63 Lovely Bedroom String Lights Decor Ideas

lovely bedroom string lights decor ideas

I used to think string lights were just for Christmas trees or those Pinterest-perfect dorm rooms. You know, the kind that looks amazing online but feels totally impractical in real life? Turns out, I was wrong. String lights are actually one of the easiest and most low-effort ways to make your bedroom feel cozy, stylish, and kinda magical.

They’re perfect because they give you that soft, warm light that doesn’t punch you in the face like an overhead bulb. You don’t always want to feel like you’re in a hospital room, right? Especially late at night when you’re winding down with a book or pretending you’re gonna journal but end up scrolling instead.

Another thing I love? You don’t need an electrician or a hefty budget. I once redid my entire bedroom vibe with just two packs of fairy lights, a bunch of thumbtacks, and an old sheer curtain I found in a closet. The setup took under an hour and immediately made the space feel… intentional. That’s the word. It felt like I tried.

Oh, and they’re so dang flexible. Literally. You can twist them around your headboard, trail them along shelves, even toss them in a glass bowl to make a DIY glowing orb situation. And if you’re renting or just lazy about committing (me), they’re non-permanent and super forgiving.

Just don’t buy the cold white ones unless you want your room to feel like a doctor’s office. Trust me—I made that mistake once and ended up returning the whole setup. Always go for warm white or golden tones unless you’re doing something more artsy or moody.

Create a cozy sleeping corner by layering string lights with posters, pillows, and hanging pages. Perfect for small bedrooms that need a bit of visual warmth and charm.

(@interior_cosiness).

Create a cozy sleeping corner by layering string lights with posters, pillows, and hanging pages. Perfect for small bedrooms that need a bit of visual warmth and charm. (@interior_cosiness).

Boho bedrooms love warm lighting—run fairy lights along the wall or ceiling beams for extra coziness. Pair with textures like chunky knits, natural wood, and woven baskets for full effect.

(@hippietribex).

Boho bedrooms love warm lighting—run fairy lights along the wall or ceiling beams for extra coziness. Pair with textures like chunky knits, natural wood, and woven baskets for full effect. (@hippietribex).

Frame a full-length mirror with string lights to boost both lighting and ambiance. It adds a soft glow to the room and works beautifully as a low-effort decor upgrade.

(@nextdealshop).

Frame a full-length mirror with string lights to boost both lighting and ambiance. It adds a soft glow to the room and works beautifully as a low-effort decor upgrade. (@nextdealshop).

Highlight a Polaroid photo wall with a loose strand of fairy lights. It’s a fun way to display memories while making your bed area feel extra personal and stylish.

(@potterybarndorm).

Highlight a Polaroid photo wall with a loose strand of fairy lights. It’s a fun way to display memories while making your bed area feel extra personal and stylish. (@potterybarndorm).

Use string lights to frame a small bed by the window and highlight golden hour views. A great way to turn a tight corner into a warm, inviting retreat.

(@whoiskhoile).

Use string lights to frame a small bed by the window and highlight golden hour views. A great way to turn a tight corner into a warm, inviting retreat. (@whoiskhoile).

A boho bedroom in neutrals, with a bed, cool pillows, a gallery wall, potted greenery and string lights.

A boho bedroom in neutrals, with a bed, cool pillows, a gallery wall, potted greenery and string lights.

A boho bedroom with a brick accent wall, a bed with colorful pillows and bedding, a branch with string lights over the bed.

A boho bedroom with a brick accent wall, a bed with colorful pillows and bedding, a branch with string lights over the bed.

A boho bedroom with a neutral storage bed, pink bedding, a shelf with potted plants, string lights and a rattan chair.

A boho bedroom with a neutral storage bed, pink bedding, a shelf with potted plants, string lights and a rattan chair.

A boho bedroom with tan walls, a pallet bed with black and white bedding, baskets, potted plants and string lights.

A boho bedroom with tan walls, a pallet bed with black and white bedding, baskets, potted plants and string lights.

A boho neutral bedroom with a bed with neutral bedding, a shelf with lights, a gallery wall and a garland, some lights on the nightstand.

A boho neutral bedroom with a bed with neutral bedding, a shelf with lights, a gallery wall and a garland, some lights on the nightstand.

A catchy bedorom with a shelving unit covered with string lights and an additional string light garland, a bed with mauve bedding and candle lanterns.

A catchy bedorom with a shelving unit covered with string lights and an additional string light garland, a bed with mauve bedding and candle lanterns.

A catchy grey and pink bedroom with a black metal bed, string lights with photos, artwork and a crystal chandelier.

A catchy grey and pink bedroom with a black metal bed, string lights with photos, artwork and a crystal chandelier.

A cozy bedroom with a stained desk and a plywood chair, a low bed with pastel bedding, a curtain with string lights.

A cozy bedroom with a stained desk and a plywood chair, a low bed with pastel bedding, a curtain with string lights.

A cpzy attic sleeping space with a bed on the floor, lots of pillows, string lights all over the space and a hearth with lights.

A cpzy attic sleeping space with a bed on the floor, lots of pillows, string lights all over the space and a hearth with lights.

A fantastic 'on cloud 9' bedroom with a black bed with neutral bedding, a fluffy blanket, clouds over the bed, string lights over the bed and on it.

A fantastic 'on cloud 9' bedroom with a black bed with neutral bedding, a fluffy blanket, clouds over the bed, string lights over the bed and on it.

A gorgeous and welcoming sleeping space with a bed with neutral bedding and pillows, string lights over the bed and right on the bed, too.

A gorgeous and welcoming sleeping space with a bed with neutral bedding and pillows, string lights over the bed and right on the bed, too.

A gorgeous boho bedroom with a pallet bed with neutral bedding and blankets, nightstands with table lamps, a pendant chait, star-shaped string lights over the bed.

A gorgeous boho bedroom with a pallet bed with neutral bedding and blankets, nightstands with table lamps, a pendant chait, star-shaped string lights over the bed.

Types of Bedroom String Lights to Consider

Okay, before you just toss any old lights into your cart, lemme save you some pain. Not all string lights are created equal, and I learned that the hard way when a cheap strand of fairy lights gave up on me after, like, two days. Total vibe killer.

Fairy lights are the go-to for that soft, magical twinkle. They’re teeny and delicate and make the whole room feel like you’re in a storybook. I love wrapping them around my mirror or threading them through a faux vine for a boho moment. Just make sure they’re copper wire—they bend easier and disappear into whatever you hang them on.

Then there are globe lights, which are way chunkier and bolder. Great if you’re going for that urban loft or retro cafe feel. I strung some along a wooden headboard once, and suddenly my very basic IKEA bed looked custom-made. Still one of my proudest hacks.

Curtain lights are dramatic in the best way. I hung some behind sheer drapes last winter and… wow. Instantly looked like I paid an interior designer to zhuzh up the space.

LED strip lights are super modern and honestly fun to play with. I put some under my floating shelves, and it made my room feel like a scene from a sci-fi movie—minus the doom. Oh, and if you’re lazy like me, smart lights you can control with your phone are a game-changer. I’ve legit changed the color to match my mood. Angry? Red. Peaceful? Soft purple. It’s ridiculous and I love it.

A gorgeous celestial moon and star-shaped string garland will beautifully accent your bedroom and make it nice.

A gorgeous celestial moon and star-shaped string garland will beautifully accent your bedroom and make it nice.

A laconic Scandinavian bedroom with a white bed, navy and black bedding, a black nightstand, string lights and stacks of magazines.

A laconic Scandinavian bedroom with a white bed, navy and black bedding, a black nightstand, string lights and stacks of magazines.

A metal bed accented with star-shaped string lights covering the headboard and foot of the bed, printed bedding.

A metal bed accented with star-shaped string lights covering the headboard and foot of the bed, printed bedding.

A mid-century modern bedroom with a bed with neutral bedding, a striped bench, a non-working fireplace, string lights and potted plants.

A mid-century modern bedroom with a bed with neutral bedding, a striped bench, a non-working fireplace, string lights and potted plants.

A monochromatic grey bedroom with a black canopy bed and string lights hanging over the sleeping space.

A monochromatic grey bedroom with a black canopy bed and string lights hanging over the sleeping space.

A moody bedroom with black walls, a dark-stained dresser, a gallery wall, a curved mirror and string lights here and there.

A moody bedroom with black walls, a dark-stained dresser, a gallery wall, a curved mirror and string lights here and there.

A moody bedroom with taupe walls, a dark bed with black bedding, a white dresser, a black leather bench and a branch covered with fairy lights.

A moody bedroom with taupe walls, a dark bed with black bedding, a white dresser, a black leather bench and a branch covered with fairy lights.

A neutral bedroom with a low bed right on the floor, pastel bedding, a semi sheer canopy with lights and dream catchers over the bed.

A neutral bedroom with a low bed right on the floor, pastel bedding, a semi sheer canopy with lights and dream catchers over the bed.

A neutral boho bedroom with a white bed with string lights, a sleek vanity with a mirror, macrame and fringe hangings.

A neutral boho bedroom with a white bed with string lights, a sleek vanity with a mirror, macrame and fringe hangings.

A neutral boho bedroom with a white planked bed and neutral bedding, a cage with lights inside as a light source, some fringe and boho hangings.

A neutral boho bedroom with a white planked bed and neutral bedding, a cage with lights inside as a light source, some fringe and boho hangings.

A neutral boho bedroom with layered bedding, a shelf gallery wall, a canopy with lights, candle lanterns and a rattan chair.

A neutral boho bedroom with layered bedding, a shelf gallery wall, a canopy with lights, candle lanterns and a rattan chair.

A tropical-inspired bedroom wih a pallet and branch bed, black and white bedding, potted greenery, candle lanterns and curtains with lights over the bed.

A tropical-inspired bedroom wih a pallet and branch bed, black and white bedding, potted greenery, candle lanterns and curtains with lights over the bed.

A warm-colored bedroom with wooden walls, a low bed with earthy-toned bedding, a wooden storage unit, a rattan stool and string lights covering the wall.

A warm-colored bedroom with wooden walls, a low bed with earthy-toned bedding, a wooden storage unit, a rattan stool and string lights covering the wall.

Placement Ideas to Inspire Your Setup

Here’s where it gets fun: placement. I’ve tested string lights in every corner of my bedroom like some sort of twinkle-light scientist. Some spots totally surprised me with how good they looked—others? Meh.

One of my favs is around the headboard. If you’ve got a metal or wood frame, just zigzag them through or clip them gently along the top. Makes your bed feel like the coziest thing on Earth. Just don’t go too tight—loose loops look way more natural.

If you’ve got a canopy or four-poster frame, girl, you’ve won the lottery. Drape those lights across the top like you’re setting up for a forest wedding, then add a gauzy curtain if you’re feeling extra. It’s my go-to for “I cleaned my room” photos, even when I didn’t.

Behind sheer curtains is another trick I swear by. I once used IKEA LILL curtains (they’re like $6!) and popped curtain lights behind them. Looked like a dream cloud. Seriously, guests asked if I hired someone.

Want a DIY moment? Shape the lights into hearts, moons, or words on the wall using clear tape or little nails. I once tried writing “Dream” in lights and halfway through regretted everything. Took forever, but it looked SO cute when done.

And don’t sleep on mirrors or shelves—just tuck a little strand along the edges. Adds that extra sparkle like your room is lowkey glowing all the time.

A welcoming bedroom with a pallet bed and white bedding, a metal shelving unit, potted plants and a whole curtain of string lights.

A welcoming bedroom with a pallet bed and white bedding, a metal shelving unit, potted plants and a whole curtain of string lights.

An airy and chic bedroom with a white bed and nightstands, neutral bedding, a gallery wall and a fringe chandelier, string lights hanging down from the ceiling.

An airy and chic bedroom with a white bed and nightstands, neutral bedding, a gallery wall and a fringe chandelier, string lights hanging down from the ceiling.

A colorful teen bedroom with a blue accent wall and string lights forming a house as a creative headboard and additional light in the room.

A colorful teen bedroom with a blue accent wall and string lights forming a house as a creative headboard and additional light in the room.

A moody black bedroom with light-stained furniture, black and blue bedding, a shelf that holds string lights that form a wardrobe.

A moody black bedroom with light-stained furniture, black and blue bedding, a shelf that holds string lights that form a wardrobe.

An airy attic bedroom with a bed with neutral bedding, curtains and lights inside them that add light to the space and make it mmore eye-catchy.

An airy attic bedroom with a bed with neutral bedding, curtains and lights inside them that add light to the space and make it mmore eye-catchy.

A mint bedroom with a bed and printed bedding, a lit up headboard with string lights and table lamps on both sides.

A mint bedroom with a bed and printed bedding, a lit up headboard with string lights and table lamps on both sides.

A dreamy white bedroom with a large canopy accented with lights over it is a fantastic idea if you enjoy light and don't know how to add it in a creative way.

A dreamy white bedroom with a large canopy accented with lights over it is a fantastic idea if you enjoy light and don't know how to add it in a creative way.

A modern rustic bedroom with a grey accent wall, a piece of driftwood with string lights covering it, a bed with black and white bedding, stained nightstands and black lamps.

A modern rustic bedroom with a grey accent wall, a piece of driftwood with string lights covering it, a bed with black and white bedding, stained nightstands and black lamps.

A minimalist Scandinavian bedroom with a low bed with neutral bedding, a metal chair, a stack of magazines and string lights hung over them as a light source, an alternative to a usual table lamp.

A minimalist Scandinavian bedroom with a low bed with neutral bedding, a metal chair, a stack of magazines and string lights hung over them as a light source, an alternative to a usual table lamp.

A neutral bedroom with a bed with a curtain headboard with string lights inside and table lamps on both sides looks and feels very delicate and welcoming.

A neutral bedroom with a bed with a curtain headboard with string lights inside and table lamps on both sides looks and feels very delicate and welcoming.

A cozy grey bedroom with a bed with grey and neutral bedding, star-shaped string lights over the bed forming a cozy and lovely headboard.

A cozy grey bedroom with a bed with grey and neutral bedding, star-shaped string lights over the bed forming a cozy and lovely headboard.

A cozy neutral bedroom with string lights that are used to hang some pics and form a simple gallery wall this way, a great idea for a kid's room.

A cozy neutral bedroom with string lights that are used to hang some pics and form a simple gallery wall this way, a great idea for a kid's room.

A neutral kid or teen room with string lights hanging in an awkward nook and holding photos, creating a lovely gallery wall.

A neutral kid or teen room with string lights hanging in an awkward nook and holding photos, creating a lovely gallery wall.

A vintage meets shabby chic bedroom in neutrals, with a bed and pastel bedding, a headboard formed of old doors and tassels accented with lights that add coziness to the space and make it more lit up.

A vintage meets shabby chic bedroom in neutrals, with a bed and pastel bedding, a headboard formed of old doors and tassels accented with lights that add coziness to the space and make it more lit up.

String Light Decor Themes by Style

Let’s be real—your vibe matters. You can’t just slap lights in a room and hope for the best (well, you can, but it’s hit or miss). So here’s what’s worked for me depending on the look I was going for:

Boho style? It’s all about layering. Warm-toned fairy lights, a rattan mirror, maybe a hanging plant (fake is fine, we don’t judge). I did this once with a pom-pom garland layered on top and it looked straight off Instagram.

Modern minimalist calls for restraint. I stuck with LED strip lights under a platform bed and above the closet frame. Clean, even glow. No frills. If it flickers or looks chaotic, it’s not the look.

Cottagecore or vintage? Girl, this is where fairy lights shine. Think florals, pastels, and that “lived-in but adorable” vibe. I used a vintage frame to clip up polaroids with lighted clips. Soft, glowy perfection.

Industrial or urban style? Grab the exposed bulb string lights. I wrapped a strand around some black pipe shelving and it gave total downtown loft energy. Bonus: they work outside too.

Scandi style? Keep it neutral. I paired warm fairy lights with light woods, soft linen, and no clutter. It’s peaceful, clean, and not too fussy—basically, everything I’m not, but my bedroom pretends to be.

A Scandinavian bedroom with a black bed and neutral bedding, a gallery wall with artwork, a mirror and string lights over them is a welcoming and cool space.

A Scandinavian bedroom with a black bed and neutral bedding, a gallery wall with artwork, a mirror and string lights over them is a welcoming and cool space.

A dreamy sleeping space with a bed with neutral bedding and a canopy over the bed accented with string lights is amazing.

A dreamy sleeping space with a bed with neutral bedding and a canopy over the bed accented with string lights is amazing.

A farmhouse bedroom with navy walls, wihte built-in furniture, a stained bed with colorful bedding and string lights over the whole room.

A farmhouse bedroom with navy walls, wihte built-in furniture, a stained bed with colorful bedding and string lights over the whole room.

A shared farmhouse bedroom with a stained shared bed, a colorful string light garland and some pretty details that make this space very cozy.

A shared farmhouse bedroom with a stained shared bed, a colorful string light garland and some pretty details that make this space very cozy.

A small kid's room with a grey wall, a black metal bed with neutral bedding, a string light that is forming a word on the wall that serves as a light source and a decoration at the same time.

A small kid's room with a grey wall, a black metal bed with neutral bedding, a string light that is forming a word on the wall that serves as a light source and a decoration at the same time.

A cool teen bedroom with a low bed and printed bedding, neutral and semi sheer curtains with integrated string lights to form a dreamy canopy over the sleeping space.

A cool teen bedroom with a low bed and printed bedding, neutral and semi sheer curtains with integrated string lights to form a dreamy canopy over the sleeping space.

A ladder with lights attached can be a cute decoration and storage unit for any space, not only a bedroom.

A ladder with lights attached can be a cute decoration and storage unit for any space, not only a bedroom.

A welcoming bedroom with a headboard of a semi sheer curtain and string lights integrated to accent the space and make it more lit up.

A welcoming bedroom with a headboard of a semi sheer curtain and string lights integrated to accent the space and make it more lit up.

A farmhouse bedroom with a chalkboard accent wall, a string light on this wall, a cozy bed with neutral bedding and a stained nightstand.

A farmhouse bedroom with a chalkboard accent wall, a string light on this wall, a cozy bed with neutral bedding and a stained nightstand.

A shabby chic bedroom with a planked taupe accent wall, a white bed and bench, branches and trees with string lights for a bright accent.

A shabby chic bedroom with a planked taupe accent wall, a white bed and bench, branches and trees with string lights for a bright accent.

A neutral bedroom with a low bed with taupe bedding and a dreamy semi sheer canopy with string lights is a lovely idea for a neutral space.

A neutral bedroom with a low bed with taupe bedding and a dreamy semi sheer canopy with string lights is a lovely idea for a neutral space.

An attic bedroom with a bed and refined white bedding, with strign lights all over the sleeping space to make it dreamy.

An attic bedroom with a bed and refined white bedding, with strign lights all over the sleeping space to make it dreamy.

A neutral bedroom with a storage shelving unit, a white bed with printed bedding, a string light over the bed, stained nightstands.

A neutral bedroom with a storage shelving unit, a white bed with printed bedding, a string light over the bed, stained nightstands.

A neutral bedroom with a strign light masterpiece - a whole tree installation on the wall that looks spectacular and wows.

A neutral bedroom with a strign light masterpiece - a whole tree installation on the wall that looks spectacular and wows.

Wrap string lights around a wooden house-frame bed to instantly create a magical, cozy sleep space. It’s perfect for kids and makes bedtime feel like a fairytale adventure.

(@decor_for_kids).

Wrap string lights around a wooden house-frame bed to instantly create a magical, cozy sleep space. It’s perfect for kids and makes bedtime feel like a fairytale adventure. (@decor_for_kids).

A monochromatic Scandinavian bedroom with a reclaimed wood bed, grey and white bedding, a branch over the bed with string lights.

A monochromatic Scandinavian bedroom with a reclaimed wood bed, grey and white bedding, a branch over the bed with string lights.

Hang string lights over your bed and you will be able to use it for decorating your space according to the season or holiday.

Hang string lights over your bed and you will be able to use it for decorating your space according to the season or holiday.

Mix soft string lights with faux greenery above the headboard for a relaxed, nature-inspired glow. This combo adds charm without clutter and works great for neutral bedrooms.

(@afwonline).

Mix soft string lights with faux greenery above the headboard for a relaxed, nature-inspired glow. This combo adds charm without clutter and works great for neutral bedrooms. (@afwonline).

Try globe string lights for a playful yet soft lighting option. Draped over a canopy, they add dimension and look especially cute in kids' rooms or whimsical setups.

(@irislights_sweden).

Try globe string lights for a playful yet soft lighting option. Draped over a canopy, they add dimension and look especially cute in kids' rooms or whimsical setups. (@irislights_sweden).