So how do permanent holiday lighting and string lights compare? This guide looks at cost, effort, safety and style so you can decide what fits your home.
What Is the Difference?
Both options light up your home for the holidays. The big difference is how long they stay up.
Seasonal string lights go up before the holidays and come down after. You store them for the rest of the year.
Permanent lighting is a set of LED lights mounted in a slim track along your roofline. The track can be matched to your trim. The lights stay up all year, and you control them from an app on your phone.
Comparing the Cost
Cost is often the first question homeowners ask. The answer depends on how you look at it.
String lights cost less upfront. You can buy a few strands at the store and hang them yourself. But the costs add up over time:
- New strands to replace ones that break or fade
- Replacement bulbs and extension cords
- Clips, hooks and timers
- Storage space in the garage or attic
- A pro to hang them, if you hire one each year
Permanent lighting costs more upfront. You pay for the lights, the track and professional installation all at once. After that, there is no yearly cost to hang or remove them. LED lights also use less power than older bulbs, which can help keep your energy bill in check.
If you plan to stay in your home for a while and decorate every year, permanent lighting can make sense over time. If you only decorate once in a while, string lights may be the better fit.
Comparing Time and Effort
Time is where the two options differ the most. One takes hours each year. The other takes a few taps.
With string lights, you spend hours each season. You test each strand, find the dead bulbs and hang everything. Then you take it all down and pack it away.
With permanent lighting, the work happens once. A licensed electrician installs the system. After that, you open the app and pick your colors. That is it.
Comparing Safety
Hanging lights can be risky. Ladders on icy ground lead to falls. Too many strands on one outlet can overload a circuit and trip a breaker.
String lights also wear out. Cracked wires and old plugs can create a fire risk. If your breakers trip every time you plug in your holiday lights, read our guide on signs you need a home electrical inspection.
Permanent lighting lowers these risks. A licensed electrician sets up the power source and makes sure your outdoor outlets can handle the load. There are no yearly ladder trips.
Comparing Style and Year-Round Use
String lights do one job. They look festive for a few weeks and then go back in a box. Permanent lighting can do much more.
With the app, you can:
- Change colors for every holiday
- Show your team’s colors on game day
- Set soft white light for everyday accent lighting
- Schedule lights to turn on at dusk and off at bedtime
- Pick patterns that twinkle, chase or fade
Permanent lights can also work with your smart home system. They pair well with motion lights and other exterior and security lighting to keep your property bright and safe.
Which Is Worth It?
The right choice depends on your home and your habits. Here is a quick way to decide.
String lights may be right for you if:
- You only decorate now and then
- You enjoy hanging lights yourself
- You want the lowest upfront cost
Permanent lighting may be right for you if:
- You decorate every year
- You want to stay off the ladder
- You want lights for more than one season
- You like the idea of changing colors from your phone
For many homeowners, the time saved and the year-round use make permanent lighting worth it.
Get a Free Quote From Same Day Electric
Thinking about making the switch? Same Day Electric can help you plan the right setup for your home.
Learn more about permanent lighting installation in Boise. Same Day Electric is locally owned and operated, with licensed and insured electricians. Calls are answered 24/7. Call (208) 377-3278 or schedule service online to get your free quote.
