What is the difference between string lights and rope lights?

Quick Answers

String lights and rope lights are both types of decorative lighting that are often used for outdoor spaces, special events, or as holiday decor. The main differences are:

String lights consist of small bulbs connected by wire. Rope lights are made of colorful LEDs encased in a plastic tube.
String lights create a sparkling, dotted effect. Rope lights provide an uninterrupted glowing line of light.

String lights are available in incandescent or LED. Rope lights are always LED.
String lights can have larger bulbs and be used functionally to brighten a space. Rope lights are purely decorative.
Rope lights are more durable for outdoor use. String lights are more delicate and prone to bulb burnout.

String lights allow you to space out bulbs and create custom designs. Rope lights are a continuous strip of light.
String lights are often still made with incandescent bulbs, which can produce a warm glow but use more energy. Rope lights are energy efficient LEDs.

String Light Design

String lights consist of individual light bulbs connected by wire. The bulbs are spaced out along the wire and when lit create a sparkling, dotted effect. String lights are also sometimes known as fairy lights or Christmas lights.

The bulbs in string lights were traditionally incandescent, the same technology used in most standard lightbulbs. Incandescent bulbs produce light by running electricity through a wire filament, which heats up and glows. This creates a warm, yellowish or white light that some people find more attractive. However, incandescent bulbs are very inefficient and 90% of their energy use turns into heat rather than visible light.

LED string lights have become much more popular in recent years. LED stands for “light emitting diode.” LED lights use semiconductors to generate light more efficiently, producing brighter light while using a fraction of the energy of incandescents. LED string lights allow for more creative shapes, sizes, and colors of bulbs as well. They also last much longer than incandescent string lights.

One advantage of string lights is that you can space the bulbs out to create custom designs. Strings can have bulbs clustered close together or spaced evenly apart. For a bold decorative statement, bulbs can be different colors and sizes. Some strings have the bulbs attached on drop cords of varying lengths to create a whimsical dangling effect. Strings can be formed into shapes like arches or trees.

The individual bulbs on string lights are prone to burning out, which can be frustrating if one burnt bulb causes the whole string to turn off. But the benefit is that any burned out bulbs can be replaced easily by screwing in a new one. With incandescent string lights, spare bulbs are a must. LED strings are much more durable, but it’s still good to have extras on hand.

Uses of String Lights

String lights are used both indoors and outdoors for decorative lighting. Typical uses include:

– Wrapped around trees, shrubs, or fences for outdoor ambiance
– Lining the roof edge or rafters at outdoor weddings and parties
– Wrapped around a canopy or pergola to create a soft glow
– Decorating indoor spaces like dorm rooms, bedrooms, and living rooms
– Placed inside glass jars or dangling from bookshelves
– Wrapped around railings or stair banisters
– Added sparkle to indoor weddings and holiday events
– Accent lighting on bars and restaurants patios
– Outlining walkways or gardens with a magical lit path
– Winding through branches to illuminate trees

String lights create a flexible, decorative lighting effect for both functional lighting and accent decoration. They can be used permanently or put up temporarily for events. Timers or smart controls allow them to be programmed to turn on and off automatically at night.

Rope Light Design

Rope lights, sometimes called tube lights or neon lights, have a very different design from traditional string lights. Instead of individual bulbs on a wire, rope lights consist of small LEDs encased in a flexible plastic tube. The LEDs are close together, producing an uninterrupted glowing line of light.

The tubing diffuses the light and protects the small LEDs inside. It comes in different diameters, most commonly 1/4” to 1/2”. The plastic tubing is waterproof and durable for indoor or outdoor use. Rope lights require no bulbs to screw in or replace. The LEDs last for years and the lights can be cut to any length.

While rope lights have a simple, streamlined design, they can still be shaped in many ways. The plastic tubing is very flexible and can be bent, twisted, and curled as desired. Rope lights are commonly seen:

– Outlining rooflines
– Mounted under railings
– Wrapping around poles or columns
– Hidden behind crown molding
– Outlining windows, doors, and paths
– Mounted under cabinets or shelves
– Decorating gazebos, pergolas, and backyards

Rope lights give off a continuous, unblinking glow. They provide accent lighting and definition along architectural features and landscaping. Different colors of rope lights can be combined to customize the look. Some even change colors or patterns for holidays and parties when set to sound-activated or timer modes.

Uses of Rope Lights

Rope lights have become popular for decorative lighting indoors and out:

– Accenting outdoor living spaces like patios, gazebos, or decks
– Hidden to indirectly illuminate stairways or pathways
– Outlining buildings, fencing, landscaping
– Attaching under bar counters or shelves
– Mounted under bathroom cabinets for accent lighting
– Decorating dorm rooms, bedrooms, and living spaces
– Lining shelving or bookcases
– Marking safety exits and pathways
– Illuminating indoor and outdoor events
– Accentuating architectural features
– Highlighting commercial storefronts and displays

Rope lights are used to add colorful decoration and visual interest to both indoor and outdoor spaces. They provide a unique lighting effect that is more understated than string lights but can still dramatically transform a space.

String Lights vs Rope Lights: Key Differences

Now that we’ve explored the basics of string light and rope light designs, let’s summarize the main differences between the two:

Lighting Effect

String lights have individual bulbs spaced apart, creating a dotted, sparkling effect.
Rope lights provide an uninterrupted, continuous glowing line of light.

Bulb Type

String lights traditionally used incandescent bulbs but now are commonly LED. They allow for different bulb shapes, sizes, and colors.
Rope lights always use LEDs, protected within the plastic tubing.

Durability

Exposed incandescent and LED bulbs in string lights can easily break if knocked or strained.

Rope lights are extremely durable and flexible thanks to the tubing protecting the LEDs inside.

Reparability

If a bulb burns out in a string light, you simply screw in a replacement. This can get tedious over time.
Rope lights don’t have replaceable bulbs. But the LEDs rarely burn out, and if one does the whole light will still work.

Design Flexibility

With string lights, you can space bulbs apart and shape strings into custom designs.
Rope lights are a continuous tube of light. But they can still be bent into shapes.

Light Output

String lights are lower intensity and mainly for decoration. But incandescent and LED bulbs can provide broader lighting if needed.

Rope lights don’t produce enough light for wide illumination. They are a pure accent/decor light.

Energy Efficiency

Incandescent string lights are very inefficient and produce a lot of heat. LED versions use much less energy.
Rope lights have efficient, long-lasting LEDs so they use minimal electricity.

Comparing String and Rope Lights Visually

To summarize the differences visually, here is a comparison table contrasting images of string lights vs. rope lights:

String Lights	Rope Lights

Choosing Between String and Rope Lights

So which type of decorative lighting is right for your purposes? Here are some things to consider:

Lighting Needs

If you simply want soft, mood accent lighting, rope lights are a good choice. For lighting larger spaces or using bulbs in different colors and sizes for sparkle, string lights may be better.

Installation Location

Rope lights hold up better outdoors and in wet areas like patios. Delicate string lights are better suited for indoor use or very protected outdoor areas.

Safety

Rope lights pose less risk of burns since the LEDs are encased. With exposed bulbs, string lights should be kept away from small children.

Aesthetic Preferences

Do you like the thoughtfully spaced, sparkling look of string lights? Or the sleek glow of uninterrupted rope lighting? Your visual taste can help determine the best fit.

Budget

Initially, rope lights tend to cost more per foot than string lights. But when factoring in energy efficiency and bulb replacements, rope lights can save money in the long run.

Ability to Repair

If you don’t want to deal with replacing burned out bulbs, lower maintenance rope lights are the way to go. But if you don’t mind occasional bulb swaps, string lights give you more flexibility.

Smart Features

Rope lights readily integrate with advanced lighting control systems since the LEDs can easily change color, dimness, and timing. Smart string lights are available, but limited.

Using String and Rope Lights Together

You don’t necessarily have to choose between string lights vs. rope lights. In many situations, combining both types of decorative lighting can create beautiful, complex displays.

Here are some ideas for using string and rope lights together:

Wrap pillars or poles with rope lights, then trail string lights diagonally across them for contrast

Hang string lights vertically from a fence or railing, then run rope lighting along the top
Edge a roofline or canopy with rope lights for definition, then criss-cross string lights over the top
Use white rope lighting to illuminate stair edges or pathways, adding strings of color above for accent

Encircle tree trunks with rope lights low to the ground, then wind string lights through the branches above
Line the shelves in a bookcase with rope lights for hidden glow, then hang dangling string lights in front

Mixing the continuous glow of rope lighting with the sparkle and flexibility of string lights can take your decorative lighting displays to the next level. Experiment with combining the two for gorgeous, professional effects.

Conclusion

String lights and rope lights both provide beautiful accent lighting, but achieve the effect in different ways. String lights are classic sparkling holiday lights that allow for custom designs. Rope lights give an uninterrupted line of light perfect for cleanly outlining structures and landscaping.

Factors like your location, lighting needs, and aesthetic preferences help determine if string or rope lights are a better fit for your specific goals. In many scenarios, utilizing both types together can create a stunning decorative lighting display. With LED technology advancing the efficiency, colors, and features available, decorative lighting is an amazing way to transform both indoor and outdoor spaces.