choosing christmas lights
decorate like a pro
holiday lighting guide
Welcome to our Decorate Like a Pro blog series, where we guide you step-by-step through the process of decorating your home like a professional. In this post, we’ll be diving into how to choose the perfect socket stringer for your holiday displays. Selecting the right stringer involves four key considerations, and we’ll walk you through each one to ensure your display looks stunning.
The Four Key Factors
Choosing a socket stringer isn’t as simple as picking any string of lights. There are four important factors that will influence the final look and performance of your setup:
- Socket size
- Wire and socket color
- Socket spacing and stringer length
- Wire type (STP1 vs. STP2)
Let’s explore each of these considerations in detail to help you make the best decision.
- Socket Size: E12 vs. E17
The size of the socket determines the type of bulb you can use, which has a major impact on the appearance of your display. There are two standard socket sizes:
It’s important to note that E12 and E17 stringers are not interchangeable, so make sure you choose the correct size for the bulbs you intend to use. Not sure which bulb to pick? Check out our guide to selecting the right bulb for your holiday display.
- Wire and Socket Color
The color of the wire and socket plays a big role in the aesthetics of your holiday decor. Ideally, you want the wire to blend in with the surroundings, so that the bulbs, not the string, become the focus. Here are the four wire color options we offer:
- Green: The most versatile option, great for trees, bushes, grassy areas and rooflines. This is the most popular option because of its versatility.
- Brown: Ideal for dark-colored gutters, shingles, fences and trees.
- White: Perfect for white or light-colored gutters, fences, and white artificial trees.
- Black: Best for homes with dark roofs or black fences and perfect for Halloween decorating.
Selecting the right wire color will ensure your lights stand out while the string remains subtle and inconspicuous.
- Socket Spacing and Stringer Length
Next, we move on to socket spacing, which refers to the distance between each socket on the string. The spacing you choose can dramatically change the look of your display.
- 6-inch spacing: Provides a tight, full appearance.
- 12-inch spacing: The most popular choice, offering a well-balanced and traditional look.
- 15-inch spacing: Uses fewer bulbs for a more minimalistic appearance, which can also save on energy and bulb costs.
In addition to spacing, it’s important to choose the right stringer length for your project. We offer a variety of lengths, from 10 feet to 200 feet with pre-installed plugs. For larger projects, you can opt for stringers ranging from 250 to 1,000 feet, which come on spools. You’ll need to install the plugs yourself for these longer runs, but don’t worry—it’s quick and easy you can check out this blog where we walk you through it step by step!
- Choosing the Right Wire: STP1 vs. STP2
Finally, we need to discuss the two types of wire available for your socket stringer: STP1 and STP2. The difference between these wires comes down to the amount of insulation the wire has.
- STP1: has .03” of insulation and is recommended for most applications.
- STP2: .045” of insulation and is recommended for decorating in areas with extreme cold weather.
If you’re planning a larger display or decorating in an area with extreme weather, STP2 is a solid choice. However, for most applications, STP1 will be perfectly adequate.
Ready to Decorate Like a Pro?
Now that you’re armed with the knowledge to choose the right socket stringer, go check out our popular Decorate like a pro kits that include everything you need to get started or customize your own stringer and bulb combinations.
And remember, if you have any questions or need help with your display, feel free to reach out—we’re always here to help!
