10 Outdoor Patio String Lights That'll Get Your Backyard Ready for Summer (2024)

FAQs

How do you make string lights look good outside? ›

Use A Potted Plant Base. Camouflage the wooden pole that holds up your string lights with a pretty potted plant. The heavy base of the planter helps keep things stable, while your flowers and greenery will add some eye candy to this set up.

Incandescent lights typically can't handle extreme weather shifts. Too much sun and rain can damage your lights. LED lights not only last longer, but they're energy-efficient, which is perfect for yearlong use.

String Lights

(Don't forget to include enough to reach the outlet.) For columns or trees, measure once around and multiply that by how many times you'll wind your light around. Once you determine the total length, divide that by the length of a single strand for the quantity you'll need to purchase.

Do LED String Lights Get Hot? LED lights do not get hot.

If you live in an area with a lot of bad weather, wind, or trees that can damage your lights, consider shatterproof options first. Another safety consideration with outdoor patio lights is heat. Incandescent string light bulbs get hot to the touch within seconds. Most LED bulbs do not.

You can wrap them around poles or branches and/or use small hooks to secure along the way. Bolster with guy wire: If you're using heavier lights or draping them over a long distance, use guy wire and turnbuckle hooks. “This prevents your lights from sagging or falling over time,” says Lee.

For example, traditional incandescent lights usually have a lifespan of around four to six years, while newer LED lights often last anywhere from seven to ten years. Nonetheless, a variety of factors can determine whether you need to replace your lights sooner or can keep using them for several more years.

LED lights may be left on all night without causing any safety risks, but doing so has certain advantages as well. For example, LED lights are perfect for use as nightlights since they emit a soft, calming glow that may help you safely explore your house at night.

The best way to know how long lights will last is to look at the hour rating. For example, if the LED rope lights or bulbs you're considering have a rating of 50,000 hours, that means they'll last for about five and half years. And that's if you plan to leave them on 24 hours a day.

Generally, though, it's good to have lights 8-10' off the ground at a minimum just so there's walking clearance. If you are using larger bulbs, you may want to consider raising the height of your display further, based on personal preference.

How do I arrange string lights in my backyard? ›

Cool White: 5000K-6500K

These lights are ideal for security lighting or where visibility and safety are needed because cool light appears brighter. Cool white lights are also used to create a moonlighting effect since natural moonlight appears bluish. Shop cool white landscape lighting here.

Specialty parties or events use white wire as well because it is a softer color in the patio string light canopy. Black string light wire also blends in well given the setting so the use-case often comes down to color choice preference. It can be used in any setting for both residential or commercial applications.

Warm lights, such as 2000K-3000K, tend to work best for these purposes. They are not too harsh on the eyes but still give enough light for everyone to be able to move around safely and see what is around them.

Spray the paint in very light coats about 10" from the surface of the light string and in slow, steady motions. Once your strings have the coverage you want, let them dry for at least 30 minutes and then flip them over to paint the other side the same way.

A lamp or fixture listed for dry locations that is used outdoors can become a fire hazard. When exposed to the elements, water can get into the fixture and ultimately into the lamp, causing leakage current. Leakage current occurs because water conducts electricity.