You probably already know what C9 Christmas lights are without even recognizing the name. They are almost without a doubt the most recognizable of all Christmas lights and for some elicit a warm, throwback vibe. Consider this your crash course on C9 lights and how they can be used.
What Are C9 Christmas Lights (What Does C9 Mean?)
Believe it or not, there actually is some reason behind the naming convention of C9 Christmas lights. In this case, the C stands for “conical” (in reference to the shape) and the “9” refers to the fact that the bulb is roughly 9/8, or 1.125 inches, wide at its widest point.
Putting aside the technical specifications, C9 Christmas lights are among the most recognizable of all Christmas lights and are the larger, roughly cone-shaped bulbs that are usually brightly multicolored, though they are available in many different color temperatures of white as well.
These are the lights that many envision when they hear (or see) the term “vintage Christmas lights” as they were very popular many decades ago (despite their continued popularity today).
Where Can I Hang C9 Lights?
One of the great things about C9 Christmas lights is their versatility. They can be hung in so many different locations and used in so many ways around your home, as well as outside of it.
One of the most straightforward ways to decorate with C9 lights is to hang them on the tree, on which they will create a throwback air. This is a particularly effective way to decorate with C9 lights if you do not have a prelit Christmas tree.
The Christmas tree is just the starting point, though; C9 Christmas lights can be used to dazzling effect when used to illuminate your other Christmas greenery. Use them to light up wreaths, garlands, and more throughout your home.
In addition, C9 lights can be used in your home to accent architectural features such as railings, banisters, windows, and so much more. They will add light, cast shadows, and create dimension when used to embellish architectural features.
On top of these ideas, C9 Christmas lights can also be used outside your home. They can be used to wrap trees and bushes as well as to line paths. C9 lights can also be used to marvellous effect on your home’s roof and ridgeline. Check out our guide on roof and ridgeline lighting for some specific tips.
Since C9 Christmas lights have large bulbs, they don’t just add light but they make a strong impression, and they also produce a pleasant vintage aesthetic. If you’ve been looking into retro Christmas decorations, C9 lights may be able to help you pull that off.
How Can I Hang C9 Lights?
Whether or not you use specific lighting accessories, hanging C9 Christmas lights is easy and straightforward.
If you’re hanging the lights on the tree or greenery, you can use the tips of the greenery to hold the cord in place. As for tree wraps, spiraling the light cord around the tree or its branches will hold the lights in place.
The same rules apply when lighting columns, pillars, mail boxes and railing. Just wrap the light cord around these features to hold it in place.
When hanging C9 lights inside, such as around windows or on walls, you can use small wire nails to hold up the light strand or, if you don’t want to damage your trim or drywall, you can use non-marking Command hooks or hangers, or even hot glue.
We also carry a lot of specific Christmas lighting accessories here at Decorator’s Warehouse. In addition to the light bulbs themselves and socket cord, we carry a variety of stakes and specialized Christmas light clips such as shingle clips, gutter clips, smart clips and multi-application clips.
For more information, see our previous post, Easy Tips for Putting Up Christmas Lights.
Here are some high-level tips:
- Plan out your lighting.
- Prepare the space and make sure you have the right number of bulbs and clips.
- Include a timer to save money on energy costs.
- Take the lights down with next year in mind, and mark the containers in which you store the lights.
What Are the Most Common Light-Spacing Protocols?
Most homeowners space out their Christmas lights by either 6" or 12", but for those using socket cord, sometimes they space out their lights by 15".
I Like C9 Lights But I Want to Use Something A Little Smaller. Are There Any Options?
If you love the look of C9 lights but want to use something that’s a little more toned down but which still produces the same basic effect, consider C7 Christmas lights, which are ⅞ of an inch wide at the widest point.
These lights also create a warm, vintage air and can be used in all of the same ways as those mentioned here for C9 lights.
What’s the Difference Between C9 and C7 Christmas Lights?
These are both conical lights that differ primarily in size, as indicated in this article. They may also differ in base sizes, brightness and wattage.
What Base Do the Lights Have?
Both E12 (C7) and E17 (C9) bases are common in Christmas lights. Before buying socket cord, make sure you know what bulb base you're working with.
Are LED C9 Lights Better?
Traditionally, C9 Christmas lights have been incandescent and some types still are. With that said, there are numerous advantages to using modern LED C9 lights such as those that we offer here.
For one, LED C9 Christmas lights are made with a synthetic plastic bulb, rather than a glass bulb, which makes them far less fragile and easier to store.
LED lights are also more reliable, longer-lasting, and far more energy efficient than incandescent lights, making them a much more attractive choice for many decorators.
To summarize, LED Christmas lights are longer-lasting, more durable, and much more cost-effective to operate.
How to Store C9 Christmas Lights
At the end of all this, you’ll probably want to know how to store C9 lights, but fortunately, storing C9 lights requires the same basic considerations as for other Christmas lights.
One of the best tips for storing C9 lights so as to protect the bulbs and keep the cord from getting tangled is to get a 5 gallon bucket and coil the lights around the interior with the bulbs facing inward.
A large tub or container will work too, but using a bucket in the manner described gives you a naturally round interior that will help you form the coils, protecting the lights and simplifying storage. Depending on the length of your cord, you may be able to store several strands in one bucket as well.
Explore C9 Christmas Lights and Lighting Accessories Here
Your BEST Christmas EVER, complete with a brand new C9 Christmas light display, starts here. Explore our collection of C9 lights, Christmas greenery, light installation accessories, and more, and once you’ve completed your Christmas creation, share on your socials and tag us with #dwchristmas for a chance to be featured!