In 2020 we will be doing more things at home. Perhaps your Christmas vacation has been canceled or you are no longer thinking of going to someone's home for the New Year. Either way, it has made people more aware of decorating their home for the holidays. Perhaps you are someone who wants to go beyond the traditional Christmas tree, or someone who wants to improve on your easy game.
It can be a fun DIY project for sure. Let's look at some tips in this post.
LED Christmas lights or no?
First of all, it is important to decide whether you are going for traditional or LED lights. LED has some advantages and disadvantages. So let's look at both of them.
The good
- They are energy efficient. If you want to decorate your entire house with lights, it won't hurt your utility bill too much.
- These lights are available in different colors and shapes. Great for the person who likes everything.
- After all, these lights don't get hot. Conventional lights can touch pets and children and be injured. In extreme cases, they can catch fire.
The bad
- They cost a lot more. As mentioned earlier, the cost of the electricity bill is much lower, but it does require an up-front investment. That is definitely something to consider.
- LEDs can emit blue light. This can cause eye strain, trouble sleeping and, in some rare cases, nausea.
Planning is important
For some people, they just buy some lights and then see where the decoration is bringing them from. That rarely works. Usually, you have too much or too little light, or find that there is no power outlet. It is important that you plan. First select a focus. Start with columns or another focus area. From the roofs to the bushes, there are plenty of areas and paths that you might want to consider.
Also, look at the surface and see if it sticks. For example, if you're hanging on your roof, you might want to consider how flexible your shingles are. If you're someone trying to hang on your gutter, consider how thick it is.
How many lights do you need?
This is another consideration to ponder. Too many decorators end up buying too much or too little. When decorating the shrub, you can measure 100 lights per 1.5 feet. However, how many you want depends on your preferences. Some lights are tightly packed so you can see your home from afar. For example, if you are using icicle lights, density is important for them to be perceived. Use a tape measure to see how many feet you want to turn the light on, then adjust accordingly.
Are the lights approved for outside use?
Some lights are not suitable for outdoor use. They can be damaged by the outside elements and render your investment worthless. Always make sure the lights are ideal for your location.
Other safety tips
It is always important to check your lights to see if the wires are damaged. When using extension cords, make sure that they can also be used outdoors. It doesn't hurt to do a little security check beforehand. If you want to hang lights from above, consider investing in a hanging rod. This can prevent you from having to climb a tree or roof yourself. It can be dangerous, especially if it's a bit slippery outside.
More considerations about lights
When choosing lights you should make some other considerations.
- Color schemes. You might want to choose lights that are free or that go well with the holiday season. LED lights can be of different colors.
- Get some light clips. This is the best way to mount your lights without any problems.
- Try investing in a timer. That way, you don't have to worry about turning them on or off every night. Timers can be switched on or off at specific times. For example, you may not want the lights to turn on while you sleep. Other timers can detect lights and turn them on when there is no light.
- Have fun at last. It is important to plan, but there is always an unplanned moment that can also happen. Hanging lights can be a fun way to showcase your home, and it can be a way for you to be at home during the vacation.
Searching for help
The winter season can be depressing for anyone. Trapped inside to less light outside can make hanging lights a chore. Fortunately, online therapy is there for you. BetterHelp therapists allow you to speak to a therapist online and get the help you need.
About the author
This article was provided by Marie Miguel, who has worked as a writing and research expert on various health-related topics for nearly a decade. She is currently helping to grow and grow a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With her interest in and commitment to addressing mental health stigmatization, she continues to target issues related to anxiety and depression.
