Keep in mind that bulb size can affect installation. String lights with small bulbs are generally lightweight and easier to maneuver. They may be easier to install than string lights with larger, heavier, and bulkier bulbs.

Most Edison-style string light bulbs are an S14 bulb size, which is a medium-size, oval-shaped bulb that’s 32 millimeters (just over 1.25 inches) in diameter. Brightness and Color Temperature The first thing you will need to consider when purchasing string lights is the power source. If you have an outdoor electrical outlet that won’t present a tripping hazard for wires, then you can do regular electric string lights. However, if there is no outlet or if it’s placed awkwardly, then you will want to consider purchasing string lights that are solar or battery-operated," according to Amber Freda, a custom landscape and garden designer in NYC.

The acrylic globe lights are as clear as glass, and the LED filaments emit a warm, goldish-yellow luminosity. Like the other Brightown set, these string lights are dimmable—we connected them to a dimmer cord and took them down to barely a glow. Plus, they come with gutter clips for easy hanging on the edge of a rain gutter, cable, wire, or string. The Twinkle Star fairy lights are advertised as water-resistant, so we misted the entire coil with water from a spray bottle and let it dry. Then, we turned on the fairy lights again, and they came right on. While the remote has eight lighting options, a couple of the flashing ones are pretty annoying and distracting. The others, which feature slow on/off fading effects and solid illumination, made the Twinkle Star lights the star of our nighttime table. Lantern bulbs usually feature standard outdoor string lights covered with a lantern made of paper, plastic, nylon, or tarpaulin (a durable and waterproof material that resembles canvas). Lanterns come in different colors, patterns, and shapes. These fun patio light options can help create a themed or festive atmosphere. Brightness and color temperature are two of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the appearance of outdoor string lights. Lighting color temperature is measured using the Kelvin (K) temperature scale. This scale measures how warm or cool the light appears. Lower numbers on the Kelvin scale look warmer, and higher numbers look cooler.

Lemontec Commercial Grade Outdoor String Lights offer fifteen 11-watt incandescent bulbs and are one of the best options in the lineup for those seeking a brighter set of outdoor string lights. Plus, additional sets can be connected for even more illumination. Q. Can string lights be left outdoors? Each waterproof strand measures 49 feet in length and features 100 LED mini lights. The bulbs give off a warm white glow and are encased in a durable plastic globe. To set the ambience, choose between eight lighting modes. Options like steady lighting, slow fade, and twinkle mode add a fun twist to these basic outdoor string lights. Each G40 bulb provides 40 lumens of light with a 2,200K color temperature for a warm wash of light. Users can connect up to seven of these waterproof strands to create a range of pretty outdoor lighting layouts, ideal for outdoor events or entertaining at home.

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We hung the Banord string lights under a metal arch that frames a pathway between cedar trees. With a hefty 102 feet to work with, the Banord lights spanned the length of the arch three entire times and we still had a few feet left over. At full illumination, the three overhead strings lit up the whole walkway so well, that we were able to put lounge chairs out after dark and read our books and magazines with ease. We were also able to dim the lights to a soft golden glow, which created an intimate romantic effect. Ahead, learn what to look for when shopping for outdoor string lights, and find out why the following models made the cut in our hands-on testing for some of the best string lights for outdoors.

Whatever look you’re going for, we have hanging garden lights in styles to suit your needs. For that nostalgic feel, see our gorgeous festoon lights collection to coordinate a style that is unwaveringly popular at events and garden parties. Other bulb types include battery-powered and solar lights. Both don't require electricity but may have a shorter life than an option that's always plugged in. The advantage of these bulb types is the absence of unattractive wires in your outdoor space. Also, plugs on string lights are often not weatherproof, so they must be covered at all times. For an option like our favorite battery-operated lights from koopower, the entirety of the lights are weatherproof and can be exposed to the elements. However you choose to light up your space, our versatile garden light bulbs and outdoor LED string lights are sure to add warmth and brightness to your outdoors. Why buy outdoor string lights from Lights4fun? LED light bulbs use much less electricity (less wattage) than traditional incandescent bulbs and don’t become as hot when they are turned on. Because they are cooler to the touch, there are LED patio lights made with plastic bubs—meaning they won’t easily shatter if dropped. Many LED bulbs can last up to 50,000 hours, which equals up to 10 years of daily use.Enhance the mood for any season or holiday with this set of color-changing string lights. The Enbrighten string lights have 16 color choices that create up to 120 possible combinations, adding a pop of color to any outdoor space. These string lights stood up remarkably well to wet weather with their waterproof and tear-resistant materials for all-season use. Made with insulating layers, they are safe to hang in a variety of climates and temperatures. The bulbs are incandescent and come with crystal-clear glass globes. Since outdoor string lights are exposed to the elements, selecting a set that stands up to rainy conditions and heavy gusts of wind is important. It’s inconvenient to take the string lights down every time there’s inclement weather in the forecast. For the ultimate, stand-out display, choose our Twinkly smart app-controlled outdoor string lights. Operate remotely and sync to music for an impressive light show that’s guaranteed to wow family and friends alike. These solar-powered string lights are advertised as needing 6 hours of direct sunlight to power the bulbs for 6 hours of illumination, but in our experience, they emitted light for at least 10 hours on a single solar charge.