💡 What’s the Best Roofline Spacing for Christmas Lights – 6", 12", 15", or More?
One of the most important decisions installers make — especially when buying socket wire spools — is choosing the right spacing between bulbs.
From 6" to 48", each option serves a different purpose, and the spacing you choose can dramatically impact material costs, install time, and the final look.
Let’s break down which spacing is best for rooflines, commercial buildings, and trees or bushes — and how to choose the right one for your lighting business.
📏 What Spacing Options Are Available?
At LightsAtWholesale.com, we carry C9 socket wire in the following spacing options:
- 6”
- 12”
- 15”
- 24”
- 36”
- 48”
Each spacing is available in 1000' spools, giving you full flexibility to cut and customize your own runs.
🏠 Residential Rooflines
For most homes, the standard spacing is 12" or 15". Here's why:
- 12” spacing gives you a fuller, brighter look — ideal if your customers want their house to really pop.
- 15” spacing uses fewer bulbs per run and is more budget-friendly.
Visually, C9 bulbs don’t show a dramatic difference between 12" and 15", so many pro installers default to 15” to save on both bulb cost and install time.
At the end of the day, it’s a preference — both look great, and it comes down to how you want your installs to feel and perform.
🏢 Commercial Rooflines
On commercial jobs, the standard spacing is typically 15" or 18".
Why?
- Commercial bulbs are mounted high up where tight spacing is less noticeable
- You’re usually covering large buildings, so saving on bulbs adds up fast
- Wider spacing still gives great visibility from a distance
Installers want efficiency and visual impact — and 15" delivers both.
🌲 Trees & Bushes
If you’re using C9 bulbs in trees or bushes (especially large pine trees), you don’t want the bulbs in straight lines.
Instead, we recommend:
- 24" spacing
- 36" spacing
- 48" spacing
This allows you to space bulbs naturally and gives the tree a classic, random "Christmas card" look.
Tighter spacing like 12" or 15" ends up looking too linear and artificial in this setting.
Pro tip: Place each bulb intentionally within the branches — don’t just wrap and go.
🔥 Why Would Anyone Choose 6" Spacing?
Short answer: to stand out.
If your client wants a roofline that’s brighter and fuller than anyone else in the neighborhood, 6" spacing is the way to go.
It doubles the number of bulbs you’d use compared to 12", which means double the light output and double the visual impact.
Yes, it’s more material and more time — but for high-end installs or attention-grabbing displays, it’s a fantastic choice.
✅ Recap
- 12” and 15” are the most common and ideal for residential and commercial jobs
- 15” saves on bulbs and looks nearly identical to 12” from the ground
- 24"–48" spacing is best for trees and bushes with custom bulb placement
- 6” is for premium installs that really stand out
Still unsure? Contact our team of real installers and we’ll help you pick the spacing that fits your business.
LightsAtWholesale.com — Built for Installers, by Installers.
