The IKEA STRÅLA star lights are popular every year, but for Christmas 2025, they have gone viral. So viral that most of the designs are out of stock, and the ones that aren’t have a limit on the minimum amount you can order. Of course, it makes sense that they are getting so much love this year – they are perfect for creating that cozy, warm, slightly nostalgic look that’s proving so popular.
The prices are fabulous, and the effect they have when hung up even more so. Adorning windows, hung over a fireplace, or suspended above a dining table, these lights add a cozy, inviting glow wherever you use them. There’s a homemade feel to them too – an effortlessness that’s utterly charming. This year, IKEA has also added new designs to its paper star lantern collection, with touches of red and gold and playful patterns sitting among the classic white, ticking off another key Christmas trend with these traditional colors.
As a decades-long collector of these paper stars – some I have even inherited from my parents’ Christmas decor collection – I have long loved these simple but highly effective decorations. However, getting my hands on new additions this year has been tricky, so I’ve done some digging into where to shop for alternatives if you can’t get your hands on the coveted STRÅLA stars.
I picked up my first STRÅLA star over ten years ago, and I have gradually added to the collection, so now more than 15 come down from my attic to grace almost every window in my home. They have stored so well, too, as they simply fold down and fit neatly back into the compact packaging they came in. Year after year, I bring them out, and they always look good as new.
There are a few configurations you can work with, but note that these are sold separately from the paper shades. If you want your stars to glow, IKEA has a cord set for the classic suspended look, or a white base that creates more of a traditional lamp. If you don’t want the limitation of a wire, I’ve spotted some great, really simple hacks I’ll be using myself this year, which use battery-powered, remote-controlled puck lights secured inside the paper lamp. Then you can use a ribbon to hang your lights wherever you please.
These stars shine best when grouped together. Personally, I follow the popular trend and hang mine at different heights in my windows, and I use a range of sizes. I use Command Light Clips to keep them secure, and because they’re clear plastic, you can hardly see them against the window frame.
I’ve also seen them hung effectively above a dining table to create a really magical glow. For this, you’ll likely need to use the puck light hack so your stars can hang from the ceiling without needing a plug. Hang them low over the table for a soft pool of light that’s perfect for festive hosting.
Shop Paper Star Decorations
As with any product that goes viral, the hype is high and the stock is low, so IKEA has currently limited orders to over $35 for some of the most popular designs. So, if you’re looking to get your hands on paper star decorations quickly, these are the best alternatives I found.
