18 Best Decorative Outdoor String Lights to Brighten Your Backyard

For a unique statement on your garden wall or home exterior, consider this climbing ivy-inspired garland with pretty lights. The solar-powered lights provide an organic look, and its soft glow will bring instant charm to your outdoor space. 

These delicate shaded string lights are the perfect addition to an outdoor space that leans coquette or a little eclectic. The pretty white metal shade features a wavy design that provides style that will soften your space. Pair a few of these plug-in string lights with cream and wicker furniture for a cohesive look.

Add a subtle pop of color to the backyard with these pastel cotton candy-colored garden string lights from Anthropologie! The LED globe bulbs are good for outdoor and indoor use, too. Note: Because these bulbs are meant to be completely customizable, you do have to purchase the socket strand separately. But once you have that, you can mix and match any colors from their Stargazer line.

Get a chic, modern look in your backyard design with these beautiful Edison bulb string lights that feature a brass accent. The subtle touch of brass provides an elegant look, and blends seamlessly into your space. You can connect up to 20 strands together, too, which is great for larger backyards.

Embrace industrial style with these metal lantern lights featuring sleek lines and a modern finish. The black cloche design showcases an ambient light, and the bulbs are super easy to replace if one goes out.

These durable and functional solar powered string lights can be hung anywhere and will charge in direct sunlight. String them across a balcony, porch, patio or terrace. No outlet needed!

Everyone will be seeing stars when you hang up these whimsical lantern lights featuring cute star cutouts. They’ll not only cast a warm glow on your outdoor space but also create a mesmerizing star pattern on the ground or walls.

Who said outdoor string lights couldn’t be fun? This novelty set of two outdoor LED solar powered string lights comes with bulbs in white or in a mix of red, blue, and gray.

Add a touch of warm light to the underside of any umbrella with these easy-to-assemble string lights. They come with their own remote, a 12-month warranty, and thousands of positive reviews.

To achieve an ethereal, curtain-like effect, hang strands vertically across a pergola or tall fence outdoors. These stunners are waterproof, come with a whopping 600 bulbs, and even feature eight different lighting modes.

String lights always look beautiful wrapped around trees, too! If you live in a more wooded area, dressing your backyard trees in these netted string lights would illuminate your whole outdoor vibe. The LED wrap lights are shatterproof, and fit a variety of trunk sizes. 

These dragonfly string lights will add a playful touch to your space with just the flick of a switch. This set features eight fun flash modes with patterns like waves, twinkling stars, and more.

Turn the backyard into a bistro with these all-in-one string lights, which arrive complete with steel poles that feature an elegant black finish. Each set comes with two poles that can extend up to 10 feet tall.

Elevate your ambience with this set that can be customized by color and brightness, among other effects, anywhere at any time. Their software even offers an option to recognize colors that pair best with certain yard décor. Amazing!

This set of lights features a simpler star design that’s every bit as enchanting. They’re extendable to a maximum of 10 strands so you can light up your whole yard with celestial charm.

For those in more unpredictable climates, these commercial-grade outdoor lights offer superior durability in conditions like hot sun, intense wind, heavy rain, and snow. A dimmer switch can be purchased separately for a touch of decorative flair.