Festoon lights are the perfect way to add outdoor wow factor. However, while the thought of hanging them might seem daunting, we would never leave you in the dark! So, read on if you want to learn how to put up festoon lights in your home.

With the right preparation and tools, it couldn't be easier! Just bear in mind that every design and garden layout is different, so think outside of the box when it comes to your installation.

Our guide on how to install festoon lights covers everything from planning and layout to the best techniques on how to hang them on your gutter, pergola, garden fence and more. Ready, set, glow!

What is a festoon light?

Getting their name from the Greek word 'festum', meaning festival or feast, festoon lights are those oversized bulb garlands you've seen at weddings, fairgrounds and festivals. They are usually strung between poles, beams or the inside of pergolas and along fences, but they're equally perfect for indoor decoration.

Festoon lights are also known as café or party lights and can transform patios, balconies and gardens into cosy, intimate havens. They use energy-efficient LEDs and come in a selection of small spherical lights or big lightbulbs that emit a warm white or multi-coloured glow – depending on your tastes.

What do I need to install my festoon lights?

To achieve the brightest results from your festoon lights, you need the right tools and kit. This list might vary depending on where you are hanging your lighting and how far apart you're going to spread the bulbs. You'll need:

• Outdoor festoon lights: Select the right type and quantity to cover the desired area.
• Tape measure: You'll need this to plan your layout and determine how many lights you'll need.
• Metal hooks/poles: This depends on how you're hanging lights but, in any case, you'll need a secure fixing point to attach them.
• Ladder: If you're installing your festoons in high-up, hard-to-reach places.
• Drill: A hand or electric drill is needed for creating fixing points.
• Cable ties: Your light string might need a little extra securing.

How to set up festoon lights: step-by-step

Layout and planning

When learning how to put up festoon lights think about your layout. Lay your lights out on the ground to help you visualise the result and to get a better idea of how much length you need. Move furniture or obstacles out of the way to do this.

You should also plan the hanging patterns for your lights and identify where you'll need fixing points. Popular patterns include X, V, zigzag or parallel.

Install your fixing points

With your pattern decided, it's time to set up your fixing points. The types you need will depend on the design but common ones are festoon poles or hooks and eyes. If you're using the latter, use your drill to make holes for each hook and then screw it in place. For extra stability, you can add adhesive.

Attach your bulbs to the fixing points

With your support hooked up, you can hang your festoon lights and see your display take shape.

Loop your lights along the hooks or poles, making sure to keep at least a metre between each bulb. If you're hanging up high, then always have someone with you to hold the ladder.

Rearrange them in a way that works for your chosen power source. If you've gone for a plug-in model, it needs to be near a power socket, or you'll need an outdoor extension cord. For solar-powered outdoor lights, place the solar-panelled battery pack in the sunniest area of your garden.

Power them up

And now to the good bit! Get ready to see your hard work pay off by turning on the system. Connect your festoon lights to their power source, either by plugging them in, putting in batteries, or turning them on with an app if you're using a smart festoon light option. You might have to wait a few hours to see your solar-power festoons in all their glowing magnificence.

How to hang festive lights indoors

Festoon lights aren't just for outdoors – they're great for all-year-round inside decoration! Our indoor range can bring light to every room in your house but makes an especially rustic statement when draped across the ceiling or along curtain railings. You can choose from battery or plug-in options.

If you're attaching your lights to a wall without hooks, you can drape your wires around nails or drawing pins or use adhesive hooks. Also, use adhesive hooks when installing festoon lights across the ceiling. For outlining your room boundaries, simply drape along any existing fixing points or furniture like mirrors and photo frames.

How to attach festoon lights to brick

Installing your festoon lights to brickwork might seem difficult but it's easier than you think. You'll need yellow wall plugs, a drill with a 5mm masonry bit, and to tidy up, a dustpan and brush.

Start by marking out where you're going to make your holes and apply firm pressure to the drill to ensure you're at right angles to the wall's surface. Once you've made your hole, pop in the wall plugs before screwing in the cup hook. Then, drape the light strings over the hook and secure them with a cable tie.

How to attach festoon lights to a pergola

Festoon lights look picture-perfect beneath a pergola, gazebo or covered patio and, luckily, attaching them is hassle-free. Follow the existing lines of the beams or roof and install cup hooks or similar along the inside, leaving 1 m between each one.

You can also entwine them along the inside of your pergola in parallel lines to create the cosiest hosting space. Encircle the cable around the leg of the structure and start making your preferred pattern.

How to attach festive lights to a fence

Possibly the most fuss-free way to bring an enchanted ambience to your garden is learning how to hang festoon lights on a fence or outside wall. You can forget about using festoon poles or putting in new posts since garden walls and fences are usually well-grounded and will keep your lighting in place.

You can hang them by installing hooks or using cable ties to frame the borders of your garden for a glow that is both functional and bewitching. A trellis makes it easier to attach your lights to a wall, but you can still get the job done by attaching nails or hooks.

If you're opting for a design that requires you to install posts, we recommend erecting them on their own rather than attaching them to the fence. Space them out 2.5 metres apart and adjust them to suit your desired pattern.

How to hang festoon lights on the gutter

It's straightforward to attach your lights to the gutter without causing damage. You can avoid putting nail and screw holes in your guttering by using gutter clips and plastic hooks instead. Get out your trusty ladder and place your fixers 1 m apart and thread your festoon lights through them.

Where to buy your festoon lights?

Festive Lights, of course! We've got a wide selection of festoon lighting just waiting to brighten up your garden, including our FestoonPro® and ConnectGo® ranges. There is something for every garden here, so all you need to do is choose the style and colour that fits your outdoors and you're ready to light up your world!

What our experts say

Why buy festoon lights from Festive Lights?

Now you know how to hang festoon lights, all that's left to do is get your hands on some and bring your ideas to life. Helping our customers bring light to their gardens and homes is our passion and we've got everything you need to fulfil your vision.

Here are just a few reasons why you can trust us as your garden lighting source:

• Lighting wizards since 1999: We've got 25 years of experience, so you can shop with confidence knowing that, when it comes to lighting, we know what we're doing!
• Sparkling reviews: We're heads and shoulders above our competitors but don't take our word for it – look at our tens of thousands of positive Trustpilot reviews.
• First-class service: Mainland GB residents can enjoy free delivery on orders over £75 and enjoy peace of mind with our hassle-free returns policy.
• Only the best products: All our lighting is manufactured to the highest standards and comes with a 12-month warranty.

If you need more advice on how to install your festoon lights or have questions about our products,   or email us. For more lighting tips and advice, take a look at our blog and use our Knowledge Centre.