The Best String Light Decorating Ideas We Saw on Instagram

8 Rooms On Instagram That Made Us Love String Lights Again

Updated on Dec 22, 2020

Open concept apartment with string lights and vintage furniture. — Amelie Mancini

Whatever you want to call them—bistro, fairy, or string lights—this whimsical, cozy lighting staple has historically been allocated to two contrasting destinations: an outdoor setting or a college dormitory.

The former is an easy way to add charm to a backyard patio. The latter, a bit of a stereotype, is an outdated representation of what string lights can look like inside your home. In fact, there have been plenty of examples on Instagram that definitively prove string lights don't equate to a childish aesthetic.

If you've been searching for a way to add an element of cozy to your home, a strand of artfully-strung lights might be just the thing. Ahead, here are eight ways to approach this décor trend from a modern perspective.

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Upgrade Your Mirror

Give a subtle nod to old Hollywood glamour and line a full-length mirror with a strand of bistro lights. Rather than stringing them around the entire perimeter, opt for just one side to make it feel low-key and modern.

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Section Off a Room

If you live in a studio apartment, a clever way to section off an area of the room is by stringing lights overhead, like in Jessica Levitz’s bright living room above.

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Create a Night Sky

If you have a loft or some sort of room designated for creative outlets, like library or music room, experiment with several strands of lights strung above to create a peaceful, night sky effect.

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Complement Your Plants

There’s something enduringly cozy about mixing bistro lights with pops of greenery. If you have a strong plant collection at home, toss in a strand of bistro lights to really make things festive.

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Brighten Up White Walls

A slim strand of lights is an unexpected way to brighten up a room with all-white walls—and crisp, white brick walls are especially stunning with the addition of lights.

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Make a Corner Twinkle

If multiple long strands of lights feels like too much for your space, try a shorter version or a small cluster to make one corner of the room glisten.

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Frame a Window

Give energy to your dining area by framing a window with leafy greens accompanied by a strand of lights. As seen above, the result feels original and thoughtful, creating the perfect environment to eat in.

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