When discussing LED Lights, the variety of lens designs is remarkable. However, deciding which design is ideal for different lighting situations can be perplexing. We frequently field numerous calls and emails from customers who are overwhelmed by the plethora of LED Christmas light options. Not too long ago, Christmas lights were typically categorized into two primary designs: the classic mini light and the larger C7 or C9 bulb light sets.

Today, there are many more choices, which, although potentially confusing, also provide a wider range of options for creating unique lighting projects in homes or businesses. Let's examine the most common LED Christmas light lens designs.

5mm Wide Angle Conical LED Christmas Lights

The 5mm Wide Angle Conical LED light set is our best-selling LED set. The actual bulb design is shorter than traditional Christmas lights, but the illumination intensity and appearance of the light set, once illuminated, closely resemble the classic Christmas mini light many of us have used for years.

The Wide Angle Conical is particularly suited for outdoor lighting where maximum brightness is required. However, for indoor projects like lighting Christmas trees, the bulbs can be overwhelmingly bright.

M5 LED Christmas Lights

The M5 LED light set features a lens design similar to traditional incandescent mini lights. The M5 is a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor lighting, offering balanced illumination that isn't as intense as the Wide Angle Conical. This makes the M5 ideal for artificial interior greens such as wreaths, trees, and garlands.

C3 LED Christmas Lights

C3 light sets are not as prevalent as their M5 and Conical counterparts, but they are still a great option for various lighting projects. At Gift All Season, we favor the C3 for lighting artificial greens and often recommend them for outdoor foliage lighting. Because they are less common, C3 sets offer a unique style that can make your lighting project stand out.

G12 LED Christmas Lights

G12s have been gaining popularity, especially for outdoor foliage lighting. The round LED lens provides a distinctive look that many people find attractive. The G12 is also a good option for indoor artificial foliage lighting.

C6 LED Christmas Lights

C6 light sets have existed for a long time but only recently became widely used thanks to the low electrical consumption of LEDs. The lens is too small for building perimeters, but because C6s are larger than traditional mini lights, they are excellent for scattering light in hedges and tree foliage. They also look great in artificial wreaths, trees, and garlands.

C7 LED Christmas Lights

C7 light sets have been in use for nearly a century. Their larger bulb design makes them popular for building perimeters and tree foliage lighting. Traditionally, C7 bulbs required 5 to 7 watts each, demanding high electrical support for large projects. Nowadays, energy-efficient LEDs greatly reduce this power need. C7 LED sets come in stringer style or as retrofit bulbs fitting any C7 socket. For more details on these two types, see our blog post comparing Stringer Sets and Empty Socket Light Line.

C9 LED Christmas Lights

C9 light sets often get mixed up with C7s. While similar, the larger C9 is the top choice for perimeter lighting and sometimes for large evergreen trees. Traditionally, C9 incandescent bulbs demanded 7 to 10 watts, but LED versions significantly cut that requirement. Given the larger lens and increased visibility, especially with retrofit bulbs, C9s are increasingly popular.

Ultimately, choosing the best lens style for your lighting project is a matter of personal taste. For popular options, 5mm Wide Angle Conical lights are great for foliage, and C9 sets are ideal for perimeters. For a unique touch, consider C3 or C6 lights. At ChristmasDesigners.com, we have just the right set for your Christmas lighting needs, whether you prefer a bold or conservative approach.