You’ve probably driven past a house during the holidays and thought, “How do they get it to look that good?” It’s not always about having more lights—it’s about using the right spacing to get that crisp, professional look.
Whether you're lining your roof for the first time or refining your setup from last year, understanding how close together your lights should be can make all the difference between “nice try” and next-level glow.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the best spacing for your holiday lights, depending on your goals, home layout, and how much time (or ladder climbing) you want to invest.
6”, 12”, 15”, 36”: What’s the Difference—Really?
Let’s break down what these intervals mean in the field:
| Spacing | Install Speed | Visual Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 6” | Slower | High sparkle |
| 12” | Fast | Balanced |
| 15” | Fastest | Subtle, clean |
| 36” | Very fast | Accent lighting only |
Standard 12" spacing of G30 Smooth Bulbs
When to Use Each Spacing (and Why)
So, you've got your holiday lightbulb picked out (probably a C9 Bulb or a G30 Bulb), and now you need to know how dense you want it to look on your roofline.
6" Spacing
This is the densest spacing available for roofline installs—and in most cases, too dense. Unless you're aiming for a very bold or highly decorative look, 6" spacing tends to crowd the line and draws a lot of attention to the lights themselves... But maybe that's what you want!
12" Spacing
The industry standard for a reason. Delivers solid visual punch, easy to calculate how many bulbs you'll need (one bulb per foot of roofline). Plus, you’re not overloading their circuits or your install schedule. 12" spacing makes the roof look balanced and dazzling.
15" Spacing
Ideal for big houses that prefer to have a clean, classic outline, but doesn't doesn’t want to pay for a thousand bulbs. They can look similar enough to the classic 12" spacing that you won't even notice the difference. Also good when you're short on time but still need the display to look finished.
36" Spacing
This is more niche—great for stringing patios or running accent lines across a pergola. Not for high-visibility installs but perfect for low-bulb ambiance. Choose this spacing if you want to have the Christmas feel without drowning your house with light.
What Spacing Means for Your Bottom Line
Every installer has done the math: more bulbs = more product + more labor. But what clients care about is impact. Smart spacing lets you deliver wow-factor without overspending your time or their budget.
💡 Pro Tip:
6" spacing will make an impressive, overpowering light display that suits some homes.
12” spacing is your standard. When in doubt, choose this.
15” spacing is perfect for big outlines with minimal material.
How Big Star Lights Helps
Big Star offers pre-spaced light strings and individual bulbs for every spacing listed above. Our spacing options are built for pro use—less twisting, less sag, fewer surprises on site. When choosing a classic option (like the C9 or G30 bulb), you can choose between 6", 12", 15", and 36" spacing of the 500ft spool of E17 Socket Power Cord.
And because our bulbs are sealed with epoxy glue and high-quality silicone, you’ll deal with fewer failures—and fewer mid-winter ladder climbs.
Final Take: Use Spacing Like a Pro
Most homeowners think great installs are about color or bulb shape. You know better. Spacing is where pro jobs get their polish—and where you protect your margins.
Need to move fast, impress clients, and finish installs before the snow hits? Dial in your spacing and let the bulbs do the rest.