Bulbs and Cords · Get This Look · LED Bulbs ·Sep 27, 2024

Get this Look: A Mid-Century Vision in Blue!

We love how the owner of this Texas Mid Century multi-level home outlines her home's unique architecture. She's been installing these bulbs since 2020 and still receives compliments!

We appreciate the straightforward design with a warm white accent on the side brick wall. We've added a materials list and tips below.

Materials

Installation Tips

Step 1: Measure Your Lines

The best first step in any Christmas lights display installation is to measure the approximate length of the roofline, driveways, and sidewalks. Add 10% to account for "swag".

The length of a project like this can be estimated from the ground by walking out the perimeter and counting steps. If you have an average 3 foot stride then multiply the number of steps by 3 to approximate the linear measurement of the roofline.

Step 2: Create Your Plan

Create a plan for the installation. Note the location of plugs, need for extension cords, and areas that will need to be skipped by using bulk wire instead of socket cord.

Example: If a 2 foot space needs to be crossed but not lit, use a male/female gilbert plug set and a length of 18 AWG bulk wire to create a short jumper. Plug into the run to visually jump the gap.

Clip Selection for This Project:

Magnetic Clips: Perfect for metal flashing
Combo C Clips: Great for flat rooflines (screws or adhesive silicone)
Alternative: Original Shingle Tab + Parapet Clip combination
Shingle Edges: Multi-application or universal clips

Step 3: Choose Your Cord

Choose a cord based on the color of trim and fascia. You can choose between green, white, black, and brown. Our C9 Christmas cord collection has a wide variety of colors, lengths, and bulb/socket spacing.

Step 4: Select Your Bulbs

Choose your favorite bulb shape and color. You can choose between a single color display or alternate bulb colors. Traditional combinations include red/white, blue/white, and red/green/white for Christmas. We've enjoyed seeing photos of pink and white displays, all purple, and teal and red.

Pro Tip: Always double check your order to make sure that bulb bases and cord sockets are compatible.

Step 5: Choose Installation Accessories

Choose installation accessories based on roof style and how you want the bulbs oriented. Pointing LED bulbs up or down rather than pointing at the viewer is generally the better, brighter choice. Accessories include plugs, clips, and stakes. Be sure that the SPT rating of the accessories match the rating of the cord you choose.

Step 6: Terminating Cords

18 AWG parallel wired cords can be cut to fit. The end can be terminated in a female plug, with electrical tape, or by dipping into liquid electrical tape.

Step 7: Placing Your Order

If you are unfamiliar with a style or color of lights, consider purchasing a small quantity of bulbs and a 25 foot cord to test out the bulbs before placing a large order. Be sure to order a clip or stake for each bulb to have a sharp, clean, professional line. Rely on your original Christmas Lights schematic to determine how many bulbs, plugs, and clips/stakes will be needed for the project.

Step 8: Final Installation Tips

Be sure to install LED bulbs into their cords before beginning installation. Giving each bulb a 1/4 counterclockwise turn before screwing in the light bulbs can prevent cross threading.

Testing Tips: