Whether you’ve got a real or an artificial Christmas tree, every tree needs Christmas lights to make it look truly festive. However, getting the right amount of lights can be tricky. Follow our guide to make sure you achieve the look you want. 

How Many Lights Do I need?

For a basic look, our number one rule is at least 100 bulbs per 1ft of tree – so that would mean a 6ft tree needs a minimum of 600 LEDs. For a fuller look, you can add as many lights as you want but we recommend upwards of 700 for a 6ft tree.

What About Different Styles?

The different styles of lights will impact the number of bulbs you need for your tree as each light style has a different placement and you can achieve different looks with them.

1. String lights

String lights are a classic light otherwise known as fairy lights and are what most people think of first when it comes to decorating the tree. String lights are the most spread out light style which looks fantastic for a twinkling understated look but if you want to achieve a fuller look, you may need to add more lights. Our recommendations below will help you make the right choice whatever your preference on style.

Recommended numbers:
6ft Trees = 600 LEDs
7ft Trees = 800 LEDS
8ft Trees = 1000 LEDS
9-10ft Trees = 1200 LEDS

2. Compact Cluster Lights

Otherwise known as Christmas Tree Lights these compact cluster lights are designed to give your tree a really full and bright look as they offer many more lights per metre when compared to classic string lights. There is 2.5cm spacing between bulbs and they are specifically designed for Christmas trees, making them the ideal choice. We recommend the following numbers to achieve the desired full look.

Recommended numbers:
6ft Trees = 750 LEDs
7ft Trees = 1000 LEDS
8ft Trees = 1500 LEDS
9-10ft Trees = 2000 LEDS

3. Cluster Lights

Cluster Lights have 4 x as many lights per metre than string lights, and only 1.5cm spacing between bulbs versus string lights' 5cm spacing and therefore are already designed to offer a full look. We recommend the following numbers to achieve a well-lit glow for your Christmas tree.

Recommended numbers:
6ft Trees = 480 LEDs
7ft Trees = 720 LEDS
8ft Trees = 960 LEDS
9-10ft Trees = 1500 LEDS

4. Pin Wire Lights

Pin wire lights are becoming increasingly popular and it's no surprise why! These stunning LED Christmas lights sit on a very discreet wire which blends in perfectly with your tree and appears almost invisible. The bulbs are a different shape from other Christmas lights and give a more rounded glow.

Recommended numbers for Pin Wire Compact Clusters:
6ft Trees = 750 LEDs
7ft Trees = 1000 LEDS
8ft Trees = 1500 LEDS
9-10ft Trees = 2000 LEDS

What About Different Colours?

Whilst colour shouldn't impact the number of lights you need, sometimes brighter lights can have a harsher appearance and you may require less. Therefore, if you want a really bright cool white tree or a multicoloured tree, you probably want to go for a string light so that the lights are more spread out and not overwhelming.

For subtler colours like warm white and copper glow, you are better off going for compact clusters or cluster lights as the fuller appearance will really complement these colours.