By: World Market Editorial Team | Published: July 20, 2026
Outdoor String Light Buying Guide: Types, Styles & How to Hang Them
Outdoor String Light Bulb Types
The bulb shape sets the entire mood. Most of our string light assortment is one of these three types of bulb:
- • Globe bulbs: Round, cafe-style bulbs that throw a soft, even glow. The classic patio look. Works for almost any setting from rustic farmhouse to modern minimal.
- • Edison / vintage filament bulbs: Warmer, amber-toned bulbs with a visible filament. The most retro-looking option, with a touch of speakeasy charm.
- • Fairy / micro lights: Tiny pinprick bulbs on flexible wire, ideal for wrapping railings, weaving through plants or layering inside lanterns.
Most of our string lights are LED, which run cooler, last longer, and use a fraction of the energy of incandescent strands. Look for shatterproof bulbs if you expect kids, pets, or unpredictable weather on your patio. Browse our full assortment of outdoor string lights to compare bulb types side by side.
Plug-In, Solar or Battery: Pick Your Power
How you power your strand matters more than shoppers expect — it dictates where you can use the lights and how reliably they'll come on each night.
- • Plug-in: The brightest, most reliable option. Best when you have a covered outdoor outlet within 25 feet of where the strand starts.
- • Solar: Self-charging by day, automatic at dusk. No outlet required. Great for fences, freestanding posts, and garden borders. Look for a panel with at least 8 hours of run time.
- • Battery: Most flexible for portable setups, such as a temporary large table for entertaining. Less convenient for everyday use because batteries need replacing.
Strand Length and Spacing
Outdoor string lights come in standard lengths from about 12 feet up to 100 feet, with bulbs typically spaced 12 to 24 inches apart. As a rule of thumb:
- • Measure the run from your power source to your hanging end point, then add 20% for swag and slack.
- • For a single-line run across a patio, plan on one strand. For zigzag canopies, multiply by the number of crossings.
- • Most of our outdoor strands are connectable end-to-end (look for ""linkable"" in the product details). These are handy for larger spaces.
5 Hanging Patterns That Actually Look Good
The string lights are beautiful. The hanging? That's where some patios go wrong. A few field-tested pattern successes:
- • Single straight run: From house to fence post, or post to post. Looks tailored against a flat wall.
- • Zigzag canopy: Two or three runs crossing diagonally above a dining table. The most popular pattern of the bunch.
- • Perimeter swag: A loose drape along a pergola or deck railing. Best with globe or vintage filament bulbs that look good lit and unlit.
- • Vertical drop: Strands hanging straight down from a beam or branch like a curtain of light. Great for a photo backdrop or party feature wall.
- • Tree wrap: Wrap the trunk and lower branches of a tree. Use micro fairy lights for this so the wrap looks dense and not stringy.
For freestanding setups with no walls or trees in reach, use sturdy outdoor-rated planters with poles to anchor each end of your strand.
How to Hang Outdoor String Lights
The most common hanging mistake is too little support. String lights don't just hang, they sag. Plan for it:
- • Use guide wire for runs over 20 feet. Stretch a thin steel cable between mounting points and zip-tie the strand to it. This keeps your bulbs in a clean line, not a deep U-curve.
- • Mount with screw-in cup hooks on wood beams, pergolas and overhangs. They're removable, weatherproof, and won't tear up the strand.
- • Leave 10 inches of slack per 10 feet of run for a natural, relaxed swag.
- • Plug into a covered outlet or weatherproof extension cord. Never run a household indoor cord across a wet patio.
Layered Lighting: Don't Stop at the Strand
The most inviting outdoor spaces use three layers of lighting. String lights provide the ambient layer overhead. Add a second layer with outdoor lanterns at table or step level, then a third with candles, fire pits, or torches at ground level. Together they create the kind of warm, dimensional glow you can't fake with a single overhead fixture. Pair your strand with a few of our outdoor lanterns or a fire pit for beautiful ambiance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The general rule is to leave about 10 inches of slack per 10 feet of run for a natural swag, and to support runs longer than 20 feet with a guide wire. Anchor your strand at sturdy points (eaves, pergola beams, or planted poles) at least 8 feet off the ground so guests can walk under without ducking.
Most of our string lights are weatherproof and rated for outdoor use, but UV exposure and harsh winters will shorten their lifespan. If you live somewhere with heavy snow or extreme cold, we recommend taking strands down at the end of the season and storing them coiled in a cool, dry place.
Measure the total length of your hanging path (including any zigzags or drops), then add about 20% for slack. Match that number to your strand length and check whether the lights are linkable end-to-end if you'll need multiple strands.
Solar lights have come a long way. Look for sets that specify lumens per bulb (40+ is a good choice) and a solar panel with at least 8 hours of charge time. Solar is best for ambient mood lighting; for task lighting like reading or grilling, plug-in is a stronger choice.
You'll want a GFCI-protected outdoor outlet, ideally covered. If you're using an extension cord, choose one rated for outdoor use and keep all connections off the ground. Browse our full collection of outdoor string lights, and check out our outdoor entertaining ideas for more ways to bring your patio to life this season!
