Buying guide
Coverage & light guide
Lighting does not come in sizes, it comes in coverage and colour. Here is how to pick the right length, brightness and warmth the first time.
String & fairy light coverage
| Space | Recommended length | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Balcony / small patio | 24 to 30 ft | One or two runs across the space |
| Standard patio (12 x 12 ft) | 48 ft | Two crossing runs with slack for drape |
| Large garden / pergola | 96 to 150 ft | Perimeter plus crossing runs |
| Bedroom / indoor feature | 33 to 66 ft fairy | Curtain, headboard or wall wash |
Garden & path lighting
| Use | Spacing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Path / walkway | 1 light every 4 to 6 ft | Even, gentle pools of light, not runway-bright |
| Flowerbed accent | Cluster in 2s and 3s | Firefly / firework stakes read best grouped |
| Uplighting a tree | 1 to 2 spots per tree | Angle from the base outward |
Warm or cool? Choosing colour temperature
2200KCandle / cosy
2700KWarm white
4000KBright white
6000KDaylight / cool
- Warm (2200 to 2700K): patios, gardens, bedrooms, anywhere you want cosy and flattering.
- Bright / cool (4000K plus): security lights, driveways, task areas where you want crisp visibility.
How to measure
- For strings: measure the run you want to light, then add 20% for drape and slack.
- For paths: measure the length and divide by 5 ft to estimate the number of stakes.
- Check reach to a plug for mains items, or sun exposure for solar (6+ hours of daylight is ideal).
Not sure what fits your space? Send a photo and rough measurements to support@alfrescolighting.com and we will tell you exactly what to order.