Warm white Christmas lights

Warm white against the other whites

LED colour is measured in kelvin. Warm white sits around 2,700K, the colour of an old tungsten bulb or a candle. White, sometimes called cool or ice white, sits at 5,000K and above and looks blue-tinted next to warm white. Mixed sets carry both, which gives a frosted effect. If you are adding lights to a tree that already has warm white built in, match it: two whites on one tree look like a mistake.

What warm white suits

Green trees, especially pines and firs with brown trunks and cones. Natural garlands and wreaths. Gold, copper, red, cream and brown decorations. Brick, stone and painted house fronts. Rooms lit by lamps rather than ceiling lights. It is the safe choice if you are unsure, and the one that photographs most kindly.

The range by type

Tree lights from 100 to 5,000 LEDs; cluster sets from 480 to 2,000; snowing icicles at 240 to 960; curtain and net lights for windows and hedges; path stakes; and battery sets from 20 to 1,000 LEDs with a timer. Vintage gold, which is a deeper amber than warm white, has its own sets in the cluster and battery ranges for a more antique look.