how to hide extra string lights

Coaxial staples are the best tool to secure string lights to wood, like trees, deck railings or the outside of your home. Most people dont know what to do with their extra string lights, so they throw them away. When youre finished putting up your lights, your space will feel comfortable and cozy! 10 Ways to Add Lighting Without Wires or Cords. Even besides the safety issues, when you use indoor lights outside, theyre more prone to dying out in a small amount of time or even shorting out when they get wet. WebFairy lights make your room feel magical, and shouldn't be limited to just the holiday season. First, plug the lights into the outlet or extension cord and place the first bulb next to the mounting hardware to check the spacing. WebSimply screw the tension rod into the top of the wall where you want to hang your lights, then use some fishing line or dental floss to tie the light strands around the rod. If you want an easy method for hiding your extension cords without any laborious efforts, pick this one. The covering also minimizes exposure of these extension cords to the sun, preventing shrinkage problems. When you only take away a few lights instead of a whole section, the voltage thats sent to the remaining bulbs increases and will prematurely blow out the strand. When trimming your lights to fit a particular space, the most ideal scenario would be cutting outdoor hanging lights that are designed to be customized. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your string lights are well-hidden and add a touch of holiday cheer to your home. So always double-check before purchasing lights for use outside to make sure that the ones you have can endure the outdoor conditions! Simply cut your strip to length, peel off the backing, and stick the LED strip out of sight. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. They can be a tripping hazard for occupants. About this item . They are perfect when decorating barns, restaurants, wedding venues, cafes, terraces, and backyards. Just drill a hole into a tree, install a cup hook, wrap the light around it and secure it with a zip tie. There are two wires at each side of the series, section; these two wires connect multiple series sections in parallel. WebOne of the best ways to use rope lighting for a ceiling is to hide it behind a piece of decorative molding at the top of the wall. However, that isnt always an option. Or, if you have a lot of extra lights, you could donate them to a local school or church. It is easy as you just have to roll out the extension cord along the ground, and then tape them against in vertical surface using a good type of tape. WebCreate a striking accent wall by using the lights to create stripes across the entire surface. Youve got two main choices here incandescent or LED. Fortunately, there are several ways to hide these extension cords without compromising the aesthetic integrity of the outdoor portion. Rope light sets, on the other hand, have a predetermined length and no cut markings. This way you can make sure theyre working before you put in all the work. Use an LED roll based on the size of your TV. Use small pieces when illuminating smaller objects, like end tables or mirrors. By using our site, you agree to our. Extra string lights can be a bit of an eyesore when they are not used. Not all string lights can be cut or shortened. You can use cord covers to hide the cords along the ground, or you can use zip ties or light clips to attach the cords to a nearby fence or railing. If you are looking for something to add a little more elegance to your home, then strip lights are a perfect choice. If you want to add some extra warmth and cheer to your home this winter, consider hanging string lights. Coil the string of lights around the first hook to secure it, then hang it over each of the other hooks until youve hung up the entire string. Then, insert the string light into the slit and gently pull it through. As long as you do everything safely and properly, youll be able to cut standard string lights to a desired length and still be able to enjoy a nice outdoor atmosphere. If there are not outlets nearby, you can use an extension cord. References. If you want an easy method for hiding your extension cords without any laborious efforts, pick this one. Digital Trends Media Group may earn a commission when you buy through links on our sites. Now that the string light is in place, you can hide the extra cord by tucking it under the fabric panel. Commercial strands and coils of Christmas lights are supplied with sockets and can be cut if required. But have you ever bought a string of lights only to have it be slightly too long for where you want to hang it? If measuring objects square or rectangular objects, it is helpful to start your measurements from a corner. There are usually carved slits in them and you can insert your cords through them, completely hiding them. Clean the surface of the wall where you want to hang the lights. Use nails or thumb tacks to pin the lights in a zigzag across the width of your hallway's ceiling. While you probably wont generate enough power to sell energy back to a local power plant with this specific alternative to traditional electric lighting, you can still save money and help the environment in the long-term. Follow these simple steps to hang a garland and conceal your lights in no time! There are so many different ways to use fairy lights to decorate your bedroom using fairy lights. Then, you can connect them to a power source. Some say that it is not safe to use fairy lights indoors with tape, as the heat from the lights can damage the tape. If these extension cords are buried directly, they can face unfavorable soil conditions which can damage these cords. Can you DIY your own outdoor solar lights? Work with a Master Electrician and clip your string to fit using proper termination. Try looking for the damaged bulbs and replacing them, or if you want a simpler solution, just buy new bulbs. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Pick up the lights you like the best and make sure to plug them in before hanging them. Step 2: Because youll be working with exposed wires, youll want to use an abundance of caution. Because LED lights don't heat up like other lights, they're safe to leave on overnight. So if you cant afford the price of the designed-to-be-cut outdoor hanging lights, you can still buy regular strands labeled for outdoor use and snip them to your preferred length. Step 3: Identify each side of every section on your strand. Mini string lights are a great way to add some extra decoration to your photo wall. Twinkly Pro lights are a great way to light pathways and create a festive atmosphere. Theres no reason to stop socializing when the best patio heat lamps on the market can keep you warm and cozy. WebLeaving a 1/2 space on the bottom of each leg attach the first row of boards to the frame. Large incandescent c9 bulbs are wired in parallel, and each bulb is rated for the entire 120 volts that come out of the wall plugs. At the locations youve marked in pencil or chalk, screw the cup hooks in a clockwise direction. This way you dont get the strip tangled or stuck to other objects. How do you hang icicle lights from the ceiling? But if you do, youre probably wondering, Can you cut string lights? The short answer is: yes. The benefit of this method is directly linked to the color of the tape being used. If youre looking for an easy way to hide your extra string lights, try using a garland. Although not an ideal scenario, it is possible to only remove a few bulbs; however, you dont want to remove too many. Most LED lights use a plug-and-play system, which means that all you have to do is connect the lights to an extension cord. When purchased online. Since theyre designed to be cut, theres much less of a safety risk, and youll have room to work with if you ever decide you want to cut more. Finally, twist them together to form a long strand once youve attached all of the coat hangers. The SPT-1 wire will have a thinner sheath, while the SPP-2 wire will have a thicker sheath to handle higher currents. I have completed my bachelor's The idea of using sustainable power sources has become increasingly popular over the past few years. This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Measure the distance between each light, and add a few extra inches for wiggle room. Hi there, my name is Dave. Some of your string lights will hang down your wall into the outlet. LED light strips are flexible, easy-to-install lighting options powered by a controller and A/C adapter. Cool White. Then, use the hot glue gun to attach the coat hanger pieces to the back of each light. Then, gently tuck the cord under the fabric panel and pull it through. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when extending LED lights. This method is really easy and can be done in minutes! Lights (and extension cords, if needed) rated for outdoor use. So next time you have some extra length of string lights, dont throw them away put them to good use! Use damage-free hanging hooks to create your desired pattern on the ceiling. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 133,912 times. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Providing a constant lighting effect, these fairy lights feature an on/off switch and a timer to make turning them on and off easy and convenient. When hanging the lights, be sure to leave some slack so that you can adjust the placement of the bulbs later. You can pick any color of tape that goes well with the decoration of your outdoor. Wrap outdoor fairy lights with solar power around a bird feeder. Here is how to hide extra string lights when they are not used. The easiest way to shorten lights that uses series is to cut where there are only two wires. Many people enjoy spending evenings out on their front porches or back patios. The first step to installing hanging outdoor string lights is to determine the best outdoor string lights for your alfresco living area. There are replacement bulbs included in the package so keep those safe. This led outdoor/indoor string lights with an ON / OFF feature that is easy to hide. 8. However, as summer transitions into fall, temperatures begin to drop in many different areas. Although LEDs are more expensive to purchase than conventional incandescent bulbs and lamps, they cost less to operate, making them an affordable and energy-efficient option. Toggle site navigation sidebar. Plus, some types will also give off a bit of light, enhancing the space with a soft, warm glow. Well, theres no need to be frustrated any longer! Then, unplug the lights to hang the rest of the string with no power connected. WebNorthlight 35ct Mini String Lights Pink - 7' White Wire. You can also use extra string lights to replace burned-out bulbs in an existing string of lights. The closer you pin the strands together, the brighter your ceiling will be. Now that you know how to hide extra string lights be sure to take advantage of these tips and tricks to make sure they look great and stay hidden. codree 150 PCS No Glow Caps for String Lights-String Light Cap to Hide The Extra Lights-Christmas Blackout Black Light Cap Covers for 5mm Diameter Glass LED String Lights Package include: 150 PCS No Glow Caps for String Lights Specification: Material: PVC Size:5*20mm Feature (1)Easy to use:Just put the black shading cap on the tube to You can rest easy knowing that the LED strips that you install will last you a long time. Its perfect for kids of all ages and adults too. Just check the size of your string light cord to get the right size. I hope this tips will enlighten you to the wonderful world of lighting! Hanging the lights from your ceiling can add a fun design element and help brighten up your space. Step 3: Identify each side of every section on your strand. Suction cup hooks can be found at any hardware store, and theyre a great way to hang wire rope lights without having to drill into your ceiling. It also helps to prevent accidents. Thus, burying is not a bright option to go with when it comes to hiding cords. Toggle table of contents sidebar. Then they installed four screw hooks in a small overhang on the house side. Discard the top half of the spinner. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. If youre using plug-in lights, nows the time to connect each light string to its power source. One is to wrap them around a wreath or garland and store them in a closet. Twinkly Pro Lights Twinkly Pro lights are a great way to light pathways and create a festive atmosphere. Simply choose the best spot to place them and use the above tips to hang them if you have no desire of making holes in your place. You cannot attach lights directly to the gutters as the leaf guards will interfere with them. You can use LED strips as a light source or for accent lighting, depending on where you place them. If youre using incandescent bulbs, use only UL-listed lights and cords. By taking the time to hide your string lights, you can create a safer environment for your family and friends. You can buy Coaxial staples (for wood) at Home Depot, Lowes, etc.. in various sizes. Simply cut your strip to length, peel off the backing, and stick the LED strip out of sight. In addition, extra string lights can be used to make unique jewelry or other crafts. Once the string light is through the slit, tie a knot in the cord to secure it in place. Before attaching lights to a cord, use the safety assessment to check whether it is safe for outdoor use. Bring the night sky inside with this faux ceiling panel, filled with string lights. Take some self-adhesive hooks and attach them to your ceiling in the desired pattern. Furthermore, upgrading to smart lights means they have features such as dimming options, remote control, and app operation. References. Then use cup hooks or screw eyes to attach the light strands to the tops of each post. The 5 best outdoor floodlights for your yard, 5 outdoor lighting tips we learned from experience so you didnt have to, How to install solar lights to save on electricity and protect the planet, 7 tips for solar landscape lighting design. The best way to hang outdoor string lights depends on where you are hanging them. It also leads to the failure of the light. The new string of lights can be connected to the existing string of lights in several ways, including using a splice, pigtail, or T-connector. There are 8 light modes in totalwaves, combination, fading, fireflies, chasing, twinkle, steady-on, and fade slowly-available for you to create lighting effect as desired. This is the first step to providing power to your lights. Coil the other end of the string around the final hook to keep it from falling down. They can also be used to create a more festive atmosphere for special occasions. Another is to coil them up and tuck them into a storage bin. If it is too low, it could cause the lights to flicker or dim. Choose an outlet behind a dresser or piece of furniture if you want to hide them. Cut the two wires between the top half of the motor spinner, (biggest part) and the bottom half. living space or bring some light into a dark room, How to Take Apart a Nebo Redline Flashlight, How to Hide Extension Cords for Christmas Lights. So to identify each section on the strand, simply remove a bulb and mark the beginnings and ends of where the lights go out. Finally, use electrical tape to secure the connection. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Hide-LED-Light-Strips-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-LED-Light-Strips-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Hide-LED-Light-Strips-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid9824590-v4-728px-Hide-LED-Light-Strips-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"