Skip to main content

21OAK may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Year-round lighting: The best all-weather outdoor string lights we’ve seen yet

Spend all seasons in your backyard with these durable outdoor string lights

Hanging outdoor string lights is a simple, inexpensive hack to transform your patio into an inviting oasis. When the sun sets, it’s time to turn on your string lights and step into your personal beer garden-esque backyard. The warm glow of these handy lights creates a charming mood, so you can enjoy spending more time outdoors all year round. Whether you’re going for a magical aura or a rustic vibe, here are the best heavy-duty outdoor string lights to create a relaxing haven al fresco.

vintage-style outdoor string lights
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Vintage outdoor string lights

For a retro look that feels like your favorite gastro pub, vintage string lights are the way to go. With Edison bulbs that give off a golden radiance, these lights create a toasty atmosphere that calls you to sit back and relax. Pair them with Adirondack chairs and chill music for the best happy hour in town.

LED festoon globe lights

If you’re looking for a white glow that feels more festive, LED festoon globe lights offer the right amount of whimsical brightness. With multiple settings, you can use these convenient outdoor string lights as an accent or as your main source of lighting. For larger areas, you can connect multiple strands together to provide the amount of light you need. Perfect for romantic evenings, just set your festoon lights to the right brightness and let the sparks fly.

Solar LED lantern string lights

Nothing amplifies an outdoor celebration like solar LED lantern string lights. These energy savers are perfect for weddings or birthday parties that start in the afternoon and end well into the evening. Look for models that feature steady and twinkling modes for a stylish soiree. The best outdoor solar string lights stay on for up to 20 hours. For superior durability, look for lanterns made from tarpaulin to enjoy season after season.

white fairy lights gathered on table
Dzenina Lukac / Pexels

Fairy outdoor string lights

Homes with large trees or lush gardens look magical with fairy string light decor. These dreamy accessories resemble starry skies that inspire you to lie on the ground and enjoy the evening atmosphere. With their delicate lights, these outdoor solutions are also a favorite for kids’ bedrooms or centerpieces. You can control the level of brightness as well as the twinkling speed to change it up depending on the occasion. 

LED rope lights

With a protective PVC jacket, rope lights offer tiny lights similar to fairy illumination but are more heavy-duty. They have similar brightness to LED, are available in a variety of colors and modes, and are also known for their energy-saving qualities. Wrap them around tree trunks or use them to decorate your outdoor walls to make them pop. While they are more expensive than others, you can be sure that these weather-resistant lights are among the most durable and reliable solutions.

Jar string lights

If you like the modern traditional style, then you’ll love jar string lights. These elegant models give your most important celebrations a laid-back ambiance that makes guests feel comfortable. And if you’re feeling crafty, you can even make these yourself with fairy lights and your own mason jars or wine bottles. These easy-to-make lights are sure to be a conversation starter at your next gathering.

Colorful string lights

Why limit yourself to white lights when you can add a splash of color to your evenings at home? Colorful string lights are favorites among kids, teens, and adults. They turn your backyard into a festive space where everyone feels lively and fun. Some models allow you to set them to one color or multiple shades, so you can change them up as needed. They’re easy to install and provide great accent lighting.

Add brightness to your evenings at home and create a welcoming space with the best outdoor string lights. With so many options and models available, it’s easy to find the right lights that match your sense of style. Consider the size of your space and the atmosphere you’re looking to create before buying your string lights. But most importantly, have fun with them. They’re a functional way to decorate your everyday space while also adding a bit of fun to your special events.

Editors' Recommendations

Deb Goncalves
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Deb's work has appeared on Moms, Babygaga, and WorldAtlas. When she's not working (that's hard to say about a Capricorn), she…
Do you need to wash walls before painting? The honest truth
What you need to know before you paint your walls
Man's hand painting a wall pink with a paint roller

While there are many mistakes that can be made during a DIY painting project, one question many homeowners ask is whether they really need to wash walls before painting. It's a cumbersome task, so is it really necessary? The answer is yes. Having a clean, dry wall before slapping down that primer and paint can prevent all sorts of cosmetic and even health issues down the road. Of course, there are some rooms in your house that need more thorough cleaning than others. If you're ready to paint, here's how you should wash your walls first.
Really? Do you need to wash walls before painting?
Different paint manufacturers offer different advice on this particular topic. PPG says you should "wipe walls clean of dust and dirt," while Sherwin-Williams, for example, offers more detailed advice:

"Washing your walls and trim will remove grime, cobwebs, dust, and stains that can prevent your paint from adhering. Use a mixture of lukewarm water and mild soap, gently rubbing in a circular motion. Rinse your walls using a slightly damp cellulose sponge."

Read more
How to remove stains from a butcher block countertop
Natural stain-removing methods for your butcher block countertop
Kitchen with wood countertops and brick backsplash

Nothing quite beats butcher block countertops, especially when it comes to affordability and durability. In your beautiful kitchen, accidents and spills are bound to happen, so it’s important to take care of these countertops, remove stains promptly, and keep them looking gorgeous for years to come. We'll walk you through how to remove stains from butcher block countertops in this handy guide.

Read more
How to remove detergent stains from clothes: This is the no-fail way
Follow these tips to save your clothes from pesky detergent stains
Woman putting dirty clothes in washing machine

We all have our preferred laundry soap, often because it has a scent we love. It can feel like a betrayal, though, when our favorite laundry detergent stains our clothing. After all, laundry soap is meant to get out stains, not cause them, right?

There are a few reasons your detergent might be leaving behind those pesky stains, but the good news is that you can get them out. You just need the right materials and method! Here’s how to remove detergent stains from clothes so they both look and smell amazing.

Read more