30 Patio String Light Ideas to Create a Charming Ambiance

What's a patio with the addition of some string lights? If you're wondering just how to make your outdoor space shine, then don't miss out on these 30 patio string light arrangement suggestions that will add charm to your yard in an instant. There's an option for everyone, no matter your patio size or design style.

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Line the Fence

Line your patio fence with a strand of string lights, then incorporate other accent pieces that reflect your personal aesthetic. For a boho-inspired look like the one seen here, weave in rattan lanterns, hanging baskets, and a patterned indoor-outdoor rug.

Make Use of a Pergola

If you have a pergola above the patio, weave string lights in and out of its openings for an easy display. Place a dining table directly underneath, and you've created the dreamiest outdoor dining setup.

Keep It Simple

Use small hooks to hang string lights from your roof. This simple, no-frills approach is ideal for the minimalist.

Hang Lights From Poles

You can also hang string lights from poles in the backyard. Place them around the perimeter of your patio to define the space.

Go Diagonal

For a casual feel, hang your patio string lights at a diagonal. This creates a cozy, laid back feel that's welcoming and carefree.

Use the Roof

Here's another example of string lights hanging from a patio roof. To jazz things up further (while providing another source of light), you can even hang a neon sign outdoors.

DIY Some Planters

Why not turn your wooden posts into planters for a multifunctional approach? This will also make your posts appear more aesthetically appealing. You can even paint them or stain the wood if you wish.

Stick to One Strand

How cozy is this plush pink patio setup? You only need one strand of string lights to add a sweet touch to your space; feel free to bring in other decorative pieces such as plants, throws, and even outdoor-friendly art.

Mix It Up

Can't choose between traditional string lights and lanterns? You don't have to. Embrace the best of both worlds by mixing and matching multiple styles that speak to you.

Go Black and White

String lights are a great choice for the patio in that they can complement a wide range of color palettes. On this all black and white patio, they fit into the design scheme flawlessly.

Go Across the Patio

Hang patio lights across your patio as seen here. Attach one end to your roof and another to a tree or post in the yard.

Add Textural Touches

For a nice textural touch, hang some woven lanterns in addition to your string lights. The color and style you pick should correspond with your patio decor. Here, the woven material picks up the wood tones on the coffee table.

Try an Unexpected Effect

String lights hang down creating an icicle-like effect in this covered patio area.

Stay Enclosed

Even when the curtains to this patio are closed, string lights will come in handy illuminating the space, casting a warm glow.

Elevate Your Hot Tub Experience

If your patio is also home to a hot tub, adding string lights there will make the experience of soaking under the stairs feel even more dreamy (adding a projector to watch movies doesn't hurt, either).

Dress Up a Slatted Wall

Patio lights start at the roof and end at the patio wall in this yard. If you have a slatted wall like this one, dress it up further with plant pots to add ambiance to your patio.

Grow Various Blooms

Here is another instance in which wooden poles double as planters. By no means do you have to plant the same thing in each of the four pots; use this as an opportunity to experiment with various blooms.

Install Small Hooks

Small hooks are easy to attach to the ceiling to hold your lights up and are also easy to remove upon move out, making them an ideal option for renters.

Incorporate a Tree

Why not work that large tree in your backyard into the mix? Weave patio lights through its branches for a magical touch.

Go Colorful

Have fun with pops of color. Bring on the vibrance with a strand of brightly hued lanterns that will spark instant joy.

Get Moody

If you're feeling a bit moodier, you can also go for deeper hues such as blue, purple, and green for a mystical effect.

Add a Green Strand

Try another style of string lights if you're looking for something unexpected. These ivy garlands actually light up and are perfect for the plant-lover looking to bring some additional doses of green onto the patio.

Decorate the Pergola

Patio lights are wrapped around the sides of this covered pergola, which is also outfitted to with chimes and hanging planters.

Be a Minimalist

For a minimalist look, take a cue from this patio setup. Furniture is simple in design and there's plenty of open space for lounging and playing.

Stick to Neutrals

Draw inspiration from your home's interior when designing the patio. If you prefer neutrals, embrace them. The addition of lights, plants, and plenty of patterns will prevent a more muted patio from feeling too plain.

Let Lights Cascade

String lights cascade down the fence in this backyard, creating an artful display that is beautiful to look at while dining or relaxing outside.

Add Some Cheer

Plants are the main attraction in this backyard, but a strand of string lights jazzes up a plain wooden fence and adds an extra dose of cheer to the space.

Designate a Special Section

You don't need to weave string lights all throughout your patio; instead, you can designate a specific section that will be extra bright and sparkly, as seen here.

Work in Sconces

Just because you have patio lights hanging up doesn't mean you have to skip out on all other forms of lighting. Don't be afraid to work an outdoor sconce into the mix for additional glow.

Pair String Lights With Lanterns

String lights and table lanterns make for a nice duo, too, adding a romantic touch to any yard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you use to hang string lights on a patio?

Patio string lights can hang from wooden poles, the roof of a home, hooks, and much more.

How tall should patio string lights be?

Hang patio lights at least six feet off the ground, but ideally somewhere between eight and 12 feet off the ground.

How many patio string lights can you connect together?

This depends on the wattage of the bulbs you're using. Using LED bulbs allows for more strands to be connected together.

Read Next: 51 Small Patio Ideas to Make Your Yard Feel Bigger

Read the original article on The Spruce.