How to Hang LED Curtain Lights on a Balcony Without Drilling (Renter-Friendly)

To hang LED curtain lights on a balcony without drilling, attach the top of the curtain to the railing with the included hooks or zip ties, then secure the bottom so it doesn't move in the wind. Keep the power adapter sheltered and plug it into an indoor outlet or a covered outdoor one. Plan on 20 to 30 minutes, no power tools needed.

What you'll need

Good news: no drill, no anchors. Here's the full list:

• Your LED curtain (the Glowcony Magic Curtain comes with 20 hooks, a remote and a 12 V adapter).
• Zip ties, ideally black or clear so they blend in.
• A few outdoor adhesive hooks if you're attaching to a smooth surface.
• An outdoor-rated extension cord if the outlet is far away.
• A tape measure to check the width before you start.
• Your phone with the free Surplife app (iOS and Android).

Step 1: Measure and pick the spot

Measure your railing or patio door. A 2 m (about 6.5 ft) wide curtain covers most standard balconies; for a long railing or a wide sliding door, the 3 × 3 m (about 10 × 10 ft) is a better fit. Not sure? We compare both in 2 × 2 m vs 3 × 3 m: which size to choose.

Also locate the nearest outlet. It usually decides which side the power cable should come from.

Step 2: Test before you hang

Before putting anything up, lay the curtain on the floor, plug it in and connect it to the Surplife app via Bluetooth. Check that every LED lights up and try one or two animations. Fixing an issue on the floor is much easier than at arm's length over a railing.

Step 3: Attach the top of the curtain

On a metal railing

Loop a zip tie around the top rail every 6 to 10 inches and hook the curtain's main cable onto it. Tighten without crushing the cable. In January, the ties snip off in seconds and leave no trace.

On a glass or concrete balcony wall

Use outdoor adhesive hooks on a clean, dry surface. Respect the curing time on the packaging before hanging the curtain's weight on them.

Behind a sliding door (inside)

A tension rod, or the included hooks on an existing curtain rod, works perfectly. The lights show clearly from outside and you don't have to worry about the weather. For a regular window, also read our guide to Christmas window curtain lights.

Step 4: Secure the bottom

Up high, wind quickly makes the light strands flap. Tie the bottom of each strand (or every other one) to the balusters with a loose zip tie. Your animations stay readable and the curtain doesn't tangle.

Step 5: Plug in safely

• The curtain is rated IP65: it handles rain.
• The power adapter must stay sheltered: indoors, under an overhang or in a weatherproof box.
• If the cable runs through the patio door, don't crush it in the seal: route it through the corner where the door presses least.
• Use an outdoor-rated extension cord if needed.

Step 6: Set up the app and timer

Once it's up, pick your animations in the Surplife app (100+ to choose from), adjust brightness and set the timer so everything turns on and off by itself. The included remote is handy for quick changes (battery not included).

Renting: what you can (and can't) do

Most leases prohibit damaging the building's exterior or common areas. A no-drill, fully removable setup is usually fine. Still, check your building or HOA rules: some regulate decorations visible from the street. When in doubt, hanging the curtain indoors behind the glass is always the safest option.

Common mistakes

• Over-tightening zip ties and pinching the cable.
• Leaving the bottom loose on windy days.
• Setting the adapter directly on a balcony floor where water pools.
• Sticking adhesive hooks on a cold or damp surface.

FAQ

Can you hang LED curtain lights on a balcony without drilling?

Yes. Zip ties on the railing, outdoor adhesive hooks or a tension rod are all you need. The Glowcony curtain also comes with 20 hooks.

How long does it take to install curtain lights?

Usually 20 to 30 minutes for a standard balcony, testing included. Setting up animations in the app then takes a few minutes.

Are LED curtain lights rainproof?

The Glowcony curtain is IP65, made for indoor and outdoor use. Only the power adapter needs to be kept out of the rain.

What if I don't have an outdoor outlet?

Run the cable through the corner of the patio door and plug the adapter in indoors, or hang the curtain directly behind the glass.