Types of Lights
Types of Lights
Revision: 0.1 (Draft)
Author: Ernest Horning
Introduction
Holiday lighting has evolved from traditional incandescent strings to modern addressable RGB pixels. This page introduces the major lighting technologies used in today's holiday displays.
Incandescent-Lights
Traditional warm lights with higher power consumption.
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LED String Lights
Efficient replacements are available in many styles.
Entire strip changes to one color together.
Smart RGB (Addressable) Pixels
Each pixel contains its own controller for independent color control.
COB LED Strips
Produce a nearly continuous line of light.
5-Volt vs 12-Volt Pixels
Both are common; 5V is efficient while 12V allows longer runs.
Common Pixel Types
| Type | Typical Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet | Outdoor props | Most common |
| Square | Coroplast | Square holes |
| Seed | Wireframes / 3D prints | Small & flexible |
| Pebble | Decorative props | Diffused |
| Pixel Strip | Matrices | Flexible PCB |
| RGBW | High quality white | Dedicated white LED |
Color Temperature
Color temperature describes the appearance of white light and is measured in Kelvin (K). It describes the color of the light, not how hot the bulb becomes.
| Type | Typical (K) | Appearance | Common Uses |
| Warm White | 2700–3000 | Soft yellow-white | Traditional Christmas displays |
| Neutral White | 3500–4500 | Balanced white | General decorative lighting |
| Cool White | 5000–6500 | Bright blue-white | Modern displays and accent lighting |
Tip: Choose Warm White LEDs if you want the traditional incandescent look.
Choosing the Right Lights
| Application | Recommended | Why |
| Roofline | LED Strings | Classic appearance |
| Building accents | Dumb RGB / COB | Uniform lighting |
| Animated props | Smart RGB Pixels | Individual control |
| Matrices | Smart RGB Pixels | Images and animation |
Revision Notes
Revision 0.1 restores and expands the Color Temperature section with a comparison table and practical guidance.