Those beautiful Christmas trees you’re seeing across social media and magazine covers really set the mood for the holiday. Yet when it comes to decorating our own, they never quite turn out the same. What is the science and technique behind those artistically decorated trees, and how many lights do you need to make yours just as stunning? Well, it depends on a few factors.
The Size and Type of Christmas Tree
You want your Christmas tree to be the focal point in the room, right? But you don’t want to overdo it. A tree that’s too cluttered with lights will be overbearing, while a tree without enough lights will seem sparse. First, evaluate whether you’ll have a live tree or an artificial one. Artificial trees come in a variety of colors, and those in paler shades such as white, blue, or pink will require less lighting. A real tree, however, will require more lights than even a dark-colored artificial tree, as it will slowly lose its needles and thin out as the holidays progress. Give it a few extra strands to keep it looking bright all season long.
On Average, 600 Mini Lights or 450 5mm LEDs Does the Trick
We have you covered when it comes down to the numbers. If you have a:
4 foot tree = 400 mini lights, or 300 5mm LEDs
6 foot tree = 600 mini lights, or 450 5mm LEDs
8 foot tree = 800 mini lights, or 600 5mm LEDs
You should have around 100 lights for each foot of a tree to make sure the lighting is even. Remember, depending on how wide or deep your tree is, your lights will be dimmed by the needles and ornaments. Use a few extra if you want the lights to really shine through.
The Type of Light Bulbs
Thicker bulbs aren’t always the answer. By mixing larger bulbs with smaller, the brighter ones draw the eye to focal points in the tree, while the smaller speckle it with a lovely glow that makes it beautiful from afar. Magazines use this tactic in pictures especially, as viewer’s attention will be drawn to the most lush portions of the tree, while the small lights are subtle enough to fool the eye into thinking every portion is perfect.
Your Light Hanging Strategy
Evaluate your tree and how the branches lay. For the thicker parts of your tree, lay your lights more on the outside of their branches, while for the thinner, wrap them deep and in layers. This will give the impression of even coverage. You don’t want the light strands to stick out, but you don’t want them to sit so deep in the tree that the light is muffled by the ornaments. 
Your Strategy for Ornament Placement
If you have a massive collection of ornaments, your lighting will differ from those with less ornaments. If you plan to have a busy, full tree, try going for white lights instead of colored. This way, your tree won’t appear cluttered.
If you’re more selective with ornaments, then you can go for either colored or white lights. And if you’re on the daring side, mix colored and white lights for a unique approach.
