Fairy lights (or tumblr lights) can refer to any type of decorative light, including Christmas lights, that are used year-round to decorate homes and gardens. Fairy lights also refer to mini long lights with LED bulbs and batteries. No matter what type of lamp you use, there are lots of creative ways to hang it.
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Method 1 of 4: Selecting and Installing Fairy Lights
Step 1. Use a lamp that is proportional to the object to be installed
Fairy lights or standard Christmas lights may fit perfectly on a tree or a wide wall, but they will look too big on a small object, such as a houseplant or a tiny mirror. It's best to use a mini fairy lamp with a small bulb for such things.
- Plug-in fairy lights are suitable for large areas, such as walls and trees.
- The battery-powered fairy lights are suitable for small objects, such as mirrors.
- Net fairy lights are usually standard sized so they are suitable for larger items, such as ceilings and flower beds.
Step 2. Match the color of the wires to the objects in the background, if possible
Christmas lights usually use a green wire. Green will look great on trees, but it won't work on walls or around mirrors. Therefore, choose a fairy lamp whose wires match the object to be installed. For example, if you hang a fairy lamp on a white wall, choose a lamp with a white wire.
If you can't find one, try a fairy lamp with silver or gold wires. Avoid green wires like those found in most Christmas lights
Step 3. Use nails, tacks, or clear wall hooks to hang the lamp
The object you use to attach the lamp will depend on what you intend to do with the lamp. Use self-adhesive clear wall hooks to attach lights to walls, mirrors, shelves, and things you don't want to damage. Use nails or tacks for other items, including outdoor installations.
- Match the color of the nails or tacks to the color of the wires.
- Put nails or tacks between the windings of the wires. Never install it by nailing it to the center of the cable.
Step 4. Install the lamp that must be plugged into the mains near the socket
If you don't have access to a socket, use an extension cord that matches the color of the light cord. Alternatively, you can buy fairy lights that run on batteries. There are fairy lights of this type that have standard or mini-sized bulbs.
Step 5. Be creative when it comes to hiding and installing the battery compartment
Do not let the battery holder just hang on the wall because the cord may break. Instead, stick it to the wall with a strip of velcro adhesive. If you use fairy lights to decorate a shelf or mirror, hide the battery case behind an object on a shelf or table.
Step 6. Choose outdoor lights to decorate your veranda or garden
Not all lamps are weather-resistant. Even if you live in a dry climate that rarely rains, still choose a special lamp for the outdoors. Many places turn damp at night and early in the morning, and the condensation that builds up can cause a short circuit.
Method 2 of 4: Hanging Lights from Walls and Ceilings
Step 1. Snap a photo on a string of lights for a creative display
Hang a long strand of standard size lamps in a vertical zig-zag formation, then attach the photo to the cable with mini clothespins. Alternatively, you can hang several parallel rows of lights for a wider display. Leave enough space between the rows for posting photos.
This is a great way to share memories of weddings, anniversaries, and graduations
Step 2. Spell the word in italics if you want to decorate the walls
Use a pencil to write the word you want to make on the wall in italics. Use nails or tacks to attach the lamp to the wall following the lines you have made. Place nails closely spaced in the small circles and bends.
- You can also use this method to create simple shapes, such as heart shapes.
- You can buy standard or mini-sized lamps for this decoration.
Step 3. Combine fairy lights with strands of mini mirrors to create a sparkling wall hanging
Attach the short curtain rod to the wall. Loosely wrap standard size fairy lights around the curtain rods so they hang like icicles. After that, wrap the mini mirror strands around the curtain rod in the same way. When you turn on the light, the mini mirror will sparkle and reflect light.
- You can use Christmas ice lights instead. There's no need to wrap it loosely because it's the right shape.
- Mirror strands are decorations in the form of small circular mirrors or squares attached to a long string.
Step 4. Bring together a few strands of lights to frame the accent wall
Use nails, tacks, or wall hooks to attach the lamp to the desired perimeter of the wall. Mount the lights to the sides and top of the entire wall and leave the bottom side along the floor bare.
It would be great if you use a light string that plugs into a socket
Step 5. Zigzag strings of lights along the hallway ceiling to brighten it up
Use nails or tacks to zigzag the lights along the wide side of the hallway ceiling. Start at one narrow end and end at the other narrow end.
- The closer the strings of lights are placed, the brighter your ceiling will be.
- Save time by using netted fairy lights or latticed fairy lights. Make sure the width of the net matches the width of the veranda or ceiling.
- You can use this method outside or on the porch ceiling. Make sure the lights can be installed outdoors.
Method 3 of 4: Lighting the Furniture
Step 1. Frame a wall mirror if you want to add glamor and light
Use nails or tacks to attach the lamp to the wall around the mirror. You can pull the strands tight for a slimmer look, or leave them wrapped in a spiral for a fuller look. If you can't find a lamp with a white wire that matches the color of the walls, just look for a silver wire that matches the color of the mirror.
You can also attach the lamp to a body-high mirror frame. Use nails or tacks to attach the lamp to a wood-framed mirror, or wall hooks to a plastic/metal-framed mirror
Step 2. Install the net fairy lights behind the shelves for a bright display
Disassemble the back of the shelf first. Get a long, net, or latticed fairy lamp and tuck it behind the shelf using nails.
- If a light is sticking out of the side of the shelf, fold it back.
- First, use a hammer to pry out the nails on the back of the shelf, then pull and remove the back.
Step 3. Wrap fairy lights around the shelves if you want to brighten up the room
Use transparent hooks or nails to attach standard-sized fairy lights to the edge of the shelf. If the shelf consists of only one level and is attached to the wall, install lights on the front and sides of the shelf.
- Connect some of the shelves that are attached to the wall by nailing the wires to the wall behind them. Make sure that the nail is driven between the windings, not into the center of the cable.
- If you are using a lamp that runs on batteries, hide the battery compartment behind an object on a shelf.
Step 4. Hang a lamp from a circular chandelier to add a sense of fantasy
Buy or build a simple ring-shaped candlestick and hang it from the ceiling. Loosely wrap a few strands of standard or mini fairy lights around the chandelier. Battery powered lamps are better suited for this display, unless you have a ceiling socket to plug a standard lamp into.
- Make a simple chandelier by painting the hulahop black or white, then hanging it from the ceiling using 3-4 chains and large ceiling hooks.
- If you are using a battery lamp, hide the battery compartment between the lamps on the chandelier.
- Decorate the chandelier further with moss and fake flowers to make it a floral chandelier.
Step 5. Decorate your bed with fairy lights as an alternative to night lights
There are many ways to create it. If the headboard is wrought iron, you can wrap a standard-sized fairy lamp around the bars and bars that make up the headboard. If you have a canopy bed, try these ideas:
- Wrap a long string of lights around the high bedpost.
- Hang latticed or netted lights over the top of the sheer canopy.
- Wrap the lamp around the bed frame and let the ends slide down the curtain.
Method 4 of 4: Hanging Fairy Lights Outside
Step 1. Wrap lights around tree trunks or large plants to light up the garden
Fairy lights aren't just for Christmas trees. You can also use it to light up outdoor plants. Choose a good wired light and wrap it around the tree trunk. You can also use green wired lights on plants and flower beds.
Wrap small, soft bulbs around houseplants and small trees, such as figs
Step 2. Hang a string of lights between two tree trunks to make an arch
Use a hammer and nails to attach one end of the lamp to the first tree and the other end to the second tree. Hang the lamp high enough for you to walk under it. You can use standard size fairy lights or decorative garden lights instead.
The arch of this lamp is most suitable to be installed on trees that are close to each other. If you need two or more strands of light to make one, the trees are too far apart
Step 3. Wrap fairy lights around a pergola or garden arbor for a magical touch
Choose a fairy lamp with the color of the wires closest to the arbor pattern. Wrap the light around the top of the pergola or arbor. Attach both ends of the lamp with nails.
- Use silver or white wired lights for white pergolas and arbors. Use gold wired lights for the brown pergola and arbor (unpainted wood).
- If the arbor is curved, instead of square, you can also wrap the lamp around the sides.
Step 4. Combine decorative and ordinary fairy lights to create wall art
Purchase 2 strands of regular fairy lights and 2 strands of decorative fairy lights. Hang the lights on the outer walls in rows, alternating between ordinary fairy lights and decorative lights. You can pull the lamp taut to create a straight line or leave it slightly loose for a dangling effect.
- Examples of decorative lights are ball-shaped lamps, bells, lanterns, pinecones, and other interesting shapes.
- Ordinary fairy lights are incandescent bulbs that are like Christmas lights.
Tips
- In general, LED bulbs are much safer because they won't heat up like regular incandescent bulbs.
- You can find many fairy lights at craft, hardware, and garden supply stores.
- Some people can attach fairy lights and other objects to the wall using putty posters. You can use it for small light strands.
- Search the internet for photos and catalogs for ideas.
- For a soft and magical look, use mini fairy lights. This lamp has a small, thin wire and a tiny bulb.
