During the holiday season (and other times, if you're like me), it's nice to decorate your windows with sparkling lights, letting the whole world know that it's time for a celebration. But how do you choose lights? How do you put them up so they don't fall down? And how can you get them to blend in with your interior and exterior design?
What types of lights are available for outlining my windows?
Almost any type of traditional Christmas light can be used to outline a window any time of year. Here are some suggestions with their advantages:
Mini Lights
Easy to Intall
Versatile
Tons of color and spacing choices
Traditional C7/C9 Christmas Lights
Large incandescent bulbs are really striking from a distance
Weather resistant
Separately purchased bulbs and cords can let you tailor your own color scheme
Varieties include transparent, opaque and twinkle
Rope lights
Clean continuous line
Bright colors
Incandescent and LED Rope lights available
Most economically purchased on large spools
Cut to custom lengths (usually within 18 inches - check the specific variety you are using)
Be cautious when using twinkle and chasing lights, find a balance between flash and crazy. You might consider using a Christmas light controller to add some movement to your C7/C9 display.
How do I attach my lights to the window?
There are two things you'll discover when you're anchoring lights: length may be a problem, and tape will not hold them. Whether you're putting lights up inside or outside your windows, there are solutions to this. Rope lights can usually be cut to within 18 inches of the length you want, and they look great outlining windows. They're easy to attach with plastic clips made for use with rope lights that screw on or nail onto your surface. Stong adhesive can be an option in some applications.
Mini lights and C7/C9 light strings can both be purchased to be close to a specific length. These lights to up easily with adhesive clips, which use adhesive tape and stick well. Be sure to test whatever surface you apply an adhesive to make sure its finish will hold.
Decorating Style Tips
While some people think Christmas lights are only multicolored, you have many options for your windows. White lights and blue lights both lend a very elegant touch, especially when you have lots of snow outside. White lights can be used year round too, on your back porch to lend a magical air or indoors to decorate special rooms. (You can also use multicolored lights all year: I like to hang lights up in my kids' bedrooms around the ceiling instead of using a nightlight.) Red lights are great for Valentines and don't forget red, white, and blue for the entire summer; it's great for every holiday from Memorial Day to Independence Day to Labor Day. Every Holiday seems to have a special combination. So do sports teams - celebrate the next Superbowl with the colors of your favorite team.
Coordinate your window lighting with other decorations in your home. For instance, if you're doing a lot with holly, you could do red and green lights only. If you're using a White Christmas theme, then obviously clear lights are the choice. If you're going to have a Scottish theme with plaids, match your light colors to the plaid you're using. Take a step back and coordinate your colors and your room will have a truly pulled together look.
