What are fairy lights really? Why do these lights become a staple not only in homes but also in business establishments? If you’re looking for a way to add some sparkle to your home décor, fairy lights are a great option. Check out this guide for additional information and inspiration.
9 Commonly Asked Questions About Fairy Lights | What Are Fairy Lights?
Why use fairy lights? Fairy lights are an essential element in creating a beautiful and inviting space. They can add a touch of elegance and refinement to any room, and they are also known for creating a tranquil and calming ambience.
How Do Fairy Lights Work?
Fairy lights work by having a copper wiring that’s connected to LED bulbs. Copper wire is often used because it’s pliable, so you can easily bend the lights around objects to create different designs. This allows you to be more creative with your lighting.
How Do Solar Fairy Lights Work?
Solar fairy lights are an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to add some magic to your outdoor space. These types of lights are powered by batteries that are charged by a solar panel during the day. Once it gets dark, the batteries use the stored energy to power the LED lighting. A light sensor switches on the lights automatically at dark and shuts them off at daybreak.
How Long Do Fairy Lights Last?
LED outdoor fairy lights are a safer, more efficient alternative to traditional light bulbs. These outdoor fairy lights work without producing heat, meaning there’s no risk of the filament breaking and causing a sudden, sharp burnout. LED lights instead degrade gradually over time before burning out completely. This difference in lifespan is what sets LED and conventional lights apart.
The lifespan of your outdoor fairy lights depends on a few factors, such as where you purchased them from and how well you take care of them. If you buy your lights from a reputable source, such as Festoonhouse.com, and keep them in good condition, they can last anywhere from 40,000 to 50,000 hours. That’s 25 times longer than traditional bulbs!
So if you’re looking for fairy lights that will last, be sure to buy from a trusted supplier. With proper care, your outdoor fairy lights can give you years of enjoyment.
As for the battery-operated fairy lights, the longevity will depend on the battery source. Usually, they have a lifespan of 4-7 hours or more than 100 hours per battery set.
How To Dim Fairy Lights?
Some fairy lights, like the ones we have, are made to be compatible with their very own low voltage-LED driver power supplies & low voltage LED dimmer – remote.
With these accessories, you can safely dim those fairy lights with 8 different dynamic effects and 10 levels of brightness! What’s more, the remote control can operate up to a convenient distance of 15 metres.
RELATED: How To Decorate Fairy Lights In Bedroom To Have A Magical Ambience
How To Cut Fairy Lights?
Theoretically, you may cut any outdoor hanging light as long as you know how to do it safely. Still, some companies sell string fairy lights that are mainly meant to be cut to a particular length.
It’s worth noting that cut-to-length strands are significantly more expensive than conventional lights because they come with a larger number of lights to support more customizable sizes.
Another instance where you may cut fairy lights is when you can cut USB or battery-powered lights— assuming they are in parallel rather than in a series. Cut to the required length, then connect and insulate the end. Because they are in parallel, there is no change in voltage.
Which Is Better, LED Lights Or Fairy Lights?
LED lights last longer and use less energy than traditional fairy lights. LED fairy lights use up to 75% less energy and can last up to 10 times longer.
Do Fairy Lights Use A Lot Of Energy?
Most people want to know if LED lights increase their electric bills. No! LED light bulbs use 80-90% less energy than incandescent bulbs.
These bulbs can last up to 100,000 hours, compared to 3,000 hours for incandescent bulbs. When combined with the long-lasting construction of LEDs, the savings can go beyond.
Do Fairy Lights Attract Bugs?
Some inexpensive fairy lights use incandescent bulbs. They produce heat, which will attract bugs. Choose fairy lights that use LED bulbs.
LED lights emit little to no UV light and emit very little heat, making them less appealing to bugs.
How To Decorate With Fairy Lights? | DIY String Lights Decor Ideas
1. How To Hang Fairy Lights On Bookshelf
There are many ways to hang fairy lights on a bookshelf. But one of the ways to decorate a shelf is to outline the edges.
What you need:
• Clear hooks or nails
• Fairy lights
• Bookshelf
Easy Steps:
Step 1. Secure standard-sized fairy lights to the edges of your shelves with clear hooks or nails.
Step 2. Secure the lights to the top and side edges of a shelving unit if you’re working with an entire unit.
If you’re working with a single wall-mounted shelf, ensure the lights are secured to the front and side edges.
2. How To Hang Fairy Lights On Curtains?
While fairy curtain lights and canopies of fairy lights are commonly seen on Pinterest, some people still are wary when attaching fairy lights to a fabric or hanging them on curtains.
Is it safe to put string lights on fabric? The short answer is YES!
What you need:
• Curtain rod with your sheer fabric
• Fairy LED lights
Drape your fairy lights straight onto the curtain rod. And that’s it!
RELATED: How to Hang Fairy Lights On Ceiling
3. How To Hang Fairy Lights In A Tent?
Whether you are using a pop-up tent, frame tent, high-peak tent, or kid’s teepee, the process of hanging fairy lights in a tent is still the same.
What you need:
• A tent or teepee
• Strings of fairy lights
• Clear nylon strings
• Gutter hooks or metal S hooks with clip hangers
Easy Steps:
Step 1. Run a clear nylon string under the tent’s frames.
Step 2. Secure the nylon with cable ties.
Step 3. Hang the fairy lights onto the nylon string using gutter hooks or metal S hooks with clip hangers.
4. How To Arrange Fairy Lights In A Lantern?
Fairy lights in a lantern are one of the cutest and easiest home decorations you can DIY in less than 5 minutes. This lighting decor is also a perfect centrepiece for weddings, birthdays, and other events.
What you need:
• LED fairy lights
• Decorative lantern
• Electric drill and ½-inch drill bit gauge
• Painter’s tape
Easy Steps:
Step 1. Use a drill and drill bit gauge to create a hole in the bottom of the lantern. If the lantern comes with LED candle, simply remove the candle and use the existing hole.
Step 2. Put the lights through the round hole on the bottom of the lantern.
Step 3. Secure the cord to the bottom of the lantern with a small piece of painter’s tape.
5. How To Hang Fairy Lights With Pictures
This is one fantastic way to highlight your pictures. You can even create a storyline if you feel like it.
What you need:
• Fairy string lights
• Adhesive or screw hooks
• Photo clips
Easy Steps:
Step 1. Place the adhesive hooks alternately on opposite sides of the wall. You can also add one or two hooks in between for additional support. The look will be like a zig-zag motion from top to bottom, depending on your prefered height.
Step 2. Wind up the fairy lights on each hook or push the hook through the winding wires for a secure fit.
Step 3. Place the picture clips in between the bulbs or 2 bulbs apart.
Step 4. Place the pictures on each picture clip and turn on the fairy lights.
6. How To Arrange Fairy Lights In A Vase
A vase with fairy lights is ideal for adding a touch of fantasy to your house. These lovely lights emit a warm and pleasant ambience, making them ideal for lighting up any place.
What you need:
• Fairy string lights
• Clear glass vase
• Clear adhesive tape (if required) or velcro
• Glue gun and glue stick
Step 1. Just insert the fairy lights into the vase and arrange them randomly.
Step 2. Tape the backend of the velcro and hot glue the one for the battery pack.
Step 3. Place the velcro on the backside of the vase where the battery pack should be.
Step 4. Make sure to place the battery pack on the outer rim backside of the vase for easy battery replacement.
Step 5. You can use these as is and place them in strategic corners of your home you want to be highlighted. You can also add dried flowers for an added visual touch.
Note: If it’s a plug-in fairy light, you can add an extension lead cord at the backside of the vase to keep it hidden.
7. How To Hang Fairy Lights With Command Strips?
When you want to hang fairy lights without nails, one alternative is to hang the string lights using command strips. That’s one innovative way to avoid damaging the walls or ceiling. Command™ strips are easy to use, secure, firm, and clean on walls and ceilings.
Important Note: Do not hang anything after attaching the strips to the wall. Ideally, you should wait for an hour.
With this guide, you can easily decorate your home or room to fit any theme you desire! Pump up the festivities with a fairytale-like ending. Be sure to let us know how it goes, and show us some pictures once you’re done.
Lastly, if you’re in the middle of your own DIY lighting project and loved any of the inspiration ideas above, get in touch using our contact page! We’d love to collaborate with you.
