8 Best Outdoor String Lights of 2023

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"Baby, you light up my world like nobody else." —your future self

Call me a simple gal but I love entering a space such as a new restaurant or a friend's backyard party only to be greeted by the prettiest outdoor string lights. I welcome an opportunity where I can gaze at some gorge twinkly lights—and IMO it's also one of the best ways you can add a sprinkle of magic to your home (lol can you tell all I do is watch rom-coms and cry?).

Aside from the aesthetic beauty these lights serve, it also is a very practical way to actually…bring some light into a room in a unique way. If you spend time outdoors reading or often host friends, these easy-to-install lights are more affordable than traditional options such as porch lights or flush mounts.

And while you might have owned a pair of fairy lights back in college for your dorm (relatable), I promise you there are so many elevated styles nowadays that look elegant and mature for outdoor use. (Although if you feel a connection to those nostalgic college-like lights I wouldn't blame ya.)

It's true, a single set of string lights can give your space a major revamp—whether you decide you want to attach them to the railing of your balcony or hang them on your exterior walls, there are so many ways you can experiment and make this project totally personal.

Before you get started buying the first lights you see, we’ve listed our top picks for the best outdoor string lights currently on the market. We’ll be on the lookout for all the Insta pics of your brand new place.

There are a few must-have features outdoor string lights should have when shopping around, and then there additional benefits you never even considered. These solar powered ones are the ideal blend of having a bit of it all. In addition to being waterproof, they’re also windproof, shatterproof, and temperature-resistant. Plus, they last 5-6 hours on a full charge.

You love the idea of string lights, but you’re not exactly wanting to splurge. To that end we present these budget-friendly picks that will illuminate your space without making you spend $$$. If you’re just wanting to test it out and get a feel of how they look, these will offer you a no-harm-no-foul way of doing so.

On the other hand, you might identify with someone who couldn't be more sure that they want to add these to their outdoor space. If that's you, we recommend these absolutely stunning ones from Pottery Barn made with commercial grade black cables and clear plastic bulbs with brass sockets.

There are few annoyances as big as wanting to enjoy a time outside lounging and talking to your friends only for it to be disrupted by a few pesky creatures—mainly, mosquitos. Listen, the critters during the summer are a nightmare, and although there are a few topical creams or products you can use to try to avoid the situation, there might be an easier way. These string lights are equipped with replaceable pods pre-filled with BiteFighter repellent fluid—aka they kill two birds with one stone.

Are you walking into a mystical garden or your backyard? Who knows! These curtain string lights will add an extra oomph to your home and make it feel oh-so cozy.

Although simple white lights are a classic, switching things up with color is one detail I will always have a soft spot for. It's fun to have fun! After all, this is your place and you make the rules. Using your smartphone and the Hubspace app, you can change its colors and patterns wirelessly and remotely.

Fairy lights forever TBH. These under-$10 lights are so cute and get the job done without issue. If you’re looking to easily light up your windows, railings, or gate—you can't go wrong with these budget-friendly ones.

As it was with the color options, perhaps going basic is just not your type of thing (no shade to those whose it is though!). If you find yourself bored by the basic design most outdoor string lights are available in, why not switch things up with these mini lanterns?

In the same way that decorating your home has no rules, there is no one way to hang your string lights. However, we do have a few tips and tricks up our sleeves that we suggest you keep in mind.

Height:

When you’re putting up your string lights, the higher you can get, the better. After all, you would hate for them to be dragging on the floor and making it easy for someone to accidentally break a bulb. For this reason, if you want to drape against a wall or railing, we suggest going around 7 feet high up to ensure there are no accidents. Plus, the heat it emits is sure to be a doozy after a while if you or your guests are sitting too close to it for hours on end.

Installation:

When hanging up your new string lights, the top way people like to install is with stainless steel screw hooks or cup hooks. These make it so you can easily use it as you don't have to pre-drill the holes. Additionally, it helps that these look a bit more elevated than a nail or screw would.

Daisy Maldonado is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan who loves writing about fashion trends, must-have beauty products, and digital culture. When she's not writing, you can almost certainly find her shopping (she knows her credit card numbers by heart) or obsessing over celebrity news. Although she's acquired an extensive closet over the years, her favorite item she owns is a Harry Styles Love On Tour hoodie she purchased at his concert in Manchester. Daisy's work has appeared on Refinery29, The Daily Beast, E! News, Allure and more. Keep up with all of her chaotic travels, NYC life and fashionable moments on her Instagram.

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