{"id":138121,"date":"2022-05-29T14:53:51","date_gmt":"2022-05-29T18:53:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bhgre.com\/bhgrelife\/?p=138121"},"modified":"2024-12-30T13:19:05","modified_gmt":"2024-12-30T18:19:05","slug":"string-lights-for-outdoors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bhgre.com\/bhgrelife\/string-lights-for-outdoors\/","title":{"rendered":"Hanging String Lights for Outdoors"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of the best ways to dress up a patio, porch, or backyard is to add the perfect display of <\/span>string lights for outdoors<\/span>. It\u2019s a simple and reasonably inexpensive way to bring much-needed illumination to your space and an instant boost of charm. There\u2019s just something about the warm glow of the <\/span>lights <\/span>that elevates the ambiance of any area, whether the goal is to create a private spot for entertaining friends, relaxing with family, or adding a hint of romance for date-night drinks. To help you begin the transformation, we reveal some of our favorite ways to create a magical oasis by hanging <\/span>outdoor string lights<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"Before You Begin Hanging <\/b>String Lights for Outdoors<\/b><\/p>\n

Before you make any purchases, take a moment to assess your goals for your balcony, yard, or patio. Do you want the <\/span>lights <\/span>to highlight an entertaining space? You\u2019ll need to plan your anchor points and determine how far apart each bulb should be to illuminate a long dining table properly. Whereas a small conversation pit or cozy <\/span>outdoor<\/span> relaxation nook will have different needs \u2013 perhaps something softer with a more intimate glow. Whatever your goals, deciding your priorities before you shop or start to hang the <\/span>lights <\/span>is the key to saving money and time.<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Choose the Right Style of <\/b>String Lights<\/b><\/p>\n

Today, there are so many different styles of <\/span>string lights for outdoors<\/span>. You can choose ones that fit your home\u2019s architectural style or select ones that mirror your personality. If you love vintage-inspired bulbs, you\u2019ll find dozens to choose from, including the Edison, which is among the most popular options for <\/span>outdoor <\/span>entertaining. Do you have access to an <\/span>outdoor <\/span>outlet? If not, you\u2019ll want to focus on battery-operated <\/span>lights <\/span>or solar-powered options. Expert Jeff Manning advises <\/span>Martha Stewart Living<\/span><\/i><\/a> that people opt for \u201cLED <\/span>lights <\/span>or <\/span>light <\/span>ropes that are resistant to the elements\u2014and that can change colors for occasions.\u201d High-quality <\/span>lights <\/span>will stand up to surprise snow, wind, and rain. They can also handle the scorching temperatures that arrive early and stay late into the year in the south and the desert southwest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"Find Your Anchor Points<\/b><\/p>\n

The easiest approach to hanging <\/span>outdoor string lights <\/span>is to use at least one, if not more, existing anchor points. This might be your porch columns, the side of your house, trees, a pergola, or a sturdy privacy fence. <\/span>The Spruce<\/span><\/i><\/a> recommends using existing anchors when possible because \u201cnot only does this eliminate the job of making posts, but existing anchor points tend to be solid, permanent, and better integrated into your yard\u2019s footprint.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you have your heart set on enlivening your space with <\/span>string lights <\/span>but don\u2019t have multiple existing anchor points, you do have the option of putting in freestanding posts. <\/span>The Spruce<\/span><\/i><\/a> explains: \u201cSetting an 8- or 10-foot two-by-two in a concrete-filled broad-base container produces an anchor post sufficient to hold one end of a 25-foot run of overhead <\/span>lights<\/span>. This can be paired with another anchor post or with a solid existing anchor point.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"Support the Cords<\/b><\/p>\n

Try to avoid hanging your <\/span>string lights <\/span>by the cords alone. This can considerably strain the cords, which invites damage, particularly when weather rolls in. Instead, <\/span>The Spruce<\/span><\/i><\/a> recommends using \u201cwire rope and eye bolts to support the cords.\u201d There are also several brands of <\/span>string lights for outdoor <\/span>use that include loops as part of the bulb housing, making it easy to screw the bulb directly into an anchor point or run a support wire through it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A Word of Caution<\/strong><\/p>\n

Always choose safety first. Even when your <\/span>string lights <\/span>are certified for <\/span>outdoor <\/span>use, the experts warn <\/span>Martha Stewart Living<\/span><\/i><\/a> to never hang them \u201cover recreational water spots, like swimming pools or hot tubs.\u201d Should the <\/span>lights <\/span>accidentally fall into the pool, it could pose a potentially serious hazard.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Select Your <\/b>String Light <\/b>Formation<\/b><\/p>\n

You want to make the most out of your bulbs, so choosing the best formation for your space is critical. <\/span>Southern Living<\/span><\/i><\/a> loves using a zigzag design when working with a large backyard or garden. Why? \u201c[This] look covers more ground than a standard linear style. Just know that if you don\u2019t have a fence framing your yard, you\u2019ll need to install multiple anchor points.\u201d\u00a0For larger yards, <\/span>Southern Living<\/span><\/i><\/a> also applauds the idea of elevating the ambiance by focusing on perimeter <\/span>lights<\/span>; \u201cperimeter <\/span>lighting <\/span>(coupled with distinctive flooring) can help establish a separate space for dining,\u201d although you will likely need additional table <\/span>lights <\/span>for evening meals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Simple crisscross formations are among the most affordable options as they are perfect for illuminating dining tables or square spaces with the fewest number of <\/span>lights<\/span>. However, if you have a fence or pergola that can anchor them, creating a waterfall effect with a cascade of <\/span>string lights <\/span>will yield a tremendous amount of <\/span>light <\/span>as a backdrop to your <\/span>outdoor <\/span>entertaining space, and it will dazzle your guests.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is your conversation or dining space already beautifully framed by a garden or trees? Rather than loosely draping <\/span>outdoor string lights<\/span>, consider wrapping them around the trees instead. <\/span>The Spruce<\/span><\/i><\/a> adores the idea of creating bejeweled trees set aglow by twinkling <\/span>lights<\/span>. <\/span>Light <\/span>wrapping works on most trees, even palms, as \u201ctrunks wrapped with white or red <\/span>lights <\/span>show off their vertical, upright forms, drawing the eye upward toward the night sky.\u201d\u00a0Wrap from the bottom upward and ensure even spacing. Use a ladder to continue the twinkling <\/span>lights <\/span>up and over odd-shaped branches and limbs to put the perfect finish on this strikingly magical vision.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"