When we think of holiday lights, we typically see our minds filled with dazzling sparkle—twinkling lights, glowing wreaths, and sparkling garlands. Why save all of the wonder for a few short weeks? With the right equipment and a little bit of creativity, you can create the feeling of a winter wonderland with lighting all year round.
With these 15 holiday lighting ideas, which are not only ideal for your holidays, they are also crafted to fit flawlessly with the style of your home, inside and outside, through every month of the year.
1. Fairy lights on Curtain rods
String lights and fairy lights add a touch of magic to living rooms and bedrooms. Hang them over curtain rods for a cozy, ambient backdrop perfect for both spring and summer and the holiday season.
Pro Tip: Copper wire warm whites give a soft, elegant look that will blend harmoniously with boho or neutral decor.
2. Porch and Entryway Lanterns
Lanterns create a celebratory atmosphere but double as stylish decorative pieces. Choose a black, copper, or distressed wood finish to utilize year-round. Add a flameless candle or solar lights to make them functional and safe.
All-Season Twist: Replace decorative fillers—pinecones in winter, flowers in spring, seashells in the summer
3. Icicle lights for Covered Patios
A winter tradition, icicle lights look best when discreetly placed along the hanging eaves of a covered porch or a pergola. Choose icicles with soft white or golden lighting rather than gaudy flashing lights for a refined look.
4. Neutral Color Lighted Garlands
Garlands don’t have to scream “holiday.” Choose some made from eucalyptus, olive leaves, or greenery in a neutral color. Add some mini-LED lights and hang them over mantels, stair banisters, or buffet tables year-round.
House Tip: Add some seasonal elements like berries during fall or small flowers during spring.
5. LED Candles with Decorative Holders
Battery-operated LED candles give all the glow of real flames without the worry. Set them in clusters in glass or ceramic holders for a cozy ambiance all year round.
Holiday-to-Daily Transition: Substitute red and green containers with metallic or color-neutral containers for a more consistent look.
6. Wall-Hung Light Curtains
Seasonal decorating essentials: Light curtains can be equally stylish in bedrooms, studios, or behind sheers. Dimming varieties featuring warm accents make a perfect choice for setting the mood year-round.
7. Outdoor Path Lights That Look Like Ornaments
Solar path lights resemble decoration balls but are advanced garden lights all year round. Use frosted globes or clear globes to keep the refined look.
Bonus: These do remarkably well in snowy winters and verdant greenery in summers.
8. Chandelier String Lights Over Dining Tables
Mini chandelier- or pendant-type string lights can be draped over indoor or patio dining tables. Festive holiday glow, but also practical and pretty for dinner gatherings, game nights, or a night of stargazing.
9. Wrapped Tree Trunks and Railings
Wind mini string lights around tree trunks, a banister, or porch posts. Fun and festive at the holidays, the rest of the year, they provide elegant lighting at night and architectural appeal.
10. Subtle LED Accent Wreaths
Think outside the holiday! A plain grapevine or eucalyptus wreath with some soft white micro-lights can stay on both the front door and interior walls all year. Combine the accents—ribbons, dried blooms, or seasonal decorations.
11. Backyard Light Canopies
Create a canopy of lights over the patio or garden seating area. It creates a holiday atmosphere close to special occasions, but it makes the space a romantic spot to congregate for the remainder of the year.
Design Tip: Incorporate Edison bulbs or solar café lights to create a rustic chic atmosphere.
12. Holiday Glitter with Shelf Lighting
Place LED strip lights underneath floating shelves or at the back of cabinets. These are wonderful to highlight objects and give the space a celebratory atmosphere when paired with small seasonal objects, e.g., little pumpkins or stars, throughout the year.
13. Solar Bottles or Firefly Jars
Repurpose old mason jars or bottles by filling them with solar fairy lights. It’s a bit like catching fireflies in a jar; they become stunning accent pieces to place on a patio, balcony, or table year-round.
14. Picture Frames with Lighting or Wall Murals
Add some sparkle to the walls. LED-enhanced frames or canvases with soft highlighted lighting create a year-round sparkle that works in holiday and year-round decorating.
15. Modern Shape Window Silhouette Lights
Choose stars, moons, or trees with contemporary designs over Santas or reindeer. These lights are trendy during the holiday season, but abstract to the point of being added to home interiors throughout the year.
Conclusion |Holiday Lighting Ideas
Whether it’s a cold winter evening wrapped up toasty by the fire or a garden party in the summer, the right lighting will always create the perfect atmosphere.
You don’t need a special holiday to bring the cozy, festive atmosphere of decorative lighting to your home. The following versatile tips enable you to extend the magic to all times of the year, making your home a cozy, festive, and lively place at all times.
