Top 5 Decor Ideas for String Light Bulbs

Many people think that string lights are only useful during the winter holiday season, but this isn't true! Over the past few years, hanging string light bulbs has been getting more and more popular year-round.

Why not use the lights that you've spent your hard-earned money on? 

You might be wondering how you can manage to use string light bulbs during the spring and summer months without making your home look like it's all decked out for Christmas. Don't worry, we have a few ideas that can help.

Read on to learn our top string light bulb ideas that look great year-round.

1. Overhead Porch or Patio Lights

The most common way that people use string light bulbs during the non-winter months is on their porch or patio. String lights add a cozy and festive vibe to any outdoor space.

If you have a porch or patio with an overhang, you're going to have an easy time with this. Simply string up the lights around the edges of the overhang as you would normal Christmas lights. Using white or off-white lights will make your patio or porch look stylish instead of holiday-ready.

If you celebrate the summer holidays, such as the Fourth of July, you could also use red, white, and blue lights together. 

If you don't have an overhang already, no problem. You can learn how to hang string light bulbs on your own. You can use plant pots (and plants, if you so desire) to create DIY posts to hang your lights from. Bonus: this is great for renters and it's super affordable!

Even if you live in an apartment with a small balcony or patio, you can use the fence to your advantage. String the lights through the fence posts and create a cozy outdoor vibe.

You'll create a great outdoor space to host nighttime gatherings or even just relax outside listening to crickets and watching fireflies. 

2. DIY Jar Lights (Hanging or Standalone)

Did you know that you can use string lights to make even better lights with a quick DIY project? We love using jars to make sweet and rustic-looking lights!

There are two primary ways to go about this. For the hanging version, you're going to need tiny jars and a set of string lights (preferably ones with globe bulbs, though you may be able to make it work with standard bulbs). Get enough tiny jars for each bulb. 

Cut a hole in the top of the lid of every jar that's large enough for the sockets of the lights but too small for the bulbs. Unscrew the bulbs from the string and put the socket through the top of the hole and then secure the bulb so the lids are stuck.

Screw the jars back onto the lids and you'll have a cute hanging light fixture!

You can also use larger jars to create standalone lights. These are great for children's rooms and table decorations. 

Get a large mason jar (the largest that you can find) and remove the lid. Inside, place battery-operated string lights all scrunched up so they can fit. Place the on/off switch near the lid so it's easy to operate the light. 

This is a quick and easy way to make your own light. You can also decorate the outside of the jar for some added style. 

3. Highlighting a Door, Piece of Art, or Mirror

There are plenty of more "traditional" indoor uses for string lights as well. Why not use them to create borders around things in your home?

We recommend using lights to highlight doors, mirrors, or artwork. This is a great way to add more flair to a bedroom or living room. 

Carefully line the thing that you want to highlight with the lights. We recommend using small Command hooks or even tape to keep things in place. Make sure that whatever you use won't damage the walls. 

We love doing this with mirrors because it adds extra light! You'll get the look of a well-lit vanity without paying the high price of a vanity with built-in lighting. 

4. A Subtle Light Canopy

String lights make a great addition to any bedroom. They're warm and soft and perfect for when you're resting in bed but not yet ready to go to sleep. 

There are several ways to go about this with varying degrees of difficulty, but overall, this can be a quick DIY project. You're going to need semi-sheer fabric, hooks or high bedposts, and string lights. 

The results will look soft and whimsical. This is a great option for nurseries, but people of all ages can appreciate it!

5. Cozy and Soft Room Lighting

The simplest way to use string lights indoors is to just string them close to the ceiling. They'll look more "obvious" than the other methods, but as long as you're using white or off-white lights, it won't look too "Christmas-y."

You can hook them up with command strips as close to the ceiling as possible. You can string them around the entire room or highlight a single accent wall. 

String lights provide soft and cozy lighting that's perfect for a living room or dining room. They're less abrasive than standard artificial lights, so they can help you wind down. 

How Will You Use String Light Bulbs?

There are plenty of ways to use string light bulbs when it's not time for the winter holidays. You can have a warm and cozy glow in your house all year long. 

Whether you want to hang them outside for a perfect patio or make your interior more festive, you have options!

Are you looking for a new set of string lights? Check out our supply and start planning your decorations!