As the days get longer and outdoor gatherings move into the evening, festoon lights in South Africa can add a warm, welcoming glow to patios, gardens, pergolas and event spaces. They create atmosphere above a dining table or braai area while helping define an outdoor space after sunset.
The best setup starts with a simple plan. Decide where people will sit, how much light the area needs and whether a solar or plug-in set suits the location. Then check the product’s length, bulb spacing and weather protection before installation.
This guide explains how to plan festoon lighting for South African homes and events, including what to consider for summer weather.
What are festoon lights?
Festoon lights are strings of evenly spaced bulbs attached to a cable. They are commonly used over patios, outdoor dining areas, gardens, balconies and event venues.
Their main role is decorative and ambient lighting. They can make an outdoor area feel more inviting, but they usually should not be the only light source where people need clear visibility for cooking, walking or security.
For a balanced setup, pair them with suitable functional lights. For example, use brighter task lighting near a braai or food preparation area, then use festoon lights above the seating area.
Where to use festoon lights outdoors
Patios and braai areas
Hang festoon lights over a patio table or along a covered entertainment area. Keep the cable clear of walkways, fans and places where people may stand or move equipment.
If the area has a roof or pergola, plan the cable route before hanging the lights. This helps avoid sagging and makes it easier to keep the bulbs evenly spaced.
Gardens and outdoor dining spaces
Festoon lights can mark out a dining area or seating corner without lighting the entire garden. They work well when hung between secure supports, such as a wall and a pergola post.
For a softer effect, position the lights above the edge of the seating area rather than directly over people’s eye level.
Events, venues and celebrations
For weddings, year-end functions and garden parties, festoon lights can help create a consistent look across tables or walkways. Measure each area first, and plan where the power source or solar panel will sit.
Avoid using decorative strings as the sole source of light for steps, uneven paths or work areas. Add appropriate lighting where people need to see clearly.
Solar or plug-in festoon lights: which should you choose?
The right option depends on where you want to install the lights and whether a suitable power source is available.
| Option | Works well for | Check before buying |
|---|---|---|
| Solar festoon lights | Gardens, remote seating areas and places where running a cable is difficult | Panel position, charging conditions, stated runtime and weather rating |
| Plug-in festoon lights | Patios or event areas with access to a suitable outdoor power point | Cable reach, socket location, product rating and installation requirements |
A solar set needs a panel location that receives useful daylight. Shade from roofs, trees or walls can affect charging. A plug-in set needs a suitable power source and careful cable routing to avoid trip hazards.
Mr Smart’s 20 m solar LED festoon lights are listed with 20 bulbs, an IP65 rating and up to eight hours of illumination on a full charge. The product page also lists a warm 2700K light colour.
For a powered option, the 20 m plug-in interlinkable LED festoon lights are listed with 40 bulbs, an IP65 rating and a 3000K warm-white colour.
Always check the current product details and instructions before ordering or installing.
How to plan the length and layout
Measure the route where the lights will hang, including the distance between support points. Add enough length for a natural curve, but avoid leaving excessive cable that could sag or become a hazard.
Before installation:
- Mark the support points and measure the distance between them.
- Check the product length and the spacing between bulbs.
- Decide where the power source or solar panel will go.
- Keep the cable away from walkways, doors and moving equipment.
- Use suitable supports instead of pulling the cable tight between weak fixtures.
For a small patio, one line above the table may be enough. A larger garden or event space may need several rows. Sketch the layout first so you can estimate how many sets are required and where each connection will sit.
Choose the right light colour
Light colour affects the mood of an outdoor space. Warm white, such as the 2700K and 3000K options listed on the Mr Smart products above, gives a relaxed look suited to patios, dining areas and gatherings.
If the area also needs brighter practical lighting, use a separate suitable fixture for tasks such as cooking or cleaning. This keeps the decorative lighting comfortable while giving people enough visibility where it is needed.
Eskom’s energy-saving guidance recommends using energy-efficient lighting such as LEDs and switching off lights when they are not needed. For outdoor entertaining, consider using decorative lights only in the areas and at the times they serve a purpose.
Check weather protection and installation needs
South African outdoor spaces can be exposed to sun, rain, dust and coastal conditions. Check the product’s stated IP rating and installation instructions for the specific place where you plan to use it. A product’s outdoor rating does not mean every connection or plug can be left exposed in every situation.
Keep connections protected as directed by the manufacturer. Do not install a product where its cable, plug or panel will be exposed beyond its stated use.
For permanent electrical work or changes to an electrical installation, use a qualified person. The Department of Employment and Labour provides information for homeowners and businesses on electrical installation compliance and Certificate of Compliance requirements.
Common festoon-light planning mistakes
Avoid these issues when setting up festoon lights:
- Buying a set before measuring the full route.
- Using decorative lights as the only light for stairs or cooking areas.
- Placing a solar panel where it receives too much shade.
- Letting cables hang across walkways or doorways.
- Assuming every festoon set is suitable for permanent outdoor exposure.
- Hanging the cable from supports that are not designed to hold it.
- Using more light than the space needs.
A little planning helps the setup look neater and makes it easier to use the lights safely.
Frequently asked questions
Are festoon lights suitable for outdoor use in South Africa?
Some festoon products are designed for outdoor use, but suitability depends on the specific product and its rating. Check the product details and installation instructions for the conditions where you plan to use it.
Are solar festoon lights better than plug-in lights?
Neither option is right for every space. Solar lights can suit areas without a convenient power source, provided the panel gets enough daylight. Plug-in lights can suit areas with a suitable outdoor power point and a clear, safe cable route.
How many festoon lights do I need for a patio?
Measure the route where you want the lights to hang, then compare it with the set length and bulb spacing. The layout, support points and desired amount of light all affect how many sets you may need.
Can festoon lights be the main lighting for an outdoor area?
They can provide ambient light, but may not offer enough visibility for cooking, stairs, uneven paths or security. Use appropriate task or safety lighting in those areas.
Plan your outdoor lighting for summer
Festoon lights can help make a patio, garden or event space feel ready for South African summer evenings. Measure the area, choose solar or plug-in power based on the location, check the product rating and plan a safe cable route before installation.
Browse Mr Smart’s solar outdoor lighting and festoon light options to compare products for your space.