24 Backyard Lighting Ideas to Upgrade Your Patio

And our favorite picks for the best outdoor string lights.

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Want to add some instant ambiance to your patio without spending hundreds on new furniture, plants, or renovations? The answer is as easy as just adding some outdoor string lights! String lights provide that perfect amount of glow to amp up any backyard barbecue or s'mores night. Before you know it, you'll be spending so much time on your patio or deck that you might just consider it an additional living space in your home in the spring, summer, and fall.

Backyard string lights are an inexpensive upgrade that's easily installed, no matter how handy you are. Wrap them around a tree limb, drill a hook into a post and hang them from there, find inspiration from one of these unique ideas below.

Create the perfect outdoor dining space for summer dinner parties with a few strands of string lights. Scatter some lanterns on the table, too, in order to achieve an outdoor candlelight glow.

See more at Lavin Label.

SHOP STRING LIGHTS

Camouflage the wooden pole that holds up your string lights with a pretty potted plant. The heavy base of the planter helps keep things stable, while your flowers and greenery will add some eye candy to this set up.

See more at SUGAR MAPLE notes.

SHOP PLANTERS

Cozy up your backyard with comfy outdoor furniture and strands of string lights hanging from above. This just became your new favorite room in the house.

See more at LivvyLand.

Pairing simple string lights with illuminated jars makes for a breathtaking display. Who wouldn't want to pull up a seat at this outdoor dinner table?!

See more at Home Stories A to Z.

SHOP MASON JARS

This setup proves you don't need much to light up your backyard. Simply drape string lights from a big tree to the roof of your house and watch your backyard shine.

See more at Ashley Brooke Designs.

Host your next garden party in style. A few strands of string lights create a tent-like effect above this outdoor dining table setup that's perfect for spring.

See more at Ella Claire.

SHOP OUTDOOR DINING SETS

We anticipate many summer nights spent around the fire. Make your backyard fire pit the ultimate hangout spot with Adirondack chairs, string lights, and s'mores.

See more at Jenna Sue Design Co.

SHOP FIRE PITS

Create a comfy backyard living space with a plush sofa and pillows, tons of potted plants, and a privacy fence made out of wooden pallets. String lights help change the fence from a boring backdrop to an inspiring installation.

See more at City Farmhouse.

SHOP PRIVACY FENCES

It's always a starry night when you hang string lights above your back patio. You'll want to wind down in this pleasant place every day of the week.

See more at Root + Dwell.

SHOP OUTDOOR RUGS

No need to go overboard with the lighting. Just a simple strand draped over the table will look effortless. Plus, it will let your beautiful tablescape take center stage.

See more at Maison de Pax.

SEE MORE SPRING PARTY THEMES

Letting your lights meet at a centered fixture will add symmetry to your space. You could use the pendant for more light or just a decoration.

See more at Zevy Joy.

SHOP HANGING FIXTURE

A streamlined strand will keep the area looking nice and clean. Then, you can decorate with all sorts of knick knacks.

See more at Robb Restyle.

SHOP OUTDOOR PENDANT LIGHTS

For a covered patio, the easiest way to secure the strands is simply attaching them to each corner of the roof. It makes hanging lights look uniform—not messy.

See more at Inspired by Charm.

Don't have an existing structure to hang outdoor string lights from? Cement poles to the bottom of planters anchored at each corner of your patio.

See more at Bless'er House.

SHOP WHISKEY BARREL PLANTERS

Cafe-style lights make this bucolic California backyard feel like the charming French countryside.

SHOP OUR FAVORITE PATIO UMBRELLAS

Outdoor string lights are the finishing touch on this amazing DIY pergola and fire pit setup.

See more here.

Pachysandra, english ivy, and other dense, sturdy plants work best for adding lights to your garden landscape, according to this blogger, who used incandescent string lights to give her garden a lovely glow.

Get the tutorial at Dust And Doghair.

MORE GROUND COVER IDEAS

There's nothing better than sitting around a fire pit with friends and family, drinking, reminiscing, and making s'mores. Only string lights could make this moment even cozier.

See more at Brooklyn Limestone.

SHOP OUR FAVORITE ADIRONDACK CHAIRS

String lights are an easy, affordable way to turn your porch into an enchanting oasis. Let them drape from the ceiling or a railing, or hang them from a wall.

Use three vintage ladders to construct this sweet, mini pergola, a perfect place to hang lights or use as a backdrop for photos.

Get the tutorial at Kojo Designs.

SHOP CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

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