Learn how to Light It Up with our tips and DIYs that create new spins on old traditions. We keep the best but tweak the rest so you can have a memorable experience that’s uniquely you.

‘Tis the season to deck your halls with all manner of twinkling string lights. You can’t go wrong with a few strands wrapped around your tree and windows, but if you’re looking to switch things up this year, these unique lighting ideas will help you get lit in the most festive way possible.

String lights are as versatile as they are festive, and there are endless ways to use them in every room of your house. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your space with a cheery marquee light, jazz up your mantel with terrariums full of fairy lights, or spruce up your bar cart with a handful of glittering garlands, these 17 string light ideas will help you set the scene in no time.

1. DIY Vintage Car Christmas Marquee: Your mantel doesn’t need anything else! Just a Porsche, a tree, and enough space to shine. (via A Beautiful Mess)

2. DIY Bar Light Sign: Show your guests where the party’s really at with this sparkly sign. This DIY is v. impressive and affordable. All you need are a few inexpensive materials, like wood and a strand of string lights. (via Brit + Co)

3. Mercury Glass Tree Christmas Figurine ($20): It doesn’t matter if you have a little forest of them on a shelf or just one standing alone on a coffee table; the gentle glow of string lights under mercury glass feels warm and inviting.

4. DIY Copper Lighted Wreaths: Twinkle, twinkle, little wreaths. Pick up a few copper pieces at the hardware store and wrap them up with string lights for a fancy-yet-minimal piece of wall decor. You’ll have to get creative about where you hide the battery packs, but you can’t go wrong with a mini bucket or a forest of bottle brush trees. (via A Bubbly Life)

5. Terrain Plein Air Display Hurricane ($108): Give those terrariums a holiday makeover with battery-powered LED lights and mini trees. They’re so pretty that you’ll want to keep them up all year round.

6. DIY Snow Lights: If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas this year, it’s time to pull out the scissors and get to work. Get the kiddos to help you cut out paper snowflakes for this easy DIY string light makeover. (via Brit + Co)

7. DIY Christmas Light Marquee Sign: The best way to make your holiday cheer known is to spell it out in bright lights and big glitter. (via A Beautiful Mess)

8. LED Metal Leaf Garland ($39): This delicate garland shines on its own but looks just as good wrapped around your tree. You could even combine a few of them to create an enchanted forest canopy.

9. DIY String Lights Garland: Craft a lovely leaf light garland that you’ll find yourself reusing over and over again. It makes a lovely mantel decoration, but you could also use it for parties and events. It’s not Christmas-specific, so there’s no judgment when you leave this decor up way past New Year’s. (via The Merrythought)

10. DIY Holiday Vignettes: Wrap LED twinkle lights in a glass lantern or cloche to create a unique centerpiece for your table or mantel. Accessorize away with mini bottle brush trees, tiny village houses, or that mini airstream advent calendar you just made. (via A Beautiful Mess)

11. DIY Constellation Wall Art: Star light, star bright, this is the star you need on your wall tonight. Take the string lights to your gallery wall by turning them into your personal zodiac constellation. The best part? You don’t have to take it down when the holidays are over. (via Brit + Co)

12. Lit Ornaments ($45): The fact that they’re built to stand means you don’t have to worry about them rolling off the table. Arrange a collection of these on your Christmas table for an impactful centerpiece.

13. Minty Fresh Tree Wreath: Make a delicate statement with your wreath by only lighting the trees at the center of it. You’re drawing the eye in toward all that fabulousness, without overwhelming all the decor around it. (via PMQ for two)

14. DIY Light Box Marquee: A glittery light box with a festive greeting can virtually replace a lamp. And it’s so much more fun. If you love the idea of a marquee sign, but you don’t have the time or materials, this is a quick alternative that looks just as awesome sitting on your mantel. (via A Beautiful Mess)

15. Star LED String Lights ($10): The living room isn’t the only space that deserves a little sparkle. Light up your bedroom with some star-inspired flair this holiday season. Drape a few strands across the headboard and you’re guaranteed some sweet dreams.

16. DIY Light String Christmas Wreath: Set the scene with a bold wreath and a whole lotta string lights. The trick here is to use two or three different sizes of bulbs to give the wreath visual interest. (via A Bubbly Life)

17. Urban Outfitters Faceted Bulb String Lights ($38): String some lights over your bed for a special effect. It’ll look lovely, and the warm glow can double as a soft reading light too.

Ready to get lit? If you’re looking for more holiday decor ideas, follow us on Pinterest for even more tips, DIYs, and inspiration.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Additional reporting by Ariel Garneau

Kate Thorn
Kate Thorn is an illustrator, foodie, photographer, and blogger at Create & Kate. She loves creating art, traveling, and all things chocolate. A native to the Great Northwest, she is currently living in London and pretending to be a mature grad student.