Effectively using LED string lights after the holiday season
Jan 5th 2012
If you think that LED rope lights and string lights are just for the holiday season, you might want to reconsider. As more people look to add decorative flair to their living spaces, many are turning to LED lights as a way to do so. These energy-efficient fixtures not only provide an ample amount of illumination, but come in a wide variety of colors. This makes them ideal for every room in the house, and they can even look great outdoors.
Once the holidays are over, the Los Angeles Times reports that LED string lights can be reused and re-purposed to create an eye-catching display. For example, pulling together the bulbs and binding the wire with string can make a lighted bouquet. Feed the bouquet through the bottom of a Styrofoam cup to create a quick decorative piece that is sure to wow your guests.
Think about using big bulbs, rather than standard Christmas tree LED string lights, to make a big impact. Look for a string light set that is composed of a single color to create a cohesive look. Put the bouquet on your dining table at your next meal and you'll be sure to make a memorable impression.
If you want to use LED string lights in a more casual manner, such as in the bedroom or in a den, give them a little flair with items you have around the house. The news source reports that you can take steel wool and wrap pieces around each bulb for a unique, spacey look. These LED string lights can help create an ambient feeling, and this crafty trick is something that certainly can't be found for purchase at a retail store.
Does that vase full of fake flowers look a little dusty and dull in your dining room? LED string lights can benefit you here, too. The Times suggests taking string lights and wrapping them around the stems of your flowers. Plug it in, and you have an eye-catching light display. Best of all, this decorative piece is a great way to bring more illumination into an otherwise dark space.
LED string lights don't have to be reserved for the holidays when it comes to outdoor decorating, either. If you've been wondering how you're going to light up your deck this spring for all of those seasonal barbecues, string lights might be the perfect solution. To avoid turning the scene into an instant reminder of Christmas, avoid putting up the fixtures around the windows. Instead, place the LED string lights around the railings and stairways of your deck or patio. Go with a single color, whether it be white or a soft blue, for a streamlined look.
If you have a dark walkway or path leading up to your house, LED string lights and rope lights can be beneficial here, too. More homeowners are lining their walkways with LEDs to make them safer, in addition to more aesthetically pleasing once the sun goes down.
There are a number of reasons to incorporate LED string lights and rope lights into your daily life. In addition to being energy-efficient, these fixtures can help reduce utility costs over time. LEDs are also an effective way to reduce the impact of your carbon footprint. Before you settle on incandescent bulbs to light the way next time you're working on a project at home, take another look at these alternatives. You may be surprised at the wide variety of options to choose from, as well as the affordable price.