The 8 Best String Lights to Illuminate Your Backyard

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It’s finally that time of year when you shed the layers and rechristen your favorite pair of linen shorts. Summer is all about outdoor living, and the best way to extend those blessed outdoor hours is to invest in outdoor string lights so the party never has to stop. Just ask ELLE DECOR A-List designer Ghislaine Viñas, who views outdoor string lights as a way to relive fond memories made in faraway places. “String lights possess a remarkable ability to conjure up a feeling of being on vacation,” she muses. “They effortlessly set the mood for enjoyment and happiness, infusing any space with a little magic and warmth.”

From an architectural standpoint, outdoor lights can highlight a specific area—the patio, the deck, the pool, or an empty grassy area—and call attention to the outdoor features of your home to make it pop! Viñas opts for a restrained yet deliberate placement of outdoor lights to ensure maximum impact without being overwhelming. “I recommend curating a cohesive architectural layout and design scheme to create an ambience that feels intentional and inviting,” she advises, noting that using natural hues and clear light bulbs helps maintain an elegant allure and avoids creating what she calls “a carnival feeling” in your backyard.

If this is your first time browsing for outdoor lights, note the length, wattage, and number of bulbs each set has; this will help determine which lights will look the best in your space. Interior designer and principal of Ward + Gray, Staver Gray, recommends opting for a warm 2700K or less color temperature. “Anything higher, and you lose the warm, glowy effect,” she explains. She’s also a fan of solar-powered string lights, as they’re better for the environment and eliminate messy cords. Another great option is dimmable LED string lights. “They are versatile, low maintenance, and provide a romantic setting,” says Sugarhouse Design principal Jess Nahom.

For the list below, we’ve combed through the myriad of options available on the black hole that is online retail, fine-tuning it to eight of our favorite outdoor string lights. From round to oval-shaped, LED to solar, and maximalist to minimalist, we’re sure you’ll find a set that matches your design style and will prepare you for the best summer yet.

Bistro LED String Lights

Designed to look like a French bistro, these string lights add an instant welcoming ambience to patios, pools, and gardens. The weather-resistant LED bulbs are shatterproof, making them safe for any type of weather. Each set comes with 25 white bulbs per strand and is best for outdoor use.

Globe String Lights

Described by customers as making their backyards look like a “fairy land,” these globe-shaped string lights are easy to install and style. Although some buyers might prefer an LED option, many reviews highlight the soft and gentle glow these string lights give off.

Outdoor LED String Lights

These plug-in LED string lights are perfect for outdoor decorating as they’re dimmable and come with bulbs that are scratch-, fade-, and stain-resistant. With a bulb life of up to 20,000 hours, the 2700K lights are also compatible with Amazon Echo, Google Assistant, Nest, and Apple Homekit. Summer backyard ambience? Check.

Simple String Lights

These frosted globe bulbs, made out of stainless steel, are perfect for small spaces such as over an outdoor table or seating area. Our favorite feature? Buyers can recycle their old bulbs at any West Elm store.

Solar String Outdoor Lights

We love these adjustable string lights because they’re solar powered, which means they don’t need battery replacements and you won’t rack up an eyebrow-raising electricity bill. With a small solar panel included in the box, these waterproof lights are great for indoor and outdoor use and feature eight different lighting modes: combination, waves, sequential, gradual, flashing, slow fade, twinkle, and steady.

Patio String Light Set

These string lights recreate the look of very bright vintage bulbs, but with all the benefits of LED lighting, thanks to their LED-lined curved filament. With an average lifespan of 20,000 hours, the bulbs use 80 percent less power. They’re also removable, making it easy to restyle and move around throughout the year.

Outdoor String Lights

Warm white lights are great for any occasion, and these string lights are no exception. With a round-shaped bulb, they look beautiful while providing delicate lighting. These plug-in string lights are waterproof and feature end-to-end connection, which means you can connect up to 20 strings in series. Perfect for that big birthday bash you have planned!

Stargazer Garden Lights

Buyers love these string lights as they provide easy outdoor accent lighting and are not too bright. With an understated Bohemian look, these are perfect for brightening up a space that lacks light. Don’t forget to read the fine print: The light strand must be purchased separately.

Why Trust Us?

For more than three decades, ELLE DECOR has covered style makers, trendsetting interiors, and must-have home furnishings. With a focus on the latest design trends and ideas about how to incorporate them into improving your own space, we’re your go-to resource for elevating and beautifying your home. Our team of editors and interior design pros research and review every new article we publish to ensure you have the most up-to-date, expert-approved information.

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