Buying Festoon Lights? Our 5 Key Must Haves!

Festoon lights are a timeless favourite for outdoor spaces — but not all festoon lights are created equal! Whether you're lighting up a garden, patio, event or hospitality space, it pays to know what you’re buying. Here are 5 key things to check before you invest:

1️⃣ IP65 Waterproof Rating

If your lights are going outdoors, an IP65 rating is non-negotiable. This means they’re fully waterproof — not just “shower resistant” like many cheaper sets rated IP44 or lower. An IP65 rating gives peace of mind that your lights can handle all kinds of weather.

2️⃣ Rubber Cables

Thin PVC cables might be cheaper, but they don’t last. For durability and safety, always look for thick rubber cabling. It’s made to withstand outdoor conditions and heavy use — and just feels better quality.

3️⃣ Replaceable Bulb Sockets

Bulbs blow — it happens! But with replaceable bulb sockets, you can simply swap the bulb instead of replacing the entire set. Some cheaper brands use fixed bulbs, which means one failure can ruin the whole strand. No thanks.

4️⃣ A Connectable System

A good festoon system should grow with you. Whether you're lighting up a pergola now and adding a fence line later, or switching between long and short runs for different occasions, connectable lights give you that flexibility.

5️⃣ A Solid Range of Accessories

Look for a brand (like ours) that offers handy extras like extension cables, dimmer units, replacement bulbs and additional festoon light sets. It’s these add-ons that turn your lighting into a full setup you can tailor to your space and mood.

💡 The More You Know, the Better Your Glow ✨

It’s easy to be wowed by a low price — but in lighting, quality really matters. Investing in a well-made, durable system ensures your outdoor space looks great year-round, not just for one summer.

Need help picking the right setup? Check out some of our other helpful blogs here