9 Creative Ways to Use Fairy Lights All Year
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Now the nights have drawn in, and the temperatures have dropped, home lighting has a new focus. If you’re looking for ways to make your home look and feel cosy, fairy lights are a quick, easy and affordable solution. And if you use rechargable batteries, that’s even better!
Maybe you think fairy lights should be reserved for the Christmas tree? Well I have 9 creative ways to use fairy lights in your home decor, all winter. Read on to be inspired by these easy ways to add glow to your home.
1. Curtain Lights Add Magic to a Lounge or Bedroom
These curtain lights plug in and have a timer — I’ve used two sets and simply strung them over a few nails at the top of the wall.
These LED curtain lights were part of our Christmas decor last year, but now I have made a gallery wall so they can’t go there anymore. This year, I’ve added them above our bed to make our bedroom more cosy.
Like my monochrome blind? I customised it using wall stickers — find out how here!
String Fairy Lights Storage Tip: Wrap each strand around a wooden peg so they are tangle free for next time you use them. I also left the wire round around each peg a few times, to so that the strings stay in place — they’re hidden anyway behind furniture.
2. Festoon Lights Add Warmth Around a Fireplace
I got some battery-operated festoon lights years ago and use rechargeable batteries to keep them bright. I screwed a little metal hook into the centre of the mantlepiece, and stuck Command hooks at either end.
Check out the ‘before’ of our fireplace here, and find out how we transformed it really cheaply!
3. Illuminate a Vase with Star Lights
Adding a set of star-shaped battery operated lights to a large glass jar gives off a beautiful glow.
It’s such a simple yet effective effect, especially when it’s next to a disco ball, which reflects the light!
4. Single String Wire Fairy Lights Light Up Dark Stairs
I love the versatility of the fine fairy lights on thin wire. I wove these battery operated wire lights around faux garlands, and attached them around my banister to give our hall a welcoming glow.
Like these embroidery hoop wreaths? Find out how to make them here.
5. Light Up A Simple Wreath with Copper String Lights
For a simple, effective wreath, just wrap a set of copper string lights around a natural wreath and hang on your door. The battery pack can be hidden on the inside of the door. You can add eucalyptus or other greenery if you like, but I think it’s really effective on its own too.
Find more detailed instructions for this light up wreath here.
6. Use Fairy Lights to Create Magic at a Sleepover
A few years ago the girls had a magical teepee sleepover — find out how to create it here. Fairy lights on flexible wire with a timer are an essential component!
See the details of our magical tipi sleepover here.
7. Use Fairy Lights to Add Warmth to Your Home Office
Just because it’s a workspace, it doesn’t mean you can’t make it pretty! I added a string of copper wire fairy lights over a shelf in my home office. It’s subtle but sweet.
You can see much more of my little home office here.
8. Cotton Ball Lights Give Kids’ Spaces a Cosy Glow
When I made the girls a cosy den last year, I was quick to add these pale pink cotton ball lights, to give a cosy glow. The light catches on the metallic wall stickers I made, adding to the magical effect.
Take a peek at the magical kids den I created out of a cupboard here.
9. Tiny Firefly Lights Turn Jam Jars into Magical Lights
I made some cute mini lights out of battery-operated firefly string lights and jars, and you can see how here. The give off a magical glow that makes a great nightlight.
Read the instructions for these fun jam jar lights here.
