Best Backyard String Lights: How to Choose Them and Hang Them Right

Alright, real quick before you buy anything.

If your backyard feels a little plain at night, string lights are the fastest upgrade you can make.

I'm serious. You can spend thousands on patios and landscaping, but hang a few warm lights overhead and suddenly the whole place feels finished.

I've put these up in my own yard, on pergolas, across patios, even between trees. Once you get the hang of it, it's an easy half‑day project.

Let's talk about how to pick the right ones and how to hang them so they actually look good.

How to Choose Backyard String Lights

There are about a million options online, but most of the differences come down to three things.

1. Bulb Style

The classic choice is the Edison-style bulb. Warm light, slightly vintage look, and it spreads light nicely across a patio.

Avoid super bright white bulbs. They feel more like stadium lighting than backyard lighting.

Look for warm white (around 2200K–2700K) if you want that cozy backyard feel.

2. Weather Rating

Outdoor lights should be rated wet or weatherproof.

Backyard string lights live outside year round. Rain, snow, heat, wind — they see all of it.

Cheap indoor lights won't last a season.

3. Cord Quality

This is the thing most people overlook.

You want thick rubber cable, not thin plastic wire. The heavier cords hang straighter and survive wind better.

If the cable feels flimsy, skip it.

How to Hang Backyard String Lights

The trick is creating a few anchor points so the lights sag in nice gentle curves.

Here's the simple way to do it.

Step 1: Install Anchor Points

You can attach lights to:

• Pergola beams
• House siding
• Fence posts
• Trees
• Or simple 4x4 posts set in the ground

Eye hooks or screw eyes work great for this.

Step 2: Run a Support Wire

For longer runs, stretch a thin steel guide wire between anchor points first.

Then clip the lights to that wire.

This keeps the weight off the electrical cord and prevents sagging over time.

Step 3: Create Soft Curves

Don't pull the lights tight.

Let them hang in soft arcs between anchor points. That relaxed droop is what makes backyard lighting look good.

My 3 Favorite Backyard String Lights

I've installed quite a few of these over the years. These are the ones I recommend depending on budget.

Budget Pick

Brightown 50‑Foot Outdoor String Lights

These are great starter lights.

Pros:

• Usually under $35
• Warm bulbs
• Easy plug‑and‑play setup

Cons:

• Cord isn't as thick as premium lights

If you just want to see how string lights look in your yard, these are a solid inexpensive start.

Mid‑Range Pick

Brightech Ambience Pro

These are what a lot of restaurants and patios use.

Pros:

• Heavy-duty cord
• Shatterproof bulbs
• Warm, really nice light

Cons:

• Costs more than basic lights

These are a sweet spot between price and durability.

Premium Pick

Enbrighten Commercial Grade LED String Lights

These things are built like a tank.

Pros:

• Extremely durable cable
• Weatherproof construction
• Long lifespan LEDs

Cons:

• Higher upfront price

If you're wiring a permanent backyard setup, these are worth the money.

One Last Tip

Lighting changes a backyard more than almost anything else.

A fire pit and some string lights will make people stay outside for hours.

And once they're up, you'll wonder why you didn't install them sooner.

Take your time with the layout, measure twice, and you'll end up with something that looks great every night.