Smart curtain lights are a newer kind of Christmas light, so they come with new questions: can they go outside, do they need Wi-Fi, can you write your own message? Here are short, clear answers to 15 common questions. The answers come from the product details of our smart curtain lights and from our shipping and returns terms.
Can curtain lights be used outside?
Yes, in sheltered spots. The lights are rated IP44, splash-resistant, for indoor use and for sheltered outdoor places such as a covered balcony or a porch. Keep the USB adapter or power bank somewhere dry.
How are they powered? Do I need a socket?
They run on USB 5V. Plug them into any USB wall adapter, or into a power bank where there's no socket nearby, for example on a balcony. The adapter isn't included.
How long do they run on a power bank?
That depends on the power bank's capacity and on how bright you set the lights: lower brightness makes it last longer. For every evening of the season, a USB wall adapter is the simplest.
Do they need Wi-Fi?
No. The app connects to the lights over Bluetooth, and there's a remote control as well.
Which phones work with the app?
The app is available for iOS and Android.
Can I write my own message or draw my own picture?
Yes. In DIY mode you type a message or draw your own pixel picture in the app, and it appears across the 400 LEDs. If your message has accents or special letters, check how they look in the app before you hang the lights. Short on ideas? Here are 48 short messages for curtain lights.
How many designs are there?
More than 100 ready-made scenes: festive pictures, animations, text and colour patterns, which you switch from your phone whenever you like. For a Nativity scene, the Star of Bethlehem or a message of faith, see the Christian Christmas lights.
Do the lights move to music?
Yes. Music sync has 5 modes that make the lights move with whatever you're playing.
Can they switch on and off by themselves?
Yes. The built-in timer switches the lights on and off by itself, so the window is lit when you get home without reaching for your phone.
What sizes are there?
Two: 2 × 2 m (6 ft 7 in) and 3 × 3 m (9 ft 10 in), both with 400 LEDs. Measure your window or railing first; how to choose curtain lights explains what to check.
How do I hang them?
Along a curtain rod, a balcony railing or the top of a window frame. Step by step: how to hang curtain lights, and for rented homes, hanging lights without nails.
Can I change the colours and the brightness?
Yes: 16 million colours, with adjustable brightness and speed.
Curtain lights, a projector or fairy lights: which should I choose?
Curtain lights show pictures and text, a projector throws moving patterns onto a wall, and fairy lights give a soft glow. Here's a side-by-side comparison of curtain lights, a projector and fairy lights.
How long does delivery take?
Shipping is free and tracked. Orders are dispatched in 1 to 3 business days and delivered in 7 to 12. For Christmas, order by 1 December.
Can I return them?
Yes. Unused items in their original packaging can be returned within 30 days of delivery.
More ideas
- Decorating the balcony? Here are 8 Christmas balcony decoration ideas.
- Decorating the window too? Here are 8 Christmas window decoration ideas.
- Decorating a shop or a café? Here are 8 Christmas window display ideas for shops.
- Browse all our Christmas decorations or our 12 Christmas gift ideas under $30.
Want the lights to put on a show? Here's how to make a Christmas light show at home, no programming.
Questions about shipping, returns or the warranty? See our help page.