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The 9 Best Outdoor String Lights for a Guaranteed Summer Patio Glow Up
Say hello to your new and improved backyard entertaining.
Summer is upon us, which means the season of backyard barbecues, late night hangs by the fire pit, and evenings playing alongside the fireflies is officially here. Of course, those fireflies and moonlight won't cut it as the sun starts to set! If you plan to do any backyard entertaining or evening patio hang outs, then you'll want to have some sort of alternative lighting option within your control, and outdoor string lights are a perfect fit for the job.
Not only do outdoor string lights provide a decent amount of light, but they also bring an ambiance to your backyard that just can't be beat. From delicate fairy lights that mimic the subtle glow of the night sky to chic Edison bulb or globe string lights that are ideal for lighting up your al fresco dinner table, there are tons of options when it comes to outdoor string lights, but they're all just as charming.
String lights are also great to take on the go when camping! But you'll have to make a few adjustments and keep a close eye on what exactly you buy. There are tons of different options when it comes to outdoor string lights, so it's a good idea to know exactly what you're looking for before you buy. We've listed a few consideration points and then listed our editor researched-and-reviewed picks below!
What to Look for When Buying Outdoor String Lights
Power Source
There are a few different power sources that outdoor string lights can use and you definitely don't want to get stuck with the wrong type. Most outdoor string lights plug into an electrical outlet, meaning they can only be used where an exterior outlet is present or if you run an extension cord from an indoor outlet. The pros to plug-in lights are that they are usually connectable, meaning you can connect many strands of lights together if you're trying to cover a large area.
If you don't have access to a power outlet, then you'll want to purchase either solar-powered string lights or rechargeable string lights. Solar-powered lights connect to a small solar charging panel that has to be exposed to sunlight, whereas rechargeable string lights connect to a portable power bank through a USB charging cord. These are both great options for camping or if you live in an older home or apartment that doesn't have exterior power outlets. The downside? Many aren't connectable to other strands, and, if they are, it'll most likely be only a few. They're not designed to cover extremely large areas, but they're vital if you're without a power source.
Style
Do you want large bulbs that will light your entire patio or are you going for the ambiance of delicate fairy lights? Edison or globe bulb string lights provide enough light that you shouldn't need an additional light source when you use them. While they are very pretty, they don't put off super delicate or gentle light, so a dimmer might be necessary. Curtain and fairy lights won't be enough light to do some evening reading, but they set an intimate tone for your outdoor space.
Weatherproofing
Since you're planning on using your string lights outdoors and especially if they'll be exposed to the elements, you need to be positive they have some sort of weatherproofing. Every light we've included on this list is weatherproofed to last through most seasons, but the top tier of durability is UL Listing or Certification. UL stands for Underwriters' Laboratories, a century-old organization that has strict product standards and testing to ensure the highest quality, efficiency, and durability.
Wattage/Energy Usage
Finally, you'll want to consider the overall energy use of your string lights, as this can affect your power bill. Obviously, solar-powered lights and rechargeable won't have any affect on your home's energy usage, but wattage is important for determining how long your string lights can last on a single charge. Generally, you'll want to look for a low wattage, but be cautious, because sometimes this can mean little brightness. LED bulbs have the best light payout for smallest energy usage.
The Best Outdoor String Lights
Hannah Jones is the Commerce Editor for Country Living. Her eye is always on the next up-and-coming products to include in gift guides and she's ready to test everything from dog beds to garden tools for product reviews. When she’s not scoping out the latest and greatest items on the market, you can find her hanging with her two rescue dogs.
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