DIY curtain making is a bit like reading and choosing your own adventure novel. You'll start by creating a power source for your lights, and then you'll have a choice to make. Will you choose the practical path of the lights? already made string lights or will you choose the adventure of creating your own string lights to perfectly fit your space while offering endless customization possibilities? There is no right path, only the one that suits you the best. better !
If we had to rate this adventure for difficulty, we'd say it's suitable for almost any adult reader, but it does require learning the basics of wiring accessories (don't worry, you don't need to be electrician to figure this out!) and you'll have to accept that we spoil the ending. We just can't wait to tell you how this adventure ends, it's amazing.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so instead of trying to explain the sheer fun that just reached the end, hook up your curtain project for the first time and see a spectacular wall of cascading lights so vibrant it almost feels alive... well, take a look
Making DIY curtains is a bit like reading and choosing your own adventure novel. You will start by creating a power source for your lights, then you will have a choice to make. Will you choose the convenience of fairy lights? lights already made or the adventure of creating your own light garlands for endless customization?
If we had to rate this adventure for difficulty, we'd say it's suitable for almost any adult reader, but it does require learning the basics of wiring accessories (don't worry, you don't need to be electrician to figure this out!) and you'll have to accept that we spoil the ending. We just can't wait to show you how this adventure ends, it's amazing. Take a look...
If your mind isn't already racing with all the possibilities for where and how you can have your own shimmering string light wall, we have a few ideas we want to share!
Where to hang DIY fairy lights
Ready to start your DIY curtain journey? Our journey begins with the key to perfect light curtains: symmetry. To achieve symmetry, we're going to create a power source to plug in all of these lights in a straight line.
How to make DIY curtain lights
*SPT1 and SPT2 indicate insulation rating. Always select zip plugs to match your wire insulation. For example, if your wire is SPT2 rated, then your zip plugs must also be SPT2 rated. Click here for learn more about wire insulation.
Make a curtain light power source using zip cord wire and inline zip plugs
Install your power source
Secure your power source to your hanging surface. The canopy we used had a solid metal bar running the length of it, so we secured our wire to the bar using zip ties. If the area where you hang your DIY curtains doesn't already have a natural support for your wire, consider cutting a piece of wood to the length you need or find a metal bar to support the weight of your wire, your taken and your suspension. luminous garlands.
Plug in your string lights! It's time to choose your adventure; will you use standard string lights or create your own? In one version of our project, we used 8-foot-long LED string lights. However, If you want to use bigger bulbs or customize the colors of your curtains, you can make your own string lights by cutting existing string lights to the exact length you need and adding caps to the ends. Click here or scroll to below to find out how we made our own string lights with patio globe bulbs.
DIY string light curtains
Create custom string lights
So you've decided to continue your journey with custom lighting design in mind? Welcome! Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, here are some useful tips you need to know about string lights and zippers.
String lights and spools can be found in lengths ranging from 15' to 1000' and can be cut to custom lengths. For our project, we needed 7 string lights that were 8 feet long. We selected two string lights 50ft SPT2 string lights with 6 inch spacing between each socket. Each 50ft string light could be cut into six 8ft pieces which was more than enough, but it's always good to have a few more just in case! We chose 6 inch socket spacing as we had planned to use small G30 globe lamps, however if using larger G50 or C9 bulbs 12 inch spacing may be preferred.
When choosing your string lights you may notice that they are identified by a series of numbers and letters: SPT1 or SPT2. This rating refers to wire insulation which is an important consideration especially when planning long-term lighting installations. SPT1 wire is standard for moderate to normal lighting use, while SPT2 wire's thicker insulation supports higher wattage bulbs and offers better protection against the elements, especially in areas with extreme weather and temperature conditions.
For this project the wire insulation is also important as you will need to match the insulation of your zip plugs to the insulation of your wire. Our string lights were created using SPT2 wire, so we have assured to also use SPT2 rated male and female zip plugs. If you choose not to place a female zip plug at the end of your wire, you will need to wrap the end tightly with electrical tape and ensure that no wire is exposed.
In addition to string lights, light bulbs, zippers and electrical tape, you'll also need something very sharp to cut the wire, we've found wire cutters work best.
How to make DIY fairy lights
Zip Plug Installation Guides
How to attach male and female end caps
Slide in the backing of your zip plug, note that it will only slide in one direction. Look inside your zip plug and locate the two "vampire teeth" secured in the channel that runs along the plug. These teeth pierce the cord when the plug is assembled to connect to electrical current. Note that these teeth are not not aligned. One is connected to the wide prong or receptacle; the other is narrow. Next, take a close look at your electrical cord. You may notice that it is actually two wires side by side. A wire has a slightly raised "rib" along its edge (you may need to feel it). This is the neutral wire that maintains the polarization of the electrical current. The ribbed edge or neutral wire will connect to the wide pin or receptacle we took note of in the step above. Using a wire cutter or sharp knife, gently separate the end of your zip cord to separate the two wires, separating them by a length of a quarter to a half inch. Align the ribbed wire with the tooth of vampire that is connected to the wide blade or receptacle of your plug, push the end of the electrical cord into the well that runs along the closed end of the plug. Note that the plastic divider in the well should separate the forked ends of your cord electric. Now bend the electrical cord and place it into the channel that runs the full length of your plug. The electrical cord will pass through the vampire's teeth and may need to be gently pushed into the channel. slide the bracket over the outlet. You may need to use pressure or pliers to fully close it. As you slide the bracket, it presses the electrical cord firmly against the vampire's teeth, securing the connection.Click here to return to creating a light curtain power source.
Click here to return to creating DIY string lights.
How to attach Zip InLine plugs
Slide the bracket out of your inline socket. Inside the socket you will see two metal prongs or "vampire teeth". Note their orientation with respect to the polarized receptacles of the plug. Proper polarization should be maintained with inline zip plugs identical to those of the male and of the females. Align the ribbed wire with the vampire tooth that is connected to the large receptacle of the plug and place the electrical cord into the plug. Slide the bracket over the plug again. Note how the special design of the zippered receptacle in-line allows the electrical cord to pass through the back and exit from both ends.Click here to return to creating a light curtain power source.
If you are reading this, it means that you have reached the end of this adventure and you should feel quite accomplished and impressed with all that you have learned and created. Now that we have embarked on this journey of creating light curtains together, we'd love to see your finished work! Send us your light curtain photos in the comments or tag us on Instagram or Facebook, and if you really liked this post, share it with your friends too!
