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Youll be able to host outdoor parties all summer long.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Adam Nelson, co-founder of Young Cardinal Electric, offers some advice on shopping for outdoor string lights.
They are spaced 3 feet apart, which may lead to gaps in illumination.
Our pick for the best outdoor string lights are theBrightech Ambience Pro LED Outdoor String Lights.
Credit: Amazon
They are shatterproof whether they bump into any surfaces or drop from a height.
These are commercial-grade lights with a rubberized, heavy-duty cord, and they are also waterproof.
These string lights are also UL listed, so you have that added assurance of safety.
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With these, it’s possible for you to connect up to 20 strands, end to end.
However, the bulbs are spaced 3 feet apart, which are further apart than other options.
The overall length is only 10 feet and the strands don’t connect.
Credit: Pottery Barn
The Wondershop Mini Christmas String Lights are $2 for a 50-count.
The incandescent bulbs are spaced 2.5 inches apart on the strand.
Clear or multicolored options are available, and there are no special lighting effects.
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The lights can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Youll have to confirm the lights can reach an outlet or use an extension cord.
Theyre wet UL-listed, so theyre safe to be used indoors or outside.
Credit: Amazon
They also come in asolar globe modelif you prefer a round bulb or a more renewable power source.
These outdoor string lights run on electricity, so youll need to ensure you have.
an outlet nearby or an extension.
Credit: Amazon
The lights are on the dim side.
(Heads up that theyre relatively dim to begin with.)
Being dust and waterproof, they dont need to be taken down in inclement weather.
Credit: Amazon
The battery box even has a rubber ring built inside to make it even more waterproof.
Incandescent bulbs have a shorter lifespan and run hotter than LEDs.
The vintage look of globe lights makes them attractive during the day and night.
If you need more length, you’re able to connect up to three strands.
The lights are IP44 waterproof, which means theyll be protected from the rain.
If one bulb does end up burning out, the parallel circuit wiring means the others wont be impacted.
The power adapter isnt waterproof.
In this case, that means 16 million colors (seriously) and 47 light show modes.
Note that 96 feet is the maximum recommended length, and the power adapter on the cord isnt waterproof.
They also arent UL or IP rated.
The lights have commercial-grade weatherproofing, though they arent UL or IP rated.
They even come with a two-year warranty for additional peace of mind.
Six hours of charging the solar panel in direct sunlight gets you six hours of illumination.
However, this also prevents them from charging again the next morning.
There are also battery-operated and solar-powered options as well, such as theBrightech Ambiance Pro Solar String Lights.
Bulb throw in
LED and incandescent bulbs are the most common options foroutdoor lightingapplications.
Nelson recommends you measure the distance you want to hang the lights.
In many cases, you might connect several strands of lights together to extend them.
For a well-litoutdoor patio space, Nelson recommends purchasing outdoor string lights with bulbs close together.
Your Questions, Answered
How long should string lights be?
The length of your string lights depends on their placement.
What are the most durable outdoor string lights?
According to Nelson, the most durable options for outdoor string lights are waterproof and shatterproof.
ConsiderLED strip lights, which are often hardy and waterproof.
Those safety indicators show that the lights have met specific measurements of quality and safety.
How bright should string lights be?
The level of brightness is based, in part, on the area you are hoping to illuminate.
Nelson recommends at least a 40 lumen bulb to illuminate your outdoor space.
For even more control over the lighting and ambiance, consider a dimmable option like theGovee Outdoor String Lights.
This article was updated byNicole Pyles, who has been a writer for Better Homes & Gardens since 2023.
She specializes in gift ideas, home decor, and home and kitchen essentials.
