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18 Best Decorative Outdoor String Lights to Brighten Your Backyard

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When it comes to curating a welcoming, warm backyard space, there’s one thing you can do that will completely change the ambiance: Lighting. And it’s one of the most affordable backyard ideas, too. You can drape outdoor string lights across your backyard furniture, hang a beautiful string light curtain around your pergola, or spruce up your yard with string lights for trees. The options to get your outdoor oasis glowing are endless.

String lights aren’t just plug-in, either. There are also solar powered lights and battery operated options. When choosing the best string lights for your space, consider your yard layout and your lifestyle needs. For example, if you’re planning on hosting backyard dinner parties, you may want something softer and more decorative. But if you’re hoping for fun and function, string lights that keep your space a little brighter may be better. We found a gorgeous string light option for every look and function, including understated designs, whimsical sets, industrial styles, and more.

01

Solar Outdoor Lit Climbing Ivy Garland

Pottery Barn

$65.00

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. 

02

Shaded String Lights

Pottery Barn

$99.00

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.

03

Terrain Stargazer Garden Lights (Set of 21 Bulbs)

Anthropologie

$78.00

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.

04

Brightech Glow LED String Lights (48 ft)

Amazon

$59.99

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.

05

Rodolfo 120-Inch String Lights

AllModern

$70.00

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.

06

Alsip 50-Bulb Outdoor Globe String Lights

AllModern

$44.00

These simple bulbs add a beautiful ambiance to any outdoor aesthetic, from traditional to modern. They also look nice in an indoor-outdoor space like a three-season porch.

07

Brightech Ambiance Pro Solar Powered String Lights

Amazon

$47.99

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!

08

Lantern String Lights with Clear Bulbs and Star Lamp Shades

Amazon

$28.99

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.

09

The Twillery Co. 20.5” Outdoor LED Solar Powered Novelty String Lights

Wayfair

$26.99

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.

10

Patio Umbrella Cordless Outdoor Lighting with Remote

Amazon

$14.99

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.

11

Solhice Outdoor LED Curtain Lights

Amazon

$29.99

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.

12

The Holiday Aisle Trunk Wrap LED Stretch Net Lights

Wayfair

$21.99

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. 

13

Outdoor Solar Dragonfly Lights 

Amazon

$21.99

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.

14

Bistro String Light Poles and Lights

Wayfair

$169.95

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.

15

Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights

Amazon

$69.99

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!

16

LED Twinkle Star String Lights

Amazon

$19.99

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.

17

Addlon Commercial Grade Outdoor String Lights

Amazon

$49.99

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.

18

Outdoor String Lights with Remote

Amazon

$29.99

Illuminate your space with the simple beauty of Edison bulbs. Featuring a classic, understated design, these string lights will effortlessly add warmth and character to any setting.

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