We have several different forms of lighting that we employ in various locations for various other objectives. One of these is fairy lights, also known as string lights in some circles.

In this post, we will cover fairy lights, including their different varieties, applications, color schemes, and the criteria used when selecting them. Initially, we'll take a broad look at the situation before getting into the finer details.

Different countries have different names for fairy lights, also known as decorative or Christmas lights in some countries. Fairy lights are a chain of lights in varying lengths primarily used for interior or exterior decoration. Fairy lights are available in various colors, styles, and brightness levels. The two most frequently used shades are warm white and cold white.

There are methods for selecting the most appropriate ones based on your requirements and other factors, which we'll discuss later. However, if you want to get started, you can view the available different types, which should assist you in understanding and selecting the most appropriate one for you. You can even choose the proper lighting for a particular room type, such as bedrooms, living rooms, or outdoor areas.

Let's get down to business and answer the "What are fairy lights?" in detail.

What are fairy lights?

Initially, fairy lights were used to decorate Christmas trees as an alternative to traditional lights. This is also one of the reasons why, in some countries, they are still referred to as Christmas lights, even though they are not.

Christmas trees were traditionally decorated with simple candlelight before fairy lights became popular. Although once considered a purely decorative lighting option for special occasions, fairy lights have progressed significantly in recent years.

Fairy lights are now used for a wide range of purposes, events, occasions, and decorative purposes. It is popular primarily because of its high versatility and mood-enhancing appearance while also adding the appropriate amount of warmth to any space.

What are different types of fairy lights?

Typically, small bulbs spaced every few inches apart from one another are used to create a uniformly lit environment. The lengths can range from three feet (one meter) to thirty-three feet (33 meters) (10m). Fairy lights can be made more prominent and more water-resistant for use in outdoor areas. We can use them in areas where the length can be significantly increased to span the fronts of houses or decorate outside trees.

The traditional use of fairy lights is not considered a lighting application; instead, they are considered more of a decorative component. When fairy lights were first introduced, they were only available in white and off-white hues, with no other colors. Compared to many different types of decorative lighting, they were also deemed to be relatively dim in brightness.

The advancement of technology has enabled these fairy lights to be produced in various colors and shapes, which is a blessing. They also come in different voltages and power control options, making them suitable for a wide range of decorative and lighting applications. This has been made possible thanks to the invention of LED lighting.

What colors are available in the fairly light category?

Fairy lights are now available in a wide variety of colors across the spectrum. It doesn't matter if it's blue, green, red, or yellow; you name it. Additionally, you have the option of using fairy lights in a variety of colors or multicolored lights, which can even be controlled and changed remotely.

However, the most commonly used colors are still the two shades of white, namely warm white (with yellow undertones) and cool white (with blue undertones and blue hues).

Fairy lights in a warm white hue

Warm white creates a welcoming, cosine, and homely ambiance in a room according to its name. It provides a more candlelight glow – with flattering light – and is almost universally adaptable to various color schemes and styles.

Additionally, warm white is a beautiful accent color for any existing lights in a space. Overall, the warm white color scheme creates a welcoming, elegant, and romantic atmosphere.

Fairy lights in a cool white hue

As some refer to it, excellent or white ice lighting produces a truer white glow than warm lighting and frequently creates a more dramatic atmosphere. It has an icier/winter wonderland feel, and it works well with blues and purples in a color scheme.

When used correctly, cool white creates a perfectly sharp, crisp, sparkling, and sophisticated look. Cool white, as opposed to warm white, creates an exciting and modern environment.

Let's look at some of the benefits and variations that come with fairy lights.

Some of the benefits of using fairy lights are as follows: 

• Fairy lights (also known as string lights) are available in various materials, ranging from copper wire to translucent string lights.
• In addition to plain bulbs, decorative flowers, globes, lanterns, and other shapes can be added to the outside of the bulb.
• A plethora of colors ranging from a single color to various color options from the color wheel is available. Suitable for use as a complement to any of your decorative or lighting purposes
• Various electronic sequences, such as flashing slowly or quickly, can be obtained by varying the voltage applied. For example, they were cycling through the lights, gradual on-off, and so on. This will aid in the creation of various moods.
• The fact that they are often more durable than other types of decorative lights, as well as their versatility, means that they can be used for just about any occasion, event, or space with relative ease.
• Compared to other complex lighting systems, they are effortless to use and install.
• There is no need for professional assistance when installing fairy lights. It only takes a few minutes to put them together, and they are adaptable enough to fit into most spaces.
• Fairy lights provide sufficient ambient lighting while consuming less energy than other types of lighting. As a result, when you use fairy lights, you may be able to save money on your utility bills.
• They are readily available and more reasonably priced than many other types of lighting.
• They can be kept in good working order for an extended time if they are correctly stored and maintained.

How do you select the most appropriate fairy lights?

Before purchasing a set of fairy lights, you should consider the following factors:

• The right color 
• The right decorative style 
• The right brightness 
• The right length and number of lights 
• Power options, including battery, plug-in, or solar, as well as remote control options
• The ambiance, mood, or purpose for which the lights are being used

Fairy lights can be used in various settings, including the bedroom, hallway, living room, and even the outdoors.

There are also fairy lights specifically designed for different seasons or special occasions, such as Christmas, Halloween, or Summer, among others. You'll also receive unique fairy lights that you can use to decorate trees, curtains, and other objects. A square or rectangle net, for example, could serve as a model for this.

The lights can be controlled remotely, battery-operated, or run-on solar power, and they can be programmed to perform various sequences. So, depending on the size of the space you want to decorate with fairy lights and the accessibility of electrical outlets, you'll need to choose one of these power sources.

How is color essential to creating a relaxing atmosphere?

Consider the color concerning your theme and other complementary features. When choosing a color, keep in mind the following: White lights are the most modern, providing a greater sense of maturity and style. White also blends well with other colors in a room.

Cold light has a "bluer" tint, whereas warm light has a "yellower" tint. Each color represents the warm or cold side of the color wheel. Decide which is better for your space.

This simple color wheel shows the vast array of color options available. However, remote-controlled string lights or apps are frequently used to accomplish the same task. This way, you can mix and match colors as needed.

White lights can easily illuminate large, dark areas. Colored lights are better for adding a theme to existing lights to make them more playful, fun, or exciting for occasions like Halloween and parties. In some situations, colored lights may not be as bright as white lights.

Then consider the distance between the lights and the available space. Consider the length of each string and the number of lights to determine how many you'll need. You can easily calculate the number of lights required to cover an area by knowing the length of each strand. The distance between the lights can also affect this.

The fewer gaps you leave in your decorating, the lighter you'll need to fill them. The spacing principle applies whether the lights are wrapped around a tree, a pillar, or draped.

Conclusion

Everyone's favorite light has a distinct vibe that you can feel and identify with. In this article, we've covered a wide range of topics related to fairy lights. We have concluded that we can use fairy lights for different purposes. They are available in a wide range of variations, allowing us to determine which light is most appropriate for our needs quickly.

References

The difference between string lights & fairy lights. (2019, September 26). Mike Vekris Wedding Entertainment. https://www.mikevekris.gr/difference-between-string-lights-fairy-lights/

What are fairy lights: Types, and choosing the right ones. (2021, September 6). Astrowick. https://astrowick.com/blogs/inspiration/what-are-fairy-lights