String and Fairy Lights

Two kinds of light share this page. Indoor fairy lights, thin copper-wire strands and curtain lights for a headboard, mirror or shelf; and outdoor strings, weatherproof G40 bulb sets and solar strands for a balcony or garden. Before you buy, check four things: total length and bulb spacing, warm versus cool white, the power source (USB, battery, plug or solar) and whether there is a timer.

• Solar sets need daylight on the panel and give shorter runtime in winter.
• Warm white suits bedrooms; a timer stops them running all night.
• Music- or app-controlled strands add colour changes if you want them.

For a calmer bedside, see the bedside lamp guide and the night lights collection; for the garden, browse outdoor and camping.