With the onset of winter, on the eve of the New Year holidays, people often think about how to hang string lights on an apartment balcony. If the fixation is incorrect, the LED strips will fall off and the house will look ugly. So, how to hang string lights on apartment balcony?
For more details for the interior designer and beginners about the features of the correct fixation technique, you can read below.
Table of Contents
How to hang string lights on apartment balcony: planning
Before you start studying the question, of how to hang string lights on an apartment balcony, you need to think over a plan of action. You need to determine if there is room for anchoring, or if you have to create your poles.
You also must understand whether you remove the light after the holidays, or leave it in the outdoor living space for the whole year.
Then arm yourself with a tape measure, pencil, and paper.
Draw on paper the layout of the balcony, and mark all the dimensions. Remember that you have to hold a power source. You can equip an outlet, or you can run an extension cord.
The main thing is that the elements are resistant to adverse weather if the balcony is not closed.
Methods for hanging street string lights on the balcony
There are several options for placing outdoor string lights on the balcony. The choice depends on what goal you are pursuing: decorating or lighting the outdoor space.
Roof or ceiling mount to hang outdoor string lights
If you have a covered outdoor living space, then you can mount the string lights on the ceiling. However, it is extremely important to consider what material it is made of.
Metal or concrete
If your ceiling is the floor of a balcony on a higher floor, then you should stop using aggressive fixators. If the surface has a smooth texture, you should pay attention to adhesive hooks. You can also find special outdoor string lights that are completed with hanging grommets.
If the ceiling has a rough texture, then you’d better use brackets. You need to fasten them with a powerful construction stapler. This does not leave marks on the ceiling when you pull out the staples.
WOOD
If the ceiling has wooden inlays, you can also go in for hanging string lights. You can use staples because they go into the tree quite easily. You can also use duct tape to keep the garlands from falling off the wood.
To prevent the tape from being visible, it is better to use transparent options. Yes, this method of fixation is not durable. If a little water gets on the tape, it peels off.
You can also use S-hooks. S-hooks can be used if you hang string lights along the edge of the balcony. In particular, if laying in gutters is supposed.
Railing mount to hang outdoor string lights
Quite often, outdoor string lights are attached to the railing. So, the design of the balcony looks more stylish. You will also need to pay attention to what material the railing is made of.
Glass
If the railing is glass, then the hanging string lights can be fixed with adhesive hooks. It is better to use transparent options that do not spoil the aesthetics of the railing. They can also be fixed at the bottom of the top rail to hide from prying eyes.
Metal
On most balconies, the railings are made of metal. In this case, you can thread the string lights through the gaps. Paint balcony walls – best colors and design. In the future, you can adjust the position of the lamps.
If such a method of fixation is supposed, then you must have long string lights.
Сначала нужно измерить длину перил. Длина уличных фонарей должна быть в несколько раз больше. Это компенсирует скручивания, которые образуются при обертывании. В этом случае также можно использовать крючки для глаз. На металлических перилах можно использовать клейкие крючки и специальную прозрачную ленту.
WOOD railings
Another common balcony railing material is wood. If you have a balcony like this, then the fastening of the fairy lights should be done with hooks with glue or in the shape of the letter S. You can also simply wrap the lights around the wood railings.
Wall mounts to hang lights
You need to understand that the fixation of string lights can be carried out both to real walls and to balcony railings that imitate walls. Fastening can be done in several ways.
You can make holes in the fake wall to secure the patio lights. Some housewives hang hooks on the balcony ceiling and hang outdoor string lights along the stucco walls. It is appropriate to use hooks that are designed for clothes. This is a very safe option that is universal.
Hooks are appropriate for both plastered surfaces and smooth walls. The main advantage of hooks is that you can choose options, depending on the interior and your wishes. But the use of nails is undesirable because they do not differ in aesthetics.
If you prefer non-invasive options, you can use an adhesive cup hook. If the gutter runs along the wall, then the hooks should be S-shaped. An alternative option would be special grilles that support the fairy lights.
Fixing on furniture
Quite often, furniture is installed on the balconies, which makes the use more comfortable. Furniture is excellent support for the string lights. It can be wrapped around legs, shelving, and mirrors.
Vegetation
You can also hang string lights using vegetation. Wrap the string lights around the plant that winds around the trellis. Lamps that are wrapped around a palm trunk look beautiful. It is recommended to use LED string lights, which do not attract much attention.
Support columns
Thanks to this, the usable area on the balcony does not be lost. You can do support posts yourself. You need to place the wooden posts in strong containers that are pre-filled with concrete. Remember that poles do not be the best idea if the area of the balcony is small.
You can also deepen the posts into the ground. This is the best solution if the balcony is on the ground floor, and you can install the poles directly into the ground. However, the advantage of this method is that you can use any option for poles and string lights.
Therefore, the territory is decorated depending on your preferences.
You can make any fantasy come true. This is the best solution if you have planned how the decoration of the territory and the house will look like.
Why can’t you use old string lights?
It is recommended to use modern and new string lights on balconies. Old candle lanterns or other bulbs are inappropriate because they can be faced various problems.
Broken power wires
If the string lights have thin wires, then they can be damaged. Often, debris or dust can be found near the wires. Some contacts may even move away from the board, which is located inside the control unit.
Burnt-out light bulbs
The design of the string lights is such that all the bulbs work. The current flow must be uniform, along the entire length of the wire. If the light bulb burns out, then the rest may also stop glowing. Finding damage in old candle lanterns or other lights sometimes is quite difficult.
If you are not ready to spend money on buying new string lights, you can find a broken light bulb using a multimeter. As soon as it is determined, a replacement should be made. Finding individual light bulbs is not difficult, and their cost is affordable.
Fuse failure
If the string lights do not work, you should check the operation of the fuse. Many users are experiencing this issue.
The fuse may need to be replaced.
However, it is better to immediately buy string lights, which include an additional fuse. This saves you time and money on fuse purchases.
Would it be possible to fasten several string lights?
If necessary, you can connect some string lights. This allows you to achieve the desired length of the decoration. There are a few options, on the market, that have special adapters at the ends where you can connect second-string lights.
You can also split the circuit into multiple outlets. This allows you to check which part is faulty.
Variants of clamps for string lights
There are several ways to hang string lights on the ceiling or balcony wall.
The simplest and most common methods are:
- Scotch. This option is simple. However, it cannot be called practical. Some types of adhesive tape are difficult to remove and may leave marks behind. You also need to keep aesthetics in mind. Even transparent tape can look ugly and spoil the atmosphere of the holiday.
- Pushpins. They are small and do not leave marks behind.
- Hot glue. This substance provides a secure fixation. However, dark spots may remain on the walls.
FAQ
When it comes to attaching string lights to a balcony, you may encounter various issues.
How do you hang strings on a balcony without drilling?
If you would rather not use nails, you can use special cup hooks, ties, and hangers to hang string lights.
How do you hang string lights on a balcony without drilling?
One option is to use adhesive hooks or clips specifically designed for hanging string lights. These hooks can be attached to the balcony railing or ceiling without drilling.
Alternatively, you can use zip ties or twist ties to secure the lights to the balcony railing or other structures without causing any damage. Make sure to choose options that are suitable for outdoor use and can support the weight of the lights.
How do you stick fairy lights to a balcony?
To stick fairy lights to a balcony without drilling, you can use transparent adhesive hooks or clips designed for temporary attachment. Clean the surface of the balcony railing or walls, stick the adhesive hooks or clips in the desired locations, and then carefully hang and secure the fairy lights to the hooks or clips.
How do you hang string lights on a railing?
To hang string lights on a railing, you can use a variety of methods. One common approach is to use zip ties or twist ties to secure the lights along the length of the railing, making sure to leave some slack for a draped effect. Alternatively, you can use adhesive hooks or clips specifically designed for outdoor use, attaching them to the railing and then hanging the string lights from the hooks or clips.
How do you hang lights on a balcony brick?
Hanging lights on a balcony brick can be achieved using adhesive hooks or clips designed for use on brick surfaces. Make sure the adhesive hooks or clips are suitable for outdoor use and can hold the weight of the lights. Clean the brick surface, firmly attach the hooks or clips to the brick, and then hang the lights from them securely.
Results
As you can see, you may hang outdoor string lights on a balcony simply. The main thing is to choose the right method. You need to focus on what material the balcony is made of and its decoration.
Read More About Easy Ways To Decorate And Brighten A Balcony With Lights
