How to Hang the Perfect Christmas Lights Outside Your Home
With the festive season nearly upon us, it's time to start thinking about how you will decorate your home! As we approach the most wonderful time of the year, it's time to infuse your surroundings with the magic of Christmas, and there's nothing quite like the sight of a beautifully lit home to get you into the Christmas spirit. There's something truly magical about the soft twinkle of lights against the backdrop of winter nights, creating an atmosphere that captures the essence of the season. However, hanging lights can be a tough task, especially if you aren't sure where to start!
We're going to take you through each aspect of hanging Christmas lights outside your home. From choosing the perfect ones, to getting them up safely and securely. Join us on this exploration of how the right lighting can elevate the festive spirit, turning your home into a radiant beacon of holiday cheer.
Preparing and Planning Christmas Light Decorations
Having a plan in place before you begin decorating is so important when it comes to setting up your Christmas decorations. It gives you a guide to follow and helps keep you on track! Here are key steps and tips to guide you through the process.
Choose a Theme
Having a theme will help you focus on a particular style for your lights and decorations. Choose from traditional, frosted and rustic gold in our 2023 Christmas collection.
Plan your Display
Decide in advance where you would like to hang your lights and imagine how they will look once lit. Sketching out a rough display plan on a piece of paper can be helpful during this phase. Ensure outdoor power sockets are accessible for a hassle-free setup.
Consider Architectural Features
Take note of the unique features of your home's architecture that can be accentuated with lights. Whether it's the outline of a charming window or the edges of a porch, thoughtful placement enhances the overall visual appeal.
Access Your Space
Understanding your outdoor area is the first step to a well-lit wonderland. Evaluate architectural features, trees, bushes, and pathways to determine the amount of lighting needed for a balanced and festive ambience.
Gather your Supplies
Beautiful Christmas lights won't be the only thing you'll need. We've listed some little helpers below to help you get the job done.
How to Choose the Correct Christmas Lights
When choosing which Christmas lights are perfect for your home, various factors come into play. Let's unravel the factors to guide you in selecting the ideal lights that will bring festive radiance to your space.
Bulb Type
When it comes to Christmas lights, there are two main types of bulbs: incandescent and LED. Incandescent bulbs are initially budget-friendly but have a shorter lifespan and consume more energy compared to their LED counterparts. While LED bulbs may have a higher upfront cost, they make up for it with an extended lifespan and energy efficiency.
Bulb Colour
Christmas lights come in a multitude of colours including white, clear, colour-changing and multicolour. Choosing the light that best complements your overall festive décor is so important. Explore our full range of Christmas string lights to find the perfect hue for your Christmas theme.
Length and Power Source
Efficient planning is the key to a well-lit and visually appealing display. Consider the size of the area you intend to decorate. Assess whether mains-powered or battery-operated lights are more suitable for your setup. Would it be better to use a mains powered or battery-operated lights to decorate? You may also need to use multiple weatherproof extension cords to reach power.
Hanging Outdoor Christmas Lights Safely
Now that you've selected the perfect lights for your festive display, it's time to embark on the joyful task of hanging them up and sharing the holiday spirit with your neighbours. Here are our top tips for safely installing outdoor Christmas lights.
Determining the Number of Lights and Techniques
Before diving into the decorating fun, calculate the number of lights needed for optimal coverage. Explore techniques such as outlining, wrapping, and draping to bring your outdoor space to life. Strive for a balance between bright, festive lights and a warm, inviting atmosphere to create the perfect holiday ambience.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- The first step is to make sure you are doing all the right things when hanging up outdoor lights.
- Ask someone to hold the bottom of your ladder while working at heights.
- Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself. Hanging Christmas lights is a fun festive activity, but it's vital to be safe while doing so.
Working from the top down to prevent you from tripping over the lights, begin to hang the lights in your style. You can choose to outline your home, wrap the entire surface in lights or drape them down at different points. Get creative and add your unique twist to these outdoor decorations.
Hanging Outdoor Christmas Lights Safely
Christmas lights can be hung up on many different surfaces. Here are some specific tips for attaching them to each one!
Proper Electrical Handling
- Handle electrical components carefully to avoid accidents.
- Emphasise the use of outdoor-rated extension cords and outlets for protection against outdoor elements.
- Prevent circuit overloading by distributing the load evenly among different outlets.
Rooflines
Use plastic clips to attach the lights under the shingles.
Walls
Use Command clips or hooks to attach the lights to walls.
Gutters
Attach outdoor Christmas lights by using hooks.
Shrubbery
Use stakes to attach Christmas lights to the ground near your plants.
Final Safety Tips
- Never hang lights from power lines of any kind. This is extremely dangerous.
- Keep children and pets away from Christmas lights while you are hanging them.
- Unplug the lights when you are finished using them.
Did you know that you should plug the lights in at the end of each string to help prevent overloading the circuit? By following proper safety precautions, you can make the most of the festive season without putting yourself or your family at risk.
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
It’s a good idea to carry out some basic maintenance on your Christmas lights to keep them looking their best for the entire season! Continue reading to find out just how you can do so.
Troubleshooting
- If the lights are not working, check the power source. Make sure the lights are indeed plugged in and your outlet has power running to it.
- Check the bulbs - If you notice a bulb has burned out, replace it.
- Check the wiring - If you spot a wire that has become frayed, damaged and needs replacing, replace the light strand accordingly.
- If you are using a timer, ensure it is correctly set for optimal performance.
Handling Weather Conditions
Protecting your outdoor lights from harsh weather conditions is crucial to extend their lifespan and ensure they continue to brighten your outdoor spaces throughout the year. Here are a couple of tips you can use to help you!
Choose Weather-Resistant Fixtures
Opt for light fixtures that are specifically designed to withstand the rigorous outdoor weather. Look for lights with an IP (Ingress Protection) rating of 65 and higher, showing their ability to resist dust, moisture, and water intrusion.
Protect Wire Connections
Make sure all connections are properly insulated and protected from the elements. Use weatherproof connectors and seal them with electrical tape to prevent moisture coming in, reducing the risk of electrical hazards.
Maintenance
- Store the lights correctly when not in use. Use bubble wrap, packing paper and anything else that might help to protect them for next year.
- Give them a clean before hanging them up. Using a damp cloth, wipe down the lights and remove any dirt or dust. This will help them shine the brightest!
Adding the Finishing Touches
Now that your lights are up, you are at the final stage of decorating the outside of your home for Christmas. It's time to finish off your home in style. Our Christmas range has everything you need to create a Christmas Wonderland at home.
Add Some Christmas Floristry
A beautiful wreath and garland is a classic way to welcome visitors to your home during the festive season.
Use a Light Projector
Create some Christmas magic with a display of lights and images around your garden. Choose from our range here!
Conserve Energy
Using a timer plug gives you the chance to take full control of your energy consumption. Simply set the timer to your desired length and your outdoor Christmas lights will switch off at this time! These can be so helpful and save you money throughout the holiday season.
Ready to brighten your holidays with a touch of DIY magic? Explore our Christmas lights and kickstart your journey to a festive wonderland. From choosing the perfect lights to hanging them with care, make this season merry, bright, and uniquely yours!
