The 10 Best Outdoor String Lights

String lights will brighten up your backyard and patio. White lights are the most effective, while warm lights provide a cozy feeling.

Selective focus on outdoor string lights.

String lights are one of the best ways to decorate your backyard or patio. Whether you’re entertaining guests or want to build an enjoyable outdoor space, they’ll do the trick.

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They can be attached to a fence, trees, wood posts, or your house. There are many ways to decorate with string lights. It’s an excellent way to make your outdoor space glow.

1. Brightown Store Outdoor String Lights

Brightown outdoor string lights with Edison bulbs and warm light.
Photo courtesy of Amazon.

The outdoor string lights from Brightown Store are 25 feet long, come with 27 Edison glass bulbs, and you’ll need a plug to power them.

For the wire, you can choose between black, white, and green. It also comes in different lengths, 25, 50, and 100 feet. The lights and wire are waterproof, making them perfect for lighting up your outdoor space.

It’s hard to beat Brightown Store’s string lights. They’re the number one best-seller on Amazon with a 4.5-star rating and more than 32,000 reviews.

Buy Brightown Store Outdoor String Lights from Amazon for $15.98.

2. Brightech Ambience Pro Outdoor String Lights

Brightech outdoor string lights with solar panel.
Photo courtesy of Amazon.

Brightech’s Outdoor String Lights has 15 vintage Edison bulbs, which gives off an Italian cafe feel. You can choose between a length of 27 feet or 48 feet.

The bulbs are waterproof and made of shatterproof plastic shells. They’re also heat-resistant, as they can withstand up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.

The best feature is that the lights are solar-powered. It comes with a detachable solar panel that has an on and off switch on the back.

Plus, it has a 1,000 charge lifespan, which will last you about two and a half years. Full sun is the best for charging. However, indirect light will work, too.

Buy Brightech Ambience Pro Outdoor String Lights from Amazon for $39.99.

3. addlon Outdoor String Lights

Outdoor string lights with a warm tone.
Photo courtesy of Amazon.

The outdoor string lights by addlon are heavy-duty and weatherproof. They’re built for commercial use, which means they’ll be able to withstand extreme heat and cold.

It measures 48 feet long with 3.1 feet between each bulb. There are 15 bulbs, and it comes with one spare if one goes out. It’s also powered by connecting the plug.

The light is warm yellow, which makes your backyard or patio look more welcoming. It’ll transform your outdoor space and last a long time.

Buy addlon Outdoor String Lights from Amazon for $44.99.

4. Hampton Bay 24-Light Indoor/Outdoor 48 ft. String Light

Outdoor string lights with tree leaves in the background.
Photo courtesy of The Home Depot.

Hampton Bay offers a 48-foot string light that works inside or outside. It comes with 24 plastic Edison-styled bulbs that are water-resistant and built to withstand different conditions.

Each bulb is spaced 2 feet apart, and you don’t have to worry about dropping it because it’s impact-resistant. The LED light is warm white, which gives sufficient brightness while being easy on the eyes.

Try mounting the lights around the perimeter of a shaded structure or fence. They’ll provide an elegant feel to your outdoor area.

Buy the Hampton Bay 24-Light Indoor/Outdoor 48 ft. String Light from The Home Depot for $49.97.

5. Hampton Bay 12-Light Large Cafe Clear String Lights

Circle clear string lights outside.
Photo courtesy of The Home Depot.

Hampton Bay also has circular outdoor lights that are clear bulbs with a G50 glass cover. It’s 12 feet and 7.5 inches long and has 12 bulbs with 1 foot of spacing between each one.

The globe-shaped lights are inspired by a cafe look and look amazing indoors or outdoors. When you hang them outside, try placing them with a zig-zag pattern. They’ll illuminate your backyard and give it a cozy feel.

Buy Hampton Bay 12-Light Large Cafe Clear String Lights from The Home Depot for $16.97.

6. Crate and Barrel Globe String Lights

Selective focus on a circular string light.
Photo courtesy of Crate and Barrel.

The Globe String Lights by Crate and Barrel will give your outdoor space a magical feel. It’s 25 feet long and comes with 25 clear globes.

The lights are adorable, as they’re 1.5 inches in diameter. They’ll add the perfect touch to your outdoor set-up.

A great aspect of the lights is that they’re easy to replace. If they go out, you can buy any compatible bulb and install it.

Buy Globe String Lights from Crate and Barrel for $34.95.

7. Brizled Outdoor Solar Fairy Lights

Two rolled fairy string lights and solar panels.
Photo courtesy of Amazon.

Fairy lights are a great alternative to the globe or Edison bulbs. They’re small, minimal, and romantic when they’re wrapped around a railing or tree.

Brizled offers the fairy lights in cool or warm white. The cool white LED light is bright and closer to white, while the warm white gives your space a softer look.

Each string is 39.37 feet long and has 120 lights. It’s solar-powered, which gives you 10 to 12 hours of light when it’s fully charged.

The bendable copper wire makes it easy to adjust based on where you want to place them.

Buy Brizled Outdoor Solar Fairy Lights from Amazon for $14.99.

8. YoTelim Battery-Operated Globe String Lights

Warm yellow globe string lights on a table and hanging.
Photo courtesy of Amazon.

Battery-operated string lights are excellent because you’re not tied down to an outlet. Pair them with rechargeable batteries, and you’ll have the perfect setup.

The Globe-shaped lights are 33 feet long and have 80 crystal ball lights. It also comes with a remote control that allows you to adjust the brightness level and gives you 8 lighting modes, such as twinkle or steady.

The lights and battery case are waterproof, which is a must-have for outdoor lights. Hang them around an outdoor table to enjoy a meal or drink under them.

Buy YoTelim Battery-Operated Globe String Lights from Amazon for $19.99.

9. Pottery Barn Edison Bulb Indoor/Outdoor String Lights

Selective focus on an Edison bulb string light.
Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn.

Pottery Barn is the best choice if you’re looking for a premium option. You can choose between 41 or 50 feet for the length, and it comes with 20 glass bulb lights that hang from a brown cord.

The lights are weather-resistant and instantly add charm to your backyard or patio. They’re pretty to look at, and you’ll love to spend time outside after hanging them.

If you’re not sure where to place them, try hanging them around the perimeter of your home or place four posts in an area, buy multiple sets, and connect the lights.

Buy Edison Bulb Indoor/Outdoor String Lights from Pottery Barn for $79.

10. Threshold 100ct Incandescent Outdoor String Mini Lights

White mini string lights.
Photo courtesy of Target.

If you love the holidays, why not keep your holiday-style lights up year-round. You can purchase 100-count outdoor string mini lights from Target for less than $10.

You can choose between green, white, or black for the plastic cord that’s 22.4 feet long. The clear incandescent bulbs will illuminate your space with a soft and warm light.

It’s a great way to decorate any indoor or outdoor space. With plenty of lights and a good length, string mini lights give you the best deal.

Buy Threshold 100ct Incandescent Outdoor String Mini Lights from Target for $8.

Frequently asked questions

Are outdoor string lights safe?

Yes, string lights that are designed for outdoor use are safe. Keep an eye on the wires. If your string lights have wires that are worn out or brittle, throw them away.

How do I choose outdoor string lights?

The most important aspects of the perfect string lights are the length, bulb size, color, and making sure it states that it’s capable of outdoor use. Also, LED bulbs are the best because they’re bright and energy-efficient.

Do outdoor string lights attract bugs?

No, outdoor string lights don’t attract bugs. Instead of focusing on the color, heat is what bugs are attracted to. Look for string lights that emit very little heat or none at all.

Conclusion

Illuminate your outdoor space with string lights. You have plenty of options because of the different shapes, designs, color temperature, and lengths. By using them year-round, you’ll create a beautiful and cozy ambiance that you’ll love to spend time in.

Additional resources:

Featured image courtesy of Canva.

Portrait of David Em.

About David Em

David Em is the founder of Nola and Luna, the destination for home improvement and decor. He launched Nola and Luna to share DIY how-to’s, inspiration, reviews, shopping guides, and expert advice to help you create a beautiful home.

About Nola & Luna

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