Best Non-Holiday Uses for C7 and C9 Bulbs
When paired with Christmas stringers, C7 and C9 replacement bulbs are the go-to lights for outlining your home, trees, and driveways at Christmas. While these lights invite the nostalgia of past holidays, they are more than just once-a-year lighting. You can use C7 and C9 bulbs for all kinds of everyday and special occasions. All you need is the right color and socket to get started. Here are some different ways you can use C7 and C9 bulbs throughout the year.
With Your Chandelier
It’s important to note that C7 bulbs have a candelabra E12 base and C9s have a slightly larger intermediate E17 base. Since C7 bulbs have the same base as standard candelabra bulbs, they can be used in a variety of decorative fixtures, including chandeliers that you may have in your dining room or foyer. You can use incandescent C7 Christmas light bulbs with smaller chandeliers (i.e. around 3-8 sockets) for a daintier, soft look. If you want a brighter or a purer white color, go with LEDs.
In the Bedroom
Although mini chandeliers are popular in walk-in closets and bedrooms, the use of C7 and C9 bulbs in the bedroom is a bit of a throwback to the teenage years. Grab an appropriate light string, add C7 or C9 bulbs, then drape the string wherever you like. Hang them around a bookshelf, from the canopy over your bed, around windows, or even around the mirror to your vanity table. The possibilities are only limited by the location of your outlets and the length of your strand.
Lighting Tip: If the strings come into contact with fabric or are used near items that are sensitive to heat, we recommend using LED bulbs.
In a Nightlight
Chances are high that you have at least one nightlight somewhere your home. It could be in a hallway, bathroom, or even your child’s bedroom. Since nightlights have a candelabra socket, you can use C7 bulbs in them. Use clear C7 bulbs or add a splash of color with colored bulbs. Color changing LED C7 bulbs are a popular pick for use in children’s rooms. These bulbs gradually change colors, creating a calm and relaxed atmosphere.
On the Patio
When it comes to patio lights, most people immediately think of globes, antique bulbs, or S14s. While these are popular choices, the warm light of clear C7 and C9 bulbs is a welcome addition to your next party. Use them as hanging patio lights over porches or yards. You can also use them to outline deck railings, fences, gazebos, or pergolas with lights for a magical effect.
At Your Wedding Reception
Every bride wants their walk down the aisle to be perfect. Make your wedding stand out by using C7 or C9 string lights. These lights offer a simple style that compliments any décor, especially for rustic or bohemian themed weddings. Drape lights along beams or as part of backdrops for indoor weddings. For outdoor weddings, drape C7 or C9 strings across trees lining walkways or use them to create a canopy of lights.
For Crafts
If you use a lot of C7 or C9 bulbs during the holidays, then you most likely have a few old burned out bulbs. Instead of tossing them in the trash, use them for crafts projects. Glue old bulbs to circular floral foam to make a bright and colorful wreath. Let you kids paint bulbs to make keepsake ornaments, or add some magnets and use them on the refrigerator. C7 and C9 bulbs can even be used for jewelry.
The best places for C7 and C9 bulbs could be any place—as long as you have a nearby outlet and some imagination. Have some other ideas for C7 and C9 bulbs? Share them with us in a comment below. For more lighting tips and ideas, follow our Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Pinterest pages.
