While string lights are useful for decorating around the holidays, they can also be used to add soft light to any room in your home.Hanging the lights from the ceiling adds a fun design element to your space.When you put up your lights, there are many different patterns you can try, such as a zig-zag, a simple outline, or a wall design.Your space will be comfortable and cozy when you are done putting up your lights.
Step 1: Measure your room to see how far apart your lights are.
To find the length and width of the room where you want to hang your lights, use a tape measure.Determine the distance between your anchor points on the ceiling and the dimensions.The room will be brighter if you put them closer together.If you want a soft light throughout your entire room, space your lights 2–3 ft apart from one another.Hardware and home design stores have string lights.
Step 2: You can hang the first hook from the ceiling.
You can put small hooks on your ceiling without damaging it.If you want to plug it in, place your first hook above your power outlet.Press the clip onto the ceiling for 30 seconds after removing the backing.If you don't want your string lights hanging down your wall to the outlet, you can use an extension cord or run the lights down a corner of your room.If you want a more permanent lighting solution or if you have a popcorn ceiling, get clips that you can easily nail into your ceiling instead.If you have a drop ceiling, place the hook on one of the supports.
Step 3: The hooks should be on the edge of the ceiling.
The rest of your hooks should be installed across the length of the wall.Hold the backing in place for at least 30 seconds after pressing it onto the ceiling.If you want to have even spacing between them, work out from the first hook towards the edges of the room.
Step 4: You can reduce the distance between your hooks by half on the other wall.
You can find the point on the opposite side of the room.If you want to place your hook in line with the one on the other side of the room, move it half a mile away.The zig-zag pattern on your ceiling will be made by your lights.Work towards the edges of your room by installing the rest of the hooks along the ceiling.You can offset the hooks on the other side of the room by 1 ft (30 cm).
Step 5: The lights need to be tightly strung between the hooks.
Start at the hook closest to the outlet.To illuminate the other side of your ceiling, run the lights across it.Pull the lights tight and coil the string around the hook.Work in a zig-zag pattern until you cover your entire ceiling.If you want a more relaxed look to your lights, let them hang down slightly from the ceiling.
Step 6: Hooks are placed around the edge of the ceiling.
Use hooks that are backed by cable to hang your lights.Remove the backing from the hook and press it onto the ceiling for 30 seconds.You should keep adding hooks around your room.You can use clips that nail into the ceiling if you have a popcorn ceiling.
Step 7: Hang your lights above an outlet or a corner.
Plug your lights into the outlet so you know how much string needs to hang down.To keep your lights more discreet, run the lights down a corner of your room and to the outlet.Once they are plugged in, coil the string lights around the first hook to hold them in place.You can hang some string lights on the wall.If you want to hide them, choose an outlet behind a piece of furniture.
Step 8: The hooks have lights between them.
Hang the string lights between the hooks in your room.If your lights fall down, coil the string around the hook once.If you want a more relaxed look to your room, let the string lights dangle from the hooks.
Step 9: Every 1 ft (30 cm) behind your bed, put hooks along the edge of the ceiling.
Press the strip onto the ceiling for at least 30 seconds.If you hang your lights this way, you won't damage your ceiling.The clips should be 1 foot (30 cm) apart.If you want a permanent solution, use clips that nail into the rafters.
Step 10: There are clips below the hooks on the ceiling.
Attach the hooks to the wall with 5–6 ft down from the clips on the ceiling.Instead of hanging against the wall, the lights are pulled tight.Pushpins can be used to make small holes in your paint.
Step 11: Plug in the string lights and drape them over the first two hooks.
Plug your lights into the nearest outlet and run them up your wall.To make a straight line up your wall, hold the string lights tight.Keep the light string in place by looping it around the hook.Wrap the lights in place by running them horizontally.If there isn't an outlet close to the edge, use an extension cord.
Step 12: The lights should be wrapped around the lower clips.
Run the string lights down from the second top hook to the clip on the wall.Before running it to the next clip over, pull the lights tight and wrap them around the clip once.The lights should be on around the clip.
Step 13: Work in a pattern across the wall.
The lights should be put back up to the ceiling hook.If you can, end the lights so they don't hang up your ceiling.