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Getting the turkey just right, perfecting grandma's stuffing, and mastering that flawless ribbon curl are holiday skills you can only truly master with practice. The same goes for decorating your Christmas tree. Even if you know how to hang lights on a tree, determining the right number of lights—whether indoor or outdoor—can be a real puzzle. There’s no universal rule for how many lights to use on your tree (just like there’s no one answer to which Christmas movies are the best on Netflix). But don’t worry, there are simple guidelines to help you figure out how many lights your tree really needs.
Basic Lighting Guidelines
"Most people typically have a 6-foot tree," explains prop stylist and crafter Karin Lidbeck-Brent, whether it’s a real or artificial Christmas tree. "So a simple rule to keep in mind is to use one strand of lights for every foot of your tree. I prefer strands with 150 lights each."
Additional Factors to Consider
However, as Lidbeck-Brent, who has decorated over a thousand Christmas trees in her career, explains, this is merely a general suggestion.
What's the size of your tree?
It primarily depends on the size of your tree: Naturally, a taller or wider tree will require more lights than a smaller or thinner one.
How intense do you want the lighting on your tree?
Additionally, people have varying preferences for their Christmas tree lighting. Some enjoy a bright, radiant look, while others prefer the focus to remain on the ornaments, opting for a more subtle, low-key illumination.
How much room do you have available for storing lights?
Regardless of your choice, you also need to think about how much space you have to store those lights during the months when your Christmas tree isn’t on display.
We asked Lidbeck-Brent for additional advice on how many strings of Christmas lights are necessary to achieve your desired tree decoration style.
How many lights will you be using on your Christmas tree this year?
Determine the height of your tree and plan on using one strand of lights for every foot of height. (If your light strands are longer than usual, adjust accordingly.) If you decorated a tree of the same height last year and were happy with the outcome, stick to the same amount of lights as last year—why change what worked?
Our straightforward guide for determining lights per foot of your Christmas tree will help you figure out exactly how many light strands you need, along with a range for the number of lights depending on how bright you want your tree to be.
Yeji KimShould You Buy Extra Lights?
While Lidbeck-Brent tends to use more lights than most people, she advises purchasing an extra strand or two just to be safe. If you finish decorating the tree and notice any areas that are missing coverage, the extras and an extension cord can help fill in the gaps. If you’re a true light enthusiast, keep an additional three strands on hand.
Typically, 150 lights per strand is the ideal amount for your Christmas tree. However, you can find strands with more lights, such as 200 lights per strand for a brighter tree. If you're aiming for a more subtle look, go for 100 lights per strand for a softer glow.
"Determine your priorities before decorating. If your ornaments are the focal point and you want them to stand out, use fewer lights. Overdoing the lights may cause the glare to overshadow the ornaments, making them hard to see," advises Lidbeck-Brent.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How many lights should be used for a 6-foot Christmas tree?
A 6-foot tree requires a minimum of 600 lights (or six strands of 100-bulb lights). For a brighter effect, you can go up to 1200 lights, depending on whether you want the lights or the ornaments to take center stage.
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How many lights are needed for a 7-foot Christmas tree?
You'll need at least 700 lights for a 7-foot tree, with up to 1400 lights for a brighter display.
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What’s the ideal number of lights for an 8-foot Christmas tree?
For an 8-foot tree, you'll want a minimum of 800 lights, with a maximum of 1600 lights for a truly radiant tree.
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How many lights are best for a 9-foot Christmas tree?
A 9-foot tree should have at least 900 lights, with around 1800 lights for a brilliantly lit effect.
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How many strands of lights can be safely connected together?
It's important not to connect too many strands together, as it may cause a fire hazard. Refer to your light box for the safe number of strands you can connect. If you're using LED lights, which consume less electricity, you can usually link more of them together.
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How many lights should be used per foot of tree height?
For every foot of your tree, you should aim for 100 to 200 lights, depending on the brightness you desire.
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How many lights come on a typical string of Christmas lights?
A standard string of Christmas lights typically has between 50 and 100 bulbs. Make sure to check the box for the exact number before making a purchase, whether you're shopping in-store or online.
