Cotton ball string lights – warm light instead of a lamp switched on

A cord strung with six-centimeter cotton balls, each holding a small LED. The light comes out filtered through the weave, which keeps it soft. Five lengths carry ten to fifty bulbs, running on batteries or USB.

Why choose these string lights?

Ceiling light makes a room functional and rarely makes it pleasant. A cord along a shelf edge or above the headboard puts light at eye level and lower. The cotton balls take the sharpness off the LEDs, so you are not staring at points of light.

• 6 cm cotton balls: spread the light rather than focusing it.
• Ten to fifty bulbs: depending on which length you pick.
• Five lengths: 1.5 meters above a mirror up to 10 meters along a wall.
• Battery or USB: hang it away from an outlet, or simply plug it in.
• Inline switch: on and off without hunting for the plug.

One cord, and the big light can stay off all evening.

Do not pull the cord taut but let it hang in loops, and the light spreads more evenly. Turn the balls with the seam facing back so you only see the smooth face. Take the batteries out when the string sits unused for a while.

Specifications

• cotton balls of 6 cm diameter
• 10 to 50 LEDs, depending on length
• powered by USB or batteries
• switch on the cord

Hang it up and turn the ceiling light off.