Slice Pool Noodles Into Rings and Wrap Them With String Lights — You’ll See Why Everyone’s Obsessed With This One
Every once in a while, a DIY idea explodes online for one simple reason: it’s cheap, easy, and looks far more expensive than it actually is.
That’s exactly what’s happening with the latest decor obsession — slicing pool noodles into rings and wrapping them with string lights.
It sounds almost too simple to be impressive. Pool noodles? The same foam tubes that float around in summer pools? Yes, those.
But once you see what happens when you turn them into glowing, sculptural light pieces, you’ll understand why everyone is trying it.
This trend combines affordability, creativity, and cozy ambiance — and it works indoors, outdoors, for parties, bedrooms, patios, weddings, and even holiday decor.
Let’s break down why this hack works so well, how to do it properly, and how to customize it so yours doesn’t just look trendy — it looks intentional and stunning.
Why Pool Noodles?
Pool noodles are one of the most underrated DIY materials out there.
They’re:
Lightweight
Flexible
Easy to cut
Inexpensive
Available in multiple colors
Soft and safe for indoor use
Unlike metal or wood, foam is forgiving. It doesn’t splinter, crack, or require power tools. That makes this project beginner-friendly.
And when sliced into rings, pool noodles suddenly transform from summer toy to modern decor base.
The Basic Concept
Here’s the simple idea:
Slice pool noodles into even rings (1–3 inches thick).
Arrange them in patterns or clusters.
Wrap or weave string lights around and through them.
Secure with string, twine, fishing line, or zip ties.
That’s it.
But the magic happens when the lights switch on.
The foam diffuses the glow slightly, creating a soft, ambient halo effect that looks surprisingly high-end.
The Visual Impact
When illuminated, the rings create:
Modern sculptural shapes
Floating halo effects
Geometric wall art
Cozy ambient lighting
Stacked vertically, they resemble glowing orbs. Hung horizontally, they create a contemporary art installation feel. Clustered randomly, they give off a playful, Pinterest-worthy vibe.
It’s visually striking without being complicated.
Why Everyone Is Obsessed
1. It Looks Designer — But Costs Almost Nothing
Pool noodles are typically inexpensive. String lights are widely available and reusable. For under the cost of a single store-bought decorative light fixture, you can create an entire glowing wall piece.
People love hacks that look custom-made without the custom price tag.
2. It’s Customizable
You control:
Ring thickness
Shape arrangement
Light color (warm white, cool white, colored LEDs)
Hanging style
Size and scale
Want minimalist? Use white noodles and warm lights.
Want bold? Use neon noodles with color-changing LEDs.
Want rustic? Wrap with jute twine first, then add lights.
The design possibilities are nearly endless.
3. It’s Safe and Lightweight
Because foam is soft and light, these pieces are easy to mount without heavy-duty hardware. You can hang them with:
Command hooks
Fishing line
Wall-safe adhesive strips
Curtain rods
They’re perfect for renters who can’t drill into walls.
How to Make It Step by Step
Materials Needed:
Pool noodles (any color)
Sharp utility knife or serrated blade
Measuring tape
String lights (LED recommended)
String, twine, or zip ties
Optional: hot glue gun
Step 1: Measure and Slice
Mark even sections along the noodle. For balanced proportions, try:
1-inch rings for dense clusters
2-inch rings for bold shapes
Mixed sizes for artistic layouts
Cut slowly and evenly to keep the rings uniform.
Step 2: Plan Your Layout
Before adding lights, arrange the rings on the floor or against a wall.
Try:
A vertical chain of rings
A honeycomb pattern
A freeform cloud shape
A circular wreath-like design
Take a photo so you remember your layout.
Step 3: Add the Lights
Weave string lights through the rings, wrapping gently around the foam. You can:
Thread lights through the center
Wrap around outer edges
Spiral them around stacked rings
Secure discreetly with thin string or zip ties if needed.
Step 4: Hang and Adjust
Mount your piece and turn the lights on in a dim room.
Adjust spacing for maximum glow effect.
Where It Works Best
This DIY shines (literally) in:
Bedrooms
Dorm rooms
Apartment living rooms
Outdoor patios
Wedding backdrops
Birthday party photo walls
Holiday decor displays
Because the structure is flexible, you can make large statement pieces or small accent lights.
Creative Variations to Try
✨ The Floating Halo Wall
Hang rings at different heights from the ceiling using clear fishing line. The result looks like glowing halos suspended in midair.
✨ The Cozy Headboard Frame
Create a horizontal line of rings behind your bed for a soft, dreamy nighttime glow.
✨ The Outdoor Garden Feature
Wrap weather-safe LED lights and hang from tree branches for a whimsical garden effect.
✨ The Party Arch
Stack rings vertically to create a glowing archway entrance for events.
Choosing the Right Lights
LED string lights are best because they:
Stay cool
Use less energy
Last longer
Are safer with foam materials
Warm white creates a cozy, Instagram-ready glow. Cool white feels modern. Colored lights give playful energy.
Battery-operated strands make placement easier without worrying about outlets.
Why It Feels So Satisfying
There’s something deeply satisfying about transforming an everyday object into art.
This trend taps into:
Creativity
Resourcefulness
Instant gratification
Visual payoff
Within an hour, you can completely change the vibe of a room.
And unlike complex DIY builds, this project doesn’t require woodworking skills or advanced tools.
Tips for a More Polished Look
If you want it to look less “craft project” and more “boutique decor,” try:
Spray painting noodles matte white before cutting
Wrapping rings in neutral fabric
Using uniform ring sizes
Keeping wire hidden behind rings
Spacing lights evenly
Small refinements elevate the final result dramatically.
The Social Media Effect
Part of the obsession comes from how photogenic this project is.
Glowing shapes against neutral walls create high-contrast, aesthetically pleasing images. It’s the kind of decor that looks impressive in:
TikTok room tours
Instagram reels
Pinterest boards
But unlike some trends, this one actually looks just as good in real life.
Budget Breakdown Example
Let’s say you buy:
4 pool noodles
2 strands of LED lights
You could create a large wall display for a fraction of what a comparable light installation would cost in a home decor store.
That affordability fuels the trend’s popularity.
Sustainability Bonus
Repurposing inexpensive materials into long-lasting decor also reduces waste compared to constantly buying trendy new pieces.
If you’re done with the design later, the lights can be reused for other projects.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using incandescent lights (they get warm)
Cutting uneven rings without measuring
Overcrowding lights (it reduces glow clarity)
Hanging without testing layout first
Planning the spacing makes a huge difference in visual impact.
Why This DIY Trend Has Staying Power
Some trends fade quickly because they’re gimmicky.
This one sticks because it checks multiple boxes:
Affordable
Beginner-friendly
Customizable
Visually impressive
Adaptable for seasons and themes
It’s not tied to one holiday or aesthetic. It works year-round.
Final Thoughts
Slicing pool noodles into rings and wrapping them with string lights may sound simple — even silly — at first.
But when the lights turn on and the foam rings glow softly against your wall, the effect feels magical.
It’s proof that creativity doesn’t require expensive materials — just imagination and a willingness to experiment.
And once you see the transformation for yourself, you’ll understand exactly why everyone’s obsessed with this one.
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