11 Stunning Ways To Use Christmas Lights All Year Long

Jun 20th 2024

small patio with wicker dining set, trellis overhead hung with glowing golden white mini lights and patio lights

You’re already familiar with the magical glow of Christmas lights during the holiday season. But have you ever thought about ways to extend the charm of holiday lights around your home at other times of the year?

There are many imaginative ways Christmas string lights can create cozy spaces and enchanting landscapes all year long.

Let’s explore some of the stunning ways to use Christmas lights in your home, even when the holidays are long over. From mini lights to rope lights, let these Christmas light decorating ideas spark your creativity. Using Christmas lights in novel ways can nourish your spirit, even when there’s not a snowflake in sight.

canopy bed with glowing white string lights draped over the bed and behind filmy white curtains

Cozy Bedroom Haven

Isn’t your bedroom due for a romantic upgrade? There are several ways to use string lights to add warmth and softness to your personal sanctuary.

Brighten a Headboard

One enchanting method is to drape mini Christmas lights over your headboard. This simple addition creates a serene atmosphere and casts a gentle glow that serves as a soft substitute for the harsh glare of an overhead fixture.

If you lack a traditional headboard, create the illusion of one by hanging lights where a headboard would normally stand.

Cool to the touch LED lights are a safe option for bedrooms, notes The Spruce, although you should turn them off when you’re not around.

Cozy Canopy

Have you always wanted a canopy bed? Just as you can use lights to mimic a headboard, mounting string lights on the ceiling and draping them in gentle swags above your bed can create a captivating lighted canopy.

Alternatively, suspend icicle lights from the ceiling around your bed to design a glowing grotto.

Curtain Backdrop

Another idea is to hang a curtain of lights behind translucent drapes. The soothing, diffused light will help you relax after a hectic day.

A similar technique can be used to create a reading nook in a child’s bedroom. Better Homes & Gardens illustrates how to combine twinkly Christmas lights with tulle or other filmy fabric to create a cozy spot to spend some quiet time.

Around the Home

Bookshelf Accent

Brighten your bookshelves by stringing Christmas tree lights along each shelf. This not only makes it easier to find your favorite reads but also adds a decorative touch to your collection.

Supplemental Lighting

Use rope lighting in the kitchen, on ceilings or stairways. Choose colors for kids’ rooms to use instead of a nightlight.

Or, tack warm white rope lights underneath cabinets for task lighting. Rope lights also add visual interest to that weird space between your kitchen cabinets and ceiling.

In addition, rope light is the perfect solution on poorly lit stairways, enhancing safety indoors and out.

Flameless Fireplace

Arrange Christmas mini lights or fairy lights around unlit fireplace logs for a warm, flameless glow. House Beautiful describes one possible technique.

For a more romantic atmosphere, group different sizes and styles of flameless candles in an empty hearth.

woman in garden shown from neck to waist, holding a tradtional style black lantern filled with glowing mini lights

Make Magic Outdoors

A string of Christmas lights isn't just for the holiday season; it's a versatile tool to add a touch of whimsy and magic to your outdoor areas throughout the year. Whether you have a balcony, deck, or backyard, outdoor string lights can enhance the ambiance and make it more inviting.

Patio Perimeter

Outline your patio or deck with Christmas lights to extend your outdoor evenings. You can accomplish this with rope lights twined through porch rails, or by hanging mini lights or globe lights from pole to pole above your patio, as Root & Dwell did.

Patio lights are not only an attractive and practical lighting solution, they create a warm perimeter, making your outdoor gatherings more intimate and enjoyable. Choose soft, warm-toned lights to create a cozy atmosphere that beckons guests to linger and relax.

Garden Fairy Lights

Add a touch of enchantment to your outdoor spaces by incorporating battery-operated fairy lights into your garden decor. Tuck warm white micro lights into mason jars to create captivating tabletop lighting. Or hang them from tree branches using twine for a romantic lantern effect over a dining table.

Let loose your creativity by experimenting with different containers, such as vases, lanterns and vintage bird cages, for a magical look that is uniquely your own.

outdoor dining table beneath a large tree from which are suspended a variety of traditional style bare bulb lights

Dining Table Charm

Add charm to your dining area by draping fairy lights or rope lights overhead like a canopy or chandelier. Suspend white Christmas lights from trees, pergolas or outdoor umbrellas for an enchanting ambiance for evening gatherings or romantic dinners.

Twilight Twinkle

Turn your outdoor landscape into a magical setting by twining mini LED lights or micro lights around shrubs, in tree branches, along fence lines and over privacy screens. This twilight twinkle not only illuminates your garden, it also creates a captivating ambiance perfect for nighttime entertaining or quiet moments under the stars.

Lights strung from a patio umbrella and stucco wall give an enclosed patio a golden glow

Backyard Drama

For a touch of drama, hang icicle Christmas lights from pergolas or porch rafters. Create a glowing privacy wall by hanging curtain lights on one side of your patio or stringing them down a feature wall or fence, Supplement your patio lighting with alluring Moroccan lamps hung from patio posts or plant hangers, for a bit of exotic charm.

Tips for Decorating with Christmas Lights Year Round

When using Christmas lights beyond the holiday season, keep these tips in mind:

Safety First: Always check that your lights are in good working order. Make sure they're safe for the intended use, especially if you're using them outdoors.
Choose the Right Color: Stick with warm white or clear lights for a neutral, versatile look that can blend with any decor style.
Avoid Overload: Don't go overboard. A few well-placed light strands are enough to make an impact without overwhelming your space.
Battery-Operated Options: Consider battery-operated lights for areas without easy access to outlets. They can be used in a variety of settings.

Want to add some pizzazz to your patio or create a cozier look indoors? Christmas lights offer endless possibilities. So, unpack those lights and let your creativity shine! With a creative approach and the versatility of Christmas lights, you can add shimmer and sparkle to your indoor and outdoor spaces.

Browse Christmas Central to view hundreds of LED string lights, incandescent mini lights, rope lights, icicle lights and other string light styles that can be used at Christmas time and all year long!

You may also like:

Our Best Patio & Garden Accessories for an Amazing Outdoor Retreat

Illuminate Your Summer Nights with These Bright Outdoor Lighting Ideas