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LED string lights are an easy way to add a finishing touch to your living room, bedroom, child’s room, garden or party space. But there’s more to consider than colour and design. Unclear length specifications, an unsuitable IP rating or missing accessories can all mean your lights won’t work where you want to use them.
The total length given for a set of string lights may include the connecting cable. That’s why it’s important to check the illuminated length. For example, a set with a total length of 4.35 metres may have an illuminated section of just 3.85 metres, with the remaining 50 centimetres taken up by the lead.
Before you buy, make sure you know:
An IP20 rating is intended for dry indoor spaces. It offers no stated protection against splashing water. For a balcony, patio, garden or entrance, choose lights with a suitable IP rating. IP44 means protection against solid objects above a certain size and against water splashed from different directions. Even so, connectors, power supplies and battery compartments must not be left in standing water.
So, if a product is advertised as “indoor and outdoor string lights”, don’t rely on that description alone: check the specific IP rating.
“White” could mean warm white, neutral white or cool white. Warm white light often suits living spaces and Christmas decorations, while cool white has a brighter, more functional look. An RGB LED strip offers a range of colours, but usually needs a controller and a suitable power supply.
It’s also worth checking how the lights are operated:
An LED strip 5 m long could be a good choice for a straight edge, shelf or the back of a television. A 5-metre strip with 150 LEDs offers different styling options from a string of lights with just a few larger bulbs. Also check whether the back is self-adhesive and will stick to the surface you have in mind. Dust, grease and moisture can reduce its grip.
Before mounting lights on a ceiling or wall, make sure the surface is clean, dry and sturdy. For delicate wallpaper, removable fixings that come away cleanly may be a better choice than strong adhesive tape.
Mains-powered lights are a good option for long-term decorative lighting. If you choose an LED strip with a power adapter, make sure the input voltage, output voltage and plug are compatible. The 5-metre model featured here uses a 24-volt DC adapter, which is designed to connect to the mains.
Battery power gives you more flexibility for garden and party lighting. Check which battery size you need and whether batteries are included. To estimate running costs, use this calculation:
Cost = power in kilowatts × hours of use × electricity price.
For battery-powered products, battery life also depends on the lighting mode, battery capacity and ambient temperature.
Paper lanterns need a light source that produces little heat. A suitable LED bulb is usually a better choice than a light source that gets very hot. As a general rule, avoid naked flames, damaged cables and outdoor connections without suitable protection.
For products used in children’s rooms or at events, position cables to prevent trips and tangles. Decorative lighting isn’t automatically suitable as a toy.
Why it suits this profile: The 20 colourful balls with warm white LED lights are ideal for dry indoor spaces, children’s rooms and simple party decorations.
The 385 cm illuminated length and 50 cm lead are listed separately. With an IP20 rating, these lights are only suitable for dry indoor spaces.
20 lights, 6 cm plastic balls and an on/off switch on the product.
Why it suits this profile: This flexible strip is designed for customised indoor lighting behind furniture, on shelves or along the ceiling.
The 5-metre length, 150 LEDs and IP20 rating are clearly stated, so you can check that they’re suitable for your space before installation.
RGB colour selection, dimmable brightness, self-adhesive backing, 24-volt adapter and infrared remote control.
Why it suits this profile: These long string lights are a good choice if you want to decorate trees, paths, larger rooms or create seasonal Christmas displays.
The IP44 rating makes these lights suitable for a wider range of uses than indoor-only products. However, connections still need to be protected from standing water.
11.2 metres total length, 140 LEDs, eight lighting functions, a memory function and three AA batteries required.
Why it suits this profile: The decorative glass balls look lovely on shelves and sideboards, at weddings and parties, or as little accents around the home.
The 165 cm length and battery-powered operation are clearly stated. These lights are intended for dry, sheltered areas and must be kept out of water.
Ten warm white LEDs, glass casing, 165 cm length and two AA batteries required.
We’ve put together a comprehensive, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and fully comply with the safety regulations in force in the EU.
Clean and dry the surface before installation. Self-adhesive LED strips stick best to smooth, dust-free surfaces. For wallpaper or delicate paintwork, use removable fixings. Cables must not be stretched tight or run along sharp edges.
Their actual lifespan depends on LED quality, heat dissipation, the power supply, switching cycles and where they’re used. Overheating, exposure to moisture beyond the stated IP rating or a damaged cable can shorten their lifespan. If you use lights outdoors, check the connections regularly for cracks and moisture.
LED lights generally use less power than many older types of bulb. For an accurate estimate, check the stated power rating, how many hours you use them each day and your electricity tariff. Battery-powered models also have the ongoing cost of replacement batteries.