String lights are a great way to add ambience to any space. These lights provide a cozy glow and encourage people to spend more time outside. Perfect for patios or screened-in porches, or even outside play areas like tree houses or forts, string lights are a summer must-have for any outdoor area.

Choose the Right Type of String Lights

Based on your personal style, you'll want to choose a bulb shape that reflects the outdoor vibe you're looking to achieve. Choose from style types like, globe, fairy, lantern, or icicle (depending on the season). You'll want to stick to bulbs with a wattage of 40-60, anything dimmer you can't see and anything brighter will be too harsh.

String Light Features

Modern string lights have more to offer than simply being plugged in. Several types have features including dimming capabilities, connecting end-to-end for more length, operating on a timer, and more. These extras can ultimately benefit you by saving you money on your electric and even reduce how often you need to change out your bulbs.

Determine Where to Hang Your String Lights

Think about the shape of your outdoor space. How close together are your trees? Are you trying to light up a certain area like a fire pit, or the entire yard? Examine potential anchors to your space such as: trees, railings, gazebos or pergolas, or fences.

6 Patterns to Hang String Lights

Parallel: Hanging in the lights in rows an equal length apart for a consistent canopy of string lights.
Square: Line the string lights along only the perimeter of the space.
V- & W-Shape: Similar to parallel, add dimension with a V- or W-shape along diagonals.
Horizon Point: Hang the string along the horizon point in your line of sight. This emphasizes the sunrise or set to enjoy from any spot.
Tent Design: For a whimsical layout, hang all the string lights descending from one point like tent.

Steps to Hanging String Lights

1. Consider how far apart your anchors are. Measure the distance from structure to structure and decide how much length you'll need based on what suspended design you want.
2. Determine how to best secure your bulbs. Some possible fixtures include, screws, support wire, staples, wall anchors, or adhesive hooks.
3. Pre-drill guide holes and install wall anchors in particularly soft surfaces such as deck posts, or railing.
4. Thread the lights. Support wire is recommended for every 100+ ft. to reinforce the bulbs along their cord.

1. Connect the string lights end to end and then hook up to your main power source. This can be plug-, solar-, or battery-powered. You may also need an extension cord.

Tip!

Make sure you don't exceed your circuit's maximum wattage. When calculating the maximum, the best rule of thumb is to use no more than 80% of the possible wattage.

Hanging string lights is a simple way to light up your outdoor space and create a homey environment for everyone to enjoy this summer.