The holiday season is upon us, and that means it’s time to start arranging lights on the Christmas tree, home exterior, and outdoor trees. Some homeowners even create elaborate light displays that blink to the beat of holiday music and draw visitors from miles around.
Use icicle lights to decorate rooflines for an interesting look. You can also mix miniature and standard lights for a unique, festive appearance. You’ll be glad you read this!
1. Curb Appeal
In addition to making your property a joy to see after dark, exterior holiday lighting can also increase your home value and help it stand out from other properties on the market. Many homebuyers search specifically for homes with quality, tasteful light displays when shopping for a new place to live or run their business.
In order to create a stunning visual display, focus on your home’s architectural details and highlight them with holiday lighting. For example, if your front entryway features landscaping rocks, line them with a few strands of lights to elevate the look without overwhelming it.
There are many options available for holiday lighting, including sets with clear or colored bulbs, shaped bulbs, fish-net style strings, and more. When it comes to choosing the perfect bulbs, consider the color scheme you’re going for. Warmer colors provide a flattering soft glow and cooler colors complement themed occasions or enhance certain decorative elements. Also, make sure you consider how easy it will be to change the bulbs when the time comes.
2. Safety
Putting up lights is fun, but safety is a big consideration. If you’re decorating your home, you should take the time to read the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation. Don’t rely on staples, nails, or tacks to secure your light strings; these fasteners can penetrate the insulation and generate heat, creating a fire hazard. Instead, use clips that attach to gutters or shingles and adhesive hooks designed for holiday lighting.
Also, be careful not to overload your circuit; doing so increases the likelihood that a fuse will blow. A blown fuse is a fire hazard and could risk injury or death to your family.
Consider using LED holiday lights, which consume one-tenth the power of traditional incandescent bulbs and are cooler to the touch, reducing the fire risk. Also, check the packaging of your lights to make sure they are UL-listed and rated for indoor or outdoor use. And be sure to unplug lights and decorations when you’re not in the house, so they don’t overheat.
3. Aesthetics
Lighting adds a festive touch to any landscape and draws people in, especially at night. Skillfully arranged lights can accentuate the features of your trees, shrubs, and other plants. White lights are particularly versatile as they can complement other colors and unify the design of your display.
When lit properly, holiday lights can help your trees and shrubs thrive all season long. By avoiding overpowering them with too many lights and inspecting and removing them promptly, you can enjoy your dazzling display without damaging your landscape.
The use of lights is rooted in two European cultural traditions: the German tradition of hanging candles on evergreens and the English custom of placing them by the windows. Today, lights adorn fences, trees, bushes, and almost any surface that can hold a string of bulbs. They come in a wide variety of colors defined by their kelvin light scale: from white to green, purple, yellow, or a combination of these, and can even be shaped into stars, wreaths, or icicles.
4. Security
When the lights go up, follow the safety guidelines outlined by experts. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy your holiday light display without worrying about fires or electrocution.
For example, always use GFCI outlets that are specifically designed for outdoor electrical use. These outlets will cut power to prevent electric shock and keep you safe from potential fire hazards. Additionally, you should never drape your holiday lights over flammable materials like shingles or wood.
Another way to ensure your safety is to invest in energy-efficient LED lights. These lights use 80% less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs and are made of durable materials that can withstand rain, snow, and varying temperatures. Plus, they have a long lifespan and require little maintenance. Moreover, you can also install timers that will allow you to turn off your lights at night and save energy. You can even purchase solar-powered holiday lights that harness energy from the sun during the day to keep them lit at night. Click here for the next blog post.
