How to Line Your Home with Fairy Lights for a Calm and Cozy Vibe

As a highly sensitive person, I have always been extremely uncomfortable in bright fluorescent lighting. Like many, I hate the big light (the main, bright overhead light in most rooms). I have always preferred softer, dimmer lamp light, but most people I have lived with claim they “can’t see” because it’s “too dark.” After some trial and error, my partner and I discovered a solution that transformed our home into a cozy sanctuary: fairy lights lining the entire interior of our home.

These lights, in particular, are our favorites. The string is clear, and the colors are changeable, which is fun for Christmas and parties. We have four sets hung on the ceiling line throughout our whole home.

The fairy lights have a much softer, warmer glow than most ceiling lights which creates a calming ambiance. Whether we’re reading before bed in the bedroom or starting an early work morning in the office, it always feels comfortable, warm, and cozy. They also add a whimsical touch to our decor.

Why Fairy Lights?

The gentle illumination from fairy lights is far less jarring than standard lighting. According research, warm, ambient lighting can significantly affect our mood and stress levels. This is especially important for individuals with sensory sensitivities, as softer lighting can help create a more calming environment.

How to Use Fairy Lights

After some trial and error, and having done this in a few different apartments, here are our tips for achieving the best results:

Clean and remove any cobwebs from the ceiling line.
Measure the ceiling line of each room.
Order clear string fairy lights to cover each room (we got these from Amazon and love them as they are clear and have various colors which is fun for Christmas or parties).
Order sticky hooks or nails (we got these from Amazon, just be sure to get the indoor ones).

When using only sticky hooks, we found that in the summer, the heat sometimes caused the lights to fall down. Conversely, using only nails proved to be a more difficult process. Now, we use a combination of both to keep the lights up securely. Just be sure to use indoor sticky hooks to avoid causing any wall damage.

Conclusion

If you, like me, are sensitive to bright lights, give lining your home with fairy lights a try! With the low cost, easy setup, and huge value, you might just find that they become your new favorite home essential.

Looking for more ways to make your home feel cozy and calm? Check out these 5 Quick Tips to Make Your Home More Sensory-Friendly.