How to Rope Lights Indoors

Find new lighting inspiration with rope lights

Rope lights are a terrific way to accent ceiling corners, cabinets, and otherwise dark corridors. They don't need to be visible: rope lights hidden behind trim or cabinets create a brilliant indirect lighting effect. Rope lights are available in all lengths and colors, and in several different thicknesses. But how do you get them mounted indoors? It's not a big challenge for the average do-it-yourselfer.

Things You'll Need

• Rope lights
• Extension cord
• Screwdriver
• Fast-setting glue
• Rope light mounting clips
• Rope light mounting track

Instructions

1. Wrap rope lights around banisters, railings, furniture, or open woodwork. Drape them over cabinets and large fixtures, if they will stay without fasteners. Plug the lights into AC power, using an extension cord if necessary.

2. Screw or glue mounting clips to the wall or ceiling, spacing them about a foot apart where rope lights cannot wrap or rest on other fixtures. Press rope lights into the clips, and plug the lights in.

3. Screw or glue rope light mounting tracks into the wall or ceiling, where a perfectly straight line of lights is required. Press rope lights into the mounting tracks, and plug the lights in.

Tips & Warnings

• Rope lights can also be attached to fixtures, nails, or rails with small plastic zip ties.

• Mounting clips or tracks will come with their own adhesive, or you can use a fast-setting adhesive like Gorilla Glue.

References

• Google Shopping: Indoor Rope Lights
• BarrysArticles: Rope Lights
• LEDRopeLightsAndMore: Designing with Rope Lights