Using String Lights to Create Ambiance
Nov 16th 2022
The holiday season is approaching and that means everyone is scrambling to pick up string lights. But once you have those lights, what are you supposed to do with them for the rest of the year? Should they just take up space in your closet until December rolls around again?
You can use string lights year-round to add ambiance and a cozy atmosphere to both your indoor and outdoor spaces. They can amp up the "vibes" all over!
We're here to offer a few suggestions for you can use fairy lights to improve your home. Read on to learn more!
Give Your Pergola Whimsical Overhead String Lights
Do you have an outdoor pergola that's been looking plain? Spruce it up with some overhead string lights when the weather isn't suitable for flowers or vines.
String your fairy lights through the top slats of the pergola. You can leave them hanging, but they look nice when they're tight as well. They also look nice strung together with vines for a more "springy" and whimsical look.
Put a nice sitting area underneath and you've got the perfect place to read a book or overlook your garden. Bonus tip: add a fire pit for added ambiance and a cozy atmosphere during the winter months. You can still spend time out there when the weather is less than ideal!
Create a String Light Headboard
Have you been looking for a way to improve your bedroom? Use string lights as your headboard or to brighten up a new headboard.
If you're going to use lights as your headboard, it's easy to set them up. Either hang curtain lights above your bed or secure standard string lights in a tight zig-zag pattern to create a cohesive headboard appearance.
We recommend getting yellow-toned dim lights for this purpose so they don't bother you while you're in bed. These lights will be great for when you want to read before bedtime, like an improved version of a bedside lamp.
If you're crafty, you can make a headboard out of pallets and string your fairy lights through the slats. This is an affordable way to add some great decor to your room and you can get professional-looking results with a quick DIY project.
If you don't feel like doing that much crafting, you can also buy an affordable headboard with slats or curves and string the lights through that as well. Lights will spruce up even the plainest headboard.
Make a Bright String Light Statement Wall
This is the perfect use of curtain-style string lights for anyone who loves a bold space.
Get enough curtain lights to cover an entire wall. Set them up so they go all the way from your ceiling to your floor. You don't want to leave any space at the top or bottom.
If you can't find lights long enough, consider placing a table or couch in such a way that it covers the bottom of the wall. This will give the illusion that the lights cover it completely.
This is a great alternative to a traditional statement wall that's more renter-friendly than nailing frames and other decor items up to cover the entire space. It also makes a great backdrop for photos!
Highlight Frames and Spaces
If you already have a gallery wall, or if you're aiming for a more subtle look, use your fairy lights to highlight frames, windows, and doorways.
You can create a DIY vanity mirror by highlighting a standard wall mirror with decorative string lights. You can show off your favorite paintings, posters, and photos and truly make them "pop."
Highlighting doorways and windows gives a room a more whimsical and bright appearance.
String Lights Across Your Ceiling
Do you love the appearance of hip and stylish restaurants and bar patios? You can emulate that look with string lights (preferably globe lights, but any string lights will work in a pinch).
Instead of affixing them tight against the ceiling, drape them so they dip down overhead. This is a great way to decorate a dining room in place of a chandelier that still gives a nice effect.
You can also do this outside on your patio. String lights from the roof, across the patio, and to a structure on the other side. Fences are great for this, but if you don't have one, it's easy to put up wooden pedestals.
String Your Lights Through Your Fence
Speaking of improving your backyard ambiance, if you have a fence, make it shine with string lights.
If you share the fence with a neighbor, it's a good idea to get their permission first. If not, you may have to attach the lights only to your side, which can be a bit less convenient.
Stringing lights through the slats is simple. As long as you have an outdoor outlet, this is an impressive look.
Create Boundaries in an Open Space
Do you have an "open-concept" space or a studio apartment? You know how difficult it can be to create "rooms." You can use lights to help.
String your lights on portions of the wall to designate spaces. For example, you may designate a corner as your dining area and use lights on the ceiling to make it more evident.
You can also pair this with a large dividing shelf and make the division look more stylish and intentional rather than having a plain shelf dividing the space (which can look clunky on its own).
String Lights Add Fantastic Ambiance to Any Space
Using decorative string lights is an affordable and renter-friendly way to improve your ambiance both indoors and outdoors. You don't need expensive and cumbersome lighting fixtures to make an impact.
Are you looking for affordable string lights so you can improve your space? We've got you covered! Check out our supply of string lights (and more) and upgrade your indoor and outdoor living spaces this season.