What is the difference between fairy lights and string lights?
Fairy lights are decorative lighting that can be used both indoors and outdoors. They’re often used during festive seasons and celebrations, which is why many people refer to them as “Christmas lights”.
Because fairy lights are usually sold in long strands, they’re also commonly called string lights.
However, string lights is a broader term and can include many other designs such as:
festoon globes (Festoon Lights)
lantern string lights
vintage string lights
outdoor string lights
twinkle star lights
jar string lights
So while fairy lights are a type of string light, not every string light is considered fairy lights.
Do fairy lights attract bugs and insects?
Fairy lights can attract bugs and insects to some extent — just like most light sources.
Insects are naturally drawn to light, especially light that emits ultraviolet (UV) tones. Fairy lights with cooler hues (white or blue) may attract more insects than warmer tones.
The good news is that LED fairy lights generally attract fewer bugs than older incandescent options because:
they emit less heat
they produce less UV light
To reduce insects around your fairy lights, consider:
choosing warmer colours like amber or yellow
keeping lights away from doorways and entrances
combining with outdoor bug-repellent solutions if needed
Do fairy lights increase my electricity bills?
In most cases, fairy lights do not noticeably increase electricity bills.
That’s because micro LED bulbs used in fairy lights consume around 80–90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. They also last significantly longer — often up to 50,000 hours, compared with around 3,000 hours for older incandescent types.
This makes LED fairy lights an energy-efficient option for both everyday decorating and long-term seasonal use.
How long can I leave fairy lights on?
You can leave fairy lights on continuously for long periods (even up to 24 hours) without affecting performance, especially when using LED fairy lights.
Because LEDs produce very little heat, they are generally:
safer to touch
lower risk than traditional lighting
less likely to overheat
LEDs also don’t emit infrared radiation the same way older lights do, which helps reduce heat build-up in the enclosure.
How can I hang fairy lights on my wall without damaging it?
Hanging fairy lights without damage is easy with the right accessories.
Some safe methods include:
adhesive mini wire hooks (such as 3M-style hooks)
placing lights on items already mounted (like picture frames or shelving)
suction cup light holders
mini light clips
brick clip hangers for brick walls (no drilling required)
These options let you decorate without nails, screws, or wall damage.
