{"title":"String lights","description":"\u003cp\u003eInside, a low-voltage or rechargeable LED string light is enough and needs no installation work. Outside, you need a model designed for damp conditions, with a suitable protection rating, a protected power supply and a cable long enough to reach the socket.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"interieur-exterieur\"\u003eWhich string light should you choose for indoors or outdoors?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree points decide the choice before any purchase: exposure to water, the presence of a socket and the distance to cover. An indoor string light hung on a wall cannot handle what a facade string light is asked to do. Everything else, length, light colour, bulb size, comes after.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIndoor string light: bedroom, living room, headboard\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a bedroom, a string light often replaces the bedside lamp: a fine cord above the bed, closely spaced bulbs, a warm light. A \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/guirlande-murale-chambre\"\u003ewall string light for the bedroom\u003c\/a\u003e attaches to small hooks, without drilling deep, and plugs into a nearby socket or runs on a battery. The living room and hallway can take more visible models, with exposed bulbs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOutdoor LED string light: yard, terrace, balcony\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOutside, the string light must be rated for outdoor use. Measure the run to the socket before choosing the length, and keep the power supply under cover. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlande-exterieur\"\u003eString lights for the garden and terrace\u003c\/a\u003e are strung between two posts or along a railing, with a support cable if the span is long.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ccaption\u003eChoosing your string light by room and use\u003c\/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRoom or use\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eType of string light\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eProtection rating\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePower supply\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePoint to check\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBedroom\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWall or bulb string light\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIndoor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLow voltage or rechargeable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLength suited to the wall or headboard\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLiving room and hallway\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDecorative string light\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIndoor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMains or rechargeable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiscreet cable and socket nearby\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStaircase\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eString light strung along the handrail\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIndoor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMains or low voltage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSolid fixing and cable routing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCovered terrace\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFestoon string light\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIP44\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMains or low voltage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower supply under cover\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGarden, facade, shrub\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOutdoor LED string light\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIP65\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMains, low voltage or solar\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCable length to the socket\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChristmas tree\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLED Christmas string light\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIndoor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMains\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEven distribution through the branches\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"indice-ip\"\u003eWhich IP protection rating should you choose for an outdoor string light?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe IP rating gives two pieces of information: resistance to dust and resistance to water. For a covered terrace, an IP44 model is suitable. For a facade, a shrub or a railing exposed to rain, aim for IP65. In every case, the power supply stays sheltered from splashes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOutdoor string light: what the IP rating changes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIP44 protects against water splashes from any direction: that covers a terrace under an awning, a pergola, a sheltered balcony. IP65 adds protection against water jets: that is the benchmark for a hedge, a gate or a gutter. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-ip44\"\u003eIP44-protected LED string lights\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-ip65\"\u003eIP65 LED string lights\u003c\/a\u003e are not interchangeable, and a transformer placed on the ground undoes the precaution of even the best-protected model.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOutdoor LED string light: which light colour?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn a terrace, a warm light around 2,200 to 2,700 K keeps the mood of an evening meal. A more neutral white, around 3,000 to 4,000 K, lights a path or steps better, with a cooler rendering. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led\"\u003eLED string lights\u003c\/a\u003e give off little heat, which matters when the string light stays on for several hours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"guinguette\"\u003eHow do you create festoon lighting with a string light?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA festoon string light is strung in soft lines above a table or along a pergola, with exposed bulbs spaced evenly. Measure the length between fixing points before choosing, and keep a cable long enough to reach the socket.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOutdoor festoon string light: height and spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbove a table, allow about 2 m to 2.20 m from the ground so as not to get in guests' way and to keep the bulbs in view. Between two bulbs, even spacing makes the look: close together for continuous light, wider apart for distinct points of light. A support cable tensioned first, with the string light attached to it afterwards, prevents sagging in the middle of the span.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFestoon string light for terrace, pergola or marquee\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn a pergola or a marquee, the string light is fixed to the structure, never to the stretched canvas alone. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlande-guinguette\"\u003eFestoon-style string lights\u003c\/a\u003e with an E27 base take large visible bulbs; \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-220v\"\u003e220 V LED string lights\u003c\/a\u003e plug directly into a protected socket, with no transformer to house in the dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"noel-halloween\"\u003eWhich string light for Christmas and for Halloween?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a tree, a low-consumption LED string light gives off little heat and is easy to distribute through the branches. On a facade or a balcony, choose an outdoor model protected against damp. For Halloween, string lights with coloured bulbs or lamps work indoors as well as on a covered terrace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eChristmas string light: tree, facade, window\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn a tree, start at the bottom, winding around the trunk, then work upwards: the string light holds better and the light spreads without gaps. A Christmas string light for outdoors is chosen with a suitable IP rating and a cable that reaches the socket without crossing the walkway. The number of light points matters more than the stated length when judging actual coverage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHalloween string light: indoor, outdoor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Halloween, coloured bulbs and tinted lamps do the job on a window, a porch or a low wall. Outside, keep connections sheltered and prefer a model designed for damp conditions. A \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlande-lumineuse-mural\"\u003ewall string light you can put up\u003c\/a\u003e moves from one room to another depending on the occasion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"culot-couleur-longueur\"\u003eLED string light: which base, which light colour and which length?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe base determines the bulb: E27 for large visible bulbs, E14 for slimmer formats. String lights with integrated LEDs cannot be replaced and use little power. The cable length decides what you can cover between two fixing points.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eE27, E14 or integrated LED base: what it changes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe E27 base takes standard screw bulbs: you choose the light colour, replace a burnt-out bulb, change the mood without buying a new string light. E14 offers the same principle in a smaller size, with closely spaced bulbs. The integrated LED cannot be replaced, but it gives even light and needs no maintenance. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-24v\"\u003e24 V low-voltage string lights\u003c\/a\u003e follow the same principle, with a transformer to keep in the dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eLight bulbs and bulb string light: building a set\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-lumineuses\"\u003estring light\u003c\/a\u003e with bulbs pairs well with decorative bulbs placed on a piece of furniture or a windowsill. Mix sizes rather than colour temperatures: two different whites in the same room are immediately noticeable. For a matching pendant or ceiling light, take a look at \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaire\"\u003eour lighting catalogue\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ccaption\u003eWhich base for a string light\u003c\/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBase\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBulb type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRendering\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat it involves\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eE27\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScrew bulb, large socket\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVisible, generous bulbs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuited to festoon string lights with exposed bulbs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eE14\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScrew bulb, slim socket\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSmaller bulbs, closely aligned\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuited to string lights with closely spaced bulbs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntegrated LED\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot replaceable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEven light, low consumption\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo replacement possible, lifespan follows the module\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"installation\"\u003eHow do you install and hang a string light safely?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA string light is strung on hooks, screw eyes or a support cable, never on a heat source. Connections and the power supply stay sheltered from water. For a staircase or a wall, fix at hand height and check that the remaining length reaches the socket.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWall string light: bedroom and staircase\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn a wall, adhesive hooks are enough for a lightweight model; a screw eye or wall plug becomes necessary as soon as the string light is tensioned. On a staircase, the handrail serves as a guide: \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlande-escalier\"\u003estaircase string lights\u003c\/a\u003e are fixed along the handrail, out of the footpath. A bedroom string light is placed higher than the headboard, to avoid any contact at night.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFixings, extensions and lengths: mistakes to avoid\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe extension lead left in the grass, the transformer under a gutter and the string light stretched over a radiator are the three recurring mistakes. Plan the total length, socket included, before stringing: a string light that is too short forces you to move the fixings. If the span exceeds a few metres, a support cable takes the weight and the string light does not sag in the middle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"solaire-secteur\"\u003eSolar string light or mains string light: which to choose?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA solar string light goes where no socket reaches: the panel charges during the day and the light comes on at dusk. On a terrace with a socket, a mains model gives a more consistent output. Rechargeable versions suit corners with no cable and no direct sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOutdoor solar string light: use and limits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe panel must receive daylight, without shade cast by a wall or a tree: that is the operating condition. In winter or in overcast weather, battery life drops. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlande-solaire\"\u003eSolar-powered models\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-solaires\"\u003esolar LED string lights\u003c\/a\u003e avoid pull cords and extension leads, which makes hanging easier on a hedge or a gate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eRechargeable LED string light: for places without a socket\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA rechargeable string light goes on a bedside table, a low wall or in a staircase with no nearby socket, then recharges according to the supplied model. Battery life depends on the battery and the number of light points switched on. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-rechargeables\"\u003eRechargeable string lights\u003c\/a\u003e also suit a rental, where you do not want to drill.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTo settle your choice, keep in mind the room, the presence of a socket and exposure to water: the rest follows. The \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-lumineuses\"\u003efull selection of string lights\u003c\/a\u003e can be browsed by use, and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaire\"\u003eall our lighting\u003c\/a\u003e lets you match the string light to the rest of the room. Secure payment, tracked delivery, returns and Designix customer service: you order the length and colour that fit, and adjust on receipt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"faq\"\u003eFrequently asked questions about string lights\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhich string light for outdoors?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eChoose a model rated for outdoor use, with a suitable protection rating: IP44 for a covered terrace, IP65 for a facade or an exposed shrub. Also check the cable length to the socket and keep the power supply sheltered from water.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhich string light should you choose for festoon decor?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eA string light with exposed bulbs, strung in soft lines above the table or along a pergola. Measure the distance between fixing points before ordering, allow a cable long enough for the socket and space the bulbs evenly for a clean look.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eHow do you install an outdoor string light for Christmas?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eFix the string light on hooks or a support cable along the facade or balcony, never on a heat source. Use a model designed for damp conditions, leave the power supply sheltered and check that the cable reaches the socket without tension.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhich LED string light for outdoors?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn LED string light designed for outdoors, with protection rating and protected power supply. LEDs give off little heat and use less power, which matters over a whole evening. The light colour is chosen according to the mood you want: warm for a terrace, more neutral to light a path.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eSolar string light or mains string light, which to choose outside?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe solar string light goes where no socket reaches, provided the panel receives daylight. If a protected socket is available, a mains model gives consistent lighting. Rechargeable versions cover corners with no cable and no direct sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"CollectionPage\",\"name\":\"String light: choosing well for indoors, outdoors and festoon lighting\",\"description\":\"Indoor or outdoor string light: understanding the IP rating, the base, the length and use for festoon, Christmas or bedroom lighting. 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Also check the cable length to the socket and keep the power supply sheltered from water.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which string light should you choose for festoon decor?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A string light with exposed bulbs, strung in soft lines above the table or along a pergola. Measure the distance between fixing points before ordering, allow a cable long enough for the socket and space the bulbs evenly for a clean look.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How do you install an outdoor string light for Christmas?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Fix the string light on hooks or a support cable along the facade or balcony, never on a heat source. Use a model designed for damp conditions, leave the power supply sheltered and check that the cable reaches the socket without tension.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which LED string light for outdoors?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"An LED string light designed for outdoors, with protection rating and protected power supply. LEDs give off little heat and use less power, which matters over a whole evening. The light colour is chosen according to the mood you want: warm for a terrace, more neutral to light a path.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which string light for indoors?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A low-voltage or rechargeable LED string light is enough for a bedroom, a living room or a headboard. It goes up without installation work, on discreet hooks or a tensioned cable. 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