Get This Look: 1500 C9 Warm White LED Bulbs and Cords - Stunning Christmas Display

We love this classic Christmas display featuring about 1,500 C9 warm white bulbs with custom-cut C9 cords. Outlining the rooflines and driveway, plus wrapping the tree trunks, creates a clean, show-stopping look.

Materials

• 1,500 bulbs — C9 warm white. You can also choose pure white, a single solid color, or alternate two colors for a pattern.
• 1 spool — C9 empty socket cord, 1000 ft, 12" spacing, white, SPT-1. Spools come in green, white, black, and brown—match the cord to your trim or fascia. Choose 6", 12", or 18" spacing based on project size and look.
• 1 spool — C9 empty socket cord, 1000 ft, 12" spacing, black, SPT-1 (use where a darker cord disappears against shadow lines or landscaping).
• 250 ft — 18 AWG black zip wire for custom jumpers and tidy power runs.
• 500 — All-in-One Clips for shingles and gutters (fast, straight lines).
• 20 — Male Gilbert plugs, SPT-1, black.
• 20 — Female Gilbert plugs, SPT-1, black.

Planning & Measuring

• Sketch your rooflines and measure each run (ridge, eaves, peaks, and returns). Add 10–15% for corners and transitions.
• Pick spacing: 12" gives classic definition; 6" is ultra-bright; 18" is subtle and budget-friendly.
• Match cord color to the background (white on light trim, green/brown on landscaping, black in shadow lines).
• Plan power: note your outlet locations and the direction each run should face toward power.

How to Build Custom C9 Runs

1. Unroll cord and dry-fit along the roofline to confirm lengths and bulb spacing.
2. Cut cord to length between sockets. Add a male Gilbert plug at the start and a female at the end (observe SPT-1 polarity marks).
3. Use All-in-One clips to keep lines straight and sockets vertical for that pro look.
4. Install bulbs last and hand-tighten—snug, not over-tight.

Tip: Use 18 AWG zip wire to create neat jumpers between separate roof sections without “extra bulbs glowing in the middle.”

Warm White vs. Pure White

Warm white gives a cozy, traditional glow that pairs well with warm interior windows. Pure white looks crisp and modern and pops against dark shingles—great if you like sharp, icy lines. Mixing the two on different sections adds depth without clashing.

Safety & Power Basics

• Use cords, plugs, and wire with the same SPT rating (SPT-1 in this build).
• LED C9 bulbs keep total wattage low; avoid overloading circuits and follow product guidelines.
• Keep connections off the ground and weather-protected; test everything before climbing.

Pin & Save for Later! Originally published 12/08/2020; edited and republished 10/17/2025.