Walking into the world of fairy lights can feel overwhelming. With countless options available—different power sources, lengths, colours, and features—choosing your first set might seem daunting. But don't worry. This beginner's guide breaks down everything you need to know in plain language, helping you make an informed decision that matches your needs and space.
What Are Fairy Lights?
Fairy lights, also known as string lights, twinkle lights, or decorative lights, are a series of small light bulbs connected along a wire or cord. While the term traditionally referred to the small, twinkling lights used on Christmas trees, it now encompasses a wide variety of decorative lighting products used year-round for ambiance and decoration.
Modern fairy lights almost exclusively use LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology, which offers significant advantages over older incandescent bulbs. LEDs consume far less electricity, generate minimal heat, last much longer, and are available in a wider range of colours and styles.
Key Takeaway
When shopping for fairy lights, always look for LED options. They're safer, more energy-efficient, and will last significantly longer than any remaining incandescent products on the market.
Understanding Power Sources
One of the first decisions you'll make is how your fairy lights will be powered. Each option has distinct advantages and limitations.
Battery-Powered Lights
Battery-powered fairy lights offer maximum flexibility in placement since they don't require proximity to a power outlet. They're ideal for centerpieces, glass jars, wreaths, and other decorative applications where trailing wires would be unsightly or impractical.
The trade-off is ongoing battery costs and the need to replace batteries periodically—typically every 20-40 hours of use for standard alkaline batteries. Many battery-powered lights now offer timer functions that automatically turn off after 6 hours, helping extend battery life.
USB-Powered Lights
USB-powered fairy lights plug into any USB port—computer, power bank, USB wall adapter, or even some televisions. They offer a good middle ground between portability and consistent power. You can use them with a portable power bank for wireless operation, or plug them into an adapter for permanent installation.
Mains-Powered (Plug-in) Lights
Mains-powered lights plug directly into a standard Australian power outlet (240V). They provide consistent, reliable power and are ideal for permanent or semi-permanent installations. However, you'll need to plan your installation around available outlets and may need extension cords for some applications.
Solar-Powered Lights
Solar fairy lights charge during the day via a small solar panel and operate automatically at night. They're perfect for outdoor use where running electrical cables would be difficult or impossible. The main limitation is that they depend on adequate sunlight—in shaded areas or during overcast periods, they may not charge fully and will provide shorter run times.
Length and LED Count
Fairy lights are sold in various lengths, typically ranging from 2 metres to 30 metres or more. The number of LEDs on a string—often called the "LED count"—determines how bright and dense the lights appear.
To choose the right length, measure the area you want to decorate. For wrapping around objects like headboards, mirrors, or stair railings, measure the perimeter and add about 20% extra for loops and securing. For draping across walls or ceilings, sketch out your planned path and measure each section.
LED Density Guide
A higher LED count per metre creates a denser, brighter effect. For subtle ambient lighting, 5-10 LEDs per metre is sufficient. For more impactful displays, look for 10-20 LEDs per metre. Fairy lights marketed as "micro" or "firefly" lights typically have very high density with tiny, closely-spaced LEDs.
Understanding Colour Temperature
The "colour" of white light is measured in Kelvin (K). This specification dramatically affects the mood and appearance of your fairy lights.
- Warm White (2700K-3000K): Creates a cosy, golden glow similar to candlelight or traditional incandescent bulbs. This is the most popular choice for bedrooms, living spaces, and romantic settings.
- Neutral White (3500K-4000K): A balanced, natural-looking white that works well in modern settings and provides clearer illumination.
- Cool White (5000K-6500K): A crisp, bluish-white light that feels more clinical and modern. Often used for contemporary décor or mixed with coloured lights for contrast.
For most home decorating purposes, warm white is the safest choice. It's universally flattering, creates a relaxing atmosphere, and blends well with most interior styles.
Wire Types and Visibility
The wire that connects the LEDs comes in several materials, each with different aesthetic properties:
- Copper Wire: Thin, flexible, and often bare (uncoated), copper wire fairy lights have become extremely popular. The wire itself has a warm metallic tone that complements the lights and virtually disappears when illuminated. Copper wire is excellent for wrapping around objects and creating intricate shapes.
- Silver Wire: Similar to copper but with a cooler metallic tone. Works particularly well with cool white LEDs and modern décor styles.
- Green PVC Wire: Traditional Christmas light styling with a green plastic coating that blends into foliage and greenery. Thicker and less flexible than metal wires but very durable.
- Clear/White PVC Wire: Designed to blend in against light-coloured surfaces. A good choice for white walls, curtains, or neutral décor.
- Black Wire: Disappears against dark surfaces and adds an industrial or gothic aesthetic when visible.
Indoor vs Outdoor Ratings
Fairy lights are designed for either indoor use, outdoor use, or both. This distinction is critical—using indoor-only lights outside can result in electrical hazards and rapid product failure.
Outdoor-rated fairy lights feature weatherproof construction, typically indicated by an IP (Ingress Protection) rating. For Australian conditions, we recommend:
- IP44: Minimum for covered outdoor areas (patios, verandahs)
- IP65: Recommended for exposed outdoor use
- IP67: Suitable for ground-level installations or areas subject to flooding
Learn more about these ratings in our complete guide to IP ratings.
Lighting Modes and Features
Many fairy lights include built-in features that add versatility:
- Multiple Modes: Common modes include steady on, slow fade, fast flash, slow flash, twinkle, and various combination patterns. Some lights offer 8 or more modes.
- Timer Function: Automatically turns lights on and off on a schedule, typically 6 hours on and 18 hours off. Great for energy saving and convenience.
- Remote Control: Allows you to adjust brightness, modes, and power from a distance. Particularly useful for lights installed in hard-to-reach places.
- Dimmable: Lets you adjust brightness levels to suit different occasions and times of day.
- Memory Function: Remembers your last settings when powered off, so you don't need to reconfigure each time.
Beginner Tip
If you just want simple, steady lights, you don't need fancy features. Many multi-mode lights default to a steady-on setting, but simpler products are often more reliable and easier to use.
Installation Basics
Installing fairy lights is generally straightforward, but a few tips will help ensure a safe, attractive result:
Mounting Methods
Never use nails, staples, or any fasteners that could pierce the wire insulation. Safe mounting options include:
- Adhesive hooks (Command hooks or similar)
- Plastic light clips designed for fairy lights
- Cable clips that hold without puncturing
- Existing features like curtain rods, picture rails, or hooks
Planning Your Layout
Before you start, plan your layout. Consider where the power source is located and work backwards from there. Lay out the lights on the floor first to visualise the spacing and ensure you have enough length. For wall installations, lightly mark the path with removable tape before committing to permanent mounting.
Creating Even Spacing
For a professional look, maintain consistent spacing between loops or drapes. Measure the total length you're covering and divide by your number of mounting points. A little planning goes a long way toward a polished result.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying too short: It's better to have slightly more length than you need. You can always tuck away excess, but you can't stretch lights further.
- Ignoring power source location: Plan where your lights will plug in before installation. There's nothing worse than a beautiful display ruined by an extension cord stretched across the floor.
- Using indoor lights outside: This is both a safety issue and a durability issue. Indoor lights will fail quickly when exposed to weather.
- Over-tightening: Stretching fairy lights too tight can damage wires over time. Leave a little slack.
- Ignoring weight: Long strings of fairy lights are heavier than they look. Ensure your mounting points can handle the weight, especially for ceiling installations.
Armed with this knowledge, you're ready to choose and install your first set of fairy lights. Remember, there's no wrong answer—fairy lights are all about creating an atmosphere that makes you happy. Start simple, learn what works for your space, and build from there.