Brighten Any Room With Curtains Containing Lights

Adding lights to curtains is an excellent way to enhance the ambiance and functionality of any room. Curtains with lights allow you to soften, accent, or brighten a space as needed. They come in many styles to match your decor, with lighting options ranging from delicate fairy lights to bold LED strips. Installing curtains with built-in lighting can be a fun do-it-yourself project or a job for professional electricians, depending on your needs. Read on to learn all about the benefits of curtains with lights and get tips for choosing and installing your own.

Types of Lighted Curtains

There are a few main types of curtains you can buy or DIY that contain integrated lighting:

• LED strip lights - These ribbon-like LED strips can be woven through curtains or attached to the back or bottom. They give off a bright, direct light and are available in both cool and warm shade options.
• Fiber optic curtains - Tiny fiber optic cables are woven into the curtains and emit a sparkling, twinkling effect. The light source is typically LEDs at the top or bottom of the curtains.
• Panel curtains with lights - Light panels are built right into the curtain, typically into a valance or pelmet portion. These contain LEDs or sometimes EL wire for an even glow.
• Curtains with light bulbs - Vintage-style bulbs or fairy lights are attached to curtains, usually with clips or ties. These create a classic, cozy look.

Sheer curtains and lightweight fabrics work best for attaching and integrating lighting elements. Heavier fabrics like blackout curtains can also conceal lights between an additional sheer layer.

Benefits of Curtains with Lights

There are many excellent reasons to install curtains that contain lighting:

• Provides ambient lighting - Curtain lights give off a soft, diffuse glow that fills the room with light and eliminates dark corners. This creates a warm, welcoming environment.
• Sets a mood or atmosphere - Use curtains lights to create a relaxing, romantic, or celebratory ambiance. Different lighting colors, brightness levels, and effects set different moods.
• Saves energy compared to lamps - Curtains with integrated lighting use less electricity than lamps to light up a whole room or window.
• Offers privacy while allowing light - Sheer curtain fabric paired with lights allow light to filter in while obscuring views. This provides daylight without compromising privacy.
• Fun and decorative - Curtains with twinkle lights add a playful, beautiful element to a room's decor. They become a decorative focal point.

Considerations When Choosing Lighted Curtains

Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for lighted curtains:

• Light color - Choose warm white for cozy lighting or cool white for an energetic effect. Color changing lights allow you to control the mood.
• Brightness - Measure the lumens to see how bright the lights are. Brighter is better for illuminating a space.
• Installation - Look for easy install options like battery packs or outlet plugs. Hardwired lights provide more permanent installation.
• Safety - Ensure lights have a UL/ETL listing to meet fire codes. Check that all components are designed for curtain use.
• Power source - Battery vs plugin options determine flexibility. Batteries offer more mobility while plugs provide constant power.
• Smart controls - Some lights sync with voice assistants or apps for controlling scenes and schedules.

Installing and Using Lighted Curtains

Follow these tips for installing and getting the most out of your lighted curtains:

• Measure window size and purchase the right curtain dimensions or custom make panels.
• Follow the installation instructions included with the lights. For DIY curtains, attach lights securely at even intervals.
• Hardwire into an outlet or use battery packs for mobility. Consider hiring an electrician for complex wiring.
• Set up smart controls if applicable, like WiFi and voice assistant connectivity to control scenes.
• Troubleshoot any issues with flickering, dimming or bulbs burning out promptly before damage occurs.
• Group lights into zones on larger curtains to control sections separately.

Design and Placement Tips

• Layer sheer and blackout curtains to place lights between layers for a diffused effect.
• Hang in bedrooms above beds or seating areas to create personalized spaces.
• Position lights along the top to illuminate the ceiling and room or along the bottom to highlight window frames.
• Coordinate light color with your room's color palette for a cohesive look.
• Create custom lighting scenes for different moods or activities like reading vs relaxing.

Popular Styles and Where to Buy

Some top options for stylish lighted curtains include:

• Sheer curtains with warm white LED strip lights to add a cozy glow.
• Blackout curtains with multicolor fiber optic lights to make a bold statement.
• Ruffle lighted curtains in kids' rooms for whimsy and playfulness.
• Lighted patterned curtain panels for a pop of color and interest.
• Lighted valances to highlight architectural window frames and shapes.

You can find quality lighted curtains from online retailers like Amazon for convenient home delivery. Lighting stores and some big box stores also carry options. For customization, drapery workrooms can add lighting to your existing curtains during fabrication.

Costs of Lighted Curtains

Prices for lighted curtains vary based on:

• Fabric type, thickness, quality, and length determine curtain costs.
• More LED lights or fiber optics increase costs over minimal accent lighting.
• Smart technology like app controls, timers, and voice activation increase price.
• Professional installation is an added expense over DIY options.

Expect to spend $25 - $50 for short LED strip curtains and up to $500+ for extra long smart fiber optic curtains installed. Control costs by choosing battery-powered LEDs and simple styles you can DIY.

Caring for Lighted Curtains

To extend the life of your lighted curtains:

• Check and follow washing instructions to avoid water damage to lighting components.
• Spot clean marks and stains gently to avoid abrasions to fabric or lights.
• Inspect lights, wires, and batteries periodically for corrosion or damage.
• Replace batteries immediately when depleted to avoid leaking.
• Use a curtain stretcher or carefully remove curtains to wash windows as needed.

Safety Tips

• Only use lighting approved for curtain and fabric use to prevent fires.
• Don't overload electrical circuits. Do a load calculation before wiring.
• Keep cords and lights away from water sources like windows and aquariums.
• Supervise children and pets near lighted curtains to prevent damage and ingestion.
• Turn off via switches and unplug battery packs when not in use to save power.
• Take care not to bend, twist or damage wiring and lights during cleaning and use.

Alternatives to Lighted Curtains

Other options for adding lighting around windows include:

• Floor and table lamps positioned nearby to direct light.
• Wall sconces mounted bedside or above windows.
• String lights framed around windows and cornices for accent lighting.
• Lighted window shades and blinds.
• Mirrors and light colored walls to reflect and maximize natural light.

Curtains containing integrated lighting provide a quick and stylish way to enhance any space. The right lighted curtains can make a room feel cozier, set the perfect mood, boost ambiance, and add a decorative element all in one. Carefully choose quality curtains with lighting made specifically for fabric use. Consider hiring electricians for complex wiring jobs. With good design and placement, lighted curtains offer versatility and function to take your decor to the next level.