Friday, March 22, 2013

Creating custom Curtain Lights for Weddings

Curtain Lights

One of our most popular blogs is on using curtain lights, the most popular trends in recent memory for weddings and receptions is to use incandescent curtain lights behind some sort of tulle or sheer fabric, this creates a subtle glow and effect that is a great backdrop for any event. Sadly our white wire 150 count curtain lights we have on www.aachristmas.com are sold out until later in the year, and while we do have our commercial curtain lights which are very heavy duty this blog will focus on creating your own custom curtain lights!

To build your own curtain lights you need some male & female plugs, 18 gauge wire, and some mini light strings.

In a nutshell you have to use the wire and plugs to create a long "power strip" you have to measure the plugs out in the spacing you want to go with for the curtain drops, we recommend staying with 6" or 12" to keep it easy to do the footage calculations in your head. You have to modify the female plugs that go in line by cutting out one side of the plug. Click here to view how to modify plugs.  Many companies sell a premade curtain light string that is just a long power strip that you can plug mini light strings into. Be aware of the distance you need to cover before you tackle any project.

When it comes to choosing the right mini light strings for the curtain lights you need to know how tall the lights need to hang down, most customers need around 10 feet of lighted length ( 2.5" spaced 50 count Mini lights work well for this) but depending on your application you'd really need to take a look at the 50 count Mini light strings we offer to find a good match, or maybe even 100 counts if you need TALL curtains.  After you make your power string you simply plug in the light strings and you'll have your very own custom curtain light strings.
Custom Curtain Lights
Simple Diagram of how to layout Custom Curtain lights
It's good to always have some zip ties on hand to keep any long or extra wire wrapped up and keep things uniform.

Visit http://www.aachristmas.com/vpasp/mini-lights.asp For light strings
Visit http://www.aachristmas.com/vpasp/electrical_supplies.html for Wire and Plugs

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Zach Broyles