Beautiful, durable string lights to make your outdoor space a vibe

by: Allen Foster, BestReviews

Posted: May 26, 2023 / 11:00 AM CDT

Updated: May 26, 2023 / 09:41 AM CDT

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IN THIS ARTICLE:

The backyard of your home is a space that can be utilized in a variety of ways, depending on how much you want to invest. If you’re looking for a major upgrade, you can turn your patio into an outdoor media room to host late-night movies. However, if you don't want to spend a lot of money but want the maximum atmospheric impact, all you have to do is buy some string lights. Not only do string lights let you extend the usable hours of your patio past sunset, but they also create ambiance.

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Whether purely for aesthetics or other enhancements, there are several reasons why hanging string lights in your backyard is a good idea.

One of the best things about string lights is you have so many options. For the most part, however, as long as they’re UL listed for outdoor use, one type of string light isn't necessarily better than another. The goal is to find something that's best suited for what you need.

When it comes to power, you can get string lights that plug in, ones that run off of a battery or even lights that are solar-powered. If you don't have convenient access to an outlet, battery-powered or solar-powered lights might be the best option. However, if your backyard doesn't get a lot of sunlight, solar-powered lights won't be suitable.

As far as types of string lights, you can get them in a long string, a short string or in several vertical strings that create a curtain of light. The bulbs can be large or small, like fairy lights, and you can even get smart color-changing bulbs that you control from your phone.

Before purchasing string lights, consider your space, outlet locations and the best strategy for illuminating the area. Then search for the string lights that check all the right boxes.

Brightown Outdoor String LightsThese energy-saving string lights are dimmable so they can create a warm and cozy atmosphere. The string is 100 feet long and has a 6-inch lead with 12 inches between each bulb. They are UL certified and manufactured to withstand extreme temperatures and come with a spare fuse stored in the plug.Sold by Amazon

Hampton Bay Incandescent String LightsEach light in this string has a little covering that adds style and creates ambience. There are 10 incandescent globe lights per 11-foot string that provide 9 feet of illuminated space. The strings are weather-resistant and UL listed to be safe outside.Sold by Home Depot

OakHoamie Waterproof Fairy String LightsFairy lights are a special kind of outdoor lighting option. These tiny bulbs, with just a wisp of wire between them, create the illusion of sparkling fairies flitting through the air. Batteries power the lights, so you can hang them anywhere. The batteries provide over 48 hours of continuous lighting.Sold by Amazon

Excello Global Bistro String Light PolesIf you need to create your own hanging points for your patio lights, this set is a solid option. It comes with four black powder-coated poles that extend up to 10 feet tall to let you define the lighted space. Each pole has two bases, so you can place them on either hard or soft surfaces.Sold by Wayfair

Twinkle Star Outdoor Window CurtainCurtain string lights serve a special purpose. They form a cascading wall of light that can create an elegant backdrop to better define your outdoor space. This offering has eight operating modes and comes with 300 LED lights to provide a denser lighting display.Sold by Amazon

Hampton Bay Color-Changing String LightsThese smart lights are suitable for iOS and Android devices, and they’re compatible with Google Home and Alexa for voice control. By using the free app, you can quickly change the color of these bulbs to make them suitable for any event or holiday party.Sold by Home Depot

Mr. Beams Incandescent Weatherproof String LightsThis basic option just gives you what you need. The 100-foot string includes 100 glass globe bulbs that can be hung anywhere you desire, from dorm rooms to outdoor living areas. If a bulb ever goes out, you can purchase a single replacement rather than needing to buy a whole new string.Sold by Amazon

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Allen Foster writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

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