how to decorate your room for free

How to Decorate Your Room for Free.

For most people, the bedroom is more than simply a place to sleep at night. Redecorating your bedroom can help create an environment that is relaxing, reflects your personality, and even provide a better night's rest. Adding recycled pieces or simple DIY flourishes can help transform your room to fit your needs. You can also incorporate elements of Feng Sui to convert your room into a sanctuary.

Part 1 Planning and Reorganizing.

1. Make a 2-dimensional floor plan of your room and furniture. Use a tape measure to measure the dimensions of your room (length and width). On a piece of graphing paper, draw a scale image of room where 3 grid squares = 4 inches or 1/3rd of a foot.

Include in your floor plan the location and size of doors, windows, closets, fireplaces, etc.

Make scale drawings of furniture on a separate piece of paper. Measure the length and width of any large pieces of furniture (e.g. bed, dresser, couch).

Cut these out and rearrange them in your drawing to see how much space you have to work with.

Carry this plan and furniture cut-outs with you if go shopping or "dumpster diving", so you know if you have enough space for something before bringing it home.

2. Make a list of design ideas. In a search engine such as Google or Bing, type in "easy bedroom decorating ideas" or "cheap bedroom diy".

Before starting a project you find online, write-out the instructions and compile a list of materials, including tools.

Gather together any tools or materials you need before beginning your project.

3. Clean your room. Create more space and reorganize by getting rid of anything that is unnecessary or outdated.

Clean out and organize your closet, under your bed, and other places in your room where stuff has accumulated.

Donate any furniture, clothing, or electronics that are in good condition. A good rule of thumb is to donate or throw out anything you haven't worn or used in the past year.

4. Rearrange or add furniture. Create more space in your bedroom by moving your bed against the wall or place a comfortable chair next to the window to make a comfy reading nook.

You want everything currently in your bedroom to fit comfortably before adding anything new, especially if you have a small bedroom.

Add a bed skirt so you can store things under your bed without them being seen.

Switch-out a bedside table with one that has drawers for storage or several shelves to hold books.

5. Maximize the storage potential of your bedroom. Create additional space by installing extra shelving in your closet or purchasing a combination of plastic and decorative storage bins.

Attach hooks or shoe bags to the back of doors.

Use the vertical space in your closet to install high shelves as a space to store out-of-season clothes and accessories.

Decide what you want to place in each storage bin and label it. Use these labels to avoid throwing anything in a bin that does not belong. This will help you stay organized.

Arrange storage bins on a shelf or the bottom shelf of a bookcase for easy access. If the bin is in a visible location, use a decorative canvas bin or wicker basket.

6. Rearrange your bedroom according to the principles of Feng Sui. Your bed should be raised off the floor and if possible, avoid placing it in an area that receives direct sunlight during the day.

Do not place mirrors opposite your bed.

Stimulate your other senses by adding lightly scented candles or spraying diluted essential oils. Lavender has been shown to decrease heart rate and blood pressure.

7. Create a more relaxing space. Replace any light bulbs that emit a bluish light with soft white LED bulbs. Blue light stimulates brain activity and may make it more difficult to fall asleep.

Look through your house for lamps that have LED soft white bulbs and swap them with bulbs from your bedroom. Most interior lamps use 40- or 60-watt bulbs, but check first before exchanging a light bulb from another lamp.

Incorporate warm, bright colors as accessories (lamps, vases, pillows, etc.), but do not make them the dominate color in your bedroom.

Part 2 Decorating with Re-purposed or Recycled Items.

1. Find free things. Find a freecycle network within your area or ask friends and relatives for old unwanted items.

Look for furniture made from real wood that can be refinished.[9]

Unless it is in good condition, avoid second-hand plywood, particle board, or laminate furniture. While these surfaces can be cleaned and repainted, refinishing techniques such as sanding or sawing can release airborne pollutants such as formaldehyde.

2. Go to garage sales. Check your local newspaper or Craigslist for garage sales in or near your neighborhood.

You are more likely to find things for free if you go later in the day, preferably after 12:00 p.m.

3. Ask for old swatch books at the wallpaper store. Use recycled wallpaper to decoupage old lamps, vases, or furniture for free.

You can also use wallpaper to line shelves or the bottoms of drawers.

4. Move furniture and art from other places in the house for a fun change. For example, move a bookshelf from the living room to your bedroom.

Look for design inspiration in your own house. Use a painting, decorative pillow, piece of clothing, or floor rug as the basis for a new design theme or color palette in your room.

Ask permission from housemates before moving anything.

Part 3 Making Your Own Bedroom Accessories.

1. Make your own throw pillows. Throw pillows make a great accent piece and can add color. However, store bought pillows are often expensive. While having sewing skills or access to a sewing machine are helpful, they are not necessary.

Make a 'no sew pillow' by using two pieces of felt that are the same.[14] Place the felt pieces together and use scissors to cut 2 inch wide by 5 inch long strips along the edges. Leave a square at each corner. Tie the strips together around an insert pillow or cotton batting.

Use two t-shirts that hold sentimental value, but don't fit anymore to make a pillow. Cut-out a square or rectangular piece (depending on what shape and size you want your pillow) from each shirt. Place the two pieces together and sew together three of the four sides. Stuff with cotton batting or even other t-shirts before sewing the final edge.

You can also stuff a pillow with fabric scraps or use an old pillow as an insert pillow.

2. Make your own curtains. Drape fabric over the top and down the side of a curtain rod and then slide a valance or swag over the rod.

If you live in an area with a lot of light-pollution from streetlights, signs, car headlights, etc., you might want to use darker fabric to block outside light. Too much light exposure at dusk or at night can disrupt your body's natural sleep-wake cycle, known as its circadian rhythm.

Make your own curtain rings. Attach your curtains to the rod by tying hooks with fabric, rope, or ribbon. You can also dress-up cheap curtain wrings by wrapping them in different colored fabric.

Use a bed sheet to make a curtain ruffle that can be sewed onto the top or bottom of your curtains.

Use inexpensive small hooks, pegs or doorknobs to "hang" or tie curtains off to the side.

3. Make your own flower arrangement. Search garage sales, flea markets, and second-hand shops for silk flowers, or cut and dry real flowers.

Make an arrangement of dried grasses and wildflowers found along the roadside.Cut the flower and at least 8 inches of stem when they are in peak-bloom. Remove any leaves along the stem. Tie the flowers together with a piece of twine and hang them upside down in a dark, cool, dry place until completely dry, about 2-3 weeks.

4. Make a jewelry tree for your dresser. Arrange several dry branches in a vase. Fill the vase with pebbles for stability. Decorate the tree by draping earrings, necklaces and bracelets over the branches.

5. Hang some of your drawings, paintings or old calendar pictures on the walls. They don't necessarily need a frame. Attach them to the wall with a couple of common pins or mount them with poster board or foam board.

6. Experiment with DIY design ideas. Make a decorative mat or bureau scarf.

Stylize a plain lampshade by wrapping it in metallic ribbon, wrap it in gauzy fabric, or cover it in old maps or pages from your favorite book.

Make a mobile of odds and ends to hang from the ceiling. Attach old keys or origami birds with string to a metal coat hanger. This adds a fun, whimsical atmosphere to the room.

Question : I share a room with my sister and my mom wouldn't allow some of these ideas, but a few might do! Anything else?
Answer : I love some of these, but you need to agree with your sister. If you two agree, and your mom says no, ask her why she doesn't want that idea. She must have a good reason. A cute idea that she won't say no to is to put some books on your shelf landscape-way with up to five on each other, and put a few trinkets, such as glass animals, on top.

Question : My room is awesome, but my brothers always enter it without permission and break stuff and open my drawers. I have tried reasoning with them, and my parents won't stop them either. What do I do?
Answer : Try to save up money to get locks, either to get installed on your bedroom door or on your drawers. Also, find a hiding place to put your most valuable stuff. Remember, the harder you look, the harder they'll look, so go simple.

Question : How can I make space in my room?
Answer : Make sure everything is picked up off the floors, and get rid of all the old things you do not want.

Question : What are some ideas for DIY projects for small rooms?
Answer : You can make the room calmer or brighter to make it appear bigger by using washi tape to cover light switches or plugs. You could also make decorations with washi tape or cardboard for your door.

Question : I don't have a lot of money. What can I do for free?
Answer : You can use some of your own drawings or paintings or even some from another room to accessorize. You could also ask family members who have a garden for some nice flowers or plants to decorate. Go to a garage sale and look at what they have for some possible ideas as well.

Question : Can I have an example of some DIY projects?
Answer : You could do something as simple as decorating a simple lamp with some fabric or even writing quotes or putting accessories on a dresser. There are endless possibilities.

Question : Where can I get free suggestions on how to decorate my room?
Answer : There are a lot of online sights that offer decorating techniques. You can take an old dresser or desk and make it a decorative piece by writing quotes or drawing on it for decor.

Question : How should I decorate a loft bed?
Answer : Buy some nice sheets or reuse some from a garage sale or even at your own house. Go to a garage sale to find some decorative pillows or throws to add. You could even use some fabric to make a curtain for around it.

Question : I share a room with my sister and we have different tastes, how do I decorate?
Answer : You can always decorate your half of the room! If that's not convenient, then add a few small touches that don't clash with your sister's style. You could also just talk it over with your sister and try to compromise, there's got to be a few things you can agree on!

Question : How do I get teenage room decor for free with DIY?
Answer : Use the tips here to create things that vibe with the teen's style.

Tips.

Spray paint any mismatched furniture to match your room's décor.

Turn a wall into a chalkboard by painting it with chalkboard paint, or designate one wall as an art wall and paint what ever you want.

Minimize damage to walls when hanging pictures or posters by using blue sticky tack or reusable adhesive hooks. You can also buy an inexpensive picture or mirror hanging kit from a hardware store.

Turn a twin bed into a daybed by pushing it against the wall and placing pillows along the back edge.

Keep your room feeling fresh by washing bed sheets and pillow cases at least once a week.

Make a wall collage using photos, posters and anything cute.

Turn on your favorite music and renew your spirit along with your room. Music can change a room's atmosphere completely without any need for redecoration.

Planning is the most important first step for any redecorating or DIY project.

Select a theme or color scheme and stick to it. This will help you stick to your budget by preventing you from buying anything that does not 'go'.

Remember if you are under-aged or living in someone else's house, ask permission before decorating.



Warnings.

Be careful moving furniture. Ask for help if you think you may need it. Strained backs or broken toes are never fun.

Always let someone else use a nail and hammer if you're inexperienced. Throbbing thumbs or cracked walls certainly don't add much to a room.

Refrain from using power tools unless you have received proper training or obtain guidance from someone who is experience. Always wear a face mask when stripping old paint or sanding furniture.

Januari 15, 2020

how to arranging string lights for home decor

How to Arranging String Lights for Home Decor.

String lights are a relatively inexpensive purchase that can really add to the atmosphere of your room or home. They can soften the ambiance of a room, highlight certain features, or add a magical touch to an otherwise normal space. There are many ways you can arrange your lights, including doing things like wrapping household items or writing out a message with them. You can also make DIY decorations, like a festive vase lamp or flower lights. You can even incorporate string lights into existing decor by wrapping seasonal items with them or tying colored ribbons in between bulbs.

Steps.

1. Wrap furniture and items with lights. Everyday household items like mirrors, bookshelves, ornamental baskets, and so on, can be easily dressed up with lights. Simply drape or wrap the lights on the object, or attach the lights in place with things like adhesive hooks, pushpins, and tape.

Be careful when using tape to attach your lights to a finished surface, like wood, a painted wall, and so on. Some tapes may damage finished surfaces.

You can turn your nightstand into a combination nightstand/nightlight by wrapping lights around it.

String lights across a dresser to create mood lighting in your bedroom.

Drape lights around the edges of a mirror for a whimsical touch.

2. Create a photo display with strung up lights. String up lights between adhesive hooks, nails, or a similar kind of hanger. After the lights are in place, attach photos in between lights with clothespins to make a string light photo display.

If you aren't ready to invest in picture frames, this is an inexpensive and charming way of displaying your favorite pictures.

Instead of pictures, you can also hang up old postcards for a travel theme.

3. Make easily movable lighting with large bulb lights. Large bulb string lights are usually smaller than a traditional light bulb, but the bulbs are about the size of a child's fist. These easily add a classy, glitzy, slightly antiquated atmosphere to virtually any space. Drape large bulb lights for furniture or fixtures (like sills, ledges, and so on) to create inexpensive, enchanting lighting.

If you like variety, this technique might be perfect for you. You can easily move large bulb string lights around your home whenever you feel like a change.

You should be able to find this style of light at most big box stores like Walmart, Target, and so on.

Try using large bulb lights in your bedroom, office, or a walk-in closet.

4. Arrange string lights in interesting shapes. Arrange pushpins or adhesive hooks on a wall in the outline of a shape, like a tree, a cloud, snowman, or whatever you desire. After that, wind your string lights around the pushpins or hooks so the lights take the shape of your design.

When using pushpins, try to use as few as possible. Using too many may leave behind unsightly holes in your wall when you take them down.

Use different colored strings of lights to highlight certain features, or to give color and definition to your string light designs.

Arranging a string of lights in a shape would make a great nightlight for a child’s bedroom.

5. Write out messages with string lights. Lights that are more flexible than your average string lights, like tube lights, are preferred for message writing. More flexible lights will be easier to write messages with.

Use pushpins or adhesive hooks to outline your message on a wall. Wind your string lights around these hangers until the lights spell out your message.

If you're worried the pushpins might do too much damage to your wall, use a thin piece of board as a mount and use pushpins, nails, or a similar hanger to outline the message. Wind the lights around the hangers, then attach the board to a stud.

6. Decorate your bed with lights. If you have a canopy, wrap the canopy frame with lights and allow the ends to trail down into the canopy fabric, or you can wrap the canopy fabric around the lights so that the lights are glowing through the fabric. Even if you don't have a canopy, you can wrap the corner posts of your bed to give cozy, gentle glow to your bedroom.

To create a unified color scheme, you may want to match the color of lights that you string up with your comforter, blankets, and so on.

7. Manage electrical cords. Especially if you plan on using a few strings to decorate, string light cords can quickly get out of hand. Gather together multiple cords together with zip ties and binder clips. Use adhesive wall hooks to collect together and manage wall strung lights.

Even gathering together a few separate cord ends can give your light decorations a more tidy appearance.

Loose cords can easy become a dangerous tripping hazard. What's more, if you've used wall hangers for your lights, these may do damage to your wall if yanked out suddenly.

How to Making DIY String Light Decorations.

Warnings.

Always use hot glue with caution. It becomes very hot, and can burn you if used improperly or without proper supervision.

Avoid leaving the lights plugged in for too long because it is a fire hazard.

Check to make sure that the lights you are using are appropriate for where you want to use them. Some are meant for indoor use, while others are for use outdoors, and you can use some lights indoors and outdoors.

Desember 23, 2019

how to reuse jewelry for home decor

How to Reuse Jewelry for Home Decor.

If you have jewelry that you no longer want, or that is broken, you can easily use it for home decoration. Earrings can be used to make magnets or added as charms to a mobile. Necklaces can be framed or used on items like lamps. Other miscellaneous items can be used for things like candleholders and doorknobs.

Method 1 Using Earrings.

1. Make magnets with old earrings. If you have old earrings that are broken, or ones you don't wear anymore, you can turn them into magnets. Simply buy magnet backs at a local craft store. Small disc magnet backs work best for this project. Superglue the magnet backs on your earrings and then place them on your fridge to spruce up your kitchen.

You should use pliers to remove any wires or backs that are still on the jewelry.

This works best on larger jewelry. Small earrings, like gold balls, may look awkward glued to a magnet back.

2. Add an old earring to a decorative box. If you have any larger earrings, these can be glued to a decorative box. If you have a decorative box sitting out on a mantel or elsewhere in your home, it may look a little dull. Try to add a little extra decoration by super-gluing an earring to the box.

If you have a lot of earrings you no longer use, glue a lot of them to a decorative box. You can try to make a design, like a heart shape, or simply scatter jewels all over the front of the box.

3. Use old earrings as charms for a mobile. If you have a mobile hanging in your home, enhance it with earrings. Earrings can be glued or tied to the strings of a mobile. They can also be glued to hanging pieces of a mobile to give them extra flare. Earrings can make a run-of-the-mill mobile sparkle in your home.

For example, if you have a mobile of the sun, moon, and stars, superglue shiny earrings to the hanging pieces. This will make the cosmos shine a little.

4. Add earrings to the ends of a table runner. If you have a fabric table runner and earrings with the wire still in place, you can add some fringe to the edge of your runner. Take a series of old earrings and feed the wire end through either end of the runner. This will give your runner a fun, somewhat bohemian fringe.

If you don't have a table runner, but do have a lot of old earrings, consider springing for a inexpensive fabric runner at a department store. A somewhat dull runner will be brightened up if you decorate it with earrings.

5. Frame old earrings. Stop by a local department store or art store. Pick up some picture frames that have backs wrapped with linen. Then, remove hooks and wires from old earrings with pliers. You can then hot glue the earrings onto the linen, creating fun, decorative frames with old earrings.

You can also use other old items, like old postcards or birthday cards, on the back of your linen if the earrings dull on their own. You can make a fun collage using picture frames, old jewelry, and other supplies.

Method 2 Decorating with Necklaces.

1. Use a necklace chain on a lamp. If you have a lamp that turns on and off when pulling a chain, you can spruce up the chain with an old necklace. You can try weaving an old necklace around the existing chain to attach it. You can also snip off most of the existing chain with pliers, leaving only a small end sticking out, and then glue one end of the necklace to the end of the old chain.

Use industrial strength glue to secure the necklace to the chain. This will work best.[7]

2. Make a chandelier using broken necklaces. Stop by a local thrift store, craft store, or department store. Get a large, circular ring, such as a wire ring you would use for a sewing project. You can then make a chandelier by stringing old necklaces around the ring. Attach some wires or strings to hang the object from your ceiling when you're done.

Some necklaces can be tied to the wire ring. However, things like gold and silver chains will probably need to be glued.

3. Wind old pearls around a vase. Pearls can make an elegant decoration, and look particularly striking on a vase. Remove pearls from their existing string and insert them into light-gauge wires. You can do this by cutting off any snaps or holders on the edge of the string of pearls. Then, remove the pearls with your fingers. Wrap the wire around a vase for an attractive embellishment.

4. Frame old necklaces. Cover the back of a picture frame in decorative cardboard from a craft store. Then, hang an old necklace over the cardboard, so the pendant hangs halfway down the frame. You can then frame the cardboard and hang up your new decoration in your home.

Make sure to pick decorative cardboard that matches the color of your necklace.

Method 3 Making Use of Miscellaneous Items.

1. Embellish dull Christmas ornaments with pieces of shattered jewelry. If you have jewelry that's shattered or broken, you do not have to throw it away. You can glue pieces of, say, a shattered brooch or pendant on a plain Christmas ornament, like a plain white bulb. This adds some glimmer to an otherwise dull ornament you can then hang on your tree.

2. Superglue large pieces of jewelry onto doorknobs. Old brooches and large pendants work best here. You can simply use superglue or industrial strength glue to secure these items to doorknobs in your home. This gives doorknobs a little extra beauty.

Smaller pieces, like bits of earrings, can be glued to tiny knobs, like the knobs of cabinets in your kitchen or bathroom.

3. Pin old brooches on white lampshades. If you have any white lampshades in your home, they can look a little dull. You can embellish them by pinning old brooches onto them. If you have lots of brooches, but no white lampshades, lampshades are cheap to buy at most department stores.

4. Stack bracelets to make candle holders. You can wrap old bracelets around candle holders. You can also glue together a stack of similarly sized bracelets and slip them over existing candleholders. This can spruce up plain glass candleholders in your home.

Things You'll Need : Old jewelry (necklaces, earrings, brooches, etc.), Super glue, Industrial strength glue, Picture frames, Pliers, Magnet backs.

Desember 19, 2019

how to decorate your room for christmas

How to Decorate Your Room for Christmas.

Do you love Christmas? Are you interested in spicing up your room for the holidays this season? Well then this article is just perfect for you! Read below to find out how to decorate your room for Christmas!

Part 1 Adding Trees, Lights, and Garlands.

1. Add a Christmas tree. Christmas trees come in all shapes and sizes, but a smaller one might look more proportionate in a bedroom. You might also want to get a fake tree as opposed to a real one. They are less likely to shed leaves and do not need to be watered.

Add a small craft tree if you have some desk or shelf space. Art and crafts stores often sell mini versions of Christmas trees, ranging between 8 and 12 inches (20.32 and 30.48 centimeters). You will also find mini lights and ornaments in the same area.

Get a 2 to 4 foot (0.61 to 1.22 meters) tall tree if you have a larger room or not a lot of furniture. You can stand the tree on a small table, a stool, or even a crate to give it extra height.

Get a "pencil" tree if you have a small room or a lot of furniture. Pencil trees can range from 3 to 9 feet (0.92 to 2.74 meters) tall, but they can be as narrow as 8 or 20 inches (20.32 or 50.8 centimeters). They don't take up a lot of space width-wise and are perfect for corners.

If you yearn for that pine-scent, consider hiding a few real pine branches in your tree. You can also use a pine-scented spray as well.

2. Hang pine branches if you don't have room for a tree. If you don't have much floor space, you can hang pine branches from the ceiling in the corner of your room. You can also dress up these branches with mini battery-operated Christmas lights, tinsel, and ornaments. It might be a good idea to use plastic ornaments instead of glass ones, however.

Make sure to thoroughly rinse the branches so you don't bring home any insects.

3. Drape some pine garlands around your room. You can even decorate the garland with mini battery-operated Christmas lights, tinsel, and ornaments. Great places to hang such garlands include above your bed, over your window, around your ceiling, and draped over your bookshelves.

4. Decorate your tree, pine branches, and pine garlands. Find some ornaments, lights, beaded garlands, and tinsel. Drape these around your tree, pine branches, or pine garland. If you are hanging your branches or garlands, consider using plastic ornaments instead of glass ones.

Mini Christmas ornaments might look better on pine garlands. You can find them in art and crafts stores, in the same section that sells mini/craft Christmas trees.

If your tree is less than 3 feet (0.92 meters) tall, use mini battery-operated Christmas lights. The plug-in lights might be too long for smaller trees.

5. Hang up some tinsel. If you can't find any (or don't like) pin garlands, you can hang up some tinsel garlands instead. Great places to hang them include above windows and around ceilings. If you use tape to hang the garlands up, be sure to use clear tape. It will be less visible.

6. Put up some Christmas lights. Great places to hang up lights include above your bed, over your shelves, and around your window. You can get ones that plug into an outlet or battery-operated ones. If you use tape to hang up your lights, try to use clear; it will be less visible on your wall.

If your room has white walls, try to get Christmas lights with white wires instead of the traditional green ones. They will blend into your walls better and clash less.

Unless you are putting them up in your window, avoid getting blinking or flashing lights; those can be very distracting after a while.

Consider matching the lights to your room and decorations. For example, if your room has a lot of cool colors, try getting blue or clear lights. If your room has a lot of warm colors, try getting white or multi-colored lights.

Consider putting "icicle" style lights in your window.

Part 2 Bringing the Festive In.

1. Switch out curtains, blankets, bedspreads, and pillowcases. You don't need to use curtains with Santas and snowmen on them, but red ones might look more festive than pink ones. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Use colors such as red or green. Darker shades might look better than brighter ones.

For a rustic cabin feel, switch out your throw or blanket for a cozy quilt or sweater/knitted blanket. Anything made from plaid flannel will also work.

Make an easy sweater pillow by slipping a square-shaped pillow inside a bulky sweater and tying the sleeves in the back.

2. Buy scented candles, wax melts, or potpourri. If you can't put up a lot of decorations, you can still make your room feel more festive by bringing in scented candles, wax melts, or potpourri. You don't even have to light candles; many scented candles are potent enough on their own. If you are getting candles, consider displaying three different-sized ones on a red, green, gold, or silver candle charger/plate. Listed below are a few Christmas scents:

Gingerbread, Peppermint and Candy Cane, Winter Wonderland, Fireplace, Pine, Spruce, Balsam, and Cedar

3. Bring out snow globes, nutcrackers, and figurines. Shelves, dressers, and desks are great for displaying trinkets such as snow globes, nutcrackers, and figurines. If you already have some on your shelves, consider switching them out for Christmasy ones instead. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

If you like nature, put up some pine tree or reindeer figurines.

If you are religious, put up figurines related to the Nativity.

If you like the classical look, put up a snowman, a Santa Clause, or even a nutcracker.

If you don't want to put away any of your existing decorations, consider decorating them instead. For example, if you have a figurine of a cat, try putting a little Santa hat on it.

4. Hang some decorations from your window, shelves, or walls. If you don't have a lot of room for a tree, you can hang small decorations using thread or clear thread/fishing line instead. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Candy canes and jingle bells can be slung over doorknobs or strung from ribbon.

Christmas cards can be clipped to yarn, jute cord, or ribbon using wooden clothespins.

Christmas stockings can be tacked to your wall using nails or thumbtacks/pushpins.

Ornaments, plastic icicles, and snowflakes (plastic or paper) can be suspended from thread. They'll look delightful against a wall or window.

5. Set up a Nativity or Christmas Village scene. If you like to collect things, setting up a Nativity or Christmas Village scene on your desk or dresser can be just the thing for you. You'll have lots of fun buying figurines and arranging them. You can find them at most arts and crafts stores.

You can also make a Nativity scene at home using popsicle sticks, straw, and wood or clay figurines.

6. Spray some fake frost onto your windows. Try to spray the frost towards the bottom corners of your window to make it look more realistic. Fake frost usually comes in a spray can, like spray paint, and washes off your window with soap and water. They are great for those who don't get snow for Christmas.

7. Make your own Christmas decorations. Not all Christmas decorations have to be store-bought. Homemade ones can have their charm too. If you don't have a lot of money to spend, or just like to be crafty, you can make some of your own decorations and display them in your room. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Find some pinecones outside and paint them with acrylic paint or glitter. Display them on your windowsill.

String cranberries and popcorn into thread to make garlands.

Make some paper chains using construction paper.

Cut out some paper snowflakes from white printer paper.

Make a gingerbread house and display it on your dresser or desk.

Cut out some letters from glitter paper to spell "Merry Christmas" and tack them to your wall.

Part 3 Finding Inspiration.

1. Choose a color scheme that matches your existing room decor. Many color schemes inspire Christmas, but not all of them might work with your room. For example, if your room has a lot of pink and white, the traditional red and green might clash. Red and white might be more suitable. Here are some common Christmas color schemes to get you started:

Red and green : Red, green, and white/gold : Blue and white/silver : Blue, white, and silver : White/ivory and gold : Red and white/gold : Green and white/gold.

2. Decide on a theme. Sometimes, having a set theme can help you choose which decorations to put up. It can also help your room look more unified and less cluttered. As with colors, choose a theme that matches your room. For example, if your room has a lot of heavy, Victorian-era furniture, a rustic or nature theme might clash. Themes that are more Victorian or ornate might work better with your room decor. Here are some common Christmas themes to get you started:

1900s, Charles Dickens, Victorian era, and Vintage inspired

Rustic, woodland cabin-inspired, with lots of gingham, knit, wood, and burlap

Nature, with lots of snow, pine trees, pinecones, reindeer, and woodland creatures

Traditional/classic with lots of red and green, snowmen, and Santa Claus

Fancy/royal with lots of silver or gold, ornate scroll patterns, and lots of rich brocade

Winter wonderland, with lots of blue, silver, and white, snow, snowflakes, icicles, and pine trees

3. Go window shopping. Look at how stores step up their displays. If you see any you like, try to copy them. Take pictures, write down what you see, or make a quick sketch. You don't have to copy the display exactly; you can just use elements from it, such as silver ornaments and glittery snowflakes.

You can also get ideas from a nature walk as well.

4. Consider having some background noise while you work. If you have a laptop, radio, or TV in your room, consider playing some Christmas music or a Christmas movie. They might inspire you or get you into the Christmas spirit.

5. Work with your existing room decor. Sometimes, what you already have in your room might inspire your Christmas decorations. For example, if your room has a lot of wooden furniture in it, you can decorate it with some rustic Christmas decorations to make it look like a cozy, woodland cabin.

Keep the size of your room in mind. If your room is very small and cramped, it might not be a good candidate for a Christmas tree. Some pine garlands, however, would be perfect for it.

6. Look around your room for blank spaces. If you don't know where to start decorating, take a look around your room. See if there are any blank spaces or surfaces, and start decorating there. For example:

Is there a bare wall in your room? If so, consider decorating it with some paper snowflakes or Christmas cards.

Is there a blank corner on your desk or dresser? What about on your shelf? These places are great for displaying mini trees, figurines, and scenes.

Curtain rods and doorknobs are great places to hang decorations from.

Windows are great places to hang decorations, such as lights and ornaments, from.

Tips.

Some decorations need to be hung up. While some are light enough to be taped (such as tinsel), others will need hooks and nails (such as pine garlands). If you live in a rental unit, you might need to keep this in mind.

Keep your decorations proportionate. The smaller your room is, the smaller decorations you should use.

Less is more. It is easy to get carried away and over-decorate. If your room starts to look garish and cluttered, you might need to put some decorations away.

Consider decorating just one part of your room, such as a dresser top or a window.

Clean your room before you decorate it. Vacuum the floors and dust the shelves. Once you put up your decorations, it will be difficult to clean.

Try to keep your color scheme and theme consistent.

If you can't decide on a theme you could just do red and white.

Warnings.

Avoid hanging tinsel and paper too close to lamps, TVs, computers, heaters, and other electronic devices. These can heat up quickly and create a fire hazard.

If you have cats and are planning on putting up a tree, consider using plastic ornaments instead of glass ones. Most cats will knock over a Christmas tree at some point in their lives and break a couple of ornaments.

If you have pets, make sure that you hang your decorations where they can't reach them.

Be sure to rinse any pine branches before bringing them into your room, or you may also bring in a few six or eight-legged "guests."

Desember 07, 2019

how to easy decorate a dresser

How to Decorate a Dresser.

The top of a dresser and the wall behind it can feel like intimidating, odd spaces to decorate if you don’t know where to start. But luckily you can achieve a balanced, functional, and beautifully styled dresser with just a few simple tricks. Create a balanced composition with large anchor pieces, or experiment with dynamic asymmetry. A tall mirror or framed picture can serve as focal points when mounted above your dresser, as can a collection of frames arranged in a gallery wall. Use a combination of lamps, vases, and other tall objects to add some height. From there, fill in the remaining space with your favorite trinkets, plants, and personal belongings.







Method 1. Placing Accessories on the Dresser



1. Designate storage spaces for your everyday stuff. Give your belongings a home to begin with and you’ll never have clutter on your dresser! If you wear a lot of jewelry, for example, consider using a jewelry box, tree, or tray for storage. Place this in a convenient spot on your dresser before adding any other accessories.

If your belongings are too big to sit on top of the dresser itself, make some space right next to it so you don’t get into the habit of dumping things on the dresser. Try a wire or woven basket for catching your backpack or handbag and scarves, for example.

By leaving room for your personal belongings, you’re also adding your personal touch to the decor.

Add a hat hook above your dresser if you wear baseball caps all the time. This could also be useful for displaying your summery straw hats that only get worn once in a while.



2. Brighten up your space with a table lamp. Lamps can be especially useful if your space doesn’t get much natural light. Opt for a white or off-white lampshade for maximum light output. Pick out a stylish lamp base to add a pop of color or texture to your decor.

Try a pair of matching lamps on either side of your dresser for the most symmetry.

Visit a home decor store where you can mix and match lampshades and bases to try out different combinations.

For a small dresser, choose a lamp with a narrow base and a relatively narrow shade. The shade should be narrower than the dresser so it doesn’t feel out of place.



3. Place standing picture frames on your dresser for a personal touch. Use framed family photos or snapshots from your travels to add a personal touch that will make you smile each time you see it.

Display your photos in statement frames to add some color and texture.

Try a series of slender black or metal frames for a more minimalist look.



4. Display small trinkets on a decorative tray. If you have a collection of perfume bottles or figurines, consider arranging them on a round or rectangular tray. Choose a tray that’s about half the depth of your dresser so it doesn’t feel oversized.

Feel free to assign a tray as a catchall for your keys, sunglasses, or the contents of your pockets. This will keep your dresser tidy and prevent you from misplacing anything.

Both functional and attractive, trays help ground small objects that would otherwise make the dresser look cluttered.

Try adding height to the tray with one taller item, like a candle or vase.



5. Stack up some coffee table books beneath a smaller trinket. Select books with interesting spines and arrange them from largest to smallest, with the smallest on top. Use this stack to add some height to a smaller object you’d like to display. This could be a figurine, a vase or potted plant, or even a pair of glamorous shoes!

For a minimalist look, only use books with white spines or black spines.



6. Arrange small-scale flowers or potted plants around your dresser. While a large special occasion bouquet can quickly brighten up your space, your dresser might feel empty once it’s gone. To keep some greenery around, place 1 or a few small potted plants across your dresser. Or, keep a small vase on your dresser and fill it with a small-scale floral arrangement of a single flower variety every so often.

To balance out your greenery, place 1 medium-sized houseplant, such as a palm or fern, on the left section and 1 or 2 smaller plants like a cactus, succulent, or aloe plant on the right section.

Pick up a small bunch of seasonal flowers, such as tulips, daffodils, peonies for your dresser.

If you do place a large bouquet on your dresser, keep in in the center so it remains the focal point while it’s there.



7. Add height with branches and leaves. A handful of branches or tall grasses can be tucked into a tall vase. Try fake plants and branches for a low-maintenance look or consider using real ones to liven up your space.

Try a single monstera leaf for a bold statement, or add some warmth with boughs of cotton.

Consider a sprig of dried eucalyptus leaves that give off a fresh fragrance.

Change up your decor seasonally with berry-filled branches for winter and blossoming branches in the spring.



8. Display candles in large lanterns or tall candlesticks. Candles are a staple for dresser decorations. Use candleholders and bold lanterns to add height and visual interest instead of just setting a small candle on top of your dresser.

Try placing a matching pair of pillar candles in a matching pair of columnar candleholders on either side of your dresser.

Alternatively, cluster a trio of tapers in short, medium, and tall candlesticks on your dresser.

A poured candle in a decorative jar can be set on top of a stack of coffee table books.







Method 2. Mounting Wall Decorations



1. Mount a large mirror above the center of the dresser to enlarge your space. Whether you use the mirror your dresser came with or a standalone mirror with a unique decorative frame, mount it on the wall directly over the center of your dresser.

A mirror will visually expand your room and reflect light. Plus it’s functional for when you’re getting ready!

Instead of hanging the mirror, try standing it up on the dresser and leaning it against the wall. Just make sure it’s secure and won’t tip over.



2. Display a piece of statement art above the dresser. Create a focal point for your dresser decorations by placing a metal wall sculpture, a framed picture, a thick canvas, or another unique work of art in the center. Mount it on the wall a few inches above your dresser or at eye level.

Choose an artwork in portrait orientation to reduce the amount of blank space between your dresser and the ceiling.

Try displaying a pair or trio of canvases to add interest.



3. Create a gallery wall above the dresser. Rather than just displaying 1 piece of artwork, curate a collection of your favorite pieces to display as a gallery wall. Gather a handful of framed pictures and other objects that can be hung up, such as hats, fabric, and various trinkets you may have collected. Experiment with different layouts by rearranging the pieces on a floor or table until you reach your favorite. Then go ahead and hang them up!

Select pieces with a similar look and feel or a common theme. This will help make your gallery wall look intentional rather than accidental.

Try to leave a similar amount of empty space between each object.



4. Hang a textile to add warmth, color, and texture. A brightly patterned silk scarf, a handmade macrame wall hanging, or a woven tapestry can all be mounted on the wall. You can focus on bringing pattern and color into your decor with a smooth textile, or introduce warmth and texture with chunky yarns and fringe.

Any textile element can be attached to a rod with a cord tied to either side. This method of display helps by adding a little additional height above your piece of fabric.

For an invisible mount, try securing adhesive-backed hook and loop strips to the back of your fabric panel and to the wall.







Method 3. Creating a Balanced Composition



1. Place 1 large anchor piece in each third of your dresser. If you’re not sure where to start, divide the top of your dresser into 3 sections: left, right, and center. Each can contain 1 anchor piece, namely something tall and substantial. Experiment with placing tall, narrow standing pieces either side section and leaning or mounting a framed picture or a mirror in the center section.

Use a measuring tape to determine the total width of your dresser and then divide this in thirds to determine how wide each section should be.

A lamp with an eye-catching base, a decorative vase, or a tall sculptural piece all work well on the left and right side.

Wide dressers can look especially elegant when decorated symmetrically, with matching pieces on the left and right side.



2. Layer accessories to add dimension. Most dressers feature shallow tops, but you can add depth and dimension to your dresser by overlapping frames and accessories. Try leaning a smaller frame up against a larger one. Place a shorter item, or a small cluster of small pieces, in front of a taller object.

If you’re decorating a narrow dresser, layering will probably be necessary. If the lampshade covers part of the framed picture, that’s more than ok!

Try layering by placing a short poured candle in front of a tall jewelry tree.

Consider offsetting a smaller vase in front of a bigger one.



3. Introduce color and texture into your decor with accessories. For visual balance, opt for pieces with a similar texture and materials. Or, create a dynamic composition with contrasting materials and textures. Whichever approach you follow, pick up the colors and textures from the rest of the space to bring the rest of the room’s elements together.

Try using a patterned lampshade that picks up the colors in your bedding.

Pick out a vintage metallic sculpture to add some glowing warmth to your space.

Try a piece of pottery on one side and a lamp with a ceramic base on the other for balance.

For contrast, place a spindly metal light fixture on one side and a wooden globe on the other. You can always use bold accessories to restore balance to the side that carries less visual weight.



4. Soften up hard lines with accessories featuring organic shapes. If your wall-mounted pieces or the dresser itself feature strong or heavy lines, contrast this with the addition of curves and soft edges. Choose accessories that feature round or curved lines or organic shapes.

Use plants and flowers to instantly soften up harsh geometric shapes.

A thick black picture frame could be balanced by something like a round woven basket or a mini classical bust.

Experiment by layering rounded accessories over geometric ones, and vice versa.

November 21, 2019

how to reuse jewelry for home decor

How to Reuse Jewelry for Home Decor.

If you have jewelry that you no longer want, or that is broken, you can easily use it for home decoration. Earrings can be used to make magnets or added as charms to a mobile. Necklaces can be framed or used on items like lamps. Other miscellaneous items can be used for things like candleholders and doorknobs.









Using Earrings.



Make magnets with old earrings. If you have old earrings that are broken, or ones you don't wear anymore, you can turn them into magnets. Simply buy magnet backs at a local craft store. Small disc magnet backs work best for this project. Superglue the magnet backs on your earrings and then place them on your fridge to spruce up your kitchen.

You should use pliers to remove any wires or backs that are still on the jewelry.

This works best on larger jewelry. Small earrings, like gold balls, may look awkward glued to a magnet back.



Add an old earring to a decorative box. If you have any larger earrings, these can be glued to a decorative box. If you have a decorative box sitting out on a mantel or elsewhere in your home, it may look a little dull. Try to add a little extra decoration by super-gluing an earring to the box.

If you have a lot of earrings you no longer use, glue a lot of them to a decorative box. You can try to make a design, like a heart shape, or simply scatter jewels all over the front of the box.



Use old earrings as charms for a mobile. If you have a mobile hanging in your home, enhance it with earrings. Earrings can be glued or tied to the strings of a mobile. They can also be glued to hanging pieces of a mobile to give them extra flare. Earrings can make a run-of-the-mill mobile sparkle in your home.

For example, if you have a mobile of the sun, moon, and stars, superglue shiny earrings to the hanging pieces. This will make the cosmos shine a little.



Add earrings to the ends of a table runner. If you have a fabric table runner and earrings with the wire still in place, you can add some fringe to the edge of your runner. Take a series of old earrings and feed the wire end through either end of the runner. This will give your runner a fun, somewhat bohemian fringe.

If you don't have a table runner, but do have a lot of old earrings, consider springing for a inexpensive fabric runner at a department store. A somewhat dull runner will be brightened up if you decorate it with earrings.



Frame old earrings. Stop by a local department store or art store. Pick up some picture frames that have backs wrapped with linen. Then, remove hooks and wires from old earrings with pliers. You can then hot glue the earrings onto the linen, creating fun, decorative frames with old earrings.

You can also use other old items, like old postcards or birthday cards, on the back of your linen if the earrings dull on their own. You can make a fun collage using picture frames, old jewelry, and other supplies.









Decorating with Necklaces.



Use a necklace chain on a lamp. If you have a lamp that turns on and off when pulling a chain, you can spruce up the chain with an old necklace. You can try weaving an old necklace around the existing chain to attach it. You can also snip off most of the existing chain with pliers, leaving only a small end sticking out, and then glue one end of the necklace to the end of the old chain.

Use industrial strength glue to secure the necklace to the chain. This will work best.



Make a chandelier using broken necklaces. Stop by a local thrift store, craft store, or department store. Get a large, circular ring, such as a wire ring you would use for a sewing project. You can then make a chandelier by stringing old necklaces around the ring. Attach some wires or strings to hang the object from your ceiling when you're done.

Some necklaces can be tied to the wire ring. However, things like gold and silver chains will probably need to be glued.



Wind old pearls around a vase. Pearls can make an elegant decoration, and look particularly striking on a vase. Remove pearls from their existing string and insert them into light-gauge wires. You can do this by cutting off any snaps or holders on the edge of the string of pearls. Then, remove the pearls with your fingers. Wrap the wire around a vase for an attractive embellishment.



Frame old necklaces. Cover the back of a picture frame in decorative cardboard from a craft store. Then, hang an old necklace over the cardboard, so the pendant hangs halfway down the frame. You can then frame the cardboard and hang up your new decoration in your home.

Make sure to pick decorative cardboard that matches the color of your necklace.







Making Use of Miscellaneous Items.



Embellish dull Christmas ornaments with pieces of shattered jewelry. If you have jewelry that's shattered or broken, you do not have to throw it away. You can glue pieces of, say, a shattered brooch or pendant on a plain Christmas ornament, like a plain white bulb. This adds some glimmer to an otherwise dull ornament you can then hang on your tree.



Superglue large pieces of jewelry onto doorknobs. Old brooches and large pendants work best here. You can simply use superglue or industrial strength glue to secure these items to doorknobs in your home. This gives doorknobs a little extra beauty.

Smaller pieces, like bits of earrings, can be glued to tiny knobs, like the knobs of cabinets in your kitchen or bathroom.



Pin old brooches on white lampshades. If you have any white lampshades in your home, they can look a little dull. You can embellish them by pinning old brooches onto them. If you have lots of brooches, but no white lampshades, lampshades are cheap to buy at most department stores.



Stack bracelets to make candle holders. You can wrap old bracelets around candle holders. You can also glue together a stack of similarly sized bracelets and slip them over existing candleholders. This can spruce up plain glass candleholders in your home.





Things You'll Need.

Old jewelry (necklaces, earrings, brooches, etc.).

Super glue.

Industrial strength glue.

Picture frames.

Pliers.

Magnet backs.

November 17, 2019

How to Use Macrame in Home Decor.

How to Use Macrame in Home Decor.

Macrame, or the art of knotting lengths of cord into elaborate patterns, enjoys a rich history in household decorating. Its nearly endless variety of configurations makes it perfect for hanging, covering and draping, and it can easily be fashioned to complement the unique size and shape of other items. Whether you’re weaving macrame accessories yourself or just on the lookout for new ideas at the boutique, you have a vast number of options open to you. Here are just a few ways you might incorporate this timeless style into your home.





Hanging Macrame Wall Art.



Mount a macrame tapestry. A tapestry can add an element of hand-spun elegance to any room in your home. Use tapestries to make blank, uninteresting sections of wall more eye-catching. You could even hang one above the headboard of your bed or behind the sofa in the living room to tie the room together.

Attach the tapestry to a wooden dowel (or a slender tree limb, for more of a natural look) to make it easier to hang and keep it from sagging.

Make one-of-a-kind macrame wall art the focal point of your living room wall.





Design a unique dreamcatcher. The classic dreamcatcher is a staple of many homes, and represents peace, restfulness and positivity. Rather than displaying an ordinary dreamcatcher woven from wire, try out a softer approach with the macrame version. The gentle fabric braids will bring you even more of a sense of comfort when you stop to admire it.

Put the finishing touches on your dreamcatcher using beads, feathers and other decorative touches.

Dreamcatchers are one of the simpler projects you can start with if you’re just learning how to macrame.



Make macrame curtains. Replace boring window covers with floor-length macrame drapes. You could choose a dense weave for privacy, or go for a loose fringe to beautify your window space while still admitting a soft glow of light.

You could even rig your macrame curtains up to runners so that you can draw and open them as you please.



Put up a room divider. Hanging room dividers are typically made with noisy beads, but a macrame version can help create privacy without all that irritating clacking. Rather than keeping the doors in your home shut, simply tack the divider to the door frame to make your living space feel more open and inviting.

Tie a couple beads onto the end of each strand to give the cords some weight so that they’ll return to their original position.

Use partitions to cover entryways and create separation between rooms that are close together.







Decorating Furniture with Macrame.



Embellish ordinary lampshades. Take a dusty old lampshade from dull to delightful with a simple macrame cover. These covers can easily be knotted to fit shades of different shapes and sizes, meaning any light in your home can benefit from a custom fit.

Make your own DIY lampshades by knotting the cord around a wire frame that’s been shaped to fit over a lamp or ceiling light.

Incorporate shells, beads or tassels to add complexity to your lampshades.



Weave clever furniture covers. If you’re unhappy with the look of your loveseat or recliner but aren’t in a position to buy a new one, some macrame accents may be just what you need to make you fall in love with your seating situation again. Drape an enchanting pattern over the back of the piece to give it a whole new decorative appeal.

You could even resurface a worn out seat or foot stool with a new handmade finish.



Make your own pillows and blankets. Top your sofa or favorite easy chair with an assortment of throw pillows you designed yourself. Keep a cozy throw blanket or two handy for when you have company. Choose a softer fabric for your furniture accessories to ensure optimum comfort.

You can use ordinary macrame cord for these projects or draw on recycled materials, like old t-shirts.

Create themed sets of blankets and pillows using different knotting patterns and color combinations.



Lay out a macrame table runner. For long or spacious dining tables that look awfully empty, use a knit runner to break up negative space. You can then use the runner as a place to arrange flowers, candles or a centerpiece while leaving the place settings free for serving home cooked meals.

Leave a long fringe on both ends of the table runner for an elegant drape.

Bring out your macrame table runner for springtime events or whenever you need to inject a little brightness and ornamentation into your dining area.





Outline a mirror or portrait. Hide an uninspired frame with a tight macrame wrap. Textile frames provide a pleasant contrast to the focal point of the frame, and they go perfectly in homes decked out with rustic or vintage decor.

Be sure to remove the glass and backing from the frame before trying to tie the cord into place.







Creating Crafty Containers.



Make hanging planters. This bohemian gardening solution is a hit among contemporary interior designers. The macrame weaves are shaped into nets to nestle lightweight planters in, then suspended from the ceiling at various heights. Hanging planters are a wonderful method of presentation for home gardening projects, and can also free up valuable space around your porch or patio.

Hanging macrame containers aren’t just for plants—they can also be useful for tea lights, bird feeders, or even craft art and decorations.

Make sure the cord and knotting style you implement are strong enough to hold objects with a little weight.



Wrap a vase or candle holder. Give plain display pieces some much-needed flair by enveloping them in a web-like exterior. The macrame can cover the entire outside of the piece, or encircle the center in a sleek band. You’ll quickly turn old, outdated items into conversation starters.

Wrap and hang unused glass bottles or mason jars to convert them into minimalistic miniature flower vases.

The same thing can be done for bins, jars, kitchen storage canisters and any number of similarly shaped containers.



Create custom baskets. Fabric construction can make almost anything more charming, including simple storage containers. Wind sturdy cord around a premade basket frame to give it a tight structure, or make the whole thing from scratch. When you’re done, you’ll have a quaint carrier perfect for holding fresh fruit, bath accessories or the daily mail.

Use a firm type of cord that will be able to hold up to frequent handling while retaining its shape.

Include handles to make your baskets easier to tote from place to place.



Tips.

Stock up on cord in different colors and thicknesses to use in macrame projects.

Look for vintage-inspired macrame designs in home goods stores and thrift shops.

Handle macrame items delicately to avoid damaging or unraveling them.

Most finished pieces can be machine washed in warm water, then hung up to dry.

Check online craft resources like Pinterest and Etsy to collect ideas on how to work macrame into your home decor.



Warnings.

Don’t overdo it. While one or two macrame pieces will lend character and break up the uniformity of ordinary furniture and accessories, too much can start to look tacky.

November 12, 2019

how to arranging string lights

How to Arranging String Lights.

String lights are a relatively inexpensive purchase that can really add to the atmosphere of your room or home. They can soften the ambiance of a room, highlight certain features, or add a magical touch to an otherwise normal space. There are many ways you can arrange your lights, including doing things like wrapping household items or writing out a message with them. You can also make DIY decorations, like a festive vase lamp or flower lights. You can even incorporate string lights into existing decor by wrapping seasonal items with them or tying colored ribbons in between bulbs.



Wrap furniture and items with lights. Everyday household items like mirrors, bookshelves, ornamental baskets, and so on, can be easily dressed up with lights. Simply drape or wrap the lights on the object, or attach the lights in place with things like adhesive hooks, pushpins, and tape.

Be careful when using tape to attach your lights to a finished surface, like wood, a painted wall, and so on. Some tapes may damage finished surfaces.

You can turn your nightstand into a combination nightstand/nightlight by wrapping lights around it.

String lights across a dresser to create mood lighting in your bedroom.

Drape lights around the edges of a mirror for a whimsical touch.



Create a photo display with strung up lights. String up lights between adhesive hooks, nails, or a similar kind of hanger. After the lights are in place, attach photos in between lights with clothespins to make a string light photo display.

If you aren't ready to invest in picture frames, this is an inexpensive and charming way of displaying your favorite pictures.

Instead of pictures, you can also hang up old postcards for a travel theme.



Make easily movable lighting with large bulb lights. Large bulb string lights are usually smaller than a traditional light bulb, but the bulbs are about the size of a child's fist. These easily add a classy, glitzy, slightly antiquated atmosphere to virtually any space. Drape large bulb lights for furniture or fixtures (like sills, ledges, and so on) to create inexpensive, enchanting lighting.

If you like variety, this technique might be perfect for you. You can easily move large bulb string lights around your home whenever you feel like a change.

You should be able to find this style of light at most big box stores like Walmart, Target, and so on.

Try using large bulb lights in your bedroom, office, or a walk-in closet.



Arrange string lights in interesting shapes. Arrange pushpins or adhesive hooks on a wall in the outline of a shape, like a tree, a cloud, snowman, or whatever you desire. After that, wind your string lights around the pushpins or hooks so the lights take the shape of your design.

When using pushpins, try to use as few as possible. Using too many may leave behind unsightly holes in your wall when you take them down.

Use different colored strings of lights to highlight certain features, or to give color and definition to your string light designs.

Arranging a string of lights in a shape would make a great nightlight for a child’s bedroom.



Write out messages with string lights. Lights that are more flexible than your average string lights, like tube lights, are preferred for message writing. More flexible lights will be easier to write messages with.

Use pushpins or adhesive hooks to outline your message on a wall. Wind your string lights around these hangers until the lights spell out your message.

If you're worried the pushpins might do too much damage to your wall, use a thin piece of board as a mount and use pushpins, nails, or a similar hanger to outline the message. Wind the lights around the hangers, then attach the board to a stud.



Decorate your bed with lights. If you have a canopy, wrap the canopy frame with lights and allow the ends to trail down into the canopy fabric, or you can wrap the canopy fabric around the lights so that the lights are glowing through the fabric. Even if you don't have a canopy, you can wrap the corner posts of your bed to give cozy, gentle glow to your bedroom.

To create a unified color scheme, you may want to match the color of lights that you string up with your comforter, blankets, and so on.



Manage electrical cords. Especially if you plan on using a few strings to decorate, string light cords can quickly get out of hand. Gather together multiple cords together with zip ties and binder clips. Use adhesive wall hooks to collect together and manage wall strung lights.

Even gathering together a few separate cord ends can give your light decorations a more tidy appearance.

Loose cords can easy become a dangerous tripping hazard. What's more, if you've used wall hangers for your lights, these may do damage to your wall if yanked out suddenly.



Warnings.

Always use hot glue with caution. It becomes very hot, and can burn you if used improperly or without proper supervision.

Avoid leaving the lights plugged in for too long because it is a fire hazard.

Check to make sure that the lights you are using are appropriate for where you want to use them. Some are meant for indoor use, while others are for use outdoors, and you can use some lights indoors and outdoors.



Things You'll Need.

Arranging String Lights.

Adhesives and hangers (like tape, glue, adhesive hooks, nails, etc.).

Binder clips.

Clothespins.

Pushpins.

String lights.

Zip ties.

November 09, 2019