Slice Pool Noodles Into Rings and Wrap Them With String Lights — You’ll See Why Everyone’s Obsessed With This One
There are DIY trends… and then there are why-didn’t-I-think-of-that DIY trends.
Slicing ordinary pool noodles into rings and wrapping them with string lights is one of those rare ideas that checks every box: cheap, easy, customizable, renter-friendly, and stunning once it’s turned on. What starts as a stack of foam cylinders becomes a glowing sculptural display that looks straight out of a high-end home décor boutique.
And the best part? You can find everything you need at places like Dollar Tree, Target, or Walmart for just a few dollars.
Let’s dive into why this trend has everyone hooked — and how to make it your own.
Why This DIY Works So Well
At first glance, pool noodles don’t scream “stylish home décor.” They’re bright, bulky, and built for floating — not decorating.
But once you slice them into rings, something magical happens.
The circular shapes instantly become:
Modern wall art
Soft glowing lanterns
Statement headboard accents
Patio light installations
Holiday décor with a twist
Add string lights, and the foam diffuses the glow beautifully. Instead of harsh points of light, you get a warm, ambient halo effect. It’s cozy. It’s artistic. And it photographs incredibly well.
That’s why social media feeds are full of people showing off their versions of this hack.
What You’ll Need
This project is refreshingly simple. Here’s your supply list:
Pool noodles (any color)
Sharp serrated knife or craft knife
String lights (LED preferred)
Clear tape or hot glue (optional)
Fishing line or twine for hanging (optional)
Hooks or removable wall strips
That’s it.
If you want to level up the look, you can also grab:
Spray paint (matte black, white, gold, or metallic tones)
Frosted spray for extra light diffusion
Decorative beads or ribbon
Step 1: Slice Into Rings
Cut your pool noodles into rings about 1 to 2 inches thick.
Thinner rings look sleek and modern.
Thicker rings feel bold and sculptural.
You can:
Keep them uniform for a clean look
Vary the thickness for a dynamic installation
Slice at slight angles for a more organic shape
Tip: Use a gentle sawing motion rather than pressing down hard. Foam compresses easily.
Step 2: Wrap With String Lights
Thread your string lights through the center of each ring or wrap them around the outside.
Here are three popular approaches:
1. Halo Style
Run lights through the center hole of each ring and secure lightly with tape. The ring glows like a soft neon circle.
2. Cluster Style
Stack several rings together and wrap lights around the whole cluster for a glowing orb effect.
3. Garland Style
Thread multiple rings onto the string light strand so they sit spaced along it, like illuminated beads.
LED lights work best because they stay cool. Avoid older incandescent strands, which can get warm.
Step 3: Arrange and Display
This is where creativity takes over.
You can hang your glowing rings:
On a blank wall as geometric art
Over a bed as a modern headboard
Across a patio railing
Around a mirror
In a child’s bedroom for a dreamy nightlight effect
For outdoor use, choose outdoor-rated LED lights and avoid direct rain exposure unless fully weatherproofed.
Why People Are Obsessed
This DIY hits a sweet spot between high style and low effort.
1. It Looks Expensive
When painted matte black or metallic gold, the rings resemble designer wall sculptures you’d see in upscale décor stores.
2. It’s Completely Customizable
You can match any theme:
Minimalist: White rings with warm lights
Boho: Natural twine wrapping and soft amber bulbs
Glam: Metallic spray paint and cool white LEDs
Kids’ room: Pastel rings with rainbow lights
3. It’s Budget-Friendly
One pool noodle can create 10–15 rings. Add a $10 light strand and you have a statement piece for under $20.
4. It’s Lightweight and Renter-Safe
Because foam weighs almost nothing, you can hang these with removable strips instead of nails.
Creative Variations to Try
Once you make one set, it’s hard to stop. Here are some next-level ideas.
Layered Wall Installation
Create overlapping circles in different sizes and mount them slightly apart from the wall so the glow creates shadows behind them. The result? A gallery-worthy light sculpture.
Holiday-Themed Rings
Red and green for Christmas
Orange and purple for Halloween
Red, white, and blue for Fourth of July
Add mini ornaments or faux greenery for extra flair.
Floating Ceiling Feature
Suspend rings at different heights with clear fishing line. When lit, they appear to float midair.
Photo Backdrop
Arrange rings in a clustered wall display for parties, weddings, or content creation. The soft glow makes everyone look amazing.
Safety Tips
Because this involves electricity, keep these in mind:
Always use LED lights (they stay cool).
Avoid overloading outlets.
Don’t puncture light wires when securing them.
Keep away from open flames.
Use outdoor-rated lights for exterior setups.
Foam can melt under high heat, so temperature control matters.
Making It Look More “Designer”
If you’re worried about the “pool noodle” look, here’s how to elevate it:
Spray Paint Magic
Matte black instantly transforms the foam into modern art. Metallic gold makes it glamorous. Soft beige or greige blends into neutral interiors.
Let paint fully dry before adding lights.
Frost It
Lightly spray with frosted glass spray paint to diffuse the glow even more.
Add Texture
Wrap twine, fabric strips, or thin rope around sections of the ring for contrast.
Mix Sizes
Use standard and jumbo pool noodles together for visual interest.
Where This Looks Best
This hack is surprisingly versatile.
Living Rooms
Create a sculptural wall above the couch.
Bedrooms
Use as a glowing headboard alternative.
Dorm Rooms
Budget-friendly décor that makes a tiny space feel cozy.
Patios and Balconies
Add a soft glow for evenings outside.
Kids’ Spaces
Create a magical, night-sky feel with floating illuminated rings.
Why It’s Trending Now
There’s a bigger reason this DIY has taken off.
People are craving:
Affordable décor
Customizable spaces
Cozy lighting
Instagram-worthy visuals
High-end light installations can cost hundreds (or thousands) of dollars. This gives a similar aesthetic for a fraction of the price.
Plus, crafting has become a form of stress relief. Projects like this are simple enough to be relaxing but creative enough to feel satisfying.
Common Questions
Will the foam melt?
Not with LED lights. Avoid traditional incandescent strands.
Can I use colored noodles?
Absolutely. Bright colors create playful vibes. Neutral tones feel modern.
How long does it last?
Foam is durable indoors. Outdoors, expect some fading over time.
Can I glue the rings together?
Yes. Hot glue works well, but test a small area first to ensure it doesn’t melt the foam.
The Final Reveal Moment
The real magic happens when you turn the lights on for the first time.
What looked like simple foam circles suddenly becomes:
Soft ambient lighting
Eye-catching wall art
A cozy atmosphere upgrade
The glow is warm. The shapes are modern. The effect is dramatic yet comforting.
It’s one of those DIYs where guests will ask, “Where did you buy that?” — and you get to say, “I made it.”
Why You’ll Want to Try It
This project proves something important:
Beautiful spaces don’t require big budgets.
Sometimes the most viral, most loved décor ideas come from reimagining everyday items. A pool noodle was never meant to hang on your wall — but slice it, light it, and suddenly it becomes something entirely new.
That transformation is part of why everyone’s obsessed.
It’s affordable.
It’s creative.
It’s satisfying.
And it looks incredible.
So grab a noodle, slice it up, wrap it in lights — and watch your space glow in a whole new way.
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