String Light Length Guide โ Choose 5m, 10m, 15m or 20m
String Light Length Guide โ Choose 5m, 10m, 15m or 20m
Measure the actual route, allow for gentle sag and keep the power point in the plan before choosing 5m, 10m, 15m or 20m warm-white string lights.
Quick answer: Buy for the installed pathโnot the straight-line distance. Add allowance for drops, curves, columns and the route to power.
Measure the path the cable will follow
A 4m-wide patio does not necessarily need only 4m of string light. A zigzag canopy, wrapped column or soft catenary curve uses more cable than the horizontal span.
- Sketch the attachment points.
- Measure each straight section.
- Add the vertical drops and route to the power position.
- Add a modest allowance for sag and final adjustment.
- Confirm whether the product length includes an unlit lead cable.
How the four common lengths fit typical projects
| Length | Typical project | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| 5m | Headboard, small balcony, shelf or compact feature | Useful where excess cable would look untidy |
| 10m | Small patio edge, pergola bay or bedroom perimeter | Flexible for one defined zone |
| 15m | Medium pergola, event backdrop or multiple wall sections | Allows more curves and attachment points |
| 20m | Large patio, garden feature or long restaurant run | Check power location and structural support across the full route |
These are planning examples, not fixed coverage guarantees. Bulb spacing and lit length determine visual density, so compare the actual product specification.
Straight, zigzag or wrapped installation
- Straight run: clean and architectural, but every attachment point must align.
- Zigzag canopy: fills an overhead area and requires significantly more length.
- Perimeter: creates a clear frame around a patio or room.
- Wrapped column or tree: uses length quickly and needs gentle, non-damaging support.
- Draped backdrop: adds vertical texture for events, bedrooms or retail displays.
Indoor and outdoor checks
A product description may mention indoor and outdoor use, but the installation must still follow the stated IP rating, plug protection and manufacturer instructions. Keep indoor plugs and controllers out of rain and standing water.
Do not staple through the cable. Use suitable clips, hooks or ties that support the weight without cutting insulation.
Create atmosphere without losing task light
Warm string lights are ideal for ambience, but they may not provide enough visibility for cooking, stairs or security. Combine them with a focused wall light, footlight or task fitting where required.
Avoid hanging strings directly in the line of sight at seated eye level. Higher mounting and gentle diffusion improve comfort.
Products to consider from Whitehouse Lighting & Electrical
The products below were selected from the latest active, published and in-stock catalogue export. Availability can change, so confirm the current product page before ordering.
WHL&E 5M Warm White String Lights
The WHL&E 5M Warm White String Lights are a stylish and energy-efficient decorative lighting solution, perfect for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere indoors or outdoors. With a total length of 5 metres and warm white LED lights, these string lights are ideal for enhancing bedrooms, patios, balconies, gardens, weddings, parties, festive displays, and special occasions. Why it fits this guide: A newly listed compact 5m warm-white option for bedrooms, balconies and small decorative features.
WHL&E 10M Warm White String Lights
The WHL&E 10M Warm White String Lights are an elegant and energy-efficient decorative lighting solution designed to add warmth and ambience to any indoor or outdoor space. With a generous 10-metre length and warm white LED illumination, these string lights are perfect for decorating patios, gardens, balconies, bedrooms, living areas, weddings, parties, cafรฉs, and festive displays. Why it fits this guide: A 10m length for a defined patio, pergola bay or medium indoor feature.
WHL&E 15M Warm White String Lights
The WHL&E 15M Warm White String Lights are a premium decorative lighting solution designed to create a warm, inviting atmosphere in both residential and commercial spaces. Featuring a generous 15-metre length and energy-efficient warm white LED lights, they are perfect for illuminating patios, gardens, balconies, pergolas, bedrooms, living areas, weddings, restaurants, cafรฉs, parties, and festive celebrations. Why it fits this guide: A 15m option for wider decorative routes and event layouts.
WHL&E 20M Warm White String Lights
The WHL&E 20M Warm White String Lights are a versatile and energy-efficient decorative lighting solution, perfect for transforming indoor and outdoor spaces with a warm, inviting glow. With an extended 20-metre length, these LED string lights are ideal for decorating patios, gardens, pergolas, balconies, bedrooms, living rooms, weddings, restaurants, cafรฉs, parties, and festive displays. Why it fits this guide: The longest newly listed option for large patios, garden features and commercial ambience.
WHL&E 10M IP65 Solar Strip Light
The WHL&E 10M IP65 Solar Strip Light is a flexible, energy-efficient outdoor lighting solution designed to add stylish illumination to gardens, patios, pathways, decks, fences, and outdoor entertainment areas. Powered entirely by solar energy, this 10-metre LED strip charges during the day and automatically illuminates at night, providing hassle-free lighting without the need for mains power or complicated wiring. Why it fits this guide: A continuous solar strip alternative where a linear glow is preferred over spaced string lights.
Buying checklist
- Measure the complete cable route.
- Add allowance for sag, curves and drops.
- Confirm lit length and lead-cable length.
- Verify indoor/outdoor and IP requirements.
- Use clips that do not pierce the cable.
- Keep plugs and controllers protected.
- Add task and safety lighting separately.
Frequently asked questions
How much extra length should I allow?
It depends on the pattern. A gentle straight sag needs little extra, while a zigzag canopy or wrapped column can need substantially more. Sketch and measure the route.
Can I join two sets together?
Only if the product instructions explicitly permit end-to-end connection and state the maximum number of sets.
Are string lights bright enough for a braai?
Usually not as the only task light. Use a dedicated, well-positioned work light at the cooking area.
Can I shorten the cable?
Do not cut unless the product is designed and marked for cutting. Cutting can damage the circuit and safety rating.
Choose with confidence
Select the length from a measured installation sketch, then layer the string lights with functional lighting. Whitehouse offers 5m, 10m, 15m and 20m options for projects of different scale.
Related reading: Winter Patio Comfort โ Infrared Heating, Solar Strip Lights and Warm Ambience and Outdoor Wall Lights and IP Ratings โ What IP44, IP54 and IP65 Mean
Technical references and further reading
- Lights.co.uk: 2026 garden lighting trends
- IEC 60529: Degrees of protection provided by enclosures
- Signify Lighting Academy: What is glare?
Electrical installation and fixed-wiring work must be completed by a competent person in accordance with applicable South African requirements. Product specifications and stock can change; always confirm the current product page and manufacturer instructions.