There is something truly magical about the way Christmas lights can transform a room. Warm glows and soft sparkles instantly create a feeling of comfort, nostalgia, and festive joy. To help you make the most of lighting this season, we sat down with Claire Burton, Head of Product at Lights4fun. With more than ten years of experience in product development across the UK and Europe, Claire brings expert insight into lighting design, festive trends, and how to create a cosy, welcoming home.
Below, Claire answers some of the most common Christmas lighting questions, from choosing between battery and solar lights to achieving a professional tree glow.
1. Can you introduce yourself and share a bit about your background as a lighting expert?
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As the Head of Product at Lights4fun, I help shape the vision and strategy for our collections, with a focus on innovation and customer experience. I have more than ten years of experience in product management, and I’m passionate about designing pieces that bring a sense of joy to everyday life. One of the things I love most is knowing that our lights help create moments of warmth and sparkle for customers and their families during the festive season.
2. What are the biggest Christmas lighting trends this year?
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This year, there’s a growing emphasis on nostalgia and homemade charm. Warm white lighting is the most popular choice this season, thanks to its cosy ambience and traditional feel. Classic touches like tree candle clips make a welcome addition to the modern fairy lights, reminiscent of crackling fires and a time when a white Christmas felt inevitable. Think red berries and evergreen pre-lit garlands, novelty LED characters on snowy lawns, and miniature pre-lit Christmas trees.
This festive season, there is a real focus on the magic you create together, inspiring soft lighting such as the glow of LED candles and sparkling pre-lit wreaths.
3. How do I choose between battery, solar, and plug-in Christmas lights?
It depends on where you want to place your lights and how you plan to use them.
Solar lights are a great choice for south-facing gardens or outdoor areas that receive consistent sunlight. They offer a low-maintenance,eco-conscious option for decorating the exterior of your home.
Plug-in lights are ideal for displays that require a consistent and reliable power source. They work particularly well outdoors if you have access to an exterior plug.
Battery lights are perfect when you need flexibility or don’t have a plug within reach. They’re excellent for wreaths, garlands, shelves, tablescapes, and any areas that need a little extra sparkle without visible cables.
4. How many lights do I need for my tree, garden, or house?
For Christmas trees, Lights4fun follows a general rule of 100 lights per foot of height. For example, a six-foot tree will look beautifully illuminated with around 600 lights. Slim trees may need fewer lights, while wider or fuller trees can benefit from additional strands for the best coverage.
When it comes to gardens, highlight key features such as pathways, seating areas, or statement plants. A combination of classic festoon or fairy lights paired with a few novelty elements creates an elevated and cohesive look.
When illuminating your house exterior, measure the areas you’d like to outline. Use a tape measure to calculate the linear length of the areas you’ll be covering, then choose lights to match.
5. What’s the secret behind a professionally lit Christmas tree?
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The secret is using a trunk-to-tip technique. This means placing lights deep within the branches to begin with, then working your way out. This helps to create a warm, three-dimensional glow that leaves no gaps or sparse-looking areas.
If you’d like to take it one step further, sometimes professionally lit Christmas trees are decorated vertically, rather than horizontally. That means starting your lights at the base of the tree, and unravelling them straight up the length of the trunk. This helps achieve a much more even coverage that looks neat and considered.
6. Are LED lights more efficient and safer than traditional bulbs?
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Yes, LED lights are significantly safer than traditional halogen or incandescent lights. Firstly, LEDs use much less energy and have a longer lifespan. But one of the most important advantages during the holidays is that they produce much less heat. Meaning that your Christmas trees, garlands, festive tablescapes and more are at a much lower risk of burns or fires. Environmentally, they have a smaller impact because their efficiency helps to reduce carbon emissions. There really is no contest!
7. What are the safest and most effective ways to light the exterior of a house?
The safest and most effective way to light your house over the festive period is to ensure that your lights are properly outdoor-rated, meaning that ideally you should use lights that boast an IP44 rating, designed to withstand moisture and temperature fluctuations.
LED lighting is always a great option. They produce very little heat, significantly reducing the risk of fires when styled near flammable materials like dry leaves or greenery. Be sure to check your lights for cracks, frayed wires, or corrosion, and secure lights properly with plastic clips or hooks designed for hanging on gutters, shingles, or sidings.
8. How can you add lighting to make small spaces feel festive without adding clutter?
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In this instance, making the most of vertical height is the most effective tip. Whether that be draping fairy lights on shelves, windowsills, or mirrors. Classic icicle lights or dangling stars are perfect for dressing windows, while indoors, opting for one or two statement pieces to anchor your decor keeps things impactful yet understated.
Strategically placed mirrors can help reflect light and make your space feel bigger, while ambient lighting (like LED candles) scattered throughout creates depth and dimension without feeling overwhelming and cluttered.
9. How do you fix lights that won’t turn on or have an unlit section?
It wouldn’t be Christmas without the annual ‘will they, won’t they?’ Christmas tree light switch on! Test your tree lights before decorating, and if unsuccessful, the first step is to correct any loose bulbs, then replace any blown fuses and check the power source.
If you’re unsure about electrical issues or the problem persists after checking the breaker, it is best to seek help from a professional. To avoid Christmas tree light worries, opt for LED lights that are much more reliable and unparalleled in their longevity.
10. How can lighting help create a cosy ambience after Christmas is over?
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It’s all in the ambience. The magic of ‘little lights’ is their ability to create a cosy atmosphere without feeling overly curated or cluttered. Opt for LED candles, fairy lights, and lanterns. Cluster them in forgotten corners or along bookshelves, utilising height and depth for an immersive feel.
Make relaxation feel intentional by carving out small zones tailored to how you unwind; whether that’s a reading nook with a floor lamp and lanterns, a movie-watching corner filled with cushions, or a dining space sprinkled with candlelight for cosy, wholesome meals.
11. On average, how much does it cost to run Christmas lights, and how can you save energy?
If you’re using LED lights, the average cost to run Christmas lights in the UK is around £1.34, based on roughly six hours a day. LED lights help to save up to 90% more energy compared to traditional incandescent counterparts.
Turn lights off when you are not using them and choose settings like ‘twinkling’ or ‘flashing’, which can be more energy efficient than static modes. Solar-powered lights are another great option because they have no running costs, although they do depend on winter sun levels.
12. Which Oak Furnitureland piece pairs beautifully with your latest lighting collection?
The Hercules extendable dining table is the perfect centrepiece for the heart of the home. The magic of the festive season lies in the chaos of togetherness, and what better place to gather with loved ones than around the dining table? Perfect for styling a beautiful tablescape, we’d drape a pre-lit garland down the length of the table, and sprinkle LED candles throughout for a festive glow. The extendable feature means there’s enough room for every family member on Christmas Day, from eating long-awaited turkey dinners to terrible jokes and Christmas
crackers!
13. The internet is full of opinions on this one, but are you team “big light” or team “little lights”?
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For us, there’s no competition! We sit firmly in team ‘little lights’ when it comes to creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere in your home. In our opinion, ambience is everything. And your home should feel like an appealing escape from the blustery winter days, busy train rides, and the chaos of the festive season. LED candles, fairy lights, pre-lit garlands, lanterns and more are the perfect ‘little lights’ to introduce throughout your home. They offer a cosy glow that creates a warming atmosphere perfect for winding down and encouraging guests to linger for longer.
Ready to create your most magical festive season yet? Visit Lights4fun to explore the latest lighting collections and bring Claire’s expert tips to life in your home.
For even more styling ideas, discover our 2025 Christmas trends guide and get inspired to transform every room with cosy, seasonal charm.
