"Creative Uses: What to Do with Extra String Lights"

Virginia Jul 01, 2026

String lights are a magical addition to any space, transforming it into a cozy, inviting haven. But what do you do when you find yourself with extra string lights? Instead of letting them gather dust in a corner, let's explore some creative and practical ways to repurpose them.

15 Creative Ways to Hang String Lights
15 Creative Ways to Hang String Lights

With a little imagination, these extra string lights can become the perfect accent to enhance your home decor, create stunning outdoor displays, or even become thoughtful DIY gifts. So, let's dive into some inspiring ideas to help you make the most of your extra string lights.

a living room filled with furniture and lots of lights hanging from the ceiling above it
a living room filled with furniture and lots of lights hanging from the ceiling above it

Indoor Decor Ideas

String lights can instantly warm up any indoor space, creating a welcoming ambiance. Here are some ways to incorporate them into your home decor:

a living room filled with furniture covered in lights
a living room filled with furniture covered in lights

Mason Jar Lights - Fill mason jars with string lights, and you've got instant, rustic table or counter decor. You can also hang them from the ceiling for a whimsical touch.

Hanging String Lights

a bedroom with lights and pictures on the wall
a bedroom with lights and pictures on the wall

Drape string lights across your ceiling or from wall to wall to create a stunning canopy effect. This works especially well in living rooms, bedrooms, or even in your home office for a touch of coziness.

For a more structured look, you can create geometric shapes like triangles or hexagons using string lights. This adds a modern touch to your decor while still providing that warm, inviting glow.

String Light Curtains

Boho String Lights Ideas You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
Boho String Lights Ideas You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

Create a magical, ethereal atmosphere by hanging string lights in front of windows or along walls. This not only adds a touch of elegance but also serves as a beautiful, energy-efficient light source.

You can also use string lights to create a DIY room divider. Hang them from the ceiling or suspend them from a rod to separate spaces and add a touch of whimsy.

Outdoor Lighting Solutions

16 Ways to Light Up Your Life
16 Ways to Light Up Your Life

String lights aren't just for indoors. They can also transform your outdoor space into a enchanting oasis. Here are some ways to use them outside:

Patio and Deck Lighting - String lights can be used to outline your patio or deck, creating a warm, inviting space for outdoor entertaining. You can also hang them from a canopy or umbrella for a cozy, intimate setting.

a bedroom with lights strung from the ceiling and blankets on the bedspread,
a bedroom with lights strung from the ceiling and blankets on the bedspread,
mason jars filled with lights hanging from a tree
mason jars filled with lights hanging from a tree
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πŸ’–πŸŒŸπŸŒΈπŸ’•
a bedroom with lights and posters on the wall
a bedroom with lights and posters on the wall
Decorative Beaded Garlands for Extra Texture
Decorative Beaded Garlands for Extra Texture
a tree branch with lights hanging from it's branches and some plants growing out of it
a tree branch with lights hanging from it's branches and some plants growing out of it
How to hang outdoor string lights patio
How to hang outdoor string lights patio
a living room filled with lots of furniture and bookshelves covered in string lights
a living room filled with lots of furniture and bookshelves covered in string lights
the ceiling is decorated with stars and lights
the ceiling is decorated with stars and lights
14+ Popular String Lights Ideas to Brighten Your Space
14+ Popular String Lights Ideas to Brighten Your Space
mason jars filled with flowers and lit candles are hanging from a wooden pergoline
mason jars filled with flowers and lit candles are hanging from a wooden pergoline
gk.living on LTK
gk.living on LTK
5 Simple Ways to Hang String Lights WITHOUT NAILS | Mad Backyard
5 Simple Ways to Hang String Lights WITHOUT NAILS | Mad Backyard
bedroom
bedroom
25 Breathtaking Christmas Light Ideas to Make Your Holidays Sparkle - Making Lemonade
25 Breathtaking Christmas Light Ideas to Make Your Holidays Sparkle - Making Lemonade
Cutest Fairy lights - Found on Amazon!
Cutest Fairy lights - Found on Amazon!
How To Hang String Lights (Multiple Methods)
How To Hang String Lights (Multiple Methods)
a bedroom scene with focus on the television and lights hanging from the ceiling over the bed
a bedroom scene with focus on the television and lights hanging from the ceiling over the bed
a room filled with lots of decorations and lights
a room filled with lots of decorations and lights
Modern String Lights Ideas for a Cozy and Stylish Home
Modern String Lights Ideas for a Cozy and Stylish Home

Garden and Landscape Lighting

Use string lights to highlight your garden's best features. Wrap them around trees, weave them through shrubs, or line them along pathways for a magical, fairytale-like atmosphere.

For a more subtle touch, you can bury small, solar-powered string lights along your garden beds. They'll provide just enough light to guide your way at night without detracting from your garden's natural beauty.

Outdoor Parties and Events

String lights are a must-have for any outdoor party or event. They can be used to create a dance floor, outline a seating area, or even spell out a special message. Just make sure to choose lights with a long enough cord to reach your power source.

For a more unique touch, consider using color-changing string lights. They can set the mood for different parts of your event, from a romantic dinner to a lively dance party.

DIY Gifts and Crafts

Extra string lights can also be turned into thoughtful, handmade gifts. Here are some ideas to inspire your creativity:

String Light Wreath - Create a beautiful, unique wreath by wrapping string lights around a foam or wire wreath form. Add some greenery, flowers, or ornaments for a festive touch.

String Light Photo Frame

Transform a plain photo frame into a glowing work of art by wrapping string lights around the frame. This makes a perfect gift for any occasion, from birthdays to weddings.

For a more personalized touch, you can even add a photo or a special message to the frame before wrapping it with lights.

String Light Jewelry

Create stunning, wearable art by wrapping string lights around beads, charms, or other jewelry components. These lights can be battery-operated or USB-powered for convenience and safety.

String light jewelry makes a unique, thoughtful gift for any occasion. Plus, it's a great way to keep the party going even after the lights have been turned off!

With these creative and practical ideas, you'll never have to worry about what to do with extra string lights again. So go ahead, let your imagination run wild, and enjoy the magical glow of your repurposed string lights!