Patio string lights - incandescent or LED
April 12, 2019 1:52 PM Subscribe
I would like to install some Edison/vintage style patio string lights across my backyard. While I'm inclined to install LED for the energy savings, I've heard that the LED lights are too bright for this purpose as most people prefer a soft/warm glow outdoors. Which is better?
Would also appreciate any general tips and tricks if you've got 'em. Am already planning to use wire, proper posts etc.
Would also appreciate any general tips and tricks if you've got 'em. Am already planning to use wire, proper posts etc.
LED isn't like it used to be -- all cold, blue light. You can get nice warm LEDs that mimic traditional lighting, but it's very worth shopping in person or being prepared to do a lot of returns. Amazon reviews do tend to specifically comment on the casting colour, because this is a very specific point about LEDs.
posted by DarlingBri at 2:08 PM on April 12, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by DarlingBri at 2:08 PM on April 12, 2019 [2 favorites]
It’s subjective.
For my part, I’ve seen the new LEDs and have yet to be persuaded. To me, LED light feels strange and plain bad, there’s a certain cast to things that’s just kind of disturbing. The blue- and violet-based light these bulbs emit is bad for your retinas and can screw with sleep. They also contain lead and other toxins (which isn’t a problem unless they break, but still).
Incandescent or halogen bulbs offer light closer to natural light, and feel (and are) much better on the eyes. From a vanity POV, I think people look better in this light. The bulbs are hotter and are more expensive to use (and obviously cost more in energy).
posted by cotton dress sock at 2:44 PM on April 12, 2019 [1 favorite]
For my part, I’ve seen the new LEDs and have yet to be persuaded. To me, LED light feels strange and plain bad, there’s a certain cast to things that’s just kind of disturbing. The blue- and violet-based light these bulbs emit is bad for your retinas and can screw with sleep. They also contain lead and other toxins (which isn’t a problem unless they break, but still).
Incandescent or halogen bulbs offer light closer to natural light, and feel (and are) much better on the eyes. From a vanity POV, I think people look better in this light. The bulbs are hotter and are more expensive to use (and obviously cost more in energy).
posted by cotton dress sock at 2:44 PM on April 12, 2019 [1 favorite]
One thing to note is that while these type filament LED lights do a good job of mimicking warm vintage lights, most do not have electronic controllers. They run directly off of 120V 60Hz current. This means that they flicker on and off 120 times a second. Some people can barely see this and are bothered but others are not.
You might give one strand of LEDs a try and see how you like them.
posted by JackFlash at 2:49 PM on April 12, 2019 [1 favorite]
You might give one strand of LEDs a try and see how you like them.
posted by JackFlash at 2:49 PM on April 12, 2019 [1 favorite]
I bought the "warm" white LED patio lights from Costco. While I am happy with the hue, they are actually NOT brighter than the incandescent variety, from what I understand. For my purposes-- primarily ambiance--it's not too big of a deal, but if you need something to brightly light the space (e.g., task lighting), go with the traditional. To paint a picture, my LEDs are dim to the point where I wouldn't try to read a book out there at 9 PM, but it's nice for sitting around chatting with friends.
Another consideration is that LED lights do not get hot, whereas a lot of incandescent bulbs do, so you'd want to consider that if you need to run the lights through any kind of foliage (trees, shrubs, etc.) in close proximity to fabric overhangs or umbrellas (and I could totally be wrong about this; like maybe outdoor incandescent are made differently for this reason).
posted by lovableiago at 3:16 PM on April 12, 2019
Another consideration is that LED lights do not get hot, whereas a lot of incandescent bulbs do, so you'd want to consider that if you need to run the lights through any kind of foliage (trees, shrubs, etc.) in close proximity to fabric overhangs or umbrellas (and I could totally be wrong about this; like maybe outdoor incandescent are made differently for this reason).
posted by lovableiago at 3:16 PM on April 12, 2019
In case it’s not clear: there is a huge industry in making LED lights that mimic the color temperature and general qualities of the incandescent bulbs of 100 yrs ago. They are very good mimics, and you should try that first.
posted by SaltySalticid at 3:43 PM on April 12, 2019
posted by SaltySalticid at 3:43 PM on April 12, 2019
Every light bulb should have a Kelvin scale (a number followed by K) for how warm/cool it is. I have both cool and warm LEDs in my house. The warm "soft white"LEDs seem just like old incandescent lights. Plus they make filament style LEDs specifically for patio lighting, I even saw some when searching that are sunproof, waterproof, and shatterproof for use outdoors. A string of them will use significantly less energy and last SO LONG.
As others have said, it's worth checking out LEDs in person or somewhere you can return them. The benefits are really good if you find some you like.
posted by Crystalinne at 4:23 PM on April 12, 2019 [2 favorites]
As others have said, it's worth checking out LEDs in person or somewhere you can return them. The benefits are really good if you find some you like.
posted by Crystalinne at 4:23 PM on April 12, 2019 [2 favorites]
>most people prefer a soft/warm glow outdoors.
People in Rome certainly do - some actually rallied against a change to LED street lights! (Those in charge of the decision were called “assassins of beauty” by one councillor.)
Public health officials and optometrists on the health concerns
posted by cotton dress sock at 8:12 PM on April 12, 2019 [1 favorite]
People in Rome certainly do - some actually rallied against a change to LED street lights! (Those in charge of the decision were called “assassins of beauty” by one councillor.)
Public health officials and optometrists on the health concerns
posted by cotton dress sock at 8:12 PM on April 12, 2019 [1 favorite]
OP, I think it might help if you were to post links to the specific products you’re considering. My guess is that a lot of these answers are rather irrelevant to your situation.
posted by jon1270 at 3:47 AM on April 13, 2019
posted by jon1270 at 3:47 AM on April 13, 2019
They also contain lead and other toxins (which isn’t a problem unless they break, but still).
That was true in the early days of LEDs but Home Depot and others sell lead-free LEDs. Also worth noting is that they do not contain mercury like all fluorescents do.
posted by beagle at 9:38 AM on April 13, 2019 [1 favorite]
That was true in the early days of LEDs but Home Depot and others sell lead-free LEDs. Also worth noting is that they do not contain mercury like all fluorescents do.
posted by beagle at 9:38 AM on April 13, 2019 [1 favorite]
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posted by Lynsey at 2:06 PM on April 12, 2019 [8 favorites]