Festoon Lights

Festoon lights are an ideal lighting option for changing moods because they add warmth to almost any indoor or outdoor space. Their multi-purpose design makes them perfect for: 

• adding charm to a home entertaining area 
• creating an intimate feel in a commercial space 
• styling events like weddings or parties 

Many festoon light sets are easy for homeowners to install without an electrician — simply plug them into a standard wall socket. 

Festoon lights are also known for their heavy-duty durability, which makes them suitable for commercial fit-outs and outdoor use in harsher weather conditions (as long as the IP rating is suitable). 

There are two common styles of festoon lighting you can choose from: 

Flush Festoon Lights 

Flush festoon lights sit directly against the festoon cabling — meaning the bulbs do not hang down. Wherever the cable is positioned, the bulbs sit at the same level. 

These are best suited for applications like: 

• outlining roof edges 
• lining deck roof areas 
• highlighting signage and billboards 

Suggested browse: Festoon Lights, Outdoor Lighting 

Hanging Festoon Lights 

This style has bulbs that hang down from a small cable, which connects to a main cable cord. The main cable comes in various lengths and typically includes a plug that connects to a wall socket. 

Hanging festoons are the classic option for entertaining areas and events. 

Yes — one of the most convenient things about festoon lights is that they can be used both indoors and outdoors. 

Indoor use
Festoon lights can add a warm, atmospheric glow in areas such as: 

• family living rooms 
• staircases 
• entertaining spaces 

Outdoor use
Festoon lights are commonly chosen for outdoor spaces because they are often: 

• weatherproof (depending on IP rating) 
• easy to install for DIY use 
• maintenance-friendly 
• designed with safety in mind 

Festoon lights with a high IP rating are protected against solids (like dust) and liquids (like water), which is why they are frequently used in: 

• breweries 
• pubs and cafes 
• music festivals 
• city alleyways 
• outdoor entertaining spaces 

Festoon lights are a great choice for creating a welcoming and intimate atmosphere — and placement is only limited by your imagination. Common uses include: 

Outdoor garden parties 

Festoon lights are a staple for backyard entertaining, including: 

• birthday parties 
• Christmas gatherings 
• summer evening catch-ups with friends and family 

Weddings 

Festoon lights help create a memorable setting by adding warmth and intimacy. They work beautifully across venues such as: 

• backyards 
• farms 
• golf clubs 
• churches 

Festivals 

Music and food festivals often use festoon lighting to brighten the area and create a lively ambience for guests and patrons. They’re also popular for: 

• street parties 
• pop-up breweries 
• outdoor concerts 

Events 

Corporate functions, council events, and retail store openings can be enhanced with festoon lights. They’re easy to install, pack away, and reuse — saving time for event staff. 

Choosing the right bulb type is important — because bulb choice impacts the mood, safety, and practicality. 

Carbon filament bulbs 

Carbon filament bulbs are usually chosen for decorative styling and ambience, creating a nostalgic warm glow. 

Best for: 

• weddings 
• backyard entertaining 
• vintage-themed settings 

Downside: 

• shorter lifespan than LEDs 

LED bulbs 

LEDs are best when energy efficiency and lifespan are the priority. 

Benefits: 

• long lifespan 
• lower energy use 
• practical lighting 

Downside: 

• may feel less “warm and intimate” than filament styles 
• can look more “generic” depending on design 

Coloured bulbs 

Coloured festoon bulbs are popular in Australian backyards and commonly used for: 

• summer parties 
• Christmas celebrations 
• outdoor music festivals 

Before purchasing festoon lighting, consider the following: 

• Purpose: decorative vs functional lighting 
• Indoor or outdoor use: ensure suitability for the environment 
• Length: measure your installation area first 
• Bulb type: LED vs filament vs coloured bulbs 
• Bulb spacing: closer spacing = more light output 
• Waterproof rating: for outdoor use, look for at least IP44 
• Colour tone: warm white vs cool white vs multi-colour 
• Material quality: sturdy cabling and well-attached bulbs 
• Power source: plug-in vs battery options 
• Accessories: extension leads, timers, dimmers 
• Budget: choose the best quality within your price range 

Festoon lights (sometimes referred to as string lights) are available in a range of bulb shapes, each creating a slightly different look and lighting effect. 

The three most common festoon bulb shapes are: 

Teardrop 

A teardrop bulb is narrow at the base and wider at the end — similar to a classic lightbulb shape. 

Round 

A round bulb gives the classic Edison-inspired look from the late 1800s and is one of the most popular choices for stylish entertaining spaces. 

Small round 

Small round bulbs are a minimalist option and are often chosen to create a softer glow.