installation. Order a clip for every bulb along a roofline for a clean, secure installation.
Choosing the right Christmas lights can transform your home into a winter wonderland, spreading Holiday cheer and creating a festive atmosphere. By considering your decorating theme, the type of lights, length needed, energy efficiency, indoor vs. outdoor suitability, and accessories, you can ensure your Holiday lighting display is not only beautiful but also safe and cost-effective.
With the right lights, you'll create a magical ambiance that will be the envy of your neighborhood, bringing joy to all who pass by. So, let your creative spirit shine, and make this Holiday season one to remember with the perfect and personalized Christmas lights for your home.
]]>The theoretical lifespan of an LED bulb is 10,000 to 25,000+ hours. However, in real-world conditions, LED Christmas light strings typically last for 6 to 7 seasons if they are properly cared for.
There are a few factors that can affect the lifespan of your LED Christmas light strings:
To help your LED Christmas light strings last longer, follow these tips:
If you take proper care of your LED Christmas light strings, they should last for many years to come.
Here are additional tips for extending the lifespan of your LED Christmas light strings:
If you follow these tips, your LED Christmas light strings should last for many years to come, providing you with festive holiday lighting for years to come.
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All the gilbert (vampire) plugs were not used in the final installation but the customer wanted to make sure that a lack of 1-2 plugs would slow him down!
Purchase a male plug where your plan indicates you might need to cut the cord to fit and plug into an outlet or splitter. The 100-foot cords are manufactured with one male plug, so depending on your plan, you might not need additional plugs.
Originally Published 2/9/2020
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Originally published 12/7/2020.
]]>In a world of ever-changing vocabulary, the term Christmas "string lights" applies to any Christmas sets that are strung together and used to decorate for Christmas. This includes traditional incandescent lights, as well as LED lights, 12-volt lights, and battery lights.
Christmas string lights are used to decorate both indoor and outdoor spaces, and they come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.
Since Christmas is just around the corner, we thought we'd share the available options available under the “string lights” category.
Mini lights: Mini lights are the smallest and most common type of Christmas string lights. They are available in tons of colors in both glass and LED with wiring colors of green, white, brown, black, and red.
C9 and C7 lights: C9/C7 lights are manufactured either as "plug and play" sets that run several 100's of feet in series or sold as separate traditional bulbs and cords. These light strings are larger than mini lights, and they are often used to decorate outdoor spaces, such as roofs and eaves.
C9/C7 string lights are typically available in white plus all the traditional Christmas colors as well as teal, pink, and purple. Pre-wire light sets are LED while individually sold bulbs can be either LED or glass (incandescent) and can be mixed on the same 18 AWG Christmas cords.
Icicle lights: Icicle lights are long, leggy lights that resemble icicles. They are often used to decorate roofs, eaves, and trees. Icicle lights are typically available in white and blue, but they can also be found in other colors, as well. This category of lights are also available in both glass and LED and in colors to coordinate with Christmas tree lights or net lights.
Net lights: Net lights are pre-strung lights that are typically used to decorate trees and shrubs. Net lights come in a variety of sizes and colors, and they make it easy to decorate large areas quickly and easily. (We love these sets for "emergency" shrubbery lighting!
12 Volt: 12-volt LED light strings are a great option for people who want to decorate their cars and RV's without purchasing an inverter. They are also ideal for projects where an outlet isn't handy and they can be connected to a marine or similar 12 volt battery with an accessory plug to alligator clip adapter.
Battery lights: Battery string lights are another great option for people who want to decorate their homes for Christmas without having to worry about plugging in cords. They are especially ideal for decorating tablescapes and filling glass bottles and glass bricks.
No matter what type of Christmas string lights you choose, they are a great way to add festive cheer to your home and yard during the holiday season.
How to Secure LED String Lights to Your Vehicle
LED string lights are a great way to add some festive flair to your vehicle during the holidays or for other special occasions. However, it's important to secure the lights properly so that they don't fall off and cause a hazard.
Here are a few tips for securing LED string lights to your vehicle:
Here are some of the materials you can use to secure LED string lights to your vehicle:
No matter which method you choose, be sure to test it in an inconspicuous place first to make sure it works well. And most importantly, have fun and light up the night!
Here are some additional tips for securing LED string lights to your vehicle:
By following these tips, you can safely and securely add LED string lights to your vehicle. So get creative and have fun!
]]>See this quick video about our line of C9 Christmas light plug-and-play strings.
This videos shows what C9 bulbs look like with commentary and helpful tips.
Enjoy this vintage Christmas Light Source video!
Yes, you can mix different types of Christmas lights on the same tree. In fact, it's a great way to create a unique and festive look. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when mixing different types of lights:
Here are a few tips for mixing different types of Christmas lights:
Here are a few examples of how to mix different types of Christmas lights:
No matter how you choose to mix different types of Christmas lights, the most important thing is to have fun and create a display that you love.
]]>Yes, you should put Christmas lights on before ornaments. This is the most common and efficient way to decorate your Christmas tree.
Here are a few reasons why:
Here are a few tips for putting Christmas lights on your tree:
One of our favorite pro-tips is to wrap one or two strings of lights around the very center of the Christmas tree before installing the bulk of lights at the outer 1/3 of the tree. This internal installation highlights the tree and provides plenty fill light to glow from the trunk - whether real or artificial.
If you follow these tips, you'll be able to put Christmas lights on your tree quickly and easily. And, your tree will look its best!
]]>How do I assemble the rope light spool?
Each rope light spool is pre-configured with a pre-installed power connector so you can plug your rope light in right away if you need to use the full length of the spool.
Incandescent spools heat up fast so cannot be plugged in as an entire spool.They heat up, their resistance is lowered so the current running through them increases until the fuse in the end plug is blown.
To create shorter pieces of rope light, cut only between "cut-marks" evenly spaced along the rope and install a power connector and cord. Cap the end of the length with an end cap.
See more here: Complete instructions for assembling our rope light.
How do rope lights plug in?
Rope light spools can be plugged into any standard outlet via a properly installed/assembled rope light power adapter and power cord.
The lights we sell on this website are not compatible with 12 volt systems.
Can you cut a rope light to length?
Yes and no. Rope light can be cut but only at specific intervals of minimum length ranging from 18 to 72 inches. These intervals are marked by little white lines called “cut mark”. Different styles and colors of rope light have different distances between these areas that can be cut so you’ll have to specifically see the minimum distance for the spool you are considering or have purchased.
What is rope light, exactly?
Rope light is a series of either incandescent or LED bulbs encased in PVC constructed with floating electrical connections that allow them to be curved and twisted in a manner similar to neon lights. Because the connections are floating, they can’t be formed into sharp angles but are great for curving around trees, columns and some yard sculpture. Tailored for use indoors and out, this light string works as well for boat docks as it does for lighting children’s bedrooms.
How do you hang LED Rope Lights?
Rope lights are most easily hung with rope light clips. They come with small screws that allow you to install them on wooden surfaces. A few mounting clips are shipped with all of our rope light spools but you might need to consider purchasing extra. If you have a longer distance to mount your rope or if you need to form your rope light into figures or words, you’ll need more clips on hand.
Do LED rope lights get hot?
No. While incandescent rope light generate light by heating a filament, LED rope light use a completely different silicon-based technology that does not produce heat under operation. Their lower current draw also means that they can be run further in a single run than their incandescent counterparts.
Is the plastic tube on rope lights the color of the bulbs?
On some of our rope “YES” and on some “NO”. Check the specification of the spools you are purchasing to check on the “tube color”. This will let you know, for example, if you can expect to see for example: a clear tube with blue bulbs or a blue tube with blue bulbs.
Can rope lights be used outdoors?
Yes, in fact their construction makes them ideal for outdoor use. The outer plastic casing is resistant to water and dust penetration.
How do I replace a broken section?
Before replacing a section that has gone off, consider if the rope has been either pulled so straight with tension that the internal electrical connections have been disconnected. Alternatively, the rop light might have been twisted into a small enough curve that the floating connections may have become disconnedted.
In each case, relax the tension or unwind/unwrap the rope light to see if that fixes the issue.
If the floating connections are not restore, the dark section can be cut out at the pre-defined and marked "cut marks" and then cut a replacement portion to replace the broken section. Use splices to install the replacement section. Extra invisible splices can be purchased separately.
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