Decorating
10 Twinkly Ways to Use Fairy Lights
Fairy lights aren’t just for Christmas. Give them a permanent home and they’ll add a magical glow to any space, indoors or out
Fairy lights are so pretty, it seems a crime to keep them for the Christmas tree. Why not dig out your strings and drape them anywhere for a beautifully twinkly display all year round? Check out these ideas for magical ways to add a little sparkle.
Make a funky pendant light
This is such a simple but effective idea. Find an old crate, drill a few holes in the bottom, attach some string, pile in some fairy lights – taking care to post the bulbs through the holes – and voila, your very own home-made lantern.
Read what to consider before hanging pendant lights
This is such a simple but effective idea. Find an old crate, drill a few holes in the bottom, attach some string, pile in some fairy lights – taking care to post the bulbs through the holes – and voila, your very own home-made lantern.
Read what to consider before hanging pendant lights
Dare to be different
Fairy lights don’t have to be white, so why not experiment with different colours? This casually draped string adds a lovely wash of turquoise to a laid-back living room.
Fairy lights don’t have to be white, so why not experiment with different colours? This casually draped string adds a lovely wash of turquoise to a laid-back living room.
Create your own starlight
Having lighting at different levels makes this courtyard feel bigger than it is. And the fact the fairy lights are high up and not the main source of light means they add a glittering starlight effect.
Having lighting at different levels makes this courtyard feel bigger than it is. And the fact the fairy lights are high up and not the main source of light means they add a glittering starlight effect.
Illuminate alfresco dining
Pretty lights hanging from the ceiling are a charming addition to this outdoor dining area. They create more of a flattering glow than a single light – always a plus for dinner guests!
Browse brilliant alfresco seating areas
Pretty lights hanging from the ceiling are a charming addition to this outdoor dining area. They create more of a flattering glow than a single light – always a plus for dinner guests!
Browse brilliant alfresco seating areas
Frame a mirror
A string of fairy lights draped around a mirror is a sure-fire way to add a little glamour to a room. The mirror doubles the beautiful glow while the lights draw attention to the space-enhancing reflection.
A string of fairy lights draped around a mirror is a sure-fire way to add a little glamour to a room. The mirror doubles the beautiful glow while the lights draw attention to the space-enhancing reflection.
Wrap them around your pipes
If you have any less than lovely pipework in your home, use it to your advantage as a prop for pretty lights. These are simple bulbs, but why not check out some of the many decorative fairy lights, from flowers to butterflies to red-hot chillies!
If you have any less than lovely pipework in your home, use it to your advantage as a prop for pretty lights. These are simple bulbs, but why not check out some of the many decorative fairy lights, from flowers to butterflies to red-hot chillies!
Drape over accessories
A string of lights can be a great way to link accessories. Here they weave through branches and over a mirror, but they could just as easily snake round vases on a mantelpiece or in and around books and treasures on a shelf.
A string of lights can be a great way to link accessories. Here they weave through branches and over a mirror, but they could just as easily snake round vases on a mantelpiece or in and around books and treasures on a shelf.
Hang from the ceiling
Strictly speaking, this unusual light feature isn’t made from fairy lights, but don’t let that stop you. Simply hang single or twisted strings of fairy lights from the ceiling to create a similar effect.
Strictly speaking, this unusual light feature isn’t made from fairy lights, but don’t let that stop you. Simply hang single or twisted strings of fairy lights from the ceiling to create a similar effect.
Illuminate an outdoor seating area
The beauty of fairy lights is they weigh so little and come in such long lengths you don’t need a ceiling to hang them from. These are strung between the house and a hedge for a surprisingly effective feature.
TELL US...
Do you like using fairy lights at home? How do you use them? Show us your favourite ways in the Comments below.
The beauty of fairy lights is they weigh so little and come in such long lengths you don’t need a ceiling to hang them from. These are strung between the house and a hedge for a surprisingly effective feature.
TELL US...
Do you like using fairy lights at home? How do you use them? Show us your favourite ways in the Comments below.
Sponsored
Fairy lights are a great way to make an entrance. This simple string creates a lovely glow in this pared-back space and draws the eye to the garden beyond.