Introduction
Who doesn’t love Christmas lights? Notoriously decorative and festive, Christmas lights are the perfect addition to your Christmas collection. They are not only beautiful, but they also provide warmth to your holiday.
But if you are new to Christmas lights installation, it can be difficult to understand how exactly those gorgeous strings of lights should be hung from the house so that they display in the best possible fashion.
This guide contains helpful hints and tips on how to install your Christmas lights in a way that is safe and efficient, so that you can enjoy the magic of the holiday season without any stress!
Create a Master design Plan:
The first step to bust-proof your Christmas lights installation is to create a master design plan. This entails drawing out how you want your lights hung before getting started. This will help you to visualize the finished product, and it will also help you to stay organized and efficient while hanging the lights.
The best way to do this is to take a picture of your house from the street, and use that as your guide while creating your plan. Make a note of all architectural features like eaves pillars and posts that you want to highlight, and make sure to map out the placement of your lights accordingly. Also, consider hanging lights in your backyard or around your porch for a truly festive look. And finally choose appropriate lights for pathways and stand-alone features.
Your Color Choice:
When it comes to decorating with Christmas lights, one of the best things about it is the freedom to choose any color you want! If you are looking to create a traditional look, consider sticking with red and green light bulbs. However, if you are looking for a more eclectic or modern style, feel free to mix and match different colors for an eye-catching display.
When creating your light design plan, be sure to take into account the colors of your home and landscape. If you have a white house, consider sticking with bright white or blue lights. For a warm and cozy look, go with amber or orange bulbs. And finally, if you are looking to add some extra sparkle to your lights, add a few white icicle lights to your display.
More Decorating Tips:
- Add extra glitz by including multi-colored light strands or garland in your decorations.
- Replace traditional bulbs with blinking lights for an added sense of excitement and wonder to your Christmas lighting
Measure Twice, Cut Once:
A good way to make sure that you are installing your lights properly is to measure twice before cutting any wire or hooks. This will help make your installation process smoother and minimize the chances of making a mistake while performing your installation.
When measuring, take into account the height of your roof and the width of your house. Do not forget that you will also need to measure your individual lights. Make sure that you take into account the length of each wire and how much space you need between each string of lights. For example if you plan on winding your lights around a spot you will need longer strands to get the job done. To reduce the count of strands use net lights on bushes and shrubs or use rope lighting on railing or fencing.
And remember, it’s always better to have too many lights than not enough!
Buy Right:
Once you are done with measurements and creating your design plan, it is time to go shop for Christmas lights! When buying light bulbs, be sure to buy lights that are made for outdoor use. This is important because those Christmas lights specifically designed for outside use have been rigorously tested and don’t typically burst into flames as easily as other types of light bulbs.
Inspect the Bulbs:
Before you start with light installation ensure that you inspect the bulbs. Make sure they are working. Broken or cracked bulbs can increase the fire hazard. While lit, inspect each bulb to ensure they are working properly and not flickering erratically. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how many lights can be connected to one another.
Also, do not overload your power outlets with too many extension cords. The last thing you want is an electrical shortage due to overloaded cords. And finally plug your holiday lights into a surge protector for extra safety.
Use Plastic Clips:
Opting for plastic clips instead of nails and hooks is a great way to secure your Christmas lights while still keeping them safe. Nails and hooks can damage siding, and they also create an opening where moisture and pests can get in. Plastic clips are a much safer option, as they will not cause any damage to your home and they are also easy to remove when it’s time to take down your holiday lights.
Light it UP:
Now it is time to install your Christmas lights. Before you actually begin, grab all your tools and supplies and lay them out on the ground in an organized fashion. This will help to keep you organized and reduce unnecessary running around. Working with a partner can also be helpful, as it can make the installation process go a bit smoother.
From there, unpack your lights and unwind the wire. Start by connecting all of your lights together and then connect the strand to an extension cord or power source. When you are done ensure that your light strands are side-by-side with no gaps in between them.
Next, begin wrapping your Christmas lights around posts, bushes, posts pillars etc., using plastic clips. When wrapping lights around a post, be sure to start at the top and work your way down. This will help to keep the lights in place. If you are using clips, make sure that you attach them securely to avoid them falling off over time.
And finally after your lights are wrapped around posts and attached with plastic clips it is time to wrap them using zip ties. This method secures the wire to itself which makes the installation of the light strands much easier.
The last step is to connect the extension cords to each other and to your power source. Once everything is plugged in, turn on your Christmas lights and Voila! It’s time to admire your handiwork!
Still Unsure of How to Hang Christmas Lights?
If you feel overwhelmed or just don’t have the time to install your own Christmas lights, reaching out to a Christmas light installation service provider near me is always an option. Professionals Christmas decorators have the experience and knowledge to get the job done quickly and safely.
Here is how professional Christmas light installers can help:
- They can help you choose the right type of lights for your home and budget.
- They will install the lights quickly and efficiently.
- They are familiar with all the safety precautions that need to be taken when installing Christmas lights.
- If there is a problem with your lights, they can easily fix it.
- They will know the best way to attach your lights so they do not fall off after just a few weeks.
- They can also save you time by taking down your Christmas lights at the end of the season.
To Conclude:
Christmas lights are a great way to add some extra holiday cheer to your home. By following these simple tips, you can not only install your own Christmas lights easily but, also enjoy the compliments from your friends and neighbors!
Happy holidays!
