How To Hang Christmas Lights Inside for a Festive Look

Before you grab a cup of hot cocoa and turn on your favorite holiday movie, you’ll want to make a plan to hang your Christmas lights inside. All you need are a few tools and the right Christmas lights. Our step-by-step guide will show you the best way to hang Christmas lights so you can quickly and safely light up your home for the holiday season.

1. Measure for Lights

Make a diagram of your home and take measurements so that you buy the right amount of Christmas lights. With a measuring tape, measure the exact parameters of the area you want to string with lights, including over windows or doors. Choose a focal point for each section (where you will have the heaviest amount of light) and measure outwards, adding the straight lines together. Use string to measure lights that spiral downward and measure the distance to your outlets.

2. Take Safety Precautions

Purchase Christmas lights that are rated for indoor use. If you’re reusing lights from last holiday season, untangle and test the lights for broken sockets, bulbs, or exposed wires. Make sure your ladder is in good working condition, but do not use a metal ladder and ensure all extension cords can handle the amperage of your lighting design. To ensure your personal and property safety, considering hiring a holiday light installer near you to bring your indoor design to life.

3. Choose Your Tools

There are many ways you can hang lights in your home, whether it be with pushpins, a staple gun or something that won’t leave a mark, like damage-free adhesive hooks or clips (these come in handy, particularly if you’re renting.) Some items will hold more weight than others—for example, small hooks work well for fairy lights and garlands but may be too weak for lighted wreaths.

4. Prepare to Secure Lights

When you hang lights inside, you’ll need tools and accessories to secure them. Make sure everything you need is close by, and if you’re going to be up on a ladder or step stool, carry what you need in a tool belt so you don’t have to keep going up and down. Have a partner spot you as you hang the lights, and don’t plug in more than five standard string lights per extension cord. If you're not comfortable working on a ladder, ask a family member or hire a handyperson in your area to help.

5. Start with the Ceiling 

To hang Christmas lights indoors, start with the ceiling and work your way down to more accessible areas. Before hanging lights from the ceiling, clean the area of cobwebs or dust. String lights and adhesive hooks work best for this task. 

Before you get on the ladder or step stool, plan where you’ll hang the lights. You can follow the ceiling’s perimeter or develop a creative design to fit your unique wall features. Place hooks 2 feet apart and then secure the lights. Make sure light plugs are close to outlets.

6. Drape Lights Over Household Objects

After hanging your lights from the ceiling, work your way from high-to-low areas to light indoor banisters and furniture. To add lights to a banister, simply start with lights closest to the power supply and wrap around the banister away from it. Next, drape lights over furniture pieces like bookshelves, dressers, and TV stands to make your space extra festive. 

7. Shine Your Lights All Season Long

Ensure that your house stays light and bright for the holiday season by syncing your lights with a light-sensing timer or a smart plug. Don’t forget to turn them off before bedtime to save electricity and your monthly bill. Tuck extension cords out of they way to stay safe and avoid tripping throughout the season.