When it comes to creating a great atmosphere and ambience outdoors, nothing beats the usefulness of string lights. They are the most popular backyard lighting idea because of their versatility, length of cable, and colors that allow you to light up your yard in different creative ways.
Spending a few minutes browsing Pinterest can show you lots of outdoor string lighting tips and ideas, but it does little to help you understand how to hang these lights for the best effect. Well, this is where we come in.
Continue reading to find out how to give your patio, porch, or outdoor living space, a whole new look.
5 Tips to Hang String Lights
Whether you want to know how to hang pergola or gazebo lights or simply want to add some visual appeal to your deck or back porch, these tips will come in handy.
- End near an outlet
In case you are going to use electric string lights on your porch or yard, ensure you begin at the right end and have enough length to reach a water-resistant and waterproof external outlet.
A few pointers that will keep you in good stead:
- Determine the length of string lights you would need to create the design you want.
- Check if you are going to need additional wiring to reach an external outlet.
- Draw an initial layout plan in case you plan to hang several lights. This will help you understand all that you would need to put the lights. For instance, if you want to light up the patio roof or install lights under the guttering, you will need a ladder to reach such spots.
In case you want avoid the complications that come with installing a lot of LED lights, you may opt for solar-powered LED lights. They are not dependent on an electric supply and, consequently, are easier to hang.
- Opt for solar-powered LEDs
Outdoor string LED lights that use only solar energy are not only more energy-efficient and eco-friendly but also easier to install (since you don’t need to worry about wiring). On top of all this, they have lower running costs than normal LEDs.
You may also consider battery-powered LED string lights, as they also don’t require wiring. That said, you will have to replace the batteries from time to time, which is an added expense and can be a tad annoying.
- Use weather-resistant lights
Hanging lights meant for indoors outside is a big no-no. Strong winds, heat from the sun, or rain can easily damage these lights. For this reason we advise you to use only weather-resistant, waterproof lights in outdoor spaces.
- Ensure your string light canopy suits your needs
Are you planning to add a string of lights on your desk space or patio to create a great ambience?
The favorite and most popular style is to use a canopy of hanging outdoor lights. They not only create a comfortable ambience but also make your patio look gorgeous. However, ensure the string light canopy you pick is suitable for your needs.
If you want more control over the brightness and type of light for different outdoor activities such as a cozy nightcap or an outdoor dinner, we recommend you opt for technologically-advanced globe string lights. They come with advanced functions such as color changing, timers, and dimmers.
- Use LED curtain string lights for bushes
Want to light up the trees and plants in your yard? You should use LED curtain string lights for bushes since they are easy to use, particularly if you opt for solar-powered lighting. For trees, we recommend you consider LED rope lights or LED tube string lights.
Wrapping Up
Outdoor string lights can add some visual style and pizzazz to your outdoor space. However, don’t forget to use quality LED lights, since cheap LEDs often lack brightness, emit uneven light, and lose power over time.