Fairy lights add the best twinkle to any space, especially for van life. Installing fairy lights can be done wrong though, which usually results in unintentionally breaking the lights. Learning from my mistakes, I’m sharing how to properly install fairy lights in a van.
Most fairy lights can be purchased online or at department stores. They normally use AA batteries to function, which makes them easy to install nearly anywhere in a van. Others can be purchased to plug into an inverter and battery.
They come in all different colours, light shapes and lengths. Mainly they are small strand LED lights on either copper or silver coloured strands. Top lengths I’ve found includes 3m and 8m. Different lengths will usually require the same three AA batteries.
The most convenient option in my van are battery operated, string lights which give off a calming glow for the evening.
Fairy lights can be very problematic when it comes to sustainable products. The reason I created this article to to show how to get the longest lifespan out of your lights. What I recommend is to think about spending a bit more initially on better lights that will last longer. I’ve gone through lots of cheap brands, which are irreparable.
Also for sustainability, I’ve added wooden thumb tack/push pin options down in the “pin them” section.
Check out my complete guide on my DIY campervan converision, and see my detailed budget on how I did it for under $400.
Table of Contents
Decide on the Fairy Light’s Purpose
Fairy lights can be used as a functional decoration, to create a warm ambiance or, (with enough) as a main lighting in a van. For each function, install the amount and arrangement of lights a bit differently.
As for a functional decoration, maybe as a reading light, install the fairy lights where reading normally takes place. If it’s meant to be functional, choosing a bigger length is probably best.
If it’s just for a warm ambiance, the lights could be in the van in any amount, basically anywhere. Some good places are above a bed, doorway or seating area. A smaller length is good for this.
And, if it’s for a main light in the van, the more fairy lights, the better. For a main lighting installation, use many lights in a concentrated area for a brighter look.
Location is Everything
Fairy lights can be installed anywhere. That doesn’t mean that anywhere is a good location though. If the fairy lights are installed in a high traffic area—especially an area they could be walked into or knocked easily—they’re likely to break quickly and easily. Which makes it tough to have that whimsical fairy light look.
Instead, if the lights are going in a high traffic area, have them pinned away (see the next tip) so they don’t get snagged easily. Otherwise, put them in an area that won’t be knocked or walked into easily. Say, high up, or hidden around something, such as a shelving unit or a cupboard.
This way the lights will still give off that cheery, dainty look you want, but without being easily breakable.
Pin Them!
When I first installed fairy lights, I needed them to go above my head. But, because I wanted them to look cute and dainty, I had them hanging down. After snagging them with my head, hand and leg a few times, the yanking pulled the wires out and broke them. For this reason it’s better to pin fairy lights up instead of having them hang down.
With more pins, and well distributed, it’s harder to snag them and easier to have them stay in place. This way the lights won’t be loose in one area, and tight in another, which can also lead to breakage. There’s even wood adhesive hooks which can be installed anywhere, and the fairy lights can loop around (on and off easily).
For thumb tacks/push pins, I go for a more sustainable type made of wood, fun ones or these slotted ones and hammer them into wood—if your van has it. The slotted ones can also be used to hold photos! Otherwise use sticky clips or hooks that stick out just enough to have the lights pinned away, and not too much to snag onto them.
These 3M sticky clips are meant just for hanging lights, while sticking they don’t damage or leave marks like traditional pins. Or check out these ones on Ebay specifically for fairy lights.
Think Realistically
Fairy lights are cute, and add a warm ambiance to any space. But if not installed properly, they can break easily and turned into waste. Make sure your whimsical fairy light dreams match up with the reality of being delicate with the lights.
Keep them in a good area they’re seen, but won’t be destroyed—don’t make the same mistakes I did.
Breaking lights makes it frustrating to re-install, so avoid breaking them in the first place. Do this by choosing the best location, using sufficient pins and figuring out the purpose of the lights. Because it’s not helpful to install fairy lights as a main light, then still needing a headlamp to see around the van.
Interested in using a solar energy for the fairy lights? Check out my guide on installing solar energy for this use and more.
