How to Decorate Your Home Exterior with Christmas Lights

Want to have the best looking Christmas lights on the block? Learn how to decorate your home exterior with Christmas lights in this Lowe’s video:

Here are some easy tips to get your house looking merry and bright:

Before doing anything, take a step back and develop an overall game plan:

• Start by identifying a focal point for the lights and plan your design from there.
• Measure any straight lines you want to adorn with lights. This will help you determine how many strands you’ll need to complete the job.
• Measure the distance to the power source. The last thing you’ll want is a beautiful light display with no way to turn it on.

If you want your house to be seen from space, you’ll need to stagger two sets of lights side by side or look for lights that are spaced closer together. Denser lights are brighter lights.

For mounting, forget about staples, clothespins and duct tape. Light clips are your new best friends.

How many lights can you string together? Most LEDs can connect up to 25 strands, while incandescents can connect only 3-6. White LEDs typically have a blueish tint while incandescents bulbs look slightly orange. Hang them side by side and they will look mismatched.

For a clean look, use white strands on trim and green strands on trees and bushes. Make sure to group the same types and colors together for the best results.

Test the lights on the ground. The last place you’ll want to find out that your lights are not working is on top of a ladder in the cold.

Now you’re ready to hang the lights:

• Attach the light clips and make sure the lights are all running in the same direction.
• Work your way up from the ground. Step back as you go and make sure everything is shaping up the way you want it. If you’re happy with the way it looks, move on to the next step.
• Start with the bushes. Try using net lights which are like a blanket of lights – just lay them on the bushes, and you’re done.
• Illuminate the trees. Using a hanging pole is great for hard to reach areas or if you just don’t want to climb a ladder.
• Move on to windows, doors and railings. Deck clips easily hold roll onto railings and hold lights securely without damage.
• Attach lights to the gutter by using all-purpose light clips. They can connect to the strand or directly to the bulb. This is a perfect place for icicle lights.
• Plug the lights into an outdoor timer to save energy.

Time to flip the switch and admire your work!