Slice pool noodles into rings and wrap them with string lights. You’ll see why everyone’s obsessed with this one

 

If you’ve seen the headline — “Slice pool noodles into rings and wrap them with string lights. You’ll see why everyone’s obsessed with this one” — you might wonder what the excitement is about.

The obsession comes from how simple materials transform into something magical.

With nothing more than colorful foam pool noodles and warm string lights, you can create glowing circular lantern rings that look like high-end outdoor décor. They’re lightweight, affordable, customizable, and perfect for patios, gardens, bedrooms, parties, balconies, and even holiday displays.

This is a full, detailed, step-by-step recipe-style guide to creating your own illuminated noodle rings — with design variations, safety tips, and creative upgrades included.

What You’re Making

You’ll be crafting:

Foam rings (cut from pool noodles)

Wrapped in soft white or colored string lights

Mounted or suspended for a floating halo effect

Optionally layered for a dramatic multi-ring sculpture

The finished result looks like:

Modern art

Designer lantern halos

Cozy glowing wreaths

Instagram-worthy light décor

And the best part? It’s incredibly simple.

Materials

Core Supplies

3–5 pool noodles (any color)

2–4 sets of LED string lights (battery or plug-in)

Clear fishing line or thin wire

Scissors

Utility knife or serrated knife

Measuring tape

Electrical tape (clear or white)

Hot glue gun (optional but helpful)

Optional Decorative Additions

Faux greenery (eucalyptus, ivy, ferns)

Artificial flowers

Ribbon or twine

Spray paint (if you want uniform color)

Metallic paint for glam effect

Glitter spray

Sheer fabric strips

Hanging hooks or suction hooks

Step 1: Choose the Right Pool Noodles

Pool noodles come in various thicknesses and colors.

For this project:

Standard 2.5–3 inch diameter noodles work best.

Avoid extremely soft foam — it can sag.

Bright neon colors are fine if you’re wrapping tightly with lights.

If you want a minimalist aesthetic, choose white or pastel.

If your lights won’t completely cover the foam, choose a noodle color that complements your lighting tone.

Warm white lights look great with:

Beige

White

Pale pink

Light blue

Cool white lights pair well with:

White

Gray

Teal

Navy

Step 2: Measure and Slice into Rings

Each pool noodle is already a long cylinder. You’ll turn it into circular rings.

There are two main methods:

Method A: Large Full Circle Ring

Bend the entire noodle into a circle.

Insert one end into the hollow center of the other end.

Secure with hot glue or electrical tape.

Reinforce by wrapping tightly with tape.

This creates one large halo-style ring (about 2–3 feet in diameter).

Method B: Slice into Smaller Circular Segments

Use measuring tape to mark 2–3 inch segments.

Carefully cut straight down with a serrated knife.

You now have small foam rings.

Arrange several rings together to form a clustered installation.

Small rings create more sculptural, artistic displays.

Step 3: Secure the Shape

For large rings:

Insert ends firmly together.

Add hot glue inside connection point.

Wrap tightly with electrical tape.

For extra security, wrap fishing line around joint several times.

You want a smooth circle without visible gaps.

If needed, adjust curvature by gently warming the foam with a hair dryer for flexibility.

Step 4: Prepare the String Lights

Important: Use LED lights only.

LED lights:

Stay cool

Use less energy

Are safer against foam

Last longer

Test your lights before wrapping.

Untangle completely.

Lay the ring flat on a table before beginning.

Step 5: Wrap the Ring

Now comes the magic transformation.

Start at the connection joint.

Secure the light cord with a small piece of clear tape.

Begin wrapping evenly around the ring.

Keep spacing consistent (about ½–1 inch between wraps).

Pull snug but not tight enough to compress foam.

Continue wrapping until fully covered.

Secure the end cord with tape or glue.

If you want a dense glow:

Wrap closely with minimal spacing.

If you want airy sparkle:

Leave slightly wider gaps.

Step 6: Hide the Cord

To keep it clean-looking:

Tuck excess wire inside hollow foam.

Run the power cord along the back side.

Attach with small dabs of hot glue.

Use matching ribbon to conceal wire.

Battery packs can be:

Taped behind ring

Hidden inside greenery

Placed in a small decorative pouch

Step 7: Add Decorative Layers (Optional)

This is where your design becomes unique.

You can:

Glue faux eucalyptus around half the ring.

Wrap twine between light strands for rustic charm.

Add small silk flowers tucked into wire loops.

Spray paint lightly for metallic shimmer.

Drape sheer fabric for romantic glow.

Minimalist version: Leave it as just lights.

Boho version: Add greenery and warm white lights.

Modern glam version: Paint noodle gold before wrapping.

Holiday version: Use red and green lights.

Step 8: Create Multi-Ring Installations

This is the part that makes people obsessed.

Instead of just one ring:

Make three rings in different sizes.

Hang them at staggered heights using fishing line.

The floating halo effect creates:

A luxury hotel vibe

A modern art installation feel

Dramatic layered lighting

To hang:

Tie fishing line evenly at three points around ring.

Attach all three lines to a central hook.

Adjust height for symmetry.

Secure hook to ceiling or pergola beam.

Step 9: Placement Ideas

These glowing rings work beautifully in:

Bedrooms above the bed

Patios and balconies

Garden trees

Over dining tables

Wedding arches

Kids’ rooms

Party backdrops

Apartment balconies

Outdoor use:

Ensure lights are outdoor-rated.

Protect battery packs from moisture.

Avoid heavy rain exposure.

Step 10: Turn Them On

Once lit, the foam disappears visually.

You’ll see:

A perfect glowing halo

Even circular illumination

Soft ambient lighting

Warm cozy atmosphere

Because the foam diffuses light slightly, it creates a soft glow instead of harsh bulbs.

That diffusion effect is why people love this project.

Design Variations

1. Floating Garden Halos

Hang multiple rings from tree branches at different heights.

Use warm lights.

Add subtle greenery.

Creates magical forest vibe.

2. Modern Ceiling Installation

Create five rings of increasing size.

Stack vertically.

Use cool white lights.

Looks like designer lighting fixture.

3. Holiday Wreath Rings

Add pine branches.

Wrap with red ribbon.

Use warm white or multicolor LEDs.

Hang on doors.

4. Kids’ Dreamy Cloud Room

Use white noodles.

Wrap tightly with warm lights.

Add cotton batting around parts for cloud effect.

Hang above bed.

5. Outdoor Party Backdrop

Create a wall of rings.

Attach to mesh grid.

Photogenic and trendy.

Safety Tips

Only use LED lights.

Avoid halogen or incandescent bulbs (heat risk).

Don’t overload extension cords.

Check for exposed wiring.

Keep away from open flames.

Turn off when unattended.

Foam is flammable, so temperature control matters.

LEDs stay cool enough for safety.

Budget Breakdown

Pool noodles: inexpensive

LED lights: affordable

Fishing line: minimal cost

Optional décor: customizable

This entire project can cost less than a single store-bought decorative light fixture.

Why Everyone Is Obsessed

It’s affordable.

It looks expensive.

It’s customizable.

It photographs beautifully.

It transforms spaces instantly.

It’s beginner-friendly.

It scales from small to dramatic.

The visual illusion of floating glowing rings taps into something satisfying.

Symmetry.

Soft light.

Circular perfection.

Maintenance

Dust lightly with microfiber cloth.

Store flat when not in use.

Remove batteries if storing long term.

Avoid crushing under heavy objects.

Troubleshooting

If ring looks uneven:

Adjust wrap spacing.

Tighten fishing line.

Rebalance hanging points.

If lights sag:

Add small glue dots at intervals.

Wrap slightly tighter.

If connection joint shows:

Cover with ribbon or greenery.

Advanced Upgrade Ideas

Add dimmer switch.

Use smart plug for remote control.

Wrap in translucent ribbon for diffused glow.

Paint noodle matte black for contrast.

Use color-changing LEDs.

Final Result

When the lights turn on at night, the effect is stunning.

The foam vanishes visually.

The glow is soft and even.

The circles look like suspended halos.

Guests ask where you bought them.

You smile.

Because you made them from pool noodles.

Closing Thoughts

This project proves something simple:

Creativity doesn’t require expensive materials.

It requires imagination.

Slice.

Wrap.

Hang.

Glow.

That’s it.

And once you see those illuminated rings floating in your space, you’ll understand why everyone’s obsessed.