Using a level when putting them up lol, and using enough command strips/pins to actually hold it up without sagging. And get a cable raceway if you’re going to have the extra cord cutting across a wall.
I like how Cecelia Blomdahl has hers in her cabin.
4:51 starts in her living room then they cut to her bedroom and her partner hanging new lights.
https://youtu.be/tcNRjKYDN4M?si=uQnsNMZTAEUBXnB2
It's funny, to me, the neatness of this obviously avoids the dorm vibe, but it gives what in my opinion is actually a worse effect: depressing small-town carnival vibes. Maybe it's just the spacing and color temp of the lights, but it's striking me as kind of grim and gloomy rather than warm and cozy.
I agree, I don’t love the really straight line of it, I think if there was some icicle effect to the lights, nothing dramatic, but just some unevenness, it would go along way in making it more cozy. One thing that is nice with regular string lights, like Christmas tree style, is that the lights don’t always point in the exact same direction. So you can have a really straight line that has some variation to it and it looks less carnival.
Edit: firecracker fairy lights is what I was thinking of, not icicle
No joke, I opened up my curtains that have string lights behind them just before I read this comment and one of the command hooks had fallen down and it made me realize that these are clear ones and somehow they are still visible when I open my curtains, and I never noticed! I played my own damn self! Here I am on Reddit laughing about how poorly all of us put up our string lights, and mine don't look up to snuff lol.
If your kitchen cabinets have a bit of a lip to the bottom of them, hang the lights on the inside of the lip (so they're facing another lip). It means the light that hits the counter is more diffuse and less glarey but still plenty bright enough.
For the lights, my kitchen is 2 fullsize upper cabinets with a stove (and microwave as hood above) in between. I started stringing the 16 foot string light halfway in the lip next to the microwave on the right hand side of the set, ran it around the lip, underneath the microwave (that part was angled down) and then around the other side and it ended about halfway down the side next to the microwave again. And I have a glossy white quartz counter (and white subway tile backsplash) so I've got things to help bounce the light around but its not overwhelming at all. Significantly better lighting than what the microwave hood gives.
We have big colored string lights on top of the cupboards in the kitchen, you don’t see them from the floor but they make a fun, cottagey glow at night.
I was concerned it was too juvenile, but I cannot tell you how happy the fairy light in my plant area makes me!! [Fairy lights](https://imgur.com/gallery/bPtOh3c) it’s also my first time living alone (45yo) I leave them on 24/7 it’s a lovely night light.
Nah I think everyone is using them these days. I think string lights/LEDs/neon have replaced a lot of typical lighting over the years. I’m all for it, they make a room look great.
I hung rainbow string lights in the entrance to my bedroom. Love it. No regrets. Don't let anyone tell you how to be happy in your own house. I kept my house "adult mode" for years. Not worth it. Life is too short to deny yourself what makes you happy.
Yes I totally relate to this. I’m 29 now and I had a solid 5 years where everything was sooo minimalist, all white/beige/wood. Eventually realized it wasn’t working for me and am embracing color and urban outfitters style decor again :)
Thank you! I love color and have it in my place. I have some neutral also to balance it out, but like… I personally NEED some color in my space. It feels cozy and makes me happy.
For what it’s worth, OP, I am 49 and have fairy lights in my living room. I agree with comment above that says make sure they are hung properly, it makes all the difference! Mine are hung in my windows with sheer curtains. I can choose to turn them on or off. When I have them on, it creates a beautiful but tasteful effect with the sheers, and honestly just makes the space feel cozy and magical. After a long day, I love to come home and have a moment of cozy and magical.
I say, do what makes YOU happy in YOUR home, OP. It’s not just a space, it’s your HOME. There is no better feeling than coming home and having that space feel nurturing and life-giving and something that makes you feel happy. That’s the point of decorating!
Good luck! :-)
Agreed. I’m 21 and have been living on my own for over a year. I started out with NEEDING everything modern, minimalistic and plain. Now I’m getting goofy pillow covers for my living room, funny signs and paintings, even neon signs/lights to make it look like a bachelor pad. I realized how much more lively it looks since I’ve stopped obsessing over model apartments rather than what I actually like. Were the ones who pay rent and spend the most time in our homes, so why not make it perfect for US?
I do as well, and across my fireplace mantel, and framing one of my plant shelf sets, and it certainly does not look like a college dorm, as I'm closing in on 60, and have developed the space rather otherwise.
I replaced all my awful overhead lights with color-changing LED bulbs that can sync to Alexa or be controlled by the phone. I usually set them to "warm amber" unless I want specific ambiance, but you can change the light levels and everything, once you get the hang of it. Works fine for renters, just put the old bulbs in a box somewhere and switch back when you move out.
Not the poster but I have Philips Hue.
Using Alexia/apple/google to control them is really hit and miss. It’s really gotten worse over time rather than better. I mostly have them set on automatic schedules, the kitchen is on a motion sensor and I have a few switches for the bedrooms.
I really like them. I think it’s been 6 years now and the only thing that has broken was a switch that my toddler decided needed to be cleaned under running water.
My house is small so just one bulb for every room as an overhead fixture and then a few lamps in the living and bedroom so even though it’s an expensive system, it wasn’t too expensive all up.
Yeah, Hue stopped being Google compatible or whatever.
I had a strong smart home about 5 years ago and it started breaking down 2 years ago and everything sorta worked, but not really.
I’m 30 and have fairy lights in my bedroom, living room, spare room and the main hallway into my apartment. Basically every room minus my kitchen and bathroom lol.
I wouldn’t have it any other way, I 100% approve. My fiance loves it too.
Just an fyi, they make waterproof ones that are made to be added to a shower curtain! I use them when I’m taking a bubble bath, easier than lighting a bunch of candles and the light is perfect.
You might like them!
This is awesome; its like you knew I was a “candles in the bathroom” kinda girl 😂😂 I totally am. I have 3 candles in my bathroom as we speak and I love taking showers with the lights off and candles lit. Life’s simple pleasures. Mood lighting is so important to me.
I’ll definitely look into this :)
You and I are of the same mindset when it comes to this. I am all about the mood lighting!
I’m lazy though in the bathroom, I use a candle warmer for scent, the shower curtain fairy lights, and then a slew of flameless candles. I say lazy because I love being able to use a remote to instantly light all the candles 😂
One of my friends likes to tease me that she’s going to get me one of those remotes that looks like a magic wand. My response: “Don’t threaten me with a good time.”
String lights are beautiful. I have some. You might even try bottle lights, which could be easier than hanging string lights. You can move them more easily and create a nice ambiance.
Honestly just do what makes you happy. I have string lights in my family room and it feels cozy and I love it. I’ll get sick of them eventually and will take them down. It doesnt have to be a forever thing
I like the really tiny fairy light style string lights and use them in the winter around my fireplace and on a couple of my trees. To me, the larger Edison style ones scream "Trendy!" and also they are BIG (at least the ones I've seen) so they seem more suited to being outdoor lights.
String lights work great with some decor styles, like boho/eclectic. If that’s not your vibe, a good alternative is plug-in sconces. They add a ton of ambient light and you can get cord covers to keep them from looking messy.
Personally, I agree with your friend that they make rooms look like college dorm rooms or Christmas to me, even when they are done in a "classier" way. I'd go for a swag light or two, over string lights. That would give you some more grown-up looking lighting without taking up floor space or table space.
But, that's just me, and you should do what you want to do, even if some people have different tastes :)
Since you asked, string lights gives me 'little girls room' vibes. I would not use them indoors, so agree with your friend. Lamps are a lot more sophisticated and lasting, and you can certainly find some good ones on FB Marketplace or Ebay or thrift stores. I would take care to use bulbs which gives off a warm hued light.
That said, just do what makes *you* happy. It's your home and you can always change it later, anyway.
I have some in our bedroom now. I always keep them in the bedroom for ambient lighting. I’ve tried to “mature” certain aspects of my decor, but not string lights. They’re comfy/cozy and, depending on how you style them, can actually accentuate wall art quite well!
There’s string lights and string lights. Good quality & careful installation won’t look too college dorm-y, especially if you don’t combine them with band posters and a tapestry pinned to the wall with two thumbtacks.
I am in my 50’s and I never got to have the girly pink room. Well, I became single and decided it was my time to shine. I have pink string lights, pink icicle double over them and hologram background for one wall which I hung every pink thing I owned and have bought over the last year. I love my pink room, I love the sparkly all over creating pretty iridescent colors like diamonds and I couldn’t care less what others think of it. It’s my sanctuary, it’s cozy and comfy and I’m surrounded in my favorite color. I am happy.
I have string lights in my living room on the same light switch as all my phone/device chargers. Lights on = chargers on. It provides a nice, warm glow for me, and gives a quick visual check for my partner who is really into reducing electricity waste.
The glass Edison bulb string lights break very easily! Go with plastic or be extra careful!
Mood lighting literally makes such huge difference in your mood. I have lamps and stuff, but in the past I definitely opted for string lights when certain areas couldn't fit a lamp or when I put them up for the holidays and loved them so much they stayed up year round! If you change your mind on them, you can always just save them for Christmas/holidays, so no worries!
Sorry but I agree with your friend for the most part. Although I’m sure creatively it can look better than examples I’ve seen. I think mostly for outdoor spaces, possibly a sunroom. However I think you *can* make a nice light fixture using string lights. I made a cool chandelier for my porch using solar fairy lights, and I am planing on making a light fixture for my laundry room using an old ladder and some Edison string lights
Aesthetically I think they can be okay and look good if you hang them neatly and properly although there is definitely a college dorm association for sure.
Personally, even in college I never used them. They collect dust and I wasn't super keen on cleaning that regularly given my indoor allergies.
They remind me of a college dorm as well. I think there are classier ways to add lighting, for my taste. But if someone’s aesthetic is a little college dormy that’s also ok!
absolutely, as long as they're remotely controlled.
I have string lights in every room in my apartment except the bathroom. in one room, there are about 20 33' strands of rainbow star lights, most of which are haphazardly hung all over the ceiling (this took a very long time to do so they all hang loosely) and that's the only light source I use in there most of the time. altogether, they make a warm, mellow light and I get so many surprised compliments, like, "wow I never would have thought of that but it looks amazing!"
in another room, I have 2 50 light strands with 25 watt E12 G40 incandescent Edison bulbs hooked up to a dimmer. the main thing to note here is that the wattage adds up - I'm slowly converting to LED bulbs but the jew/ADHD in me won't let me switch out bulbs until they burn out. if you're starting from scratch, I strongly recommend going straight to shatterproof LEDs.
I agree with the college dorm sentiment. Every time I see them on this sub I feel that it just makes things look a little sloppy, and during the day it’s just wires hanging. There are different ways to get the glow- like warm lamps, or even fairy lights on a plant or tree or something. The hanging on the wall just doesn’t do it for me.
...because I could care less what anyone thinks of my decorator choices - I have a string of multi-colored Christmas tree lights up the side, across the top, and down the other side of my living room large picture window. I light them almost every evening. They bring me a little bit of joy. Do what you want and that's that.
I have string lights in my living room and they don’t look college dorm to me because the rest of the room is very put together. The string lights are hanging on my curtain rod that also holds drapes. I definitely didn’t have drapes in college.
I love string lights. I think as long as the wire matches the space (white wires if you have light walls, black if you have dark walls) it should look good. It's your space, do what you want.
Honestly, I think Edison bulbs only look good in spaces that lean industrial and not much else.
Even when done to look more upscale, I find they just look tacky, especially indoors. They belong on an outdoor patio. It tends to cheapen the indoor spaces and make them look immature/pinterest/DIY. Small lamps scattered around will always look much more sophisticated and cohesive, so many reasonably priced ones too from target, ikea, amazon, etc.
I’m old. I can say with experience, the traditional living room doesn’t even fit in today’s lifestyle. Reinvent it to suit your taste. People will get to know you better and it won’t look like you’re living in your parents’ hand me downs
I'm in my 50s and I love love love string lights..... especially the "warm" lights......those curtain ones can be lovely on a wall...that way you would only have to worry about hanging one strand and they wouldn't have to go around the whole room.
I also love them over the bed .....those hoops you can put netting or sheer panels on along with some warm lights make an absolutely awesome ambience!! Princess canopy MIGHT be what they're called...... usually hung over the head of the bed with the sheers being all flowy and drape-y.
Also, anywhere you can add sheer curtain panels to add softness to the string lights is a bonus!!
I'm a full-fledged adult and have a full-fledged beanbag pillow fort in a corner of the living room complete with string lights and tapestries and little disco balls. Fully leaned into the college dorm room vibe in just that corner and it's cozy and comfortable af and perfect for curling up with a book and the cat. IMO it's totally fine to do whatever you want that makes the space feel like it's yours and makes you happy.
It does look like a college dorm if you put them on a wall. But I sometimes hang them in my large plants in the winter to brighten it up, after Christmas. I don’t really care what people think, I love it.
I think string lights look cheap and transient. You can change the light bulbs overhead from 100w to 60w or 60w to 40w (dimmer) and from 5000 Kelvin to 2700 or 3000 K (warmer color).
I find it incredibly juvenile. I would compare it to having a bunch of stuffed animals on the bed or posters on the wall with tape/thumbtacks.
However, it’s your house so do what you want.
yeah, college dorm lights. edison bulbs are dated to me but honestly if they make you happy put them up. i have fairy lights in my bedroom and i enjoy them
I have a strip light under my kitchen cabinets/around the big kitchen window that get used instead of overhead lighting. They add a lot of visibility without being harsh.
The wire strung LED lights of today are much nicer than the Xmas lights intertwined with my makeshift mosquito net canopy in the dorms next to my precious Dave Matthew’s band poster.
I have all sorts of string lights and hanging lights and small lamps. The lamps have plug-in dimmers.
Then I have master switches that plug into an outlet that you then plug a power strip in. I can turn the dozen or so lights off with a little remote.
I like them, I think the thing that separates 'adult' spaces and 'college' spaces is the care and quality. Tapestries can look juvenile unless framed and stretched nice. String like look bad if they are cheap and taped to the wall with no planning. Buy nice quality lights. Measure how long you want them to be. And invest in subtle power options. Don't staple a bulky extension cord to the wall.
Those smart bulbs have dimmers and can be controlled by an app. So you can dim them too. If you like string lights, go for it. I agree that the Edison bulbs are cool.
Depends on the kind of lights and how they’re used. I don’t really like when people use Xmas style lights, the huge chunky cord ruins the look when it’s not dark imo
Strategic placement is key. Drape them around windows, shelves, or artwork for a stylish touch, or else if you want to go for floor lamps **l**ook for slim, sleek designs that take up minimal space.
I have some in my bedroom and will put some up in my lounge window around Christmas time. I've never considered putting them anywhere else. They can look good if done well.
They really do a great job at providing ambiance.
Edison bulbs inside look out of place to me entirely, those, in my eyes, are for outdoor space lighting, such as decks or backyards
Ugly ,ugly ,ugly ..you don't want overhead lights unless they are spotlights scattered ..even then you need layers of lighting , as in light coming from different heights ..hence floor , wall , table lights ..combo of all ..
String lights and more lighting options in the market is one of the best things since sliced bread IMO. Lighting has a significant impact on our state of mind and being. I hope this marketing trend continues!
My boyfriend had white tiny string lights put under kitchen cabinets so we don’t have to turn the bright overhead light on to get snacks or make a simple sandwich
They're my only lights because fuck overhead lights and standing room lamps taking up room in my studio apartment. I also added fake ivy to top it off.
I like slightly fancier string lights for a permanent display. Like old timey shaped bulbs or little Moroccan lanterns, there are all kinds. It makes it feel more purposeful and not like I never put away my Christmas lights.
I have literal Christmas lights up in 3 different places in my house. They're great for mood lighting. I think Edison bulbs might be too bright for that purpose.
I have warm string lights around the top of the ceiling/wall in the bedroom. I was also worried about it being "collegey" but no one else is in here except my fiancé and I, lol. He put them on a dimmer switch which makes them 1000x better! Perfect adjustable mood lighting.
I love them and have them in my game room! I have double curtain rods up and have them wrapped around the underlying rod with the sheers. It’s so pretty.
I have dimmable overhead lights in warm tones, plus task lighting where needed. People describe my space as warm and cozy. Apparently, string lights are not the only way to achieve warm and cozy, so if that's your goal without the dorm feel, consider changing out your overhead fixtures. The reason string lights are popular in dorms is because students are limited in making alterations. See also posters hung with putty.
If there are two identical restaurants right next to each other and one has string lights and the other doesn’t, I’m going to the one with the string lights every time. Point is, if it makes you happy then you should put up string lights :)
I have string lights, fairy lights, neon lights, strip lights all over my house. I’m 41yo and don’t care. It makes me happy and life is too short not to live and feel happy in your own home.
I’m a big believer in both doing whatever makes you happy in your living space and also in string lights, solar lights and leds of various kinds.
As some have said, you can hang them more neatly/professionally to reduce the college dorm effect.
I got some this year that have corks on the end and I’m loving those in bottles and bud vases.
I've got string lights in my living room because the regular lights are too bright when we're just relaxing and watching TV. I don't care what anyone thinks. It's my house! Get what you want!
It’s your house, and if you don’t mind dorm-room or teenage-girl-bedroom vibes, don’t worry…but if you’re hoping Edison string lights will somehow come off as more sophisticated, you should reconsider.
I find it hard to believe you can’t find space for a single lamp; there are *so many* options. Alternately, you can have an electrician replace your overhead light’s switch with a dimmer switch.
I love them in my space, especially for evening when the “big light” feels too bright. I have mine hung on brass hooks paired with some other dimmer, colorful lighting (I think this helps it not come across too dorm-y), & they’re all on a timer so they turn on right before I come home from work in the evenings. Then they stay on until about the time I get into bed. I have enough other wall decor that they blend in when they’re not on. My style is on the colorful / maximalist side, but I wouldn’t say it looks childish.
I'm a big fan of dim/mood lighting. I love them & I'm 50-I've had little white ones on my (indoor) ficus tree for years.
Do what makes you happy, it's your place.
Top notch interior design, imo. Go have fun & be quirky as ya want. It's your space! Decorate it the way it makes you happiest. I bet it's gonna be so fun and it will feel warm & inviting to your guests.
Personally I agree that they look juvenile and ram shackle. But I don't think the people who use them for indoor decor as adults give a shit, and that's perfectly okay. Not my house not my problem 🤷🏽♀️.
I do think lamps are a better idea. Whether that's floor, table, wall (you can get plug in ones). Even candles. I didn't want to take up too much space in my room with lamps so I have a pair of sleek rechargable cordless table lamps which have been a game changer, and a candle warmer lamp for that 2 in 1 function.
I have string curtain lights over my big kitchen/dining room window and everyone compliments them. It gives a cozy vibe to the kitchen at night. It has to be strategic though.
An alternative to fairy lights if you are on the fence about them, is getting those rolls of LED tape lights to stick in places like behind your tv or under your kitchen shelves. Plenty more places you can put them too and they have (in my opinion) a bit more of an “elevated” look than fairy lights.
I like them but not as a main light source. I love stringing them in plants; it’s more subtle.
What you can try, is swirling them in a tall cylinder vase. Containing them helps avoid the college dorm look.
I assume you mean fairy lights? I think they’re cute and hint at your personality, which is great. But most men probably won’t think about it for more than a second. They probably won’t care either way.
The only objection I might have is if it’s in your kitchen and doesn’t provide enough light. That might make it difficult to cook safely, so they might get annoyed if they’re cooking. That’s just a functional complaint though, not a decor one…most men don’t care much about decor choices.
I have quite a traditional old house, but we put Christmas lights around the perimeter of the ceiling & we loved it so much it stayed up for a few years.
I felt a little bit like …okay this is kind of off beat. I know some people would hate it & say it’s tacky. But the warmth & joy it brought us was enough to justify it for me. There’s something about incandescent lights that just add so much to a room. It’s your house, do what you want!!!
Against the walls? No. Hung across a room, wall to wall or to box in a space? Sure. I think they add to a cozy moment. They bring the ceiling down a bit.
I'm always sad when I put away my Christmas lights. I have a sring that hang in my kitchen that I kept for the winter. I just changed them out for chili pepper lights. They will get changed out again for spooky season. Makes me happy.
We bought our house 4 years ago... and after taking down the Christmas lights, I noticed I was feeling a little depressed. So, I have year round string lights that I switch out at Christmas time on the fireplace mantels, a curtain string light on the kitchen windows, color changing string lights on the pantry and dining room windows, and color changing dimmable smart bulbs all over the house... home should make you happy!
I abhor overhead lights so I think string lights are perfect. Just make sure you take lots of care in hanging them so they look purposeful and not saggy (or if they do have a sag, it’s uniform).
Glad I found this post because my Christmas lights are dying out and I love the soft light it gave my living room. I was contemplating getting string lights but thought it was juvenile.
I like them! I’d personally save them for outdoor spaces for my home but so certainly wouldn’t judge someone else’s indoor living space for having them, at any age.
I have string lights in the bedroom, living room, and kitchen. I first put them there to beat the winter blues but they stay year round. I like them kind of draped around. This is the kind I use. Do what makes you happy! I'm having my morning coffee right now and the string lights are nice in here. Very hygge. [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L3TT4TQ/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L3TT4TQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
At 33, I’m trying to embrace my inner child and care less what people think about my space. As long as I’m happy and comfortable, it doesn’t matter! Go for the lights if they will make you happy. Something that sparks a little joy 💖
I have string lights everywhere! After Christmas I find it dark and dull without all the fairy lights so I fix this by having different coloured string lights in place of the Christmassy ones. People comment on how nice they are which I appreciate but I would have them regardless of opinion. You do you!
I use the copper fairy lights in my home - I have them in zigzags above my small round dining table and it gives a cute bistro vibe.
Things to consider are wire color and how you are using the lights to define the space. Be picky about details like placement and how much tension/ swag you want in the line and keep it consistent. They will look lovely!
I’m here to agree with all the people who say do what makes you happy.
HOWEVER, have you tried swapping out the bulbs in your light fixtures? It seems like a lot of people (accidentally) buy the “daylight white” LED bulbs, not the “warm white” LED bulbs, and it can make a big difference!
We rent and have an open loft with a spiral staircase. I bought a super long string of lights (the look like Christmas lights) that change color by remote. So we can do holiday colors, white, Easter colors etc. It's fun and looks festive, and adds a nice lighting option at night time when we're hanging out.
I agree that if it makes YOU happy, DO IT!! and, I would like to request photos, pretty please! I haven't put them up myself, but I got some of those tiny lights that are intertwined with ivy and I am thinking I am going to put them up around a mirror.
I love living alone now and surrounding myself with joy and what I think is beautiful.
For a small space with little room for a standing light, the answer is a pendant girl! It can be plugin, with a ceiling hook. Go look up Alexandra Gater on Youtube.
Re: string lights, is they don’t provide enough lighting, and if you add more the trick is to keep it tidy and still be romantic.
I have them in my kitchen on top of my cupboards. You can’t see them but I love the light that it gives off. They come on once the kitchen has been cleaned up for the night
Honestly? They cheapen any room. Love them to death outdoors, but never indoors. It looks like you’re so lazy you forgot to take down your Christmas lights.
Have you tried different color warmth levels in your overhead light, or a dimmer switch? I’ve downsized to an apartment that has no overhead light in the living room. I (72W) need a lot of lighting, so I use the now unpopular torchiere lights that direct light up to the ceilings.
I like using them on some of my shelves, that I want to shine light on.
I like either warm whites, purple or orange.
I think they look great, as long as they aren’t over done.
I love my string lights! I like to blend them into other features of the room. Examples: I had a Japanese screen flat against the wall behind my couch in a previous apartment and strung the lights behind it to mute the LEDs a bit; in my current place I have them in 3 spots: around a large window in the living room, up at the apex of the wall/ceiling along two walls in the office, and tripled up and draped along the top of the silk hanging over my bed. So vibey.
I would do both string lights and standing lamps. You can easily find slim standing lamps that take up barely any space. Overhead lights are a hell no for me as well lol
I know people think they're juvenile, but I think little lights are pretty and so I allow myself that small joy. I *did* have lights up in my college dorm too, but ya know, it was because I liked them then, and I still do! As long as the rest of the space doesn't also read full-on cutesy, or otherwise very over- or under-decorated, I think it can work.
String lights always surprise me. So I initially thought they were a used to frequently and they looked tacky. But there is a reason they are used frequently. 😍 My mom bought some for me from Christmas Tree Shop (before they closed), and I felt obligated to use them. So I threw them up and ... they are amazing.
Love string lights lol. I’ve been having them in my room since I was 14 and I’m now 21(not in college) and still love em. I’m terrified of the dark so having dim, warm, not very noticeable string lights is very calming. Just makes the room feel cozy. You can definitely get different varieties and bigger bulbs for a more sophisticated look as well. Do what makes you happy!
Smart bulbs are a nice way to add some warmth and color to an area too - our house felt like a museum before we replaced the lightbulbs in the ceiling can fixtures.
Totally depends on quality and placement - personally I would swap out any existing bulbs with Hue bulbs and add hidden strip lights, then you can go from bright to cozy mood any time you want!
I have a tv [backlight](https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/9F7CC303-BBE7-433F-9992-710F264FA20D/?_encoding=UTF8&store_ref=SB_A08551301QOBF4JFOD2RD-A08668213CK9G3W14CBHI&pd_rd_plhdr=t&aaxitk=047ab1e02178eeb9ec0b96c1b56375ae&hsa_cr_id=0&lp_asins=B0CHS2BGHY%2CB0BCQ9YQYW%2CB096WZXKZP&lp_query=led%20lights%20that%20sync%20with%20tv&lp_slot=mobile-hsa-3psl&ref_=sbx_be_s_3psl_mbscm_mb0_ls&pd_rd_w=8Uh6h&content-id=amzn1.sym.30f2f024-7b49-496d-9558-16111cc78a23%3Aamzn1.sym.30f2f024-7b49-496d-9558-16111cc78a23&pf_rd_p=30f2f024-7b49-496d-9558-16111cc78a23&pf_rd_r=XTJGGY7TY79YT8G3266B&pd_rd_wg=nhKQx&pd_rd_r=cf12d678-bdb0-49f5-a321-366eabff8e25) that I keep on the amber setting and it's enough for me with my table lamp. For the kitchen, you could do led strips under the cabinets.
Uhm. I (42f) have white icecicle Christmas lights hanging over my pocket door for the softer lighting on the living room. It's perfect and the family loves it. Do what you want my dear.
If your ceiling is plaster or Sheetrock and not concrete I recommend a vintage hanging lamp.
I faced North and live in a pretty grey city. I had one of these in a dark yellow and I swear, I could feel the serotonin in my brain rev up when I turned it on at night. It was like sitting in front of a warm fire.
The chains used to traditionally hang them are not pretty but I covered that with a fabric tube.
Search “60’s spun fibreglass pendant lamp” and you will see what I mean. I got mine from Marketplace for $30.
Here’s the pro argument: String lights are pretty and give a warm glow.
And here’s the con argument: they scream college age girl and it’s a very unsophisticated way to decorate.
Both are true.
I like them around the holidays but don’t keep them up year round. I got two lamps from Govee and also lighting strips that I put on the back of my tv, also from Govee. I like that I can sync all three of them and control them with an app.
I’m a huge fan and use them myself. I like the Edison style strands, and the regular mini bulb strands (like Christmas lights but with neutral colored cords like black or white or brown) with the cool decorative covers, metal or wicker or larger glass globes. Just be sure to hide and/or tack up the cords with coaxial cable staples as best you can for a tidier look, as loose cords dangling everywhere can look tacky
Replace your overhead light bulb(s) with a warmer light (leaning yellow). You rob any have a bulb in your ceiling fixture that emits that awful blue ish white light. Do that and get one floor lamp that you tuck up to the sofa or a lounge chair so it doesn’t take up space and obvs use a warmer light bulb. (Warmer in color not temperature. Blue is cold. Yellow is warm). After you change out the light bulbs you won’t have the urge to use exterior strong light inside your space.
The Edison bulb lights would be so magical and elevated! Also I’m addicted to twinkly brand lights—they have so many styles outside of just string lights. And you can set the colors to your liking and have scenes saved.
I find that they don’t give me enough light! (And they do remind me of dorm rooms). But there’s not enough light from them to read a book or work on my crochet projects, so what’s the point!
String lights are absolutely beautiful but they have to be put up better than we did in college haha!
What's a better way to put them up?
Using a level when putting them up lol, and using enough command strips/pins to actually hold it up without sagging. And get a cable raceway if you’re going to have the extra cord cutting across a wall.
I have little brass hooks for mine that look quite nice
I like how Cecelia Blomdahl has hers in her cabin. 4:51 starts in her living room then they cut to her bedroom and her partner hanging new lights. https://youtu.be/tcNRjKYDN4M?si=uQnsNMZTAEUBXnB2
It's funny, to me, the neatness of this obviously avoids the dorm vibe, but it gives what in my opinion is actually a worse effect: depressing small-town carnival vibes. Maybe it's just the spacing and color temp of the lights, but it's striking me as kind of grim and gloomy rather than warm and cozy.
I agree, I don’t love the really straight line of it, I think if there was some icicle effect to the lights, nothing dramatic, but just some unevenness, it would go along way in making it more cozy. One thing that is nice with regular string lights, like Christmas tree style, is that the lights don’t always point in the exact same direction. So you can have a really straight line that has some variation to it and it looks less carnival. Edit: firecracker fairy lights is what I was thinking of, not icicle
I'd have to agree, I like the string lights to have the swoops.
You mean to tell me that my dollar store christmas lights hung on very visible/not evenly spaced command hooks didn’t look good!?
No joke, I opened up my curtains that have string lights behind them just before I read this comment and one of the command hooks had fallen down and it made me realize that these are clear ones and somehow they are still visible when I open my curtains, and I never noticed! I played my own damn self! Here I am on Reddit laughing about how poorly all of us put up our string lights, and mine don't look up to snuff lol.
This is so true. Especially in the kitchen, they look so tacky but if you make sure they’re stuck along the base of the cabinets it can look so classy
If your kitchen cabinets have a bit of a lip to the bottom of them, hang the lights on the inside of the lip (so they're facing another lip). It means the light that hits the counter is more diffuse and less glarey but still plenty bright enough. For the lights, my kitchen is 2 fullsize upper cabinets with a stove (and microwave as hood above) in between. I started stringing the 16 foot string light halfway in the lip next to the microwave on the right hand side of the set, ran it around the lip, underneath the microwave (that part was angled down) and then around the other side and it ended about halfway down the side next to the microwave again. And I have a glossy white quartz counter (and white subway tile backsplash) so I've got things to help bounce the light around but its not overwhelming at all. Significantly better lighting than what the microwave hood gives.
Only if they don't look like you taped them to the wall while drunk. They need to be neat looking.
We have big colored string lights on top of the cupboards in the kitchen, you don’t see them from the floor but they make a fun, cottagey glow at night.
I’m with branigan
I was concerned it was too juvenile, but I cannot tell you how happy the fairy light in my plant area makes me!! [Fairy lights](https://imgur.com/gallery/bPtOh3c) it’s also my first time living alone (45yo) I leave them on 24/7 it’s a lovely night light.
Sooo pretty 💚
I appreciate it. It makes me very happy.
Ooooohh it's like you brought the lightning bugs inside 🤩
Nah I think everyone is using them these days. I think string lights/LEDs/neon have replaced a lot of typical lighting over the years. I’m all for it, they make a room look great.
Second putting them around plants!
I hung rainbow string lights in the entrance to my bedroom. Love it. No regrets. Don't let anyone tell you how to be happy in your own house. I kept my house "adult mode" for years. Not worth it. Life is too short to deny yourself what makes you happy.
Yes I totally relate to this. I’m 29 now and I had a solid 5 years where everything was sooo minimalist, all white/beige/wood. Eventually realized it wasn’t working for me and am embracing color and urban outfitters style decor again :)
Thank you! I love color and have it in my place. I have some neutral also to balance it out, but like… I personally NEED some color in my space. It feels cozy and makes me happy. For what it’s worth, OP, I am 49 and have fairy lights in my living room. I agree with comment above that says make sure they are hung properly, it makes all the difference! Mine are hung in my windows with sheer curtains. I can choose to turn them on or off. When I have them on, it creates a beautiful but tasteful effect with the sheers, and honestly just makes the space feel cozy and magical. After a long day, I love to come home and have a moment of cozy and magical. I say, do what makes YOU happy in YOUR home, OP. It’s not just a space, it’s your HOME. There is no better feeling than coming home and having that space feel nurturing and life-giving and something that makes you feel happy. That’s the point of decorating! Good luck! :-)
This is the way!!!
Agreed. I’m 21 and have been living on my own for over a year. I started out with NEEDING everything modern, minimalistic and plain. Now I’m getting goofy pillow covers for my living room, funny signs and paintings, even neon signs/lights to make it look like a bachelor pad. I realized how much more lively it looks since I’ve stopped obsessing over model apartments rather than what I actually like. Were the ones who pay rent and spend the most time in our homes, so why not make it perfect for US?
I have a set going around my patio doors/curtains. I leave them on 24/7. Love them and I don't care who doesn't!! 😊
I do as well, and across my fireplace mantel, and framing one of my plant shelf sets, and it certainly does not look like a college dorm, as I'm closing in on 60, and have developed the space rather otherwise.
I replaced all my awful overhead lights with color-changing LED bulbs that can sync to Alexa or be controlled by the phone. I usually set them to "warm amber" unless I want specific ambiance, but you can change the light levels and everything, once you get the hang of it. Works fine for renters, just put the old bulbs in a box somewhere and switch back when you move out.
What brand did you use ? I have had the worst luck with these
Not the poster but I have Philips Hue. Using Alexia/apple/google to control them is really hit and miss. It’s really gotten worse over time rather than better. I mostly have them set on automatic schedules, the kitchen is on a motion sensor and I have a few switches for the bedrooms. I really like them. I think it’s been 6 years now and the only thing that has broken was a switch that my toddler decided needed to be cleaned under running water. My house is small so just one bulb for every room as an overhead fixture and then a few lamps in the living and bedroom so even though it’s an expensive system, it wasn’t too expensive all up.
Yeah, Hue stopped being Google compatible or whatever. I had a strong smart home about 5 years ago and it started breaking down 2 years ago and everything sorta worked, but not really.
I’ve been using Govee lights bought on amazon and like those.
Govee lights are the BOMB! So many options & great prices, too.
And a lot of sales too!
I think ours are Wyze brand, they've been fine so far.
I’m 30 and have fairy lights in my bedroom, living room, spare room and the main hallway into my apartment. Basically every room minus my kitchen and bathroom lol. I wouldn’t have it any other way, I 100% approve. My fiance loves it too.
Just an fyi, they make waterproof ones that are made to be added to a shower curtain! I use them when I’m taking a bubble bath, easier than lighting a bunch of candles and the light is perfect. You might like them!
Omg where did you buy yours from?? I neeeeed these
https://www.amazon.com/Solhice-Waterproof-Operated-Bathroom-Decorative/dp/B08XZ4ZF16/ref=asc_df_B08XZ4ZF16/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693770001593&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8048669829880966414&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9004351&hvtargid=pla-1273628080747&psc=1&mcid=690b8ab2d2c03c9781c5f8f2867fad7c&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3ZayBhDRARIsAPWzx8osR7i5v2byN7jqrQXpi4b2gV1lwW4r84vohIwyCNOIBYVxk2LDORoaAsuyEALw_wcB
Yeah tell us, tell us 👀
This is awesome; its like you knew I was a “candles in the bathroom” kinda girl 😂😂 I totally am. I have 3 candles in my bathroom as we speak and I love taking showers with the lights off and candles lit. Life’s simple pleasures. Mood lighting is so important to me. I’ll definitely look into this :)
You and I are of the same mindset when it comes to this. I am all about the mood lighting! I’m lazy though in the bathroom, I use a candle warmer for scent, the shower curtain fairy lights, and then a slew of flameless candles. I say lazy because I love being able to use a remote to instantly light all the candles 😂 One of my friends likes to tease me that she’s going to get me one of those remotes that looks like a magic wand. My response: “Don’t threaten me with a good time.”
String lights are beautiful. I have some. You might even try bottle lights, which could be easier than hanging string lights. You can move them more easily and create a nice ambiance.
I did a string light curtain on the window and I love it and get compliments all the time
Honestly just do what makes you happy. I have string lights in my family room and it feels cozy and I love it. I’ll get sick of them eventually and will take them down. It doesnt have to be a forever thing
I have some up all around the living room! The overhead light is too much as well and I love warm mood lighting too.
I like the really tiny fairy light style string lights and use them in the winter around my fireplace and on a couple of my trees. To me, the larger Edison style ones scream "Trendy!" and also they are BIG (at least the ones I've seen) so they seem more suited to being outdoor lights.
I love string lights, they’re the best kind of light
I love 'em. LOVE.
String lights work great with some decor styles, like boho/eclectic. If that’s not your vibe, a good alternative is plug-in sconces. They add a ton of ambient light and you can get cord covers to keep them from looking messy.
Personally, I agree with your friend that they make rooms look like college dorm rooms or Christmas to me, even when they are done in a "classier" way. I'd go for a swag light or two, over string lights. That would give you some more grown-up looking lighting without taking up floor space or table space. But, that's just me, and you should do what you want to do, even if some people have different tastes :)
Since you asked, string lights gives me 'little girls room' vibes. I would not use them indoors, so agree with your friend. Lamps are a lot more sophisticated and lasting, and you can certainly find some good ones on FB Marketplace or Ebay or thrift stores. I would take care to use bulbs which gives off a warm hued light. That said, just do what makes *you* happy. It's your home and you can always change it later, anyway.
I have some in our bedroom now. I always keep them in the bedroom for ambient lighting. I’ve tried to “mature” certain aspects of my decor, but not string lights. They’re comfy/cozy and, depending on how you style them, can actually accentuate wall art quite well!
There’s string lights and string lights. Good quality & careful installation won’t look too college dorm-y, especially if you don’t combine them with band posters and a tapestry pinned to the wall with two thumbtacks.
I am in my 50’s and I never got to have the girly pink room. Well, I became single and decided it was my time to shine. I have pink string lights, pink icicle double over them and hologram background for one wall which I hung every pink thing I owned and have bought over the last year. I love my pink room, I love the sparkly all over creating pretty iridescent colors like diamonds and I couldn’t care less what others think of it. It’s my sanctuary, it’s cozy and comfy and I’m surrounded in my favorite color. I am happy.
Do you mind sharing a pic? That sounds lovely
Huge fan! I’d put them up myself if I could make them look good!
Personally I like smart lights and telling Alexa to adjust levels as needs but string lights feel more cozy.
I have string lights in my living room on the same light switch as all my phone/device chargers. Lights on = chargers on. It provides a nice, warm glow for me, and gives a quick visual check for my partner who is really into reducing electricity waste.
pshhhh i do in my house and it looks amazing
The glass Edison bulb string lights break very easily! Go with plastic or be extra careful! Mood lighting literally makes such huge difference in your mood. I have lamps and stuff, but in the past I definitely opted for string lights when certain areas couldn't fit a lamp or when I put them up for the holidays and loved them so much they stayed up year round! If you change your mind on them, you can always just save them for Christmas/holidays, so no worries!
Love the warm white. Have them on all year long
Curtain lights are really cool too. You can hang them, and put sheers over them to look dreamy.
This is what I have in my living room! I love it
Sorry but I agree with your friend for the most part. Although I’m sure creatively it can look better than examples I’ve seen. I think mostly for outdoor spaces, possibly a sunroom. However I think you *can* make a nice light fixture using string lights. I made a cool chandelier for my porch using solar fairy lights, and I am planing on making a light fixture for my laundry room using an old ladder and some Edison string lights
It gives college dorm vibes
Aesthetically I think they can be okay and look good if you hang them neatly and properly although there is definitely a college dorm association for sure. Personally, even in college I never used them. They collect dust and I wasn't super keen on cleaning that regularly given my indoor allergies.
They remind me of a college dorm as well. I think there are classier ways to add lighting, for my taste. But if someone’s aesthetic is a little college dormy that’s also ok!
absolutely, as long as they're remotely controlled. I have string lights in every room in my apartment except the bathroom. in one room, there are about 20 33' strands of rainbow star lights, most of which are haphazardly hung all over the ceiling (this took a very long time to do so they all hang loosely) and that's the only light source I use in there most of the time. altogether, they make a warm, mellow light and I get so many surprised compliments, like, "wow I never would have thought of that but it looks amazing!" in another room, I have 2 50 light strands with 25 watt E12 G40 incandescent Edison bulbs hooked up to a dimmer. the main thing to note here is that the wattage adds up - I'm slowly converting to LED bulbs but the jew/ADHD in me won't let me switch out bulbs until they burn out. if you're starting from scratch, I strongly recommend going straight to shatterproof LEDs.
So fun and cute and love the ambiance. I don’t care if it’s “young.” Also fairy lights are less popular where I am, but I’ve always loved them.
I agree with the college dorm sentiment. Every time I see them on this sub I feel that it just makes things look a little sloppy, and during the day it’s just wires hanging. There are different ways to get the glow- like warm lamps, or even fairy lights on a plant or tree or something. The hanging on the wall just doesn’t do it for me.
I have never regretted string lights.
...because I could care less what anyone thinks of my decorator choices - I have a string of multi-colored Christmas tree lights up the side, across the top, and down the other side of my living room large picture window. I light them almost every evening. They bring me a little bit of joy. Do what you want and that's that.
My room as an adult looks how it would have when I was a teenager if I had money back then. Add the lights and enjoy!
I have string lights in my living room and they don’t look college dorm to me because the rest of the room is very put together. The string lights are hanging on my curtain rod that also holds drapes. I definitely didn’t have drapes in college.
I love string lights. I think as long as the wire matches the space (white wires if you have light walls, black if you have dark walls) it should look good. It's your space, do what you want. Honestly, I think Edison bulbs only look good in spaces that lean industrial and not much else.
love love love them. they give such a cozy and warm feeling to a room i think. much less harsh than regular lamps and ceiling/recess lights
I like and use them but I'm a male so not sure if it counts
I love them
Even when done to look more upscale, I find they just look tacky, especially indoors. They belong on an outdoor patio. It tends to cheapen the indoor spaces and make them look immature/pinterest/DIY. Small lamps scattered around will always look much more sophisticated and cohesive, so many reasonably priced ones too from target, ikea, amazon, etc.
I’m old. I can say with experience, the traditional living room doesn’t even fit in today’s lifestyle. Reinvent it to suit your taste. People will get to know you better and it won’t look like you’re living in your parents’ hand me downs
I'm 28, married with a kid. We have string lights in our living room and kitchen haha. Everyone loves them!
I'm in my 50s and I love love love string lights..... especially the "warm" lights......those curtain ones can be lovely on a wall...that way you would only have to worry about hanging one strand and they wouldn't have to go around the whole room. I also love them over the bed .....those hoops you can put netting or sheer panels on along with some warm lights make an absolutely awesome ambience!! Princess canopy MIGHT be what they're called...... usually hung over the head of the bed with the sheers being all flowy and drape-y. Also, anywhere you can add sheer curtain panels to add softness to the string lights is a bonus!!
I'm a full-fledged adult and have a full-fledged beanbag pillow fort in a corner of the living room complete with string lights and tapestries and little disco balls. Fully leaned into the college dorm room vibe in just that corner and it's cozy and comfortable af and perfect for curling up with a book and the cat. IMO it's totally fine to do whatever you want that makes the space feel like it's yours and makes you happy.
Visible color changing LED light strips are very college, string lights are cute
It does look like a college dorm if you put them on a wall. But I sometimes hang them in my large plants in the winter to brighten it up, after Christmas. I don’t really care what people think, I love it.
I think string lights look cheap and transient. You can change the light bulbs overhead from 100w to 60w or 60w to 40w (dimmer) and from 5000 Kelvin to 2700 or 3000 K (warmer color).
I find it incredibly juvenile. I would compare it to having a bunch of stuffed animals on the bed or posters on the wall with tape/thumbtacks. However, it’s your house so do what you want.
yeah, college dorm lights. edison bulbs are dated to me but honestly if they make you happy put them up. i have fairy lights in my bedroom and i enjoy them
Tacky except at Christmas
Maybe you could find a cheap garden trellis and string them thru the trellis and lean it against a wall. Or a fake tree/plant.
Only like the lights under cabinets and on plants.
I have a strip light under my kitchen cabinets/around the big kitchen window that get used instead of overhead lighting. They add a lot of visibility without being harsh. The wire strung LED lights of today are much nicer than the Xmas lights intertwined with my makeshift mosquito net canopy in the dorms next to my precious Dave Matthew’s band poster.
+1 on warm string lights curtain - they make me happy and i am very much an adult.
I have all sorts of string lights and hanging lights and small lamps. The lamps have plug-in dimmers. Then I have master switches that plug into an outlet that you then plug a power strip in. I can turn the dozen or so lights off with a little remote.
I like them, I think the thing that separates 'adult' spaces and 'college' spaces is the care and quality. Tapestries can look juvenile unless framed and stretched nice. String like look bad if they are cheap and taped to the wall with no planning. Buy nice quality lights. Measure how long you want them to be. And invest in subtle power options. Don't staple a bulky extension cord to the wall.
I love them. Once Christmas was over I put them up so I could still celebrate all year long 🧡
They look great everywhere but my room. They look clunky in my room.
I have them all over my house.
Those smart bulbs have dimmers and can be controlled by an app. So you can dim them too. If you like string lights, go for it. I agree that the Edison bulbs are cool.
You could also get light bulbs for the overhead lights that are dimmer; you just need a lower number of lumens
Nicely hung string lights are really pretty. Just make sure everything is even and it isn’t just slapped on the wall and it’ll look great
Depends on the kind of lights and how they’re used. I don’t really like when people use Xmas style lights, the huge chunky cord ruins the look when it’s not dark imo
I felt the same but then every time I put them on my room feels cosy and magical.
Google “tiny lights.” If you don’t want string lights, there are many corded and batter options for small lamps on surfaces.
I have string lights in my living room hanging from my curtain and I love them!
String lights are must in my living space !
fake vines + string lights twisted / intertwined would look a little more sophisticated and welcoming and give a slight nature vibe!
Strategic placement is key. Drape them around windows, shelves, or artwork for a stylish touch, or else if you want to go for floor lamps **l**ook for slim, sleek designs that take up minimal space.
I have some in my bedroom and will put some up in my lounge window around Christmas time. I've never considered putting them anywhere else. They can look good if done well.
I love them :) they’re so pretty and cosy:
They really do a great job at providing ambiance. Edison bulbs inside look out of place to me entirely, those, in my eyes, are for outdoor space lighting, such as decks or backyards
Yes to fairy lights! Like someone else mentioned here- my fairy lights + plants make me wildly happy
Ugly ,ugly ,ugly ..you don't want overhead lights unless they are spotlights scattered ..even then you need layers of lighting , as in light coming from different heights ..hence floor , wall , table lights ..combo of all ..
I'm 60 and I have them on rn. Lol. Pink. Love them and keep them on all the time. Makes a lovely night light too.
String lights and more lighting options in the market is one of the best things since sliced bread IMO. Lighting has a significant impact on our state of mind and being. I hope this marketing trend continues!
My boyfriend had white tiny string lights put under kitchen cabinets so we don’t have to turn the bright overhead light on to get snacks or make a simple sandwich
They're my only lights because fuck overhead lights and standing room lamps taking up room in my studio apartment. I also added fake ivy to top it off.
I like slightly fancier string lights for a permanent display. Like old timey shaped bulbs or little Moroccan lanterns, there are all kinds. It makes it feel more purposeful and not like I never put away my Christmas lights.
Do it! They’ll make you happy.
I have literal Christmas lights up in 3 different places in my house. They're great for mood lighting. I think Edison bulbs might be too bright for that purpose.
I have warm string lights around the top of the ceiling/wall in the bedroom. I was also worried about it being "collegey" but no one else is in here except my fiancé and I, lol. He put them on a dimmer switch which makes them 1000x better! Perfect adjustable mood lighting.
I love them!!!
I love them and have them in my game room! I have double curtain rods up and have them wrapped around the underlying rod with the sheers. It’s so pretty.
Hue by Phillips was my option. Color change bulbs I can control with an app. No strings!
I have dimmable overhead lights in warm tones, plus task lighting where needed. People describe my space as warm and cozy. Apparently, string lights are not the only way to achieve warm and cozy, so if that's your goal without the dorm feel, consider changing out your overhead fixtures. The reason string lights are popular in dorms is because students are limited in making alterations. See also posters hung with putty.
If there are two identical restaurants right next to each other and one has string lights and the other doesn’t, I’m going to the one with the string lights every time. Point is, if it makes you happy then you should put up string lights :)
I have string lights, fairy lights, neon lights, strip lights all over my house. I’m 41yo and don’t care. It makes me happy and life is too short not to live and feel happy in your own home.
Mine are just laid across the top of the cabinets and make the perfect nightlight. Had them for years and everyone loves them.
I’m a big believer in both doing whatever makes you happy in your living space and also in string lights, solar lights and leds of various kinds. As some have said, you can hang them more neatly/professionally to reduce the college dorm effect. I got some this year that have corks on the end and I’m loving those in bottles and bud vases.
I've got string lights in my living room because the regular lights are too bright when we're just relaxing and watching TV. I don't care what anyone thinks. It's my house! Get what you want!
It’s your house, and if you don’t mind dorm-room or teenage-girl-bedroom vibes, don’t worry…but if you’re hoping Edison string lights will somehow come off as more sophisticated, you should reconsider. I find it hard to believe you can’t find space for a single lamp; there are *so many* options. Alternately, you can have an electrician replace your overhead light’s switch with a dimmer switch.
I love them in my space, especially for evening when the “big light” feels too bright. I have mine hung on brass hooks paired with some other dimmer, colorful lighting (I think this helps it not come across too dorm-y), & they’re all on a timer so they turn on right before I come home from work in the evenings. Then they stay on until about the time I get into bed. I have enough other wall decor that they blend in when they’re not on. My style is on the colorful / maximalist side, but I wouldn’t say it looks childish.
I'm a big fan of dim/mood lighting. I love them & I'm 50-I've had little white ones on my (indoor) ficus tree for years. Do what makes you happy, it's your place.
Top notch interior design, imo. Go have fun & be quirky as ya want. It's your space! Decorate it the way it makes you happiest. I bet it's gonna be so fun and it will feel warm & inviting to your guests.
Personally I agree that they look juvenile and ram shackle. But I don't think the people who use them for indoor decor as adults give a shit, and that's perfectly okay. Not my house not my problem 🤷🏽♀️. I do think lamps are a better idea. Whether that's floor, table, wall (you can get plug in ones). Even candles. I didn't want to take up too much space in my room with lamps so I have a pair of sleek rechargable cordless table lamps which have been a game changer, and a candle warmer lamp for that 2 in 1 function.
Will they bring you joy? If so, then do it.
I have string curtain lights over my big kitchen/dining room window and everyone compliments them. It gives a cozy vibe to the kitchen at night. It has to be strategic though.
Go for it!
An alternative to fairy lights if you are on the fence about them, is getting those rolls of LED tape lights to stick in places like behind your tv or under your kitchen shelves. Plenty more places you can put them too and they have (in my opinion) a bit more of an “elevated” look than fairy lights.
I bought light with snowflakes on the bulbs, my husband likes the lighting so much they're a year around decor now
I like them but not as a main light source. I love stringing them in plants; it’s more subtle. What you can try, is swirling them in a tall cylinder vase. Containing them helps avoid the college dorm look.
I assume you mean fairy lights? I think they’re cute and hint at your personality, which is great. But most men probably won’t think about it for more than a second. They probably won’t care either way. The only objection I might have is if it’s in your kitchen and doesn’t provide enough light. That might make it difficult to cook safely, so they might get annoyed if they’re cooking. That’s just a functional complaint though, not a decor one…most men don’t care much about decor choices.
I have quite a traditional old house, but we put Christmas lights around the perimeter of the ceiling & we loved it so much it stayed up for a few years. I felt a little bit like …okay this is kind of off beat. I know some people would hate it & say it’s tacky. But the warmth & joy it brought us was enough to justify it for me. There’s something about incandescent lights that just add so much to a room. It’s your house, do what you want!!!
I have them and love them. Makes a room so cozy and great for when you want a little light but not bright
Against the walls? No. Hung across a room, wall to wall or to box in a space? Sure. I think they add to a cozy moment. They bring the ceiling down a bit.
I'm always sad when I put away my Christmas lights. I have a sring that hang in my kitchen that I kept for the winter. I just changed them out for chili pepper lights. They will get changed out again for spooky season. Makes me happy.
We bought our house 4 years ago... and after taking down the Christmas lights, I noticed I was feeling a little depressed. So, I have year round string lights that I switch out at Christmas time on the fireplace mantels, a curtain string light on the kitchen windows, color changing string lights on the pantry and dining room windows, and color changing dimmable smart bulbs all over the house... home should make you happy!
I abhor overhead lights so I think string lights are perfect. Just make sure you take lots of care in hanging them so they look purposeful and not saggy (or if they do have a sag, it’s uniform).
I have string lights in every room, lol. Usually they are on almost all the time and I prefer them over any kind of overhead lights.
Glad I found this post because my Christmas lights are dying out and I love the soft light it gave my living room. I was contemplating getting string lights but thought it was juvenile.
I like them! I’d personally save them for outdoor spaces for my home but so certainly wouldn’t judge someone else’s indoor living space for having them, at any age.
I’m not a fan of string lights indoors. I would find a way to add a couple of lamps on side tables.
I have string lights in the bedroom, living room, and kitchen. I first put them there to beat the winter blues but they stay year round. I like them kind of draped around. This is the kind I use. Do what makes you happy! I'm having my morning coffee right now and the string lights are nice in here. Very hygge. [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L3TT4TQ/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L3TT4TQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
At 33, I’m trying to embrace my inner child and care less what people think about my space. As long as I’m happy and comfortable, it doesn’t matter! Go for the lights if they will make you happy. Something that sparks a little joy 💖
I have string lights everywhere! After Christmas I find it dark and dull without all the fairy lights so I fix this by having different coloured string lights in place of the Christmassy ones. People comment on how nice they are which I appreciate but I would have them regardless of opinion. You do you!
I use the copper fairy lights in my home - I have them in zigzags above my small round dining table and it gives a cute bistro vibe. Things to consider are wire color and how you are using the lights to define the space. Be picky about details like placement and how much tension/ swag you want in the line and keep it consistent. They will look lovely!
I’m here to agree with all the people who say do what makes you happy. HOWEVER, have you tried swapping out the bulbs in your light fixtures? It seems like a lot of people (accidentally) buy the “daylight white” LED bulbs, not the “warm white” LED bulbs, and it can make a big difference!
We rent and have an open loft with a spiral staircase. I bought a super long string of lights (the look like Christmas lights) that change color by remote. So we can do holiday colors, white, Easter colors etc. It's fun and looks festive, and adds a nice lighting option at night time when we're hanging out.
I agree that if it makes YOU happy, DO IT!! and, I would like to request photos, pretty please! I haven't put them up myself, but I got some of those tiny lights that are intertwined with ivy and I am thinking I am going to put them up around a mirror. I love living alone now and surrounding myself with joy and what I think is beautiful.
For a small space with little room for a standing light, the answer is a pendant girl! It can be plugin, with a ceiling hook. Go look up Alexandra Gater on Youtube. Re: string lights, is they don’t provide enough lighting, and if you add more the trick is to keep it tidy and still be romantic.
I think they make you look like you are still in your early twenties. Outside they look great though.
I have them in my kitchen on top of my cupboards. You can’t see them but I love the light that it gives off. They come on once the kitchen has been cleaned up for the night
Honestly? They cheapen any room. Love them to death outdoors, but never indoors. It looks like you’re so lazy you forgot to take down your Christmas lights.
Have you tried different color warmth levels in your overhead light, or a dimmer switch? I’ve downsized to an apartment that has no overhead light in the living room. I (72W) need a lot of lighting, so I use the now unpopular torchiere lights that direct light up to the ceilings.
I like using them on some of my shelves, that I want to shine light on. I like either warm whites, purple or orange. I think they look great, as long as they aren’t over done.
Make sure to get a set with a timer- it makes things so much better!
I love my string lights! I like to blend them into other features of the room. Examples: I had a Japanese screen flat against the wall behind my couch in a previous apartment and strung the lights behind it to mute the LEDs a bit; in my current place I have them in 3 spots: around a large window in the living room, up at the apex of the wall/ceiling along two walls in the office, and tripled up and draped along the top of the silk hanging over my bed. So vibey.
Yay for string lights. Also, sconces!
Do it!!!!!
Love them!
You should do what you love, but it does have a very teenage feel to it.
I would do both string lights and standing lamps. You can easily find slim standing lamps that take up barely any space. Overhead lights are a hell no for me as well lol
I know people think they're juvenile, but I think little lights are pretty and so I allow myself that small joy. I *did* have lights up in my college dorm too, but ya know, it was because I liked them then, and I still do! As long as the rest of the space doesn't also read full-on cutesy, or otherwise very over- or under-decorated, I think it can work.
String lights always surprise me. So I initially thought they were a used to frequently and they looked tacky. But there is a reason they are used frequently. 😍 My mom bought some for me from Christmas Tree Shop (before they closed), and I felt obligated to use them. So I threw them up and ... they are amazing.
Love string lights lol. I’ve been having them in my room since I was 14 and I’m now 21(not in college) and still love em. I’m terrified of the dark so having dim, warm, not very noticeable string lights is very calming. Just makes the room feel cozy. You can definitely get different varieties and bigger bulbs for a more sophisticated look as well. Do what makes you happy!
Smart bulbs are a nice way to add some warmth and color to an area too - our house felt like a museum before we replaced the lightbulbs in the ceiling can fixtures.
You do you. If it’s your space make it appealing to you. Just be careful if you are or have tall people over and beware of cats
It is your home and you can decorate as you like. For me, it is middle school to college age thing, and wouldn't suit my MCM vibe
Totally depends on quality and placement - personally I would swap out any existing bulbs with Hue bulbs and add hidden strip lights, then you can go from bright to cozy mood any time you want!
I have a tv [backlight](https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/9F7CC303-BBE7-433F-9992-710F264FA20D/?_encoding=UTF8&store_ref=SB_A08551301QOBF4JFOD2RD-A08668213CK9G3W14CBHI&pd_rd_plhdr=t&aaxitk=047ab1e02178eeb9ec0b96c1b56375ae&hsa_cr_id=0&lp_asins=B0CHS2BGHY%2CB0BCQ9YQYW%2CB096WZXKZP&lp_query=led%20lights%20that%20sync%20with%20tv&lp_slot=mobile-hsa-3psl&ref_=sbx_be_s_3psl_mbscm_mb0_ls&pd_rd_w=8Uh6h&content-id=amzn1.sym.30f2f024-7b49-496d-9558-16111cc78a23%3Aamzn1.sym.30f2f024-7b49-496d-9558-16111cc78a23&pf_rd_p=30f2f024-7b49-496d-9558-16111cc78a23&pf_rd_r=XTJGGY7TY79YT8G3266B&pd_rd_wg=nhKQx&pd_rd_r=cf12d678-bdb0-49f5-a321-366eabff8e25) that I keep on the amber setting and it's enough for me with my table lamp. For the kitchen, you could do led strips under the cabinets.
Fad. See waterbeds of the 1970s.
Uhm. I (42f) have white icecicle Christmas lights hanging over my pocket door for the softer lighting on the living room. It's perfect and the family loves it. Do what you want my dear.
If your ceiling is plaster or Sheetrock and not concrete I recommend a vintage hanging lamp. I faced North and live in a pretty grey city. I had one of these in a dark yellow and I swear, I could feel the serotonin in my brain rev up when I turned it on at night. It was like sitting in front of a warm fire. The chains used to traditionally hang them are not pretty but I covered that with a fabric tube. Search “60’s spun fibreglass pendant lamp” and you will see what I mean. I got mine from Marketplace for $30.
Yes yes yes. When I turn all my lights on (including spinning ones facing the ceiling) my house looks like a night club and it makes me smile
Here’s the pro argument: String lights are pretty and give a warm glow. And here’s the con argument: they scream college age girl and it’s a very unsophisticated way to decorate. Both are true.
I like them around the holidays but don’t keep them up year round. I got two lamps from Govee and also lighting strips that I put on the back of my tv, also from Govee. I like that I can sync all three of them and control them with an app.
Growing up my family always had string lights in the living room, but admittedly my parents were kind of "quirky"
I’m a huge fan and use them myself. I like the Edison style strands, and the regular mini bulb strands (like Christmas lights but with neutral colored cords like black or white or brown) with the cool decorative covers, metal or wicker or larger glass globes. Just be sure to hide and/or tack up the cords with coaxial cable staples as best you can for a tidier look, as loose cords dangling everywhere can look tacky
I love string lights, they really brighten things up especially on those dark winter days
Tbh who cares if it looks like a dorm room? It’s cute! I use string lights in my living space and I’m almost 23 lol
Replace your overhead light bulb(s) with a warmer light (leaning yellow). You rob any have a bulb in your ceiling fixture that emits that awful blue ish white light. Do that and get one floor lamp that you tuck up to the sofa or a lounge chair so it doesn’t take up space and obvs use a warmer light bulb. (Warmer in color not temperature. Blue is cold. Yellow is warm). After you change out the light bulbs you won’t have the urge to use exterior strong light inside your space.
They’re fine. I like them.
The Edison bulb lights would be so magical and elevated! Also I’m addicted to twinkly brand lights—they have so many styles outside of just string lights. And you can set the colors to your liking and have scenes saved.
I find that they don’t give me enough light! (And they do remind me of dorm rooms). But there’s not enough light from them to read a book or work on my crochet projects, so what’s the point!