Few things in life are as satisfying as warm summer evenings in the garden, in fact, our gardens can offer the perfect retreat after a long day. So, why not get the atmosphere right for complete satisfaction? There are many ways in which to bring about a cozy environment, even outdoors. Many people choose to add lighting elements to their gardens for a lovely decorative and warming touch. Perfect for family gatherings, or romantic BBQs, there is so much joy in string lights for gardens.
If you’re seeking inspiration to add some lovely lighting into your backyard, we’ve put together a list of 40 stunning spaces below. Backyard lighting ideas can really transform your outdoor area, making it your new favorite spot. Whether you have an event coming up and want to prepare your garden in advance or you’re simply looking for hanging outdoor lights, we’ve covered every type in these wonderful examples.
Considerations Choosing String Lights
Before we reveal our top choices, here are some tips to think about when buying this type of decor product:
Cost – patio string lights can certainly be a cheap and cheerful product to transform your space. However, there are many variations that come at different prices. If you’re looking to save money, the more simple designs are going to offer this. However, for those that want to splash a bit of cash, there are fancier options too.
Length – depending on where you are placing the lights in your backyard space, you should consider the length of them. The great thing about these types of lights is the versatility that comes hand in hand. They can be hung around a gazebo, casually draped across a table, or even be used to decorate a tree. Ensure that the lights you choose are long enough for how you intend to display them.
Glow color- hanging outdoor lights give off a beautiful glow, however, sometimes the color can differentiate. From bright white lights to more warming yellow tones, there are different options out there. You can even find more unique colors such as blue and red too!
40 Backyard String Light Ideas for the Patio
We’ve put together a list of stunning outdoor string lights for all the inspiration you’ll need. Perfect for adding a magical atmosphere or setting the mood for an evening of al fresco dining, these lights can quite literally transform your back yard.
1. Peg Table Display
The large dining table pictured in this backyard features an impressive dinnerware display and is complemented beautifully with peg style patio string lights. They have been used in a criss-cross motion to bring a delicate glow to the area and add a touch of coziness. Long in length, these types of lights give a traditional white glow and can be used in a versatile way. The slightly larger than usual light on the actual string makes this option very decorative and acts as a decor feature in itself.
2. Star Feature DIY String Lighting
This beautiful arrangement of string lights over a table for a dinner party uses a simple bulb design with a touch of DIY. The central light on the string is a wonderful star, bringing about a sense of VIP and magic to the dining scene. Bulb string lights are generally an average length, so we’d always recommend buying more than one of these products if you’re wanting to use them for more than a couple of meters. Why not add your own touch to your string light design as seen here?
3. Delicate Round Hanging Outdoor Lights
These lovely little warm glowing string lighting pieces highlight different areas of the garden pictured perfectly. The warm flow is reflected off the back wall, while the table of drinks is welcoming thanks to the pretty small lights. This garden has been decorated to feel like a magical little escape for guests arriving at the party, setting a stunning ambiance.
4. Patio Lights Outdoor Setup
A simply yet wonderfully effective patio setup, in this outdoor space bulb style string lights, has been creatively used across the wooden structure to add practicality. At night time, the lights emit a warm glow for an inviting outdoor space to socialize and enjoy a drink. If you have a similar structure in your own garden space, consider how best to utilize it for a beautiful patio of your very own.
5. Christmas Elegant Outdoor Lighting Ideas
If you want to make an impact during the Christmas season with string light ideas, look no further than this patio for all the inspiration you need! adorned with hundreds of tiny glowing white lights, the seating area is magically lit up for a breathtaking dining experience. These small fairy lights can be used to build up substantial light a seen here or simply used individually for a more subtle look. Either way, the end result is beautiful!
6. Farmhouse Single String Of Lights
While this setting doesn’t go overboard with thousands of lights, the delicate introduction of a simple string of bulb lights across the tree adds a romantic feature. The sting lights highlight the tree’s natural structure wonderfully and give just enough of a glow to add to the other lighting fixtures outdoors. Use single string lighting for a similar effect for a simple, lovely touch.
7. Beautiful Outdoor Patio Lights
The pretty patio lights used in this chic and minimalistic outdoor space add a lovely finishing touch. Created especially for dining, the designer has thought carefully about the layout to create a blissful atmosphere, which the string lighting above helps with. At night time, a warm glow is given for a truly serene and wonderful dining atmosphere.
8. Poolside Backyard String Lights
For those fortunate enough to have a pool in their backyard, you may be thinking of ways to decorate the area. From sun loungers to parasols, there are plenty of additions to choose from. However, with that said, lighting can be a great idea too. In this area, the garden string lights perfectly illuminate the pool space making it extra romantic and inviting to anybody who uses it.
9. Fence Slat Yard String Lights
If you have fencing in your back yard, why not add some lovely lights for extra decor as seen in this cute garden corner? The simple string lights are threaded onto a single rope in small clusters to bring about a warm glow. Whether you’re creating a nook for reading or a space to sit back and relax with ambient lighting, this could be a perfect option.
10. Lantern Hanging Tree Lights
The fun party lights used throughout this garden take on a miniature Chinese lantern style for plenty of character. Outdoor hanging lantern lights can bring about a lovely rustic atmosphere and paired with smaller bulb lights as seen here, they really look charming. If you’re searching for inspiration for your own party, why not take ideas from this lovely scenic space?
11. Simple Pool String Light Feature
This backyard with a small pool used a single string of outdoor bulb lights to add a warm glow and relaxing atmosphere. These lights can be a great addition to any outdoor area and won’t cost anything beyond an average price. If you’re looking specifically for hanging solar lights outdoor options, these lights generally fall into the category.
12. White Light Bulb String
This wonderful yet simple string light has been strung across this backyard to give a nice finishing decorative touch. A great way to illuminate the space at night time, space is transformed giving a soft glow for a dinner party atmosphere. For those that are seeking a similar lighting style, this product is usually available in varying lengths as one of the most common hanging lights for gardens.
13. Outdoor Seating With Lights
Are you looking for ideas on how to hang outdoor string lights? If you’re hoping to create the outdoor seating area of dreams in your own backyard, take a look at this gorgeous design. The enclosed area features a cozy set up with a table, chairs, wall hangings, decor, and pretty hanging tiny lights. Glowing with warmth from the lights, this looks like the perfect nook to escape to after a busy day.
14. Cozy Warm Outside Light Ideas
Pictured is a cozy balcony area complemented with pretty dainty glowing yard rope lights. A perfect place to retreat to after a busy week of work, the area offers an inviting atmosphere to enjoy a drink with friends as the sunsets. These types of lights look great wrapped around a fence as seen and can add an extra touch of practical lighting at the same time.
15. String Light Poles
In this back yard, a wonderful set of lights can be seen hanging over the canopy in the area. Surrounding by trees used as poles, the lights are crossed over in an attractive way to add extra decor. If you want a simple solution to adding fairy lights into your garden area, this could be a perfect idea.Think about utilizing the space in your outdoor area by using the trees as natural poles to hang the lights from.
16. Rustic Hanging Bulbs Outdoors
For a rustic hanging string lights idea, this lovely arrangement features dried flowers and simple bulb design. Fixed onto a wooden overhead piece, the bulbs are spaced out perfectly, while the flowers give a countryside aesthetic. To recreate a similar design, gather some store-bought dried plants or dry out your own and pair with either fairy lights on a string on single bulbs.
17. Paper Floral Lanterns
There are plenty of outdoor hanging ceiling lights to choose from, but these paper lanterns with a floral design really do stand out. Each shade is colorfully patterned to give a soft and gentle glow with the bulb placed inside. This is a beautiful idea for any celebration or party which will really impress guests. For an everyday option, one or two can be used in a singular way as a unique feature.
18. Hanging Tree Lights
There is a simple satisfaction that comes with tree decor outdoors, as seen in this wonderful seating area. The patio lighting ideas used is strung around the autumn colored leaves of a lovely small tree to bring about a romantic atmosphere during the evenings when dining outdoors.
19. Lights Around The Shed
If you want to create a memorable camping experience for your children outdoors, consider these wonderful yard string lights. As pictured they’ve been used to highlight the garden shed, giving it a new lease of light while providing ample lighting for any occasion outdoors in the evening. Why not try and frame any architecture in your own garden in a similar way? Whether you choose to use bulb style lights or fairy lights, this is a simple way to up your garden game.
20. String Light Droplets
Wondering how to hang string lights? Take a look at this simple yet effective option which simply places the lights between two trees The lovely warm glow given off from the outdoor rope lights that have a droplet shape bring about a pretty decorative touch to this back yard.
21. Pergola String Lighting
For those that have a pergola in their garden space, consider using it to hang the patio lights of your choice. This design uses strings of simple bulb fairy light designs layered on top for a festival feel, perfect for any summer socializing under the sunset.
22. Vintage Light Bulbs
Seeking party light ideas? These wonderful vintage light bulb string lighting really bring this outdoor patio to life. Used around the border of the space, they shine with a bright white glow to illuminate the area for extra practicality. These types of lights are affordable and come in different colors too. While this particular set of hanging outdoor little lights are vintage, you can also find newer similar options.
23. Warm Glow String Lighting
While a bright white light can certainly bring about practicality if you need the extra lighting outdoors, there’s nothing as welcoming as a warm glow. With this set of backyard string lights, the design is kept simple and focus is placed on the nice warm glow that they emit.
24. Pretty GardenLights
The rounded design of these lovely garden string lights give off a superb glow and are simple in their design. The repeated single bulbs are practical while adding a sense of warmth to the area making it perfect for social gatherings. Strung together between trees, this is a simple way to hang them effectively, ensuring that the light is all around the garden.
25. Mini Outdoor Dainty Lights
The mini outdoor lights pictured in this outdoor space carry a unique design for a super pretty finish. Each small lantern contains a single light and hangs from a thin thread to give the style of a Chinese lantern. For a more unique touch to a garden party space, why not opt for a similar elegant design?
26. Outdoor String Light Ideas
For simple string lighting, look no further than this lovely arrangement of lights that highlight the trees above wonderfully. Arranged side by side, the two rows in this garden add consistent illumination to the area, to illuminate a pretty pathway down the garden. Backyard string lights ideas come in many variations and can be used practically too as seen in this space.
27. Boho Vibe Patio Lighting
For the ultimate boho-chic vibe, fairy lights are a must in your garden. These lovely bulb lights create the perfect atmosphere to sit back and relax, listen to music, and enjoy good food. When choosing yard string lights, consider the surrounding decor and go from there. Just as with interior styling, you should aim for everything to carry a similar design.
28. Floral Lighting Arrangement
Flowers and dainty lights outdoors are a perfect duo as seen on this wooden arch arrangement. The lights are strung organically and showcase the garden in a stunning way. While this set up is probably intended for a wedding celebration or similar, there are plenty of ways in which you can use lights and flowers together.
29. String Light Poles Garland
Between the poles, lots of bulb lights are hung for a beautiful finish and a glowing garland. The owner of this backyard has decided to bring about a new way of using light in an effetcive and pretty way. The end result is a fantastic looking outdoor space to entertain friends and family all year round.
30. Lit Up Patio
What better way to decorate an outdoor entertainment space than with various lighting designs? This awesome decked kitchen and dining area uses patio light ideas in plenty of ways for a stunning finish. From the blue LED lights across the kitchen area giving a funky modern glow, to the warmer ones around the parasol. There are plenty of ways in which you can mix and match patio string lights as seen here.
31. Overhead Pool Lights
Warm summer nights call for dips in the pool, BBQs, and socializing. And, there’s no better way to do those things than in style. This beautiful pool set up shows an arrangement of stringing light fixtures hanging above to enhance the relaxing atmosphere even further. By simply using just a couple of these lights, the aesthetic has been upped in all the right ways.
32. Icicle Style Backyard Hanging Lights
Amongst the best outdoor lights, are these simply beautiful icicle style ones. Giving off a warm yellow-hued glow and adding a touch of undeniable elegance, they’re great for lavish dinner parties outdoors or wedding parties as used in this case. These types of lights can be picked up at a relatively affordable price, however, most come in a white glow tone rather than warm. Be sure to select the right tone for the aesthetic that you wish to create.
33. Summer Porch Lighting
These cute porch lights really take this outdoor space to the next level. Overlapping, they have a simple design with hanging bulbs that emit a soft white glow. This creates the perfect relaxing space in which to enjoy a morning coffee or watch over the children as they play. This type of lighting design is fantastic for any modern home, inclusive of a decked or tree-covered area to the back.
34. DIY Outdoor Lighting Ideas
This nighttime photo perfectly captures how effective different types of outdoor lights can be. Using two different styles, including tea lights, and the classic bulb fairy light design. By using these two options, the ambiance has been upped giving both an organic and delicate atmosphere.
37. Dainty Dangling String Lighting
The string lights hanging from the tree pictured in this garden carry a unique and gorgeous design. Each string has multiple lights but rather than them being displayed in a row, they are arranged vertically. This is a great woodland fairytale look making the outdoor green area more inviting than ever. While the lights pictured here have been potentially used for a winter display or celebration, there is no reason why you can’t simply decorate with them too.
38. String Lighting Decked Area
In this contemporary decked area, a beautiful set of modern white glowing yard string lights have been used. Simply draped across the top between fences, they close in the area and add to its cozy aesthetic. These lights are basic in design but look perfect with the surrounding white furnishings.
39. Morrocan Hanging Lanterns
For a beautiful cultural influence in your garden space, why not consider a similar Morrocan lantern as seen here? The intricately detailed lights are made of durable metal making them great to hang from trees. More of a traditional option than a contemporary one, this style is fantastic if you’re looking to give a vintage edge to your back yard.
40. Wintery Tiny Lights
The lovely winter lights bring about a charming atmosphere in this outdoor garden area. Trailed across the fence, their warm glow works wonderfully with the seasonal decorations. These types of lights are very common and can be picked up at a cheap price. They’re super versatile and great for trees, fences, and furniture outdoors.
