G'day! When you're dreaming of those magical summer nights in the backyard, relaxing on the deck with mates and a cold drink, what do you picture? It's probably the beautiful, ambient glow of string lights overhead.

For that timeless, classy, and festive atmosphere, the undisputed champion is a set of classic white festoon lights. But when you go to buy a set, you'll notice you have a choice to make, and it's a crucial one: Warm White or Cool White? Getting this right is the secret to nailing the perfect vibe.

Not All White is the Same: Warm White vs. Cool White

This is the most important decision you'll make. The "colour temperature" of your globes will completely change the look and feel of your outdoor space.

Warm White: The Classic, Cosy Glow

This is the one you're probably picturing in your head. Warm white is that beautiful, golden, honey-coloured light that feels inviting and relaxing. It's similar to the glow of a candle flame or an old-school incandescent globe.

This is the fair dinkum go-to for creating a relaxed, intimate, and festive atmosphere. It's perfect for 99% of backyard entertaining setups, from a casual family barbie to a fancy garden party. It makes spaces feel cosy and people's skin tones look natural and flattering.

Cool White: The Bright, Modern Look

Cool white, on the other hand, is a brighter, more neutral, or even slightly blue-toned white light. Think of the light in a modern kitchen, an office, or a retail store.

While it's very effective for task lighting, a cool white can sometimes feel a bit stark or clinical for a relaxed social setting. It's less common for decorative festoon lighting, but might be used for a very modern, minimalist architectural look, or for more functional lighting at a market stall or event.

So, Which One Should You Choose?

It's simple, mate.

If you're after that classic, warm, inviting, and festive party vibe that makes everyone feel relaxed and welcome, you want Warm White. No question. It’s the timeless choice for a reason.

Tips for Styling Your White Festoon Lights

Once you've got your perfect warm white set, the fun begins!

• Zig-zag them across a deck or courtyard for beautiful overhead coverage.
• Outline the shape of your pergola or patio for a clean, defined look.
• Drape them through the branches of a large tree for a magical, enchanted garden feel.
• Frame your fence line to make your whole backyard feel bigger and more inviting.

Going for a Permanent, Professional Setup?

Most white festoon lights come in easy-to-use, plug-in kits that are perfect for a DIY installation.

But if you're after a permanent installation that you can control with a proper switch from inside, or you need a weatherproof power point in the perfect spot, you'll need to get the pros involved. Any hardwired outdoor lighting in Australia must be installed by a licensed electrician. A qualified professional can install weatherproof power points, run outdoor-rated cabling, and ensure the whole setup is safe, compliant, and seamlessly integrated into your home.

For these trade-quality, permanent installations, professional installers rely on specialised gear from trusted electrical suppliers. Schnap Electric Products is a leading Australian supplier of all the components needed for a robust and compliant outdoor electrical system. They stock a huge range of weatherproof GPOs (power points), outdoor-rated switches, and all the compliant wiring and circuit protection a qualified professional needs to create a safe, stunning, and long-lasting outdoor entertaining area. To reliably power your perfect atmosphere, the pros start with quality gear from a supplier like Schnap Electric.