13 Creative Ways To Repurpose String Lights Usefully All Over Your Home

With Thomas Edison to thank for the first strand of electric lights, who'd have thought an outdoor electrical light display would inspire the decorative string lights in our homes today? Whether outdoors or indoors, string lights create that warm and inviting atmosphere we love for relaxation or special occasions. They're so affordable and easy to find, it makes sense why many people hold onto them far beyond the holiday season (and why you may have several unused string lights tangled in a storage box). If you don't want to recycle or donate them away, there are many creative ways to repurpose string lights around your home. 

The best thing about string lights is their versatility. From lantern and globe patio lights to LED strands and fairy lights, they're available in a wide-range of shapes and sizes to elevate art, accentuate a wall, and more. Not only that, but they're a renter-friendly way to add more light to your living space — just be careful with the lights around flammable items, like fabric. So, whether you've bought too many string lights for the holidays and have some leftover, or simply aren't sure what to do with your growing stash in the garage, here are 13 clever ways to repurpose them.

Love the idea of a soft, warm glow above your bed? Transform a plain wall or headboard into a stunning focal point by draping strings of lights over it. For a truly unique look, you can create a DIY headboard out of wood pallets, a bookshelf, and more, using small nails or hooks to attach the string lights. Feel free to add fabric, greenery, and other decorative elements that add a touch of personality. This DIY project is not only fun and easy, but it's also a great way to upgrade your bedroom.

As a safer alternative to wax candles, you can use string lights to make a quick and easy alternative. Simply grab a mason jar and fill it with battery-powered fairy lights, adding some colorful stones or greenery to conceal the battery. You can even paint the jar and add a ribbon for a decorative touch. These charming mason jar candles make great home décor, where you can place them on a coffee table, mantel, or windowsill to add an evening glow for parties, holidays, or a cozy night in.

Need another unique aquatic lighting idea for your home office? Create a serene underwater scene with DIY seashell string lights. You can buy a pack of seashell ornaments, such as these SINKOO Natural Sea Shells from Amazon, and attach them to a strand of battery-powered string lights using hot glue or wire. Once dried, you can suspend the shell-adorned lights from your home office ceiling, drape them along a wall, or hang them on a bookshelf. If your little ones like the "under the sea" theme for their bedrooms, this DIY project is easy enough for kids to do, too.

Who doesn't want to curl up with a good book under soft, dimmed lighting? If you don't have a designated reading nook, it's easy to create one with string lights as the perfect backdrop. This serene space can be a cozy armchair and rug in the corner in your room. Jazz it up by hanging a piece of fabric or a tapestry on the wall and draping string lights over the fabric to create a dreamy backdrop (check with the string lights' manufacturer to ensure this is safe). Add a side table, some comfy pillows, and a soft blanket for the finishing touches.

Do you have (or want) a canopy bed? You could drift off to sleep under a twinkling canopy of string lights. To create this dreamy atmosphere, drape sheer curtains over your bed frame, creating a canopy-like effect. (You may need to screw or stick hooks onto the walls and ceiling area above it to achieve this). Then, mount and weave fairy lights through the curtains to create the soft, warm glow through the fabric. You can also add some artificial vines and weave in extra colorful fabrics to elevate the look.

How about using string lights to create a luminous, stunning centerpiece for your dining table? Start by filling a glass vase or jar with artificial flowers. You can use a variety of flowers, from ruby red roses to vibrant sunflowers, to match the color and theme of your dining area. Next, weave fairy lights through the flowers, place the jar in the center of your table, and enjoy. This is an easy way to create a radiant display that instantly elevates your dining room.

Another creative table lighting idea (that sounds equally as tasty) is decorating with fruit. Similar to using dried fruit on a mantle or in a potpourri bowl, you can use them to DIY a fruit string light arrangement! Start by slicing fruits like oranges, lemons, and apples, and then dehydrate them to preserve their citrus aroma. Once dried, carefully drill holes in the slices to weave through the string lights. Drape the sliced fruit string lights around the table or hang them on the wall as a perfect addition to your fall or holiday decor.

Need overhead lighting in a room? There are plenty of ways you can use string lights to create a DIY light fixture, even a show-stopping chandelier. All you'll need is a hula hoop, scissors, cable ties (or duct tape), ribbon, and several strings of fairy lights. Wrap a string of fairy lights around the hula hoop, securing it every few wraps with cable ties or tape. After making your way around the hoop, tie and knot two or more ribbon to the sides and hang it as a statement piece.

Want to give your plain curtains a magical touch? Try draping string lights over them, too. Simply attach the lights to the curtain rod or the wall behind the curtains (consider using sheer curtains for more lighting effect). And if your lights have a set timer or adjusted brightness, like these RGB Smart Fairy Lights from Amazon, you can create a variety of looks for your curtains. From a soft, ambient glow to a twinkling, starry vibe, try this easy DIY illuminated curtain idea to transform your bedroom or living space.

Looking to elevate your vanity mirror into a glamorous makeup station or dressing room corner for your walk-in closet? Try adding string lights to it. You can attach the lights around the frame of your mirror, using adhesive hooks or wire, to brighten or dim the area as needed. You can also hot glue artificial flowers around the frame (a cool DIY mirror frame idea) or attach hooks for holding jewelry and makeup bags. This simple DIY project can transform any vanity mirror into an eye-catching statement piece for your space.

Is your fireplace sitting idle during the off-season? While you can't enjoy a real fire, you can still keep it lit and cozy for the rest of the year. Instead of lighting a fire, fill the hearth with logs, fairy lights, solar lanterns, and electric candles. You can even wrap the fairy lights around the logs or have them hang from the mantle for a warm glow. This is also a great alternative if you don't have a fireplace but want to create the frame for aesthetic appeal.

Wall art can instantly transform a room, adding personality and visual interest to what would've been a blank space. If you enjoy creating wall art, how about making a unique piece that glows? For example, you could paint or draw your favorite constellations onto a canvas. Then, carefully attach tiny fairy lights to it, outlining the stars. When you hang the canvas on your wall, your celestial masterpiece will illuminate your room. Another clever hack is to poke holes in the canvas to hide the strings behind it and make a built-in glow effect.

Custom night lights are the perfect addition for kids' rooms and nurseries. If you can't find one that matches their room theme, why not DIY one instead? For example, you can knit or crochet a small, colorful character and then weave fairy lights through the fabric. Another easy option is to attach fairy lights to a stuffed animal or a plush toy. Then, place the nightlight on a bedside table or a dresser in the room. Not only will it light up those dark corners, but will also be personalized decor that your child will love.