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Starry sky with LED lights: complete guide for events and professional installations

A starry sky with LED lights can completely transform any location, creating an evocative atmosphere for events, weddings and permanent installations.

Date

18.03.2026

Reading time

10 min

Author

Susanna Sinigardi

What is a starry sky with LED lights and why create one

A starry sky is able to amaze guests and light up the atmosphere of the event.

For Luminal Park, however, a starry sky is not simply a decoration: it is a fully customized project, designed in detail and tailored to the specific needs of each customer. Each installation is created with the aim of offering a personalized, functional solution with a strong visual impact.

For this reason, we offer a wide range of products and support the customer through every stage of the selection process, up to defining the most suitable solution.

You can find some ideas on our page dedicated to starry skies.

Who are our solutions designed for?

  • Event and wedding venues
  • Event planners
  • Professional installers
  • Restaurants and Hotels
  • Home spaces

Why use professional lights for a starry sky

On the web and in stores you can find kilometers and kilometers of generic lights that are usually designed to wrap around the Christmas tree.

But a starry sky is a very different project. It is necessary to consider the arrangement of the lights, the quantity required and whether the installation will be temporary or permanent throughout the year. In these situations, it is not practical to manage dozens of transformers, use non-extendable products, have sections of light that cannot be replaced or cables that are too fragile.

Thanks to our experience and continuous innovation, we have developed dedicated lines: modular and extendable systems, designed to offer greater power, flexibility and tailor-made accessories.

These solutions are collected on the Lights for projects page: among these, three stand out for their versatility and are particularly suitable for creating starry skies.

PLUS
Connect+ Logo

Low-voltage lights ideal for small and medium-sized installations, both indoor and temporarily outdoor.

  • 28V mains, battery or solar powered
  • Durable PVC cables
  • Steady light or lighting effects
  • IP44 protection rating
  • Ø 5mm Reflex LEDs
  • Dimmable
  • Extendable up to 80m
Learn more
PRO
PML Logo

A robust and versatile professional line, perfect for large outdoor installations, even for long-term use.

  • Mains voltage 230V
  • Durable rubber cables
  • Steady light or flashing
  • IP67 protection rating
  • Resin-coated MaxiLED Ø 7mm
  • Dimmable (steady light)
  • Extendable up to 100m
Learn more
PRO
Connect ProLine 36V

Professional low-voltage series for both small and large installations, safe even in direct contact with people.

  • Low voltage 36V
  • Durable PVC cables
  • Steady light or dual color flashing
  • IP67 protection rating
  • Resin-coated MaxiLED Ø 7mm
  • Dimmable (steady light)
  • Extendable up to 80m
Learn more

How to design a starry sky: step-by-step guide

Colors, effects, installation contexts… There are many variables and it is useful to clarify your expectations and needs. Here are some helpful questions to ask before choosing the products.

1. Types of starry sky

We have identified some example types, illustrated in the diagrams below. Starting from these configurations, it is possible to develop further variations, adapted to the specific needs of the customer.

To create these types of starry skies, the most widely used product is undoubtedly the string lights: extremely versatile and elegant, they easily adapt to any configuration.

The Simple 3D starry sky is unique because the lights are also distributed vertically, hanging down for a few centimeters. In these cases, it is necessary to use icicle lights, specifically designed to create this three-dimensional effect.

And a starry sky made with nets? 

It is not a recommended solution, except for small starry skies (for example with dimensions of 2x3m). In fact, nets have standard sizes: this means that the installation must adapt to the product, not the other way around.

2. Where to install it: indoor or outdoor

This aspect significantly affects the choice of light sets to be used. An installation that remains outdoors for several months must certainly be made with professional products specifically designed for this purpose.

On the other hand, if a starry sky is to be created indoors, it is preferable to have a product with lighter cables and less visual impact, possibly better matching the ceiling color (transparent for white ceilings, brown for wooden ceilings, dark color for dark ceilings).

Where will the starry sky be installed and for how long?

  • Temporary outdoor (e.g. single event lasting a few weeks);
  • Long-term outdoor (installation lasting several months: products with IP67 protection rating, robust connectors, resin-coated maxiled, durable cables);
  • Temporary indoor;
  • Long-term indoor (less critical than outdoor, but still worth choosing carefully).

3. How to choose the cable color

As mentioned, the cable color is a key element to ensure harmonious integration with the surrounding space. Each option has specific strengths and potential drawbacks, which should be carefully considered during the selection phase.

Starry sky · aesthetics and integration

The cable color changes the way light tells its story

In a starry sky, the cable is not just a technical detail: it can disappear, blend in, interact with the structure or become part of the visual effect. The right choice depends on the environment, materials and the result you want to achieve.

Dark green cable
Natural blending

Dark green cable

A very balanced choice for those who want to reduce the visual presence of the cable, especially in outdoor settings or on dark-toned structures.

Less visible at night Perfect for outdoor use
  • Less visible when it gets dark.
  • Blends well when the ceiling or structure is dark.
  • Perfect for outdoor use.
Brown cable
Material warmth

Brown cable

Brown is the color that best integrates into warm, material-rich environments, where wood becomes an important part of the setting.

Ideal with wood Indoor and outdoor
  • Less visible at night.
  • Perfect where there is a wooden roof or structure.
  • Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Transparent cable
Maximum discretion

Transparent cable

When the goal is to let the light take center stage, transparent is the most discreet and visually lightweight solution.

Barely visible Low voltage only
  • Most discreet solution, the cable is barely visible.
  • Available only in low voltage versions (Connect Proline 36V or Connect+).
  • Mainly used indoors.
White cable
Light amplification

White cable

Here the cable does not completely disappear: it contributes to the overall effect, reflects the light and becomes part of the installation’s brightness.

Perfect on light backgrounds Part of the effect
  • The cable becomes part of the lighting effect.
  • Light is reflected and amplified.
  • Perfect on light-colored ceilings.
  • Barely noticeable during the day.
In summary: dark green is ideal for dark structures and outdoor use, brown enhances wooden environments, transparent is the most discreet choice for low voltage installations, while white becomes a luminous element that integrates perfectly with light-colored ceilings and surfaces.

4. Light color and effects (steady light, flashing or soft pulse)

The warm white of our modular series is the ideal tone for creating starry skies in every season. For outdoor summer events, a traditional warm white is generally preferred, characterized by a more enveloping and intense light.

Those who prefer a less intense warm tone can always opt for soft warm white, available in the professional Connect Pro Line 36V and PML collections.

The choice of lighting effect also significantly impacts the final result. Steady light is always a safe and elegant solution, while flashing can be a valid alternative to make the installation more dynamic, especially in tone-on-tone versions (warm white on warm white).

The possibilities do not end here: our collections offer numerous options designed to create a refined and striking visual effect. An example is the Dual Color Flashing decorations from the Connect Pro Line 36V line, which allow you to quickly switch from cool white flashing to warm white, offering great flexibility of use between summer events and Christmas setups.

Among the most innovative solutions is the Soft Pulse effect, a slow and delicate flashing available exclusively in the Connect Pro Line 36V collection. In this line, it is also possible to alternate the Soft Pulse effect with steady light, easily adapting the atmosphere to the context.

5. Brightness adjustment

During an event, every moment has its own atmosphere, and lighting should follow it. The ability to adjust LED brightness allows you to precisely manage the setting: from softer, more intimate lighting for aperitifs, to brighter illumination during the reception, and finally to a more subdued light for key moments such as the cake cutting or first dance.

External conditions also play an important role: natural daylight or surrounding ambient lighting may require adjustments to maintain the desired visual effect.

All our collections designed for starry sky installations allow brightness adjustment. However, it is important to note that this feature is only available for steady light decorations and is not supported for flashing or soft pulse versions.

Regulations and safety for starry sky installations

Anyone organizing events or managing a venue knows how important it is to create setups that are safe for all guests, including children and animals.

In the field of lighting decorations, the IEC / EN 60364 standard provides clear guidelines for installations in public spaces and in environments where people may come into contact with the system.

In particular, when decorations are installed at a height above 2.5 meters, it is possible to use mains voltage products (230V), provided they comply with regulations and are properly certified—such as the professional PML lighting collection.

Below 2.5 meters, low-voltage solutions must be used to ensure a higher level of safety without compromising professional performance, as in the case of the Connect Pro Line 36V or Connect+ collections.

Technical design: measurements, spacing and installation layout

1. What measurements really matter

Accurately knowing the dimensions of the space to be illuminated is essential. More than the total square meters, it is important to measure length, width, and installation height from the ground. These parameters allow you to correctly calculate the number of lights required, avoiding waste and ensuring uniform distribution without visible differences in intensity between rows.

Installation height plays a key role: the higher the starry sky, the more uniform the light density appears even with greater spacing between light points. On the other hand, lower installations require a higher density to achieve the same visual effect.

As a general guideline, for installations between 5 and 7 meters in height, spacing between LEDs can be around 40–50 cm. For heights between 2.5 and 4 meters, it is advisable to reduce spacing to approximately 20–30 cm to ensure a more even and visually impactful result.

Schema misure

2. How to arrange the rows: comb layout vs serpentine

The most common layout is what we define as a “serpentine” configuration, where rows are created by running the light string back and forth, extending it as much as possible and only interrupting it when necessary, based on the maximum connectable length.

This approach works best with mains voltage (230V) light chains, where it is possible to create continuous runs exceeding 100 meters.

For low-voltage installations, we have developed a specific layout: the “comb” connection. This system consists of creating separate, parallel rows powered evenly, avoiding excessively long runs and simplifying installation.

Thanks to dedicated accessories, power is evenly distributed across all lines, ensuring consistent brightness and maintaining equal spacing between rows.

Collegamento a pettine
Comb connection

All light strings start from the same side, connected to a main cable, and extend in a straight line toward the opposite side.
Collegamento a serpentina
Serpentine connection

The light strings are connected in sequence, forming a single continuous path that runs back and forth, like a serpentine.

Starry sky · technical comparison

LED layout comparison

Two connection methods based on different approaches: the comb layout focuses on order, shorter rows and uniform brightness; the serpentine layout, on the other hand, prioritizes continuous lines and fewer connections.

🎯 Ideal for
Advantages
⚠️ Disadvantages
Comb layout icon

Comb
layout

Ideal for • Low voltage (28V or 36V)
Advantages
  • Shorter rows
  • More consistent brightness
  • Cleaner and more organized installation
Disadvantages
  • Requires additional accessories
Serpentine layout icon

Serpentine
layout

Ideal for • Mains voltage (230V)
Advantages
  • Continuous line
  • Fewer connections along the run
Disadvantages
  • Longer rows
  • Possible brightness drop

3. Electrical connection

Naturally, the project must include everything needed to properly power the lights. The entire system should be designed to be optimized, easy to install, and simple to manage.

To simplify the understanding of electrical connections between decorations and power sources, we have defined and structured some key elements of the system:

The main distribution line

This is the element that connects the rows of the starry sky to the main power supply. It consists of interconnected multi-connectors that distribute power to the different rows of lights.

The module

This represents a functional unit of the system and varies depending on the installation layout:

  • in the comb layout, it is the set of rows connected to a single multi-connector (the number of modules therefore corresponds to the number of multi-connectors);
  • in the serpentine layout, it is the set of rows generated by the same serpentine. A module can consist of one or more rows.
The sector

This is the portion of the starry sky powered by a single electrical line. The number of sectors corresponds to the number of transformers or power cables used. Each sector is made up of multiple modules.

Schema cielo stellato

Starry sky installation: DIY or professional?

Once the required products have been defined, it is important to determine who will handle the installation of the starry sky.

Two distinct aspects need to be considered: the electrical connections between the various components and the power source, and the positioning and mounting of the lights.

The electrical part can generally be managed independently: connection systems are designed to be simple and intuitive, and integration with power supplies and accessories is straightforward. If needed, support is still available to ensure proper connections.

Positioning and mounting, on the other hand, require more attention, especially for large-scale or elevated installations. In these cases, it is essential to work safely, using appropriate equipment or relying on qualified personnel.

In summary, smaller starry sky installations can often be handled independently, while larger or more complex setups are best entrusted to a professional.

How much does a starry sky with LED lights cost?

It is not possible to define a price per meter for a starry sky, as the cost depends on multiple factors that must be evaluated together to provide an accurate quote.

In general, professional solutions for permanent outdoor installations involve a higher investment, while indoor or temporary setups can be achieved at a lower cost.

The price can range from a few hundred to several thousand euros, depending on the total size required and the selected products.

To get a more accurate estimate and find the most suitable solution, you can use our configurator, which guides you through product selection and allows you to obtain an initial quote that we can then review together.