Net Lights Vs String Lights For Full Artificial Trees Which Looks Fuller

When it comes to decorating an artificial Christmas tree, few decisions impact the final appearance as much as the choice of lights. While both net lights and string lights serve the same basic function—adding sparkle and warmth—the way they distribute light and interact with the tree’s silhouette can dramatically alter its perceived fullness. For homeowners aiming to create a lush, abundant centerpiece in their living room or holiday display, understanding the visual and practical differences between these two lighting types is essential.

The illusion of fullness doesn’t come solely from the density of branches. It’s shaped by how light moves through the tree, where shadows fall, and how evenly the glow is distributed. This article breaks down the structural, aesthetic, and functional distinctions between net lights and string lights, helping you determine which option delivers a genuinely fuller appearance on a full artificial tree.

Understanding Net Lights and String Lights

Net lights are pre-wired grids of lights, typically arranged in a rectangular or square mesh pattern. They’re designed to drape over bushes, hedges, or low-profile trees and shrubs. Each bulb is spaced at regular intervals—commonly 3 to 6 inches apart—across horizontal and vertical wires, forming a literal “net” of illumination. Because of their rigid structure, net lights are most effective when applied to flat or gently curved surfaces.

In contrast, string lights consist of a flexible wire strand with bulbs attached at consistent intervals, usually ranging from 4 to 12 inches apart. These strands can be wrapped, spiraled, or draped manually around tree branches, allowing for precise control over placement. With hundreds of feet available in commercial sets, string lights offer unmatched versatility in coverage and design.

While both types use similar LED or incandescent bulbs, their application methods lead to vastly different outcomes—especially on tall, wide artificial trees designed to mimic the volume of real evergreens.

Visual Impact: Which Lighting Creates a Fuller Appearance?

Perceived fullness depends on three key factors: light density, distribution uniformity, and depth of illumination. Let’s examine how net and string lights perform across each criterion.

Light Density and Coverage

Net lights provide high-density coverage in a confined area. A single 4’x6’ net with 200 bulbs offers 8.3 bulbs per square foot. However, this density only applies to the surface it covers. On a conical artificial tree, especially one over 6 feet tall, net lights struggle to conform to the tapering shape. The result is concentrated brightness on the outer midsection, with sparse or nonexistent lighting near the top and base.

String lights, when properly applied using the “lamp-wrapping” or “spiral method,” achieve consistent density from trunk to tip. By wrapping lights around each major branch section, decorators ensure that every tier receives equal attention. High-quality LED string sets with 100 bulbs per 25 feet allow for tight spacing without overheating, mimicking the natural scatter of firelight within a dense pine canopy.

Tip: For maximum fullness, use 100 lights per foot of tree height. A 7-foot tree should have at least 700 bulbs.

Distribution Uniformity

Uniform light spread eliminates dark zones and enhances the tree’s symmetry. Net lights often create a “patchy” effect on three-dimensional trees. The grid structure forces straight lines of light that don’t follow branch contours, leading to visible gaps between wires and uneven brightness.

String lights, when hand-wrapped, follow the organic flow of each branch. Decorators can double-wrap dense areas, add extra loops to thin sections, and tuck lights toward the trunk to create internal glow. This layering technique produces a multidimensional radiance that makes even modestly branched trees appear thick and rich.

Depth of Illumination

One of the most underrated aspects of tree lighting is depth—the ability of light to penetrate beyond the outer shell. Net lights illuminate only the surface. Their flat design prevents placement deep within the foliage, leaving the inner core dark and hollow-looking, especially when viewed from the side or back.

String lights excel here. By weaving them inward during installation, light reaches the central structure of the tree. This internal luminosity reduces shadowing, adds volume to the silhouette, and gives the impression of a naturally dense evergreen. When lit, the entire mass appears active and vibrant, not just the outer shell.

“Lighting from within transforms a tree from a decoration into a centerpiece. Surface-only lighting feels flat; layered illumination creates drama.” — Marcus Reed, Professional Holiday Display Designer

Practical Comparison: Installation, Flexibility, and Maintenance

Beyond aesthetics, practical considerations influence which lighting type supports a fuller look over time.

Feature	Net Lights	String Lights
Installation Speed	Fast (drape and secure)	Slower (requires wrapping)
Conformity to Tree Shape	Poor (rigid grid)	Excellent (flexible placement)
Adjustability	Low (fixed layout)	High (customizable paths)
Storage	Easy (fold flat)	Requires spooling or reels
Durability	Moderate (prone to bent wires)	High (resilient wire)
Best For	Small trees, bushes, railings	Full artificial trees, large displays

While net lights promise quick setup, their inflexibility limits creative control. Once installed, repositioning a single bulb isn’t possible. String lights, though more time-consuming to apply, reward patience with superior results. The ability to fine-tune placement ensures no section is over-lit or neglected.

Step-by-Step Guide: Achieving Maximum Fullness with String Lights

To get the fullest possible look on a full artificial tree, follow this professional-grade lighting method:

1. Choose the right lights: Select warm white or daylight-white LED string lights with 100 bulbs per 25 feet. Avoid multicolor sets if aiming for elegance and realism.
2. Start at the top: Plug the string into a battery pack or begin wiring from the top-down if using plug-in sets. Secure the first bulb near the topmost branch with a twist tie.
3. Wrap horizontally: Move outward along the primary branch, wrapping the light strand around it every 4–6 inches. Keep tension gentle to avoid bending tips.
4. Work in layers: After completing one level, move down 6–8 inches to the next major branch ring. Repeat the spiral pattern, slightly offsetting it from the row above to avoid visible lines.
5. Add depth: For thicker trees, weave lights 6–8 inches into the interior before bringing them back out. This creates internal glow and minimizes hollowness.
6. Fill gaps: Once the main pass is complete, go back and double-wrap sparse areas or add small clusters where needed.
7. Connect and test: Link multiple strands if necessary, ensuring total bulb count meets the 100-per-foot guideline. Test all lights before adding ornaments.

This method takes 30–60 minutes for a 7-foot tree but yields a professionally lit appearance that enhances fullness far better than any net system.

Real Example: Transforming a Thin-Looking Tree

Sarah K., a homeowner in Portland, OR, purchased a 7.5-foot pre-lit artificial tree advertised as “full” but found it looked sparse once assembled. The built-in lights were strung only along the outer edges, creating a halo effect with a dark center.

She decided to supplement with additional lighting. First, she tried draping two green-wire net lights over the midsection. While the front looked brighter, the sides remained patchy, and the top and bottom stayed dim. The rigid grids didn’t conform to the taper, leaving triangular gaps at the base.

She then removed the nets and invested in three 300-light string sets. Using the step-by-step wrapping method, she spent about 45 minutes layering lights from top to bottom, focusing on interior placement. The transformation was immediate: the tree appeared 30% fuller, with no dark zones. Guests commented that it looked like a real fir, dense and warmly glowing from within.

Her experience reflects a common reality: no amount of surface lighting can replace strategic, three-dimensional illumination.

Common Misconceptions About Tree Lighting

Several myths persist about what makes a tree look full. Addressing them clarifies why string lights outperform net alternatives.

• Myth: More lights automatically mean fuller appearance.
  Reality: Poorly placed lights—even in high quantity—create glare and imbalance. Distribution matters more than raw count.
• Myth: Net lights save time without sacrificing quality.
  Reality: While faster to install, they compromise fit and depth, especially on large trees. The time saved upfront leads to disappointment later.
• Myth: Pre-lit trees eliminate the need for extra lights.
  Reality: Most pre-lit trees have only 500–700 bulbs, falling short of the recommended density. Adding supplemental string lights is almost always necessary for fullness.

Tip: Always add at least one extra set of 300 lights to a pre-lit tree for optimal fullness.

FAQ: Net Lights vs String Lights

Can I use net lights on a tall artificial tree?

Technically yes, but not effectively. Net lights are designed for flat or low-profile surfaces. On a tall, conical tree, they won’t conform to the shape, leading to gaps, sagging, and uneven lighting. String lights are a far better choice for height and dimension.

Are net lights worth it for any part of a full tree?

They can work as accent lighting for the base skirt or nearby greenery, but not for the main body of the tree. Some decorators use small net panels behind the tree to backlight it, but this is supplementary, not primary illumination.

How many string light sets do I need for a 6-foot tree?

At 100 lights per foot, a 6-foot tree needs about 600 bulbs. If using 300-light strands, two sets are ideal. For greater density, use three sets with tighter wrapping.

Checklist: Choosing the Right Lights for a Fuller Tree

• ☐ Determine your tree’s height and calculate required bulb count (100 per foot)
• ☐ Choose warm white or clear LED string lights for natural glow
• ☐ Avoid net lights for main tree illumination
• ☐ Plan for supplemental lighting even if tree is pre-lit
• ☐ Use green or brown wire to blend with branches
• ☐ Allocate 30–60 minutes for careful wrapping
• ☐ Test all strands before and after installation

Conclusion: Prioritize Depth and Control for True Fullness

When the goal is a truly full-looking artificial tree, string lights are the superior choice. Their flexibility allows for strategic placement, internal layering, and uniform coverage—elements that net lights simply cannot replicate due to their flat, rigid design. While net lights have their place in holiday decor, they belong on bushes, railings, or window boxes, not on substantial artificial trees meant to be the focal point of a room.

The illusion of fullness isn’t created by sheer volume of lights, but by how thoughtfully they’re integrated into the tree’s structure. With string lights, you gain the precision needed to enhance depth, eliminate shadows, and bring every branch to life. The extra effort pays off in a display that feels rich, authentic, and warmly inviting.

💬 Ready to transform your tree this season? Ditch the nets, pick up a few quality string sets, and wrap with intention. Share your lighting results or ask questions in the comments below!