The document discusses 10 surprising off-season uses for Christmas lights. Some ideas include using LED lights to illuminate outdoor railings, create a photo collage with lights and clothespins, install under-bed lighting as a nightlight, decorate a headboard creatively with lights, highlight a wine collection by filling bottles with lights, grow "wallflowers" by combining lights and cupcake wrappers, surround mirrors with bright lights, make shaded string lights using Dixie cups and paper, line the sides of a driveway with lights to create a runway effect, and use lights to celebrate other holidays beyond Christmas. The conclusion states that LED lights can now be used throughout the year in many ways limited only by one's imagination.

1. 10 Surprising Uses of Christmas Lights in the Off
Season
According to recent estimates, LED lighting technology now accounts for roughly three-
quarters of all new bulbs used in the United States. Considering that, in 2012, this figure
hovered around 8 percent, it is clear that LED tech has revolutionized the ways we
illuminate our world.
LED bulbs can be found in stadium screens, common streetlights, and most new
lightbulbs. But one surprising component of the lighting industry where LEDs have
proven themselves to be exceptionally useful is the Christmas light industry.
There are quite a few reasons most consumers prefer to use LED lights. Not only do
these lights look better, have more functions, and are overall better for the environment.
Each individual bulb has a considerably longer lifespan (up to ten times as long),
making it possible to get creative with your decorations throughout the course of the
entire year.
If you’ve already invested in Christmas lights, then you are already well-aware of the
value these lights can potentially provide. However, there is no reason why the use of

2. these lights should be limited to December and the holiday season—in this article, we
will discuss ten ways you can use LED lights during the offseason and make the most of
your initial purchase.
1. Use LED Lights to Illuminate an Outdoor Railing
If your home features a balcony, deck, gazebo, or outdoor railings, LED lights may be
exactly what you’ve been looking for. These lights are bright enough to create a lively
atmosphere in the evening, yet, are also subtle enough that your guests won’t feel
overwhelmed. To create a beautiful aesthetic, wrap the lights around available railings,
making sure to keep each “band” evenly spaced apart. If you do not have any outlets
outside, wireless (battery-powered) LED lights are also available.
2. Create a Polaroid Photo Collage with Lights and Clothespins
Polaroids are making a steady comeback, both in the United States and around the
world. If you are into this throwback technology, consider creating a photo collage using
some printed photos, clothespins, and some lights carefully wrapped around a
clothesline. This is an excellent option for events centered around a specific person,
such as birthdays, graduations, or weddings.
3. Install a Passive “Nightlight” by Installing LED Lights Under your Bed
Again, the great thing about LED lights is that they can softly illuminate a space without
blinding the viewer. By installing some dim lights directly beneath your bed, you will
have a functional “nightlight” that is both aesthetically pleasing and capable of helping
you find your way through the dark. Having an on/off switch on your lights can help you
make sure they’re only on when you actually need them.
4. Set the Mood with a Creative New Headboard
LED lights are an excellent option for redecorating your current headboard, or even
building a headboard entirely from scratch. Having lights that change color or are
otherwise unique will create a stunning display that is sure to be remembered. These
sorts of displays are great for adult’s rooms, kid’s rooms, and guest rooms alike.
5. Highlight your Wine Collection by Filling Used Bottles with Lights
Instead of throwing away your keepsake wine bottles, consider saving these bottles and
building a one-of-a-kind display. Using white lights (or rainbow lights, if you prefer),
simply stuff existing bottles with these lights and string multiple lights together. These
bottles can be used to surround your current wine collection and illuminate your favorite
choices.
6. Grow Friendly Wallflowers by Combining Lights with Cupcake Wrappers

3. Whoever said that being a wallflower is a bad thing? With some scissors, some cupcake
wrappers, and a little bit of creativity, you can easily create “wallflowers” that can be
used in almost any setting. All you need to do is poke holes in the cupcake wrappers
(where the lights will go through) and cut the shapes of the flowers accordingly. This is
also a fun activity that you can do with your children.
7. Surround your Mirror with Bright, White Lights
Be the star you know you are by introducing a little bit of added light to your mirrors.
Surrounding a mirror with lights creates an easy, DIY aesthetic that can be applied in
the bathroom, the bedroom, and wherever else your mirrors might be. Though you
could really use any color lights to create this sort of dazzling display, white is probably
the best available option.
8. Build a Shaded Light String using Dixie Cups and Translucent Paper
Like we saw with the wallflowers, LED lights can be covered with a wide range of
(affordable) different materials. Using thin Dixie cups, light paper (such as colored wax
paper), and a simple string of lights, you can create shaded lights that resemble
Chinese lanterns. Like you’ll find with ordinary lampshades, these covers make it easy
to contain your light within a specific area.
9. Establish a Functional “Runway” on the Sides of Your Driveway

4. While most outdoor LED lights are limited to the Christmas season, there are quite a
few visual displays you can install and utilize throughout the entire year. One popular
option is putting lights on the sides of the driveway, creating a sort of “runway” effect.
This option is particularly popular for people with driveways that are exceptionally steep
or difficult to see at night.
10. Utilize LED Lights During Other Major Holidays
With the development of LED lighting technology, you can now keep your home
illuminated throughout the year, while still using less energy than you did with your
previous Christmas lights. With plenty of occasions to celebrate, there’s no reason to
keep your lights trapped in a closet—New Years, Mardi Gras, Independence Day, and
Halloween are all great occasions for you to bring out your favorite lights.
Conclusion
Ask you can see, there are countless different ways to use LED lights throughout the
year. These lights are energy-efficient, aesthetically pleasing, and more functional than
ever before. The only real limit remaining, it seems, is your own imagination.