Outdoor string lights: transform your garden with year-round festive lighting

Hanging outdoor string lights brings a warm, inviting glow to your next festive party, family gathering, or cosy evening. Even after summer’s over, these versatile lights can keep the magic alive all year-round. 

Read on to discover the best string lights for your garden, along with tips on how and where to use them. 

Outdoor string lights: Guide with a glow

Setting up a row of outdoor string lights along a garden path creates a warm welcome for your guests while adding an enchanting touch.

Whether attached to a wall, draped along a fence, or strung between posts, outdoor string lights serve both form and function. They not only illuminate walkways for safer navigation but also makes every step feel like part of an experience.

Top picks for illuminating pathways: 

• 10M (33FT) LED Plug-in Waterproof Warm White Heavy Duty Outdoor String Lights 
• Party Festoon Set of 20 Mains Powered Cool White Outdoor Garden String Light
• 30M (98FT) LED Plug-in Waterproof Warm White Heavy Duty Outdoor String Lights 

Entertain in style

As dusk starts to fall earlier, outdoor string lights are the perfect way to light up a garden dining area. Whether you choose traditional plug-in options or outdoor solar string lights, positioning them above a table allows you to test different heights to ensure guests can see each other clearly without being dazzled. Lower settings create a more intimate atmosphere, while higher placements offer a broader spread of light, especially if strung from tree branches or a pergola.

For more tips on enhancing your garden with texture and depth, explore our comprehensive outdoor lighting guide.

Best outdoor string lights for seating areas: 

• Core Connect 10m 100 Warm White Connectable Fairy Lights Clear Cable
• Pro Connect 5m 50 Warm White Connectable String Lights White Cable
• ConnectPro 5m Warm White Outdoor IP65 Connectable LED Fairy String Lights

Enhance your garden design

To create truly inspiring effects, use string lights creatively throughout the garden. Highlight the architectural beauty of bare tree branches in winter with outdoor string lights, wrap lights around tree trunks, or accentuate large shrubs, bringing your garden to life after sunset.

Recommended options for enhancing your garden: 

• Smart Solar Firefly Solar-powered Warm white 100 LED Outdoor String lights
• Smart Solar Firefly Solar-powered Warm white 50 LED Outdoor String lights
• Core Connect 20m 200 Warm White Connectable Fairy Lights Green
• CablePro Connect 5m 50 Traditional Warm White Connectable String Lights Black Cable

Highlight structures

Give your garden structures a glowing makeover. Whether it’s a summerhouse, gazebo, arch, or pergola, outdoor string lights will instantly elevate their look. Outdoor solar string lights are especially great for environmentally-friendly decorating, while outdoor Christmas string lights add a festive touch. They also work beautifully draped along the back of a house or around the edge of an extension.

Suggested string lights for highlighting structures: 

• Firefly Festoon – White, 20 Waterproof LED Festoon Lights Outdoor, Indoor Outdoor Globe String Lights
• White Festoon Lights 20 Bulbs

Which lights should I choose?

When choosing string lights, opt for energy-efficient outdoor LED lights that consume minimal electricity. Outdoor solar string lights are ideal for reducing energy consumption, and ensure that any lights you select have an IP65 rating to withstand wet weather conditions.

Also keep an eye out for lights that:

• Are designed to withstand hot and cold weather. 
• Have durable, shatter-proof, and replaceable bulbs.
• Include bulbs with a strong energy rating and a long lifespan.

How to use and install outdoor string lights

1. Plan Your Layout
Before you start, design your lighting scheme. Choose a pattern—zigzag, crisscross, or perimeter outline—and calculate how many strands you’ll need. Make sure the power source is close or use an outdoor-rated extension cord.

2. Test Your Lights
Always test your lights before installation to avoid any surprises.

3. Find Your Anchor Points
Securely attach the lights to solid anchor points such as walls, trees, or pergola beams.

4. Start Stringing the Lights
Begin at the power source and work your way out. Secure the lights with zip ties, twist ties, or clips to prevent sagging.

5. Screw in the Bulbs
If the bulbs are separate, install them carefully and ensure they’re tightly secured.

6. Connect to Power
Plug in the lights and use a weatherproof extension cord or cover for safety.

How do I replace bulbs in outdoor string lights? 

1. Turn off the power: Unplug the lights or switch off the power to avoid shocks.

2. Let the bulbs cool: If they’ve been on, wait a few minutes for them to cool.

3. Remove the old bulb: Gently unscrew it from the socket, being careful not to break it.

4. Check the socket: Make sure it’s clean and free of debris.

5. Use the correct bulb type: Match the bulb type and wattage for safety.

6. Install the new bulb: Screw it in snugly without over-tightening.

7. Test the lights: Plug the lights back in to ensure the new bulb works.

Outdoor string lights: final thoughts

Outdoor string lights are a versatile and beautiful way to transform your garden into an enchanting space.

With the right lighting choices and installation techniques, you can create the perfect ambiance for any occasion.

---

READ MORE

• What is Biodynamic lighting and how can you use it?
• Create a DIY scheme with smart LED light strips
• A guide to smart tariffs – possible savings on gas and electricity