Festoon Lights: Why That “Cheap Deal” Isn’t Really a Bargain

It’s easy to be tempted by big promises — 22 metres of festoon lights and 20 bulbs for just $89! At first glance, that sounds like incredible value, especially when compared with higher-quality festoon lighting like ours, where a 10m set with 10 LED bulbs starts from $119.

But here’s the truth: with lighting (as with most things), you get what you pay for. Those bargain lights often come with hidden costs — in energy bills, replacements, and even safety risks. Let’s take a closer look. 

Let's review what you can get at TSB Living (and same set at Mighty Ape)

Versus Love Your Lights: 

1. Bulb Choice: Tungsten vs LED

Tungsten Bulbs

  • Short lifespan: 1,000–2,000 hours (about one summer if used nightly).

  • High running costs: inefficient, with most energy lost as heat.

  • Hot to touch, with potential safety concerns.

  • Environmental impact: frequent replacements = more waste.

LED Bulbs

  • Long lifespan: 20,000–25,000 hours (years of use).

  • Extremely energy-efficient and cost-effective to run.

  • Low heat output = safe and reliable.

  • Eco-friendly: far fewer replacements needed.

👉 When you look at longevity and efficiency, LED bulbs win every time!

 

2. Replacement Costs Add Up Quickly

That bargain $89 festoon set with tungsten bulbs looks less appealing once you factor in replacements.

  • Tungsten bulbs: $6 each. With 20 bulbs per string, you’ll spend $120+ every time you replace them. If you use your lights 8 hours a night through summer, you’ll likely be replacing the entire set by the end of the season.

  • LED bulbs: Designed to last season after season with very little maintenance.

In the long run, LEDs save you both money and hassle. 

3. Brightness Levels Matter

Many people don’t realise that LEDs are also brighter.

  • Tungsten 11w bulb: ~110 lumens (about the same as our solar lighting bulbs).

  • LED 2w bulb: ~220 lumens — twice as bright while using a fraction of the energy.

If you want festoon lights that provide both ambience and functional light for outdoor living, LEDs are the smart choice.

4. Built to Last Outdoors

Cheap festoon sets aren’t usually designed for long-term outdoor use. Exposure to rain, wind, and sun quickly takes its toll. Our commercial-grade festoon lights are built to withstand harsh New Zealand and Australian weather, so you can confidently leave them up all year round.

The Final Word: Invest Once, Enjoy for Years

That $89 set might sound like a deal, but by the time you replace bulbs, factor in running costs, and deal with maintenance, you’ll spend far more over time.

With our premium LED festoon lights, you’ll enjoy:
✔ Long lifespan
✔ Lower power bills
✔ Brighter, safer, eco-friendly lighting
✔ Commercial-grade durability

Sometimes the better deal is the one that lasts.

Ready to make the smart choice?
Explore our range of Premium Festoon Lights and transform your space with lighting that shines brighter, lasts longer, and delivers real value.

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