20 different ideas on how to decorate with string lights outdoors! Gorgeous inspiration for outdoor entertaining using string lights.
String lights instantly create a warm, cozy atmosphere and can be used on patios, fences, umbrellas, trees, and porches. There are lots of ways to hang string lights, and I’ll highlight a few of the creative ways others have done so. Please click the blue/gray links to be taken to the original source for further instruction and pictures!
1. OUTDOOR DECORATING TIPS BY HOME STORIES A TO Z
These outdoor string lights are solar powered and do not require a plug! These are a great option when you want soft, cozy lighting and do not have an outlet nearby. You can shop for your own on Amazon with my affiliate link here: Solar powered outdoor string lights
2. HOW TO HANG OUTDOOR STRING LIGHTS BY MAISON DE PAX
The lights she chose for her backyard are commercial grade and are hung to last! She gives an excellent tutorial on how to use wire to attach the lights to trees in the yard. The results are absolutely magical!
3. Outdoor Oasis By Zevy Joy
How darling is this patio? I love it! For a more whimsical look, instead of hanging your lights taut, loosely drape and secure the lights in arc shapes. Annie’s lights are attached to the rafters and loosely draped across the width of the patio.
4. BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR DINING ROOM BY THRIFTY DECOR CHIC
Sarah created an absolutely stunning pergola with string lights firmly attached to the rafters. This is another beautiful option that produces a different look.
5. OUTDOOR TABLE SETTING TIPS BY HOME STORIES A TO Z
This is one of my favorite outdoor tables! I hung the string lights on the tree branches, and you can find all the sourcing for solar powered lanterns affiliate linked here on Amazon! The jar lights are pricey but have been a blessing during camping and power outages. No batteries to worry about and they give off great light.
6. HOW TO HANG STRING LIGHTS WITH POLES BY JESSICA WELLING INTERIORS
Great tutorial for anyone wanting to hang lights on a patio!
7. GORGEOUS PORCH LIGHTS BY VICTORIA ELIZABETH BARNES
Don’t have a patio? Consider hanging string lights on the front porch! I love how these warm LED lights add so much character to this already amazing porch. A porch of any size would be so cute with lights strung back and forth like this.
8. GORGEOUS OUTDOOR DINING BY FRENCH COUNTRY COTTAGE
Courtney uses string lights hung low over her outdoor table for a stunning effect!
9. HOW TO HANG STRING LIGHTS ON A DECK BY SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY BLOG
Rhoda attached columns to her deck and hung her lights across her porch. Full tutorial for how to accomplish this can be found on her blog!
10. STRING LIGHTS ON THE GAZEBO BY THRIFTY DECOR CHIC
This is an older post from Sarah and is a beautiful example of how to add lighting to your outdoor gazebo canopy! I love that she went the extra step to add a chandelier to the space!
11. DIY POLE PLANTERS FOR STRING LIGHTS BY UGLY DUCKLING HOUSE
DIY Planters that will also hold your string lights! These are a unique and cute option! Full tutorial on her blog!
12. HOW TO HANG STRING LIGHTS OUTDOORS BY HAPPY HAPPY NESTER
These string lights are very secure, and installed using poles that are concreted into the ground. Check out her blog for more gorgeous pictures and details!
13. MAXIMIZE YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE BY TIDY MOM
Cheryl attached her string lights right to the deck railing which is a great option for smaller spaces!
14. SUMMER PATIO TOUR BY MODERN GLAM
Ashley has a gorgeous home and beautiful blog! She attached her outdoor lights across her yard from the fence to the house. Be sure to measure your space first before ordering lights if you want to achieve this gorgeous look!
15. STRING LIGHTS AND GORGEOUS SPACES BY NESTING WITH GRACE
String lights don’t always have to be black! I love the more subtle look that white string lights provide.
16. EASIEST WAY TO HANG STRING LIGHTS ON A DECK BY JENNA KATE AT HOME
This project takes less than 30 minutes! Attach poles to the deck the simplest way possible!
17. STRING LIGHTS YARD MAGIC BY A PRETTY LIFE
These string lights are attached to the fence line, and they are ever so magical!
18. SIMPLE SUMMER PORCH DECOR BY LOLLY JANE
Here is another beautiful example of white outdoor lights strung across the porch. These provide such a cozy evening experience! Drill hooks into your siding and columns to easily hang the lights in place.
19. COTTAGE BALCONY MAKEOVER BY THE DIY MOMMY
You don’t have to have a lot of lights or a large outdoor space to make it the cutest ever! Pssst. Find the tutorial for the fringed umbrella over on her blog as well!
20. BEAUTIFUL CHIC BOHO OUTDOOR TABLE SETTING BY HOME STORIES A TO Z
For the times when you want a special outdoor dining experience, string some lights over your outdoor table using potted plants as the base! Here I used my front porch topiaries on other side of the table to hold my string of lights in place. Very unique, and fun!
Shop Outdoor String Lights
Are you ready to add some outdoor lighting to your space? Here are the ones I own and/or recommend based off of reviews:
So many great ideas and inspiration for backyard light and ambiance – thank you! I keep dragging my feet, but maybe this will be the year I actually light up my deck! I especially like #5 with the florals inside the jars.
WOW! Easy to follow and fun to make.
Thanks for sharing my string lights, Beth! This is a beautiful post.
Thanks Rhoda! I’m so glad it’s that time of year where we can enjoy the beauty of our outdoor spaces! Your new space is soooo gorgeous! Excited to see it complete!