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Top 10 Best Fairy Lights for Bedrooms in the UK 2020

Top 10 Best Fairy Lights for Bedrooms in the UK 2020

Fairy lights are a gorgeous way to decorate any bedroom and provide some extra light. The name ‘fairy light’ really makes sense, as these pretty glowing orbs can make your bedroom quite magical. They create a cosy atmosphere and can be used either to light a particular feature or simply to read by when winding down before bed. Whether they are hanging from the wall, adorning the ceiling, or delicately placed inside jars, bottles, or lanterns, LED fairy lights have a wide range of different uses.

However, choosing the best fairy lights to buy from online shops can be tricky. There are string lights, curtain lights, decorative fairy lights with plastic or metal casing, and bulbs shaped like stars, flowers and shells. It can be hard to find lights that function well and come at a great price, so we’ve compiled a list of recommendations for the best fairy lights you can buy online in the UK in 2020. Our ranking of the most popular fairy lights of the year will help you brighten up your bedroom beautifully!

Last updated: 07-08-2020
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How to Choose Fairy Lights for the Bedroom in the UK – Buying Guide

When it comes to selecting the ideal set of fairy lights for your bedroom, there are a few factors worth keeping in mind which can help you make the best decision, save money and invest in attractive decorative lighting that will endure years – even through house moves or DIY interior makeovers.

Choose a Length to Fit Your Space

The type of lights you’re after will – of course – depend on the placement you’re picturing for them. If you’re thinking of draping them over an item of furniture such as a bed or mirror, it will be important to choose a string of lights long enough to cover the space and reach the plug socket comfortably.

A couple of metres is often enough, but if you’ve envisioned a garland of fairy lights along all four walls or a ‘curtain’ effect covering a large space for example, take the time to check out the length on the side of the box to avoid being caught short, so to speak.

If you’d rather bunch your lights up, perhaps in a glass jar or inside an empty fireplace, you may not need to worry so much about length. On the other hand, if you’ve got a large space to fill, a longer string of lights will create a more impressive final effect.

Bulb Shape Matters! Think About the Ideal Shape of Light Bulb for Your Bedroom

When you shop online for fairy lights, you’ll find an enormous selection of bulb types. Depending on the kind of atmosphere you hope to create, you may choose unusually shaped bulbs or stick with a classic string of mini lights. Your choice of bulb might also be influenced by how you plan to style the lights in your bedroom.

Plain, Small Bulbs for Simplicity

Fairy lights come in all shapes and sizes, so if your bedroom is minimal and simple, tiny plain bulbs may be best. They should add to the overall ambiance of your room subtly without being distracting.

If you do want to create a talking point with lights, you can use small, plain bulbs to make a striking nest of lights in a big glass jar or lantern. Bigger decorative pieces will be cumbersome in a bunch, and could get damaged too.

Decorative Bulbs Add Style

If you fancy something more fun or a little ostentatious, lights exist that are shaped like roses, stars, leaves and real light-bulbs. The wonderful variety of fairy lights available to buy online in the UK gives you plenty of options for styling your room!

Depending on how you’ve already decorated, it’s good to choose a bulb-shape and design that works with your current interior. Perhaps there’s a recurring theme already in your decor that could be echoed in the bulbs you choose.

If you’d rather create a noticeable contrast, choose a statement shape that tells a particular story. Patterned lanterns give a hint of Morocco, while a big sheet of lights brings the disco to your bedroom door.

Select a Light Temperature to Set the Mood

As fairy lights are such a big decorating trend these days, we can sometimes forget they serve as a light source! The light from fairy lights can help to show off your excellent taste in home décor. But it’s the temperature of the light that really affects the ambience your fairy lights will create in your home. Here are the temperatures that are available.

Cold, Blue-toned Light for Clarity

When shopping online, opting for a cold white bulb will give a stark, bright burst of light to a room; ideal if you want to switch on your fairy lights as morning inspiration to leap out of bed. Crisp lights with a blue tinge tend to throw the details of a room into stark relief, so can be useful if you use your room to work or as a creative space after dark.

Warm Light for a Golden Glow

In contrast, warm white light bulbs give out far softer, more flattering light, so will cover your bed and possessions in a relaxing golden glow, great for an evening of self-care or an early bedtime. This light temperature is often used in hospitality to produce a pleasant atmosphere that isn’t too harsh. Warm white fairy lights around a mirror can also be superbly flattering if they’re bright enough.

Coloured Bulbs for Layered Light

Colourful lights shouldn’t be forgotten either. Though they have the potential to feel a little Christmassy, the right combination can give a warming pinkish glow that doesn’t necessarily have to be reserved for the month of December.

Fairy light bulbs in a range of colours suit a Bohemian-style room, with patterned fabrics, unique furniture and flamboyant accessories, but they can also be the simple touch that adds a sense of fun to an understated, minimal bedroom.

Pick LED Bulbs to Save Energy

Nowadays you’re far more likely to come across LED lights than incandescent bulbs. The difference between these new bulbs and their older counterparts is that LED lamps use a light emitting diode (they take their name from the initials) instead of heat, as incandescent ones do, to create light.

All this means is that LED lights won’t get hot to the touch when they light up. Overall, LED fairy lights will be safer and better for the environment too, as they’re far more energy efficient.

Another thing worth keeping in mind is that LED light is measured in ‘lumens’ not watts. So when you’re picking out the brightness you want, lumens are what you need to look out for.

Go for Lights With Fun Effects to Get the Party Started

It’s worth checking out whether your fairy lights will flash on and off before you purchase them. Some lights stay on permanently, which is obviously the most practical in terms of a decent light source.

Other types of lights gently move through a series of patterns. These flashing effects can be a great way to set different moods in your bedroom or get yourself and your friends in the mood for a big night out.

Most lights you can buy online are labelled with information about these flashing sequences and have a switch that lets you choose. Decide whether your lights need to be fun and flashy or maintain a steady glow before you shop online.

Wires; Decide Between Visible or Camouflaged

When we’re intently focused on the size and design of our bulbs or the intensity of the light, it’s easy to forget how the little bulbs themselves will be attached to one another.

The most popular fairy lights you can buy online have either very fine transparent plastic wires, chunkier clear cables or silvery threads. Some are attached to fine copper wire which you can re-shape into any pattern you like. Other types of fairy light also come attached to a black, dark green or navy blue wire, which is worth keeping in mind.

A dark-coloured, chunky, plastic wire doesn’t look good if you want tiny golden twinkles dotted across whitewashed minimalist walls. If you’re draping lights over plants however, the fir-tree green of Christmas-style lights could work in your favour.

Top 10 Best Fairy Lights for Bedrooms in the UK

With all these factors in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the top fairy lights you can buy online today in the UK, meaning it won’t be long until your bedroom is a gloriously well-lit haven in the very best of taste.

amazon.co.uk

Talking Tables Mermaid Shell String Lights

£5.00

View product on Amazon

Affordable Lights with a Seaside Twist

These nautical-themed lights provide a cool white glow and can be draped around a mirror or across a dressing table to give a fairy-tale twinkle to your bedroom space. They are more of a decorative touch than a powerful source of light, so will be best paired with other lamps if you are aiming for an under-the-sea effect.

They won’t give out as much light as others on the list, so read on for brighter ways to light up your bedroom. A sensible choice for a smaller budget however, these lights may inspire you to purchase other fun, campy pieces like cushions or artwork on a similar theme. The subtle silver plastic wire should be easily camouflaged against most bedroom wall backgrounds.

Length	3m
Number of Bulbs	30
Warmth	Cold White
LED	Yes
Wire type	Silver Plastic
Effects	None

amazon.co.uk

Talking Tables Boho Mix Pom Pom Lights

£14.00

A Burst of Colour and Shape

To make a real statement with cheerful decoration as well as light, these bulbs, adorned with rainbow pom-poms, are a lighthearted addition to your bedroom. For a quirky twist on the traditional fairy light, wind these around your clothes rail or attach them to your bedhead.

Though the pure wool pom-poms are whimsically bright, the tiny orbs of the fairy lights themselves give out a pure warm white glow, so shouldn’t be overly dramatic in lighting terms. Considering that these lights come with some kaleidoscopic fluffy extras, they’re reasonably priced in comparison to other less decorative styles.

Length	2m
Number of Bulbs	12
Warmth	Warm White
LED	Yes
Wire Type	White
Effects	None

amazon.co.uk

Lights4funWhite Rose Indoor LED Fairy Lights

£16.99

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Warm-White Roses to Bring Elegance to Your Room

With a warm white light and an elegant rose-petal shape, this set of thirty fairy lights is three metres long so should lend itself perfectly to dressing up a dull window or framing a fireplace. They have a white twisted cable which won’t show up too obviously between each rose.

These fairy lights have an extra-safe wall plug, meaning you’ll feel secure leaving them on for extended periods. Another advantage of these lights is the twelve-month guarantee which means if they don’t serve their purpose properly you can get a replacement set within one year.

Length	2.9m (lights) 3m (cable)
Number of Bulbs	30
Warmth	Warm white
LED	Yes
Wire type	White twisted wire
Effects	None

johnlewis.com

Little Home City Car Line Lights

£15.00

View product on John Lewis

Visit John Lewis for more details

These ten car-shaped golden lights are more of an interior design statement than a bold, bright light source. They’ll give your bedroom a charming dash of pattern which could be a stand-out feature in an otherwise minimal interior. Equally these lights might inspire you to select other accessories – maybe cushions, fabrics or fittings – that also fit a modern city theme.

These lights run on batteries, as opposed to plugging in at the power switch, and they’re only 1.4 metres long. That means they won’t give off a super noticeable amount of brightness and are better suited to use as a pretty decorative feature; against a brightly coloured wall or across the top of a notice board, for example.

Length	1.5m
Number of Bulbs	10
Warmth	Warm Gold
LED?	Yes
Wire Type	Transparent Grey
Effects	None

amazon.co.uk

Opard Bedroom Fairy Light Curtain

£12.99

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Make a Statement with a Waterfall of Light

Instead of a string of lights, a sheet like these pretty ones is a lovely way to turn a wall into the focal point of your bedroom. A curtain of tiny bulbs is not only a strong aesthetic statement to make, it also serves as an excellent light source.

Getting ready for a night out with friends or watching a film in your bedroom? A wall dotted with stars keeps the room bright enough to live in while creating a sophisticated, ‘late-night’ atmosphere in your space. These lights also allow you to adjust the brightness on them easily.

Length	3m x 3m
Number of Bulbs	300
Warmth	Warm White
LED	Yes
Wire Type	Transparent
Effects	Waves, Sequential, Slo-Glo, Chasing Flash, Slow Fade, Twinkle Flash, and Steady On.

Lights4fun Star Micro Fairy Lights

£16.99

View product on Amazon

Perfect for Displaying Photos

If you want to add a personal twist to your fairy lights, you could try attaching photographs between each bulb with a tiny peg. These star string lights work well for this kind of display, because there’s lots of space between each bulb for you to clip on some Polaroids of your happiest memories.

The little star lights give out a warm white glow, which highlights your photos nicely and the silver wire which connects these lights will suit a metallic themed bedroom brilliantly. Putting more than one set around your the room brings a little of the night sky indoors to you.

Length	4.9m (lights) 3m (cable)
Number of Bulbs	50
Warmth	Warm White
LED	Yes
Wire Type	Silver
Effects	None

ebay.co.uk

Retro Light Bulb Festoon

£8.95

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Bring the Festival to Your Bedroom

These lights resemble the kind of large bulbs you’d spot strung up at an outdoor wedding or live concert in summer. With big golden orbs in the style of old-school heavy-duty light bulbs, they’ll provide a glow that’s bright, not overwhelming.

The lights hang from fine transparent wires, but there are only ten of them, so will serve better in a small statement cluster or above a mirror for a dressing-room bright reflection. These lights are battery operated and the batteries are not included when purchased from the online shop, so you’ll need to buy those separately.

Length	1.5m (lights) 30cm (cable)
Number of Bulbs	10
Warmth	Warm White
LED?	Yes
Wire Type	Transparent, Chunky
Effects	None

Lights4fun Decorative Silver Ball Fairy Lights

£14.99

View product on Amazon

High-quality LED Lights with a Bold Shape

What’s lovely about these fairy lights is the way the cut-out crescents in each silver orb create a pattern of shadows on the wall behind them. Though the bulbs themselves are rather small, the way the balls are decorated means light escapes and is enlarged, meaning they actually give out quite a large amount of light.

Aside from the pretty starburst patterns they’ll adorn your bedroom walls with, these sixteen lights also have a warm yellowish hue, meaning they’ll work nicely alongside a bedside lamp to create a welcoming, tranquil feel.

Length	2.25m (lights) 3m (cable)
Number of Bulbs	16
Warmth	Warm White
LED	Yes
Wire Type	Transparent, Fine
Effects	None

Lights4fun 100 Warm White LED Fairy Lights On Clear Cable

£10.99

View product on Amazon

Ideal for Putting Your Name in Lights

If you’ve ever fancied writing a Pinterest-worthy message on your wall in fairy lights, these hundred delicate sparkling bulbs are just the ticket, though they’d also be perfect to hang around your room for an overall silvery glow.

The fact these lights are so long and fine means they’re ideal for winding into your favourite word, your name or even just a simple shape and would look great inside a big glass lantern or jazzing up a cleaned out fireplace. They’ll stretch the furthest length on the list too, so are great value for money.

Length	8m (lights) 3m (cable)
Number of Bulbs	100
Warmth	Warm White
LED	Yes
Wire Type	Transparent, Fine
Effects	None

Lights4fun Warm White String Lights on Copper Wire

£3.99

Great Value Lights You Can Twist to Fit Your Tastes

These beautiful lights will give your bedroom maximum fairy tale points. The copper wire that connects these tiny delicate bulbs is maleable into any shape you desire, so rather than fumbling with hooks, blu-tac or sellotape, you can simply work the lengths into the form you want them and they should stay obediently put!

These particular fairy lights are another good choice if you want to display them in a jar or twist them into unusual patterns. The glint of the copper, teamed with the warm sparkle of each mini bulb creates a very modern, tasteful look that’ll give your bedroom some grown-up glamour.

Length	4.9 (lights) 0.5 (cable)
Number of Bulbs	50
Warmth	Warm White
LED	Yes
Wire Type	Copper
Effects	None

Summary

There are literally hundreds of types of fairy lights you could choose both in stores and online, but getting the right set for your bedroom will make a noticeable difference to the look and feel of the space.

Thinking twice about what you want from your lights will help you avoid a 100 watt disaster, so be sure to know exactly what you want before shopping. We hope this shortlist of the top buys for 2020 has shed some light on the subject...

Author: Annie Hopkins