Putting up Christmas lights on windows ... ugghhh!!! It's soooo hard!
I had wooden window frames for years and I used thumbtacks. I just positioned them in between the wires and pressed them into the wood to hold them in place.
When we had new windows installed, they had vinyl frames. When Christmas came around, I was like ahhhh!! How do we add lights??? I tried tape (all kinds!) ... I tried those suction cup hooks that you put on the glass ... I tried everything and they always fell down!
Then I came across this idea a few years ago and decided to try it. And it works!!! They've been up for several years now, and it is soooo easy to put the lights up (& take them down!) every year.
Okay, so this is what you need ...
Double sided tape (I used Scotch brand)
Paneling End Cap Moulding
Paneling End Cap Moulding
Scissors or razor knife to cut moulding
Plastic putty knife, or small spatula (Since I'm a crafter, I used my bone folder lol)
That's it!!!
Sooo, you start with measuring your windows to determine the length of moulding you need. I found the moulding in 8 foot pieces at my local home improvement store similar to this ...
**Make sure your windows are clean and dry**
Measure the height and width of window, and cut pieces to fit inside of window trim. Cut them 1-2 inches smaller because you don't want them to meet in the corners. Here is my first one that I should have cut a little smaller, but it still works.
After cuts are made, apply double sided tape to the back (flat side) of each piece. Position them in place on the windows and use a spatula to slide inside of the groove to press against the glass. I let mine set for an hour or 2 to make sure they adhered.
Once the pieces are in place, start adding your lights!
I used my fingers to line up the wire into the groove of the moulding, then used a bone folder to press the wire in snug.
The first time I did this, it was a little difficult to press the wires in, I had to use a lot of pressure. But after that first year, it became easier and easier. I think maybe the moulding stretches?
Continue adding your lights until the window is complete.
When the season is over I just gently pull the lights out and put them away, leaving the moulding in place. I do leave the moulding up all year! As I said, I've had these up for several years now. And yes - I wash my windows, put up other seasonal decorations, etc. and they stay in place ready and waiting for the next year!! And no - they don't interfere with opening and closing the windows! If they do become loose over time, I just add a little more double sided tape.
Easy peasy!! And sooo pretty!! This is probably the best decorating idea I've ever come across lol. If you give it a try, I'd love to hear how it turns out for you. Leave a comment or contact me anytime.
As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me!
Until next time!!
xoxo
Dawn
