{"title":"15 m outdoor festoon lights","description":"\u003cp\u003ePlan a solid anchor point at each end and a clearance height of around 2.20 m above the ground: the 15m festoon lights outdoor string stretches from a facade to a tree or along an arbor. Its visible warm-light bulbs illuminate the table and faces without flooding the garden. To see how this format compares with the others, browse \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/luminaire\"\u003eall Designix lighting\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cnav\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#lumiere\"\u003eWhat light it gives\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#accrocher\"\u003eWhere to hang it\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#longueur\"\u003e15 m or 10 m\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#ampoule\"\u003eE27 bulb\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#ip\"\u003eIP rating, voltage, power\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#noel\"\u003eSeasonal decorating\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#entretien\"\u003eInstallation and care\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#applique\"\u003eComplementing the string lights\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/nav\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"lumiere\"\u003eWhat kind of light do 15m festoon lights give?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e15m festoon lights give a warm, even light, with visible bulbs that illuminate without glare. Hang them above a table or along a pergola to extend the evening: they light the plates and the faces, not the whole garden surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA warm light to extend evenings outdoors\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs a rule, ambient string lights are chosen around 2200 to 2700 kelvins, the so-called warm white range that leans toward amber. The result stays soft, without a bluish halo, and pairs well with wood, stone and plants. If you are looking for that effect on a balcony, an awning or a courtyard, compare the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-lumineuses\"\u003estring lights\u003c\/a\u003e available and their light colour before deciding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eVisible bulbs or integrated LEDs: what changes on a terrace\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA string with exposed sockets takes screw-in bulbs: you choose the colour, you replace a burnt-out bulb, you change the look by switching from a round shape to a teardrop shape. A model with integrated LED modules is not repaired the same way, but requires no assembly. In both cases, check the maximum load indicated on the cable before changing a bulb, and look at the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led\"\u003eLED string lights\u003c\/a\u003e for everyday use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"accrocher\"\u003eWhere to hang 15m festoon lights in the garden?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThey are strung across a terrace, between a facade and a tree, or along an arbor, at a height that lets guests pass without touching them. A solid anchor point at each end is enough: the 15 m length covers long spans in a garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbove the table, between the house and the tree\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe simplest span runs from a facade wall to a trunk or post, at around 2.20 to 2.50 m from the ground at the lowest point. Sit at the table to judge: the string should stay above eye level, without being stuck to the pergola ceiling. A span of more than six to eight metres benefits from an intermediate support point, otherwise the cable sags and pulls on the fixings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePergola, arbor, privacy screen: the right anchor points\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn a pergola, screw hooks into the beams, never into a gutter or a thin board. On an arbor, metal posts take clamps or carabiners. A privacy screen and a hedge can support a string that runs high, provided the cable is kept away from the foliage. The \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlande-exterieur\"\u003eoutdoor string lights\u003c\/a\u003e catalogue gathers the formats suited to these setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"longueur\"\u003e15m festoon lights or 10 m: which length to choose?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 15 m suits large terraces, gardens and reception tables where the light must run from one end to the other. The 10 m is enough on a balcony, a small terrace or a narrow pergola. Better a slightly longer length than too short: a cable can be guided, a taut cable does not stretch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ccaption\u003eWhich string light length for which outdoor use\u003c\/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLength\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eUse\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhere to place it\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat to plan for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5 to 10 m\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBalcony, small terrace, narrow pergola\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFrom a wall to a post, above a table\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA nearby outdoor socket\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15 m\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTerrace, garden, reception table\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFacade to tree, across an arbor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA solid anchor at each end\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 m and more\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLarge garden, path, courtyard\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSeveral spans, hedge, privacy screen\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAn intermediate point for tension\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e15m festoon lights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 15 m is the format for outdoor meals: it allows a run back and forth above a large table or a full crossing of a terrace. Count the actual distance between your two fixings, not the floor area, and add the drop if you plan a low point. The \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlande-guinguette\"\u003efestoon light collection\u003c\/a\u003e gathers models of this type.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e10m festoon lights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn a narrow pergola or a balcony, the 10 m avoids the excess cable that has to be coiled somewhere. It remains relevant if your two anchor points are close and if the string mainly serves as a marker above the table. For a garden without a socket, look instead at a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlande-solaire\"\u003esolar string light with no connection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"ampoule\"\u003eWhich outdoor E27 bulb to choose for outdoor string lights?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eChoose an E27 bulb designed for outdoor use, LED and warm white, whose voltage matches that of the string. Check the IP rating of the bulb and the maximum load indicated on the cable. A base well oriented downwards limits water in the socket.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOutdoor E27 bulb: LED or incandescent\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAn outdoor E27 LED bulb heats little, which matters when the socket stays powered for several hours and rain reaches the socket. Incandescent gives a sought-after amber tint, but consumes more and heats up. In both cases, the shape matters: a round or teardrop bulb diffuses widely, an exposed-filament bulb gives a bright point. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-ip44\"\u003eIP44 LED string lights\u003c\/a\u003e generally accept this type of screw-in bulb.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eBase, voltage and cable load: the checks before screwing in\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThree checks before mounting: the voltage indicated on the string matches that of the bulb, the number of bulbs does not exceed the cable load, and the socket stays oriented downwards or to the sheltered side. Do not mix very different wattages on the same cable. For this type of setup, the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlande-guinguette\"\u003esocket festoon light\u003c\/a\u003e remains the most flexible base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"ip\"\u003eIP44, IP65, 220 V, 24 V, solar: how to choose string lights that stay outside?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIP44 protects against water splashes and suits under an awning; IP65 withstands rain and dust, for direct exposure. 220 V plugs into a protected outdoor socket, 24 V goes through a transformer, solar avoids any connection but depends on sunlight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ccaption\u003eWhich IP rating for outdoor string lights\u003c\/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRating\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eExposure\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSuitable location\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTo avoid\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIP20\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo protection against water\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIndoors only\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUncovered terrace\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIP44\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater splashes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUnder an awning, a conservatory, a covered pergola\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDirect rain and runoff\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIP65\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRain and dust\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFacade wall, garden, direct exposure\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eImmersion\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIP rating: what the string really withstands\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe first digit concerns solids, the second water. An IP65 string holds up in pouring rain and on an exposed facade; an IP44 must stay sheltered by a pergola roof or an awning. Also check the connectors and the power supply, often less protected than the cable. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-ip65\"\u003eIP65 LED models\u003c\/a\u003e are the ones that stay outside without special attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOutdoor socket, transformer or solar panel\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA 220 V string plugs into a protected outdoor socket, placed within reach of the cable: this is the simplest setup for a fixed terrace. 24 V requires a transformer kept away from water, which calls for a considered location. Solar removes the connection but depends on sunlight, and the rechargeable one is brought inside to recharge. Compare \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-220v\"\u003e220 V LED string lights\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-24v\"\u003e24 V LED string lights\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-solaires\"\u003esolar LED string lights\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-rechargeables\"\u003erechargeable string lights\u003c\/a\u003e according to your socket and your use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"noel\"\u003eLarge outdoor Christmas string lights: when do festoon lights fit?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e15m festoon lights serve all year on a terrace, while large outdoor Christmas string lights are chosen for a specific period and decor. If you are looking for lasting ambient light, festoon is the right format; for seasonal dressing, compare the two.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eThe case of seasonal decorating\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLarge outdoor Christmas string lights often aim for a stronger effect: bolder colours, garland upon garland, sometimes flashing. They are put up for a few weeks and then stored. Festoon stays more understated, with warm white bulbs that never date and pair with garden furniture as well as with the facade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eLarge length: what changes at installation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe longer the length, the more cable tension becomes the sensitive point: an intermediate support point or a tensioner prevents the string from sagging. Also plan the route of the power cable and where it joins the socket, often the detail that decides the installation. Other hanging solutions exist in the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-lumineuses\"\u003estring lights\u003c\/a\u003e for a garden path or staircase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"entretien\"\u003eHow to hang and care for outdoor festoon lights?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eStretch the cable without pulling it taut, with a hook or carabiner at each end and an intermediate point if the span is long. Leave a little slack for the wind. At the end of the season, take down the string, wipe the sockets and store it dry so you find it intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCable tension and fixings that hold in the wind\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA cable that is too taut breaks at the first gust or tears out its hook; a cable that is too slack touches heads. Aim for a slight curve, with screw hooks in wood, clamps on a metal post and never a nail. For a long span, a load-bearing cable stretched between the two anchors relieves the string, which then simply hangs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCleaning, winter storage and bulb replacement\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith the power off, a dry cloth on the sockets is enough to remove dust and insects. Check the connections before plugging back in. If the string stays outside all year, an IP65 model withstands the weather; elsewhere, taking it down at the end of the season extends its life. For other wall uses, see the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlande-lumineuse-mural\"\u003ewall string light\u003c\/a\u003e and the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlande-escalier\"\u003estaircase string light\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"applique\"\u003eOutdoor terrace wall light: how to complement the string lights?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAn outdoor terrace wall light provides fixed, directed light near a door or a wall, where the string only creates ambience. The two complement each other: the string for meals and evenings, the wall light for moving around, coming in and lighting the entrance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat a wall light adds to a string light\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe string lights high up, without direction. A wall light places light where the foot lands: service door, wall corner, access step. That is what avoids going back and forth with a torch when the meal ends. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlande-exterieur\"\u003eOutdoor string lights\u003c\/a\u003e and wall lights are chosen together for this reason.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eMatching the two light sources on a terrace\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eKeep the same colour family, warm white on both sides, to avoid a white zone next to an amber zone. Place the wall light as grazing light on the wall, not facing the guests, and keep the string as the only source above the table. The rest of the range can be found in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaire\"\u003eour lighting world\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTo measure the real span between two anchors, stretch a line from one point to the other and note the useful distance, without counting the fixings. If the distance is large, add an intermediate support point to limit cable sag and spread the load.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eOutdoor E27 bulb: which to choose for festoon lights?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn outdoor E27 bulb is chosen on three points: the voltage intended by the string, the IP rating of the bulb and the light colour. A warm white LED heats little and suits prolonged outdoor use. Point the base downwards to limit water in the socket.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eLarge outdoor Christmas string lights: are festoon lights suitable?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, if you are looking for ambient light that stays outside all year and pairs with terrace furniture. Large outdoor Christmas string lights, on the other hand, aim for seasonal decor, often more colourful. Compare the colour, the IP rating and the power method before deciding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eOutdoor terrace wall light: should you add one alongside the string lights?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn outdoor terrace wall light illuminates a fixed point, near a door or a wall, while the string creates ambience above the table. The two complement each other without competing: the wall light for moving around and coming in, the string for meals and evenings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003e15m festoon lights: for what type of terrace?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a wide terrace, a courtyard or a garden where the cable must run from one end to the other between two distant anchors. On a deep pergola, it also allows a back-and-forth run. If the distance between your fixings is short, a more modest length is enough.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003e10m festoon lights: is that enough?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn a balcony, a small terrace or a narrow pergola, the 10 m covers the span without leaving excess cable. Count the actual distance between your two fixings, not the floor area. A slightly longer cable is easier to guide than a cable that is too short.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eCan festoon lights be left outside all year?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt depends on their IP rating and the exposure of the location. An IP65 string can stay in the rain, an IP44 goes under an awning. Also check the sockets and connections: cleaning at the end of the season and dry storage extend the life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eDo you need an outdoor socket or a transformer for a 15 m string?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 220 V string plugs into a protected outdoor socket, placed within reach of the cable. A 24 V string requires a transformer kept away from water. A solar or rechargeable model avoids any connection, with a runtime linked to sunlight or to recharging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"CollectionPage\",\"name\":\"15m festoon lights: light, fixing and choice\",\"description\":\"15m festoon lights: the light they give, where to hang them, which E27 base, which IP rating and how to light a terrace outdoors.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/guirlande-guinguette-exterieur-15-m\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"name\":\"Designix\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\"},\"speakable\":{\"@type\":\"SpeakableSpecification\",\"cssSelector\":[\"h1\",\"h2\"]}},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Lighting\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/luminaire\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"String lights\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/guirlande\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"15m festoon lights: light, fixing and choice\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/guirlande-guinguette-exterieur-15-m\"}]},{\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Outdoor E27 bulb: which to choose for festoon lights?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"An outdoor E27 bulb is chosen on three points: the voltage intended by the string, the IP rating of the bulb and the light colour. 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