Christmas lights are a staple when it comes to holiday decor [1]. Whether hung on the house, strung up in your room, or wrapped around the tree, these lights bring a warm and cosy feeling into any home. However, there are many alternative ways to decorate with Christmas lights [2] both in and out of the holiday season. We've got 31 unique ways you can use Christmas lights to spice up your home even after the first of the year!
— Additional reporting by Hilary White
Ramp Up Home Decor
Deck out your home by stringing twinkle lights on focal pieces to make your everyday decorations more festive!
Make a Cozy Corner
Lights hung in a reading nook make it all the more cosy.
Light Up the Outdoors
Your backyard will be even more inviting with the addition of twinkle lights.
Create a Fairy Light Globe
This DIY [3] fairy light globe is the perfect decoration for any party — holiday related or beyond!
Light Up Bannister Garland
String lights along with your green garland to highlight the staircase.
Include Lights In a Framed Card Display
Illuminate Christmas cards in this framed card display.
DIY a Lighted Bedroom Canopy
Give your bedroom a romantic vibe with this pretty light-up canopy.
Put Lights in a Bowl
Make a display even more festive with string lights.
Try Dressing Your Windows With Lights
Hang lights vertically in your windows for an indoor and outdoor glow.
Add Lights to a Chandelier
A strand of Christmas lights makes this DIY [4] chandelier more of a moment.
Try Twinkle Lights at Home
Place twinkles lights anywhere in your home for instant warmth.
Make a Light Frame
Highlight your favourite piece of art with a frame made of lights.
Light Up a Tree
Why should Christmas trees get all the lights?
Fill a Glass Vessel With Lights
Use different coloured lights in glass vessels for an easy accent.
Create a Sparkling Headboard
Add lights to your headboard for a warm bedtime glow.
Make a Light Tree
This DIY [5] light tree would be an excellent focus piece in any room.
Hang Strings of Vertical Lights
Make a statement by hanging strings of lights vertically on your walls.
Photo Display
Create a pretty photo display for an adorable decoration both during the day and at night.
DIY a Christmas Shadow Box
An easy-to-create Christmas shadow box is even better with lights.
Light Up an Entryway
Throw a string of lights on your entryway hooks for a sweet effect.
Illuminate a Hallway
Any shelf will pop with the addition of a string of lights.
Add Lights to a Room Divider
Have fun with this easy DIY [6] project to create a beautiful branch light room divider that will illuminate your space all year long.
Wrap Up Objects
A wheel gets new life with a string of lights wrapped around.
DIY a Heart Frame With Lights
Create this gorgeous heart frame using only Christmas lights and personal photos.
Add Lights to Mantle Garland
Your mantle garland is just begging for brightness.
Wine-Bottle Accent Lights
Create wine-bottle accent lights [7] for a festive table centrepiece.
Make a Wreath of Lights
Why not make the entire wreath out of lights?
DIY Festive Burlap Garland
Create a beautiful DIY [8] burlap garland by sewing a strand of Christmas lights into a large piece of burlap, or simply tie them on with string or ribbons.
Drape Lights Above Your Mantle
Your mantle will shine with strings of draped lights.
DIY Lanterns With Lights
These light-filled lanterns are the easiest DIY [9] decor hack.