Indoor holiday lighting tips and creative ideas

Many homeowners eager to express their love of the holidays to the surrounding neighborhood emphasize their front exterior, hanging up various lights and various twinkling Yuletide décor. But as they say, home is where the heart is, and the heart of your home is indoors, where you, your family, and cherished guests will spend more time appreciating the fine seasonal touches. That’s why it’s wise to invest more dollars and time adorning your interiors this November and December — particularly with different holiday lights.

“Holiday lights instantly elevate the mood and ambiance of a home. When thoughtfully placed, they create warmth and a welcoming atmosphere for guests and family,” says Andriy Boyko, founder of A.O. Andy, Inc. “It’s also a great way to brighten darker winter days and build excitement leading into the holidays.”

Tyler Wallace, co-owner/operator of two professional Christmas light decorating companies, agrees.

“Lights are calming. No one looks at a well-decorated living room and complains about everything we love to complain about,” he says. “Creating focal points inside your home with creative lighting design gives you and your guests something to latch onto this season.”

Ask decorating expert Jesse Cooper, owner of Light the Lights, and he’ll tell you that layers and combinations of holiday lights are the best way to create a magical effect indoors.

“I love to mix a combination of mini lights and fairy lights. Especially on a pre-lit tree, adding 200 to 300 feet of fairy lights is a game changer,” says Cooper. “And instead of putting lights on the outside of the house and having to deal with weather and ladders, why not just frame the inside of your windows with a set of mini lights on the inside to get the same effect?”

Fairy lights and warm white string lights work well inside your home, insists Boyko — providing a soft glow without being harsh on the eyes.

“Icicle lights can be great for draping across mantels or shelves, too,” he continues.

Cooper also advocates for displaying a set of string lights above cabinets or under dressers or consoles to add an extra bit of ambient light.

Of course, candles can supply extra illumination and charm to any room, but real candles pose a fire hazard. Instead, the pros recommend using artificial alternatives, like suction cup battery-operated candles that you can stick on inside windows for an even more festive effect.

“Rechargeable votives and pillar candles are an absolute must,” adds Cooper.

Here are other creative and attractive ideas for decorating your home’s interior with holiday lights:

• Wrap fairy lights around garlands or pinecones across the fireplace mantel for a cozy focal point.

• Mix warm white strands with pure white strands to create a champagne effect.

• Tuck warm string lights into bookshelves to give them a festive glow.

• Drape icicle lights or soft string lights along the ceiling edges to create an immersive feel.

• Opt for retro multicolors — alternating red, blue, yellow, green, orange, and sometimes white, “which is pure Gen X nostalgia that’s coming back in style,” says Wallace.

• Fill clear glass jars or vases with mini battery-operated lights and display them on counters or tables.

• Trace picture frames and mirrors with a light set.

• Hang a curtain of different light strands that your guests can walk through in your entryway.

Rebecca Bridges, CMO of Electricity Plans, recommends LED lights over other types of bulbs, as “they are 90% more energy-efficient, last for up to 10 years, and produce no heat. That avoids burn risks for children and any risk of fire.”

If you plan on using extension cords for your indoor lights, ensure these cords are rated for the number of lights you are plugging in and the distance the cords are running. Bridges recommends using 16-gauge extension cords for light runs of 25 feet or less, and heavier duty 14-gauge cords for runs over 25 feet.

“If you are connecting multiple light strings, check the manufacturer’s labeling, and don’t exceed the maximum number of connections,” she adds.

Additionally, Boyko advises always checking for frayed wires or damaged bulbs; using indoor-rated lights only (outdoor strands run hotter); using surge protectors; keeping cords tucked away or secured to prevent tripping; and turning holiday lights off when leaving the house or going to bed.