How to Transform Your Garden with Festoon Lights
We’ve all been there. You’ve spent hours in the garden — weeding, planting, running in and out of the house to cater to your children, dog, or partner’s every whim — and just as you’re about to sit down with a well-deserved G&T, the sun sets.
If evenings are the only time you truly get to enjoy your garden, why not extend the magic with festoon lights? Not only do they provide much-needed light, but they also add charm and atmosphere, turning your outdoor space into something truly special.
Why We Love Festoon Lights
Festoon lights are one of the most versatile and stylish ways to light up a garden. By day, they’re a feature in themselves; by night, they create a warm, festival-like glow that defines your outdoor spaces — whether that’s for dining, relaxing, or gathering around a fire pit.
The right lighting transforms your garden from “just a garden” into a space with personality, perfect for family nights or entertaining guests.
Do Festoon Lights Provide Enough Light?
The short answer: yes — but it depends on your bulb choice and how many you use.
Brightness comes down to lumens (the measure of light output). Here’s a quick guide:
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Everyday bulbs (S14, G45 & A60): 2w, 220 lumens
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Larger globes (A19): 3w, 360 lumens
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Extra bright styles (ST58 & G80): 5w, 600 lumens
For example:
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10 × 5w bulbs (ST58 or G80) ≈ similar brightness to 20 × 2w bulbs (S14 or A60).
Want full control? Add a dimmer so you can go from practical light to soft ambience in seconds.
Power Options: Solar vs Mains
Festoon lights have become so popular that you now have several ways to power them:
Solar Festoon Lights
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Easy, wireless, and eco-friendly.
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Automatically switch on at dusk and off at dawn.
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Perfect for creative hanging — in trees, over pergolas, along fences, or around a fire pit.
Mains-Powered Festoon Lights
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Brighter and more reliable for year-round use.
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Just make sure they’re rated for outdoors (IP65 is ideal).
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At Love Your Lights, all our festoons are designed for all-weather durability.
How to Hang Festoon Lights
This is where the fun begins. There are endless ways to style festoons, depending on your space.
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Trees, walls & sheds: Drape lights across branches or between fences and garden sheds or from trees to house rooflines.
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Pergolas & parasols: Create a cascading effect under structures for a romantic glow.
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DIY posts & planters: Use buckets of cement, tall branches, or shepherd’s hooks to design your own freestanding festoon poles.
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Maypole effect: Gather strings at one central point and fan them out for a show-stopping look.
💡 Tip: Always measure your space before buying. Consider cable length, bulb spacing, and allow a slight sag in the line for both safety and style.
Making a Feature Out of Festoon Lights
Want to take things to the next level? Here’s how:
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Layer your lighting: Pair festoons with fairy lights, lanterns, or spotlights. Try festoon droppers (available in 30cm, 50cm, and 100cm lengths) for extra depth and texture.
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Create a focal point: Frame a cosy seating area or drape above a dining table to draw people into the space.
And remember festoons don’t just belong overhead. Use them to light up paths, greenhouses, or flower beds for a subtle, enchanting evening glow.
Final Thoughts
Festoon lights aren’t just practical, they’re transformational. With the right bulbs, power source, and a little creativity, you can extend your evenings outdoors and enjoy your garden long after the sun goes down.
So next time you settle in with that G&T, you’ll be sipping under a warm, twinkling canopy of light.
