15 Gorgeous Ways to Decorate with String Lights (2024)

Decorative string lights are one of the easiest updates you can bring to your porch or backyard. Patio light strings provide a cozy place to read a book in the summer and bring extra light to the party when the fire pit runs low. Plus, patio string lights set the mood and provide a little twinkle, rather than illuminate a space for functional reasons. Consider using them in conjunction with other outdoor light sources, such as candles on a dining table or pathway lights, to help keep people sure-footed.

Decorative string lights also come in many different designs, including vintage-style Edison bulbs, sleek orbs, and even lanterns, so it's easy to find a strand (or several!) that fits your style. String lights are an inexpensive solution for giving dark patios a little extra twinkle. See all the different ways you can incorporate these fun outdoor light fixtures into your backyard.

18 Patio Decorating Ideas for a Stylish Outdoor Room

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How to Hang Patio String Lights

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Before you can turn your backyard into a cozy oasis, you'll need to knowhow to hang outdoor string lights. First, look for battery-operated string lights or invest in a few extension cords if an outlet isn't within reach. Always be sure to use lights, extension cords, and other lighting equipment that is graded for outdoor use.

When you're ready to hang string lights, drill screw eyes into a post, tree, or wall. Then, use small metal carabiners to attach the string of lights to the screw eyes. This will keep the lights from slipping off a simple hook in the event of wind or storms, and protect your patio from broken bulbs.

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Choosing Outdoor String Lights

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There are dozens of varieties of outdoor string lights, so they aren't a one-size-fits-all decor item. When shopping for string lights, there are two main things to consider: Length and style. If you aren't sure how many strands you'll need, it's helpful to string a piece of yarn around the patio to get an exact measurement before you order anything. If you're lighting a small area, you might be able to use just one strand of long outdoor string lights.

There are also many different styles of string lights, including clear bulbs, mini tin-can lights, and woven lanterns. There are also long-lasting LED versions (like these Better Homes & Gardens Warm White LED Outdoor String Lights, $34, Walmart) so shop around to find a size and style that fits your space perfectly.

The 10 Best Outdoor String Lights of 2024 to Illuminate Your Backyard

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Create Boundaries with Lights

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If your backyard doesn't have the clear boundaries that a fence or patio provides, make your own with a set of string lights. Stretched across the corners of the house, these lights line this stunning courtyard with a subtle glow and give the picnic table the feel of a sophisticated al fresco bistro. Two strands of lights hung diagonally through the center provide the space with extra light perfect for an outdoor game night.

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Exterior String Lighting

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Taking a dip in the pool at dusk is possible thanks to these stunning decorative hanging lights. Simple string lights draped over arbor beams set the mood for a romantic night swim. Posts on an outdoor structure provide an opportunity to create a swag patio string light pattern. One set of patio string lights is enough to get the job done without disrupting the beautiful natural surroundings.

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Create an Outdoor Room

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When working with outdoor patio string lights, you don't have to go big. These scaled-down string lights provide more of a twinkle than a fully lit space. Hung casually under an arbor or in between patio walls, twinkle lights are more for decoration and help set the mood for a fun, relaxing night under the stars. These also work well for screen porches that already have a main light source.

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Screened-In Patio Lighting

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Illuminate a screened-in patio with multiple rows of miniature globe lights. Here, the expanse of string lights replaces a traditional statement light fixture, drawing the eye up and providing practical lighting for the three-season covered patio.

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Al Fresco Lighting

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Whether you're eating a solo breakfast on the patio or hosting a casual evening gathering with friends, string lights placed over an outdoor table instantly elevate an outdoor space. Lights are an easy way to bring height to a small outdoor space, because they draw the eye up and make the area look larger and more open.

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Landscape with String Lights

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Like a scene from a fairy tale, this backyard dazzles with decorativeoutdoor lightingin the trees overhead. Complete with a comfy patio set and plenty of fluffy pillows, this seating area is made to be enjoyed from day to night with good company. Create this look by stringing several sets of patio lights from branches to your house to create theultimate cozy backyard corner.

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Complementary Outdoor Lighting

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If you're debating between string lights or a pendant light, why not choose both? Here, a large woven lantern hangs in the center of an outdoor pergola, while several strands of lights provide additional ambient lighting. This combination is an easy way to achieve a twinkling glow while incorporating larger trendy pieces like the woven outdoor light fixture.

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Outdoor Dinner Party

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Make your patio table the ultimate dining escape by decorating with string lights outdoors. This al fresco space is outfitted with a single strand of string lights hung above its center. The dim lighting sets the perfect mood for enjoying late-afternoon food, drinks, and dessert. However, be sure to have additional lighting, such asoutdoor sconces,available for when the sun sets and the party is just getting started.

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Colorful String Lights

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Small, dainty string lights add a romantic ambience to an outdoor space, but colorful lights can have an energizing effect. Use a string of bold lights to add color and personality to a space. Here, blue string lights complement the colors in the seating area and help break up the white exterior wall behind them.

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Outdoor Twinkle Lights

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If you don't think your backyard can support decorative string lights, think again. A DIY fix or two can make it happen. These homeownersinstalled simple wooden posts for holding string lightson two corners of their concrete patio. The posts are perfect for holding up a set of outdoor patio lights, but they also work to display gorgeous planters and outdoor lanterns for additional lighting. Once strung and lit, this space is ready to entertain.

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Functional Outdoor Lighting

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Light up the night with a canopy of large bulb lights strung above a cozy seating area. Multiple sets hung closely together give you the most light for an outdoor space that doesn't leave you in the dark when the sun goes down. Most strings of patio lights simply plug in, so installation is a "no electrician required" project. This set of patio string lights is bright enough to illuminate the entire deck so you can keep the party going even after sunset.

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DIY String Light Planters

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If you don't have an obvious place to string your lights (like a deck post or tree branch), you can make your own. TheseDIY string light plantersare easy to assemble, and because they're filled with concrete, they're sturdy enough to display anywhere. Plus, you can fill the top of each planter with soil and plants or flowers for a bit of added greenery.

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Lights for Outdoor Entertaining

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Lights strung by a pool house,she shed, or outdoor dining area can smooth the transition from indoors to out, and provide a subtle directive, pointing to where the fun is happening. While entertaining outdoors, consider stringing lights from the house to the outdoor dining table to guide guests between the spaces.

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

As an expert in outdoor lighting, I can confidently say that decorative string lights are an excellent way to enhance the ambiance of your porch or backyard. These patio light strings not only provide a cozy atmosphere for reading a book in the summer but also add extra light to outdoor parties when the fire pit runs low. Unlike traditional functional lighting, patio string lights are designed to set the mood and create a gentle twinkle in the space.

When incorporating decorative string lights into your outdoor area, it's a good idea to combine them with other light sources such as candles on a dining table or pathway lights. This not only adds variety to the lighting but also helps to ensure that people can navigate the area safely.

One of the great things about decorative string lights is that they come in a wide range of designs, including vintage-style Edison bulbs, sleek orbs, and lanterns. This variety makes it easy to find a strand, or even multiple strands, that perfectly match your style. Additionally, string lights are a cost-effective solution for brightening up dark patios, adding that extra twinkle without breaking the bank.

If you're wondering how to hang outdoor string lights, there are a few things to keep in mind. Look for battery-operated string lights or invest in extension cords if an outlet isn't easily accessible. Always ensure that the lights, extension cords, and other lighting equipment are specifically graded for outdoor use. When it comes to hanging the string lights, drill screw eyes into a post, tree, or wall, and then use small metal carabiners to attach the lights to the screw eyes. This ensures that the lights stay securely in place, even during windy conditions, and prevents any broken bulbs from damaging your patio.

When shopping for outdoor string lights, consider the length and style that best suits your needs. For smaller areas, a single strand of long outdoor string lights may be sufficient, while larger spaces might require multiple strands. There are also various styles to choose from, such as clear bulbs, mini tin-can lights, and woven lanterns. LED versions are also available, offering long-lasting functionality.

You can get creative with decorative string lights to define boundaries in your backyard. If your outdoor space lacks clear boundaries, string lights can be stretched across the corners of your house or patio to create a defined area. Diagonal strands of lights can provide additional light for outdoor game nights or other activities.

Exterior string lighting can also be used to enhance your swimming pool area. By draping simple string lights over arbor beams, you can create a romantic ambiance for a night swim. Patio string lights can also be hung from posts on an outdoor structure, allowing you to create a swag pattern that complements the natural surroundings.

Patio string lights are not just limited to large outdoor spaces. They can also be used to create an intimate outdoor room. Hung casually under an arbor or in between patio walls, these twinkling lights add a touch of decoration and set the mood for a relaxing night under the stars. They are also ideal for screen porches that already have a main light source.

If you have a screened-in patio, you can use multiple rows of miniature globe lights to illuminate the space. These string lights can replace traditional statement light fixtures and provide practical lighting for a covered patio.

String lights can instantly elevate an outdoor space, whether it's for a solo breakfast or a casual evening gathering with friends. By hanging them over an outdoor table, you can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. They can also bring height to a small outdoor space, making it appear larger and more open.

For a truly enchanting backyard, consider incorporating string lights into your landscape. By stringing several sets of patio lights from branches to your house, you can create a magical atmosphere that can be enjoyed day and night. Pair this with a comfortable patio set and fluffy pillows, and you have the perfect cozy backyard corner.

Combining string lights with other outdoor lighting fixtures can create a complementary and balanced look. For example, you can hang a large woven lantern in the center of an outdoor pergola and use several strands of lights to provide additional ambient lighting. This combination allows you to achieve a twinkling glow while incorporating trendy pieces into your outdoor space.

When it comes to outdoor entertaining, string lights are a must-have. By decorating your patio table with string lights, you can create a delightful dining escape. The dim lighting sets the perfect mood for enjoying food, drinks, and dessert. However, it's important to have additional lighting options available, such as outdoor sconces, for when the sun sets and the party continues.

While small, dainty string lights add a romantic ambiance to an outdoor space, colorful lights can have an energizing effect. By using bold and vibrant string lights, you can add color and personality to your outdoor area. They can also help break up a white exterior wall and complement the colors in your seating area.

Even if you think your backyard doesn't have the infrastructure to support decorative string lights, there are DIY solutions available. Simple wooden posts can be installed in corners of a concrete patio to hold string lights, creating a warm and inviting space. These posts can also be used to display planters and outdoor lanterns, adding additional lighting and visual appeal to the area.

If you're looking for functional outdoor lighting, canopy-style large bulb lights are a great option. By stringing them above a cozy seating area, you can create a well-lit outdoor space that extends into the night. Most patio lights are easy to install and simply plug into an outlet, making them a convenient and "no electrician required" project.

Finally, if you're lacking places to hang string lights, you can make your own string light planters. These DIY planters are easy to assemble and can be filled with concrete to ensure stability. You can also add soil and plants or flowers to the top of each planter, adding a touch of greenery to your outdoor space.

In conclusion, decorative string lights are a versatile and budget-friendly way to transform your porch or backyard into a stylish and inviting outdoor room. Whether you're creating boundaries, illuminating a swimming pool, or setting the mood for a cozy evening under the stars, patio string lights offer endless possibilities for enhancing your outdoor space.