There’s something about a glowing backyard light that makes an ordinary evening feel like a little celebration. This giant hanging chandelier is made from three large black plastic hula hoops, a handful of zip ties, and a long strand of warm white LED lights, and it creates the prettiest soft glow over a patio, deck, or garden seating area.
I love projects like this because they look far fancier than they are. It reminds me of the kind of practical magic folks around here have always been good at—taking simple materials from the store and turning them into something welcoming and memorable. If you want a statement piece for outdoor dinners, summer parties, or just quiet evenings on the porch, this is an easy weekend build that doesn’t require fancy tools.
Materials
3 large black plastic hula hoops, 36 to 42 inches in diameter each
Instructions
1. Lay the three hula hoops on a flat surface and arrange them so they intersect to form a round chandelier shape, like the outline of a globe. Adjust them until the spacing looks even from all sides.
2. Secure the hoops together at the top, middle, and bottom intersection points using the longer black zip ties first, then add standard zip ties beside them to keep the frame from shifting. Pull each tie tight and trim the tails neatly.
3. Stand the frame upright and check that it sits evenly and looks balanced from every angle. Add a few extra zip ties at any loose crossing points so the chandelier holds its shape well.
4. Tie one 4-foot piece of rope or chain to three evenly spaced points around the top hoop, forming a three-point hanger. Gather the upper ends together and attach them to the quick link or carabiner.
5. Hang the frame temporarily from a ladder, tree branch, or helper’s grip so you can wrap the lights more easily. This makes it much simpler to keep the light spacing even as you work.
6. Start wrapping the LED string lights at the top near the hanging point, securing the wire with a zip tie every 12 to 18 inches. Spiral the lights around each hoop intersection so the glow will look full and even at night.
7. Continue wrapping the lights downward around the entire globe, turning the frame as needed and spacing the strand so there are no bare sections. Tuck excess wire neatly along the hoops and fasten it with black electrical tape or small zip ties.
8. Plug the lights in before final hanging and check for dark spots, sagging loops, or uneven sections. Reposition a few wraps now if needed; a little fussing here makes a big difference once the sun goes down.
9. Install the heavy-duty outdoor hook in a secure overhead support, then lift the chandelier and attach the quick link or carabiner to the hook. Make sure the light plug reaches the power source without strain.
10. Connect the lights to an outdoor extension cord or weather-resistant timer, then do one final straightening of the hoops and hanging lines. Trim any remaining zip tie ends and step back to check that the chandelier hangs centered and glows evenly.
Variations & Tips
Make it fuller: If you want an even richer glow, use 150 feet of LED lights instead of 100 and wrap more tightly around the center of the globe.
Choose the right hoops: Sturdier plastic hoops hold their shape better than flimsy toy versions. If you can find adult-size exercise hoops, they usually make the nicest large chandelier frame.
Keep it weather-wise: Use only outdoor-rated LED lights and keep all plugs and connections protected from rain. I like to position the plug side toward the least visible part of the chandelier so it stays tidy.
Try a different hanging height: Over a dining table, I’d hang this low enough to feel cozy but still high enough for folks to stand comfortably beneath it. In an open yard, a slightly higher placement lets the whole globe shine like a lantern.
Blend the hardware in: Black zip ties, black tape, and dark hanging rope disappear nicely at night and let the lights do the talking. That little detail gives the whole project a more polished look.
Add seasonal charm: In summer, I’d leave it simple and glowing on its own. For fall gatherings or special occasions, you can weave in a few faux greenery sprigs or ribbon, as long as they stay clear of bulbs and outdoor moisture.