The Ultimate Guide To Outdoor String Lights
By Chloe
There’s no better way to light up the night and set the right mood for your party or relaxed evening in than with outdoor string lights. Typically used only during the holidays in years gone by, these twinkling lights have now become popular to use at all times of the year.
Their soft, ambient lighting provides the perfect amount of illumination for decorating patios and backyards as it isn’t harsh or intrusive. Reminiscent of the stars at night, string lights bring a sense of romance and fun wherever they’re placed.
With a wide variety of styles and types to choose from, buyers are no longer limited to plain Christmas lights, although these are still very popular. Strings usually range from 10’-25,’ can be operated by battery, electricity or solar power, and have bulbs of varying sizes from tiny to rather large.
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Take a look at our top picks for outdoor string lighting in the areas of deluxe, fairy lights, solar powered, globe, novelty and paper lanterns.
Please then read on for a mini buying guide to help ensure you buy the right lights for your garden as well as do’s and don’ts for setting them up and a few pointers for caring for your new lights to make your investment last longer.
Top Picks
Deluxe – European Cafe Style
These upscale outdoor light strings offer a 35’ length of cord with 7 weatherproof sockets covered by 7″ galvanized shades. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, these heavy duty string lights are well made to last a long time. They take large or small watt bulbs to achieve the look you desire and can be spray painted if required to match any existing color schemes. The elegant look of this set of string lighting makes them the perfect addition to any outdoor area, including decks, overhangs and gazebos. They are well worth the investment.
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100 LED Fairy Lights
Priced more economically these cool white fairy lights bring to mind a garden party. Their long-lasting LED bulbs eliminate short circuits and the hassle of having to change burned out bulbs too often. These environmentally friendly, reusable lights actually save money, thanks to their reliability and minimal power consumption. Each 30’ 100 light strand has its own digital controller that allows you to choose from eight distinct lighting patterns. Their only downside is that you cannot chain them to other sets. No longer just for Christmas, these lights brighten up any gathering or even any wedding, camping trip, kitchen, attic … and the list goes on.
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100 LED Solar String Lights
Ideal for decorating bushes, umbrellas and doorways, this 35′ length of 100 solar powered outdoor string lights require no power outlet and hence no dangerous extension cords and cost nothing in energy bills. They are powered by solar panels that allow the lights to be placed in shady areas. In fact they can be placed anywhere, you are no longer limited to only lighting areas close to a power source. They automatically turn on and illuminate the night for up to eight hours when fully charged. These outdoor string party lights are a great addition to any backyard.
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Globe String Lights
The Aurora Glow Glass Solar String Lights are six handcrafted, hand blown glass globes equipped with LED lights on a 25’ string. These exceptionally beautiful outdoor globe string lights are easy to install around a tree or deck railing, or as an accent woven underneath an umbrella. Solar powered and equipped with a photo light sensor, the lights turn themselves on at twilight and go off at dawn. These enchanting lights are available in purple, clear, sea glass or amber and come with copper hanging hooks. Each globe is just under 3″ wide and should be spaced 22″ apart on the string. The solar panel can be staked into the ground or attached to a fence post up to 15′ away.
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Novelty – Butterfly String Lights
If you’re looking for something a bit more unusual, this 10′ string of fiber optic butterflies may be just the ticket. There are 10 colorfully glowing butterflies in shades of yellow, peach, pink and lavender. They light up your garden, a room or a window with unusual fiber optics and are reminiscent of a fairy garden. The light they give out is not huge, but they are perfect for soft or mood lighting. You will need an extension cord to get them from a power outlet to where you want them but their one-of-a-kind look makes it all worth it.
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Paper Lantern String Lights
Lastly, to set a true party tone, these multicolor outdoor lantern string lights are a very inexpensive way to decorate. They are traditional Japanese Shoji hanging lanterns crafted from rice paper and steel wire in beautiful shades of pink, yellow, orange, purple, green and blue. The perfect way to add a festive glow to any celebration, this 10’ strand set includes 10 paper lanterns which are 3.5″ in diameter. These are not really suitable for the outdoors so make sure you pack them up and take them in when you call it a night.
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Outdoor Lighting String Lights Buying Guide
Here are a few things to consider before purchasing your new outdoor string of lights:
Bulb size – this covers the physical size of the bulb as well as the wattage. If the bulb size is too small it will get lost in the look of your backyard and the opposite could be true of large lantern style lights. You also need to think about how bright you want each light on the string to be and buy lights and bulbs accordingly.
Length of string – how far from a power source do you want your lights to be? Obviously this is not an issue if you are using solar lights. You also need to think about how long a stretch you want the lights to cover. Some strings can be joined end to end to extend the area that can be covered so look out for this if this would be useful to you.
Power source – battery or solar powered strings are ideal as you do not need to have access to a power socket in this case.
Type of bulb – LED bulbs are better than incandescent as they are more efficient and safer.
Weatherproof – make sure any string lights that you plan to leave outside for periods of time are weatherproof.
Color of bulb – white is the most common but it may be worth mixing white lights with some colored ones for a more fun effect.
Do’s and Don’ts When Setting Up Your Lights
- Do hang them appropriately and safely. Tie them with twine and avoid sharp nails or staples.
- Do keep them out of the reach of children and pets.
- Do not place them in locations where they will blind guests when they are sitting down.
- Do not place them where they will shine into neighbors backyards.
Caring For Your Lights
Outdoor decorative string lights will last longer if you take proper care of them. Here are a few tips:
- Clean them regularly.
- Bring them inside during the winter months or rainy season.
- Keep them in a sunny place so they will dry out from any rain.
- Make sure they are fastened down in a non-windy place.
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Generally, outdoor lighting options are created to make your patio or garden standout even when night falls. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, parties or simple get-togethers, string lights can make any event more memorable. When used well, outdoor string bulb lights can transform your patio, garden or any other place in your house from nice to fantastic. A few strategically placed lights in the right places works more wonders than you can imagine.
Take The Guesswork Out Of Patio Lighting
By Chloe
Patios are a great place to entertain guests or simply relax with your family.
A bit of patio lighting can make your space viable for any time of day.
With many different options available for lighting, ranging from deck lighting, step lighting, fountain lighting, moon lighting, silhouette, and shadow lighting, you can transform your living space from an ordinary patio into something with ambiance and atmosphere.
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Planning your patio lighting is key to the success of the overall look and functionality as well as to you keeping to a budget. If you buy a set of patio string lights one week, a few tiki torches the next and then decide a month later that you want some deck lighting, the chances are that you will spend more than you need and end up with a disjointed look. So grab a pen and paper and let’s come up with some realistic patio lighting ideas. Start by sketching your patio and surrounding garden and use the following information to jot down the exact lighting that you need to buy.
Number of lights
The number of lights you need will depend on a number of criteria.
First you need to decide what outdoor events your patio will play host to. Do you have large outdoor parties, barbecues with neighbors, or just romantic meals with your other half? Each event will require different lighting, so note them all down to ensure they are covered in your overall plan.
The size of your patio will play an important part in the number of lights that you need. Get out your tape measure and take down the length and width. This will ensure your string lights are going to reach from end to end for example.
Finally you need to ensure that you adequately light any potential hazards. Where would lights help to make your patio and garden safer and more secure?
Brightness
Patio lights don’t need to be very bright. The key to patio lighting is to provide just enough light to move around outside without spoiling the experience of being outside. Most low energy patio lights provide just the right amount of low illumination. While brighter lights exist, they’re only necessary in certain situations.
Function
Outdoor patio lights can be separated into three groups.
General Lighting
The first and least relevant for patio lights is general lighting, which provides broad spectrum cover over the entire area. Lighting of this type is neither atmospheric nor pleasant to spend time in and is not recommended for your patio.
Task Lighting
When considering your patio light needs, identify the areas of the patio that require localized or task lighting first. These may include a barbecue area, or any locale where cooking or food preparation occurs.
This kind of lighting must be bright enough to see by but not so bright that it illuminates the entire patio, spoiling the ambiance and limiting your enjoyment of the space.
The type of lights used for patio task lighting are generally of the downlighter variety, or patio umbrella lights, which keep light in a narrow path. They also include small lights, such as exterior candles.
Task lighting also includes lighting paths, walkways, or other areas that may present a tripping hazard. Deck lighting can be a great tool for highlighting or spotlighting changes in height, drop-offs, or deck-edges. By doing this, you create a dramatic effect as well as a safer deck. Step lighting allows you and your guests to find your way up the steps and through the yard in safety. Step lighting can be placed beneath railings, on vertical posts, or recessed into the steps.
In general, patio lighting should be sparingly utilized in functional areas because it’s likely that the patio is being used to sit and appreciate the evening rather than squint in the glare of light. Patio string lights are a good way to illuminate a large area and they provide just the right amount of ambient light.
Accent Lighting
Once the task lighting needs have been ascertained, areas that require particular display should be established and illuminated with accent lighting. Creating accent lighting gives you the opportunity to express yourself. With a large variety of lights from which to choose, accent lights typically highlight a particular feature.
Subjects of accent lighting could be a statue or sculpture, a planting bed with topiary trees, or a fountain that causes the light to contrast with the moving water. Accent lighting, unlike task lighting, tends to throw light upwards at the subject matter, thereby creating shadows that highlight the look of the object.
Various forms of accent lighting include moonlighting, shadowing and silhouetting. To create moonlighting, place light fixtures up a tree and shine them downward. The light will filter through the tree branches, causing an effect like the moon shining down.
Another technique designed to highlight interesting shapes is shadowing. By placing a light fixture in front of the item that you want to shadow and aiming it so that the item will cast its shadow, you can showcase items that you may have in your garden, including branches or sculptures.
Silhouetting is another form of patio lighting that underscores an object’s shape. To create a silhouette effect, place a light behind the subject and shine it upward against a vertical surface, such as a wall.
Style
The style or look of patio lighting that you choose is generally going to come down to personal preference. Just make sure you try and tie the various different lights together in some way, whether that is by having them all the same color, or all made from the same material.
If you fancy some of the more interesting styles of specialty lighting, such as fairy lights, Japanese lanterns or Tiki torches, use them sparingly so as not to overwhelm the atmosphere and mood of the patio.
Power source
The final consideration you have to deal with is the how your lights are going to be powered. Your basic choices are solar, battery and electrical options. Each has its own pros and cons in terms of initial cost, ongoing costs and ease of installation so bear this in mind before you buy.
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Patio lighting can create wonderful effects and make your nighttime patio experience more enjoyable. Lighting is useful for accentuating the best parts of your garden and patio. And, just as importantly, patio lighting makes your patio and yard a safer place at night. When deciding which type of lighting to use in your home, determine which particular elements you want to spotlight and think about what looks best as a silhouette or shadow. Finally, consider which areas of your patio could become a hazard if a person cannot see them. With a detailed plan in hand, before you start shopping, you cannot go wrong!
The Ultimate Guide To Tiki Torches
By Chloe
Tiki torches come in a variety of styles and are made from a wide array of materials, including bamboo, cane, ceramic, aluminum and copper.
Traditionally made from bamboo, tiki torches originated in the Polynesian culture and have since become popular in contemporary society.
Often used at island-themed parties to enhance the ambiance and create a tropical atmosphere, tiki torches are also utilized as decoration on a patio or around a pool. They can transform a simple patio into an island paradise.
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If you are new to the use of tiki torches, read on to find out exactly what they are, why you should choose them over other forms of patio lighting, their disadvantages, how to ensure they are used safely, which fuel to choose and a mini buying guide.
But first take a look at our top picks for tiki torches in the areas of cheap, bronze, stainless steel, elegant, solar powered and make your own.
Top Picks
Cheap – Classic Bamboo Tiki Torches
Inexpensively priced at around $6 you can buy this traditional bamboo tiki torch with a refillable fuel canister, fiberglass wick and a fire retardant finish. These would be the perfect patio lights addition to a luau.
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Bronze – Set Of Two 36″ Deck Torches
These affordable and attractive dark bronze tiki torches can burn for between 6 and 8 hours with their 12 oz oil canister. And they really are dark bronze, not the light color they appear in the picture. They are sturdily designed and rust resistant to a degree although you should probably put them indoors over the winter. They come with c-clamps to allow for easy fitting deck lighting. Buy a few pairs to deck out your deck!
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Stainless Steel – Pack Of Two 65″ Cylinder Shaped Tiki Torches
For a more contemporary style stainless steel tiki, this pack of two tall torches will add sophistication to your outdoor space. The fiberglass wick lasts forever and the snuffer cap is attractive. Just wipe off any oil drips from the stainless steel before lighting.
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Elegant – Set Of 2 Strathwood Pewter Finish Torchieres
For the ultimate in elegance, these two 72″ rust-resistant, funnel shaped lamps add stylish functionality to your patio or deck. The lamps sit in black iron curved brackets which sit atop black iron stands.
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Solar Tiki Torch – Paradise Lighting
These solar patio lights combine the native tiki look with modern lighting. They offer you the tropical island feel without having to use open flames or burning oil. The solar batteries charge during the day and give out between 6-8 hours of realistic, flickering amber LED light at night. The frosted enclosure makes it look as though a candle is held within. Just make sure they are placed somewhere that gets full sunshine during the day.
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Make Your Own – Copper Wine Bottle Torch Kit
If you’re interested in making your own tiki torch, this kit takes any empty wine bottle and turns it into one. It comes complete with a five foot copper coated stake that can be height adjusted, a dual prong base for extra stability, a long lasting reusable wick and copper bottle plug. The only problem is you’ll have to drink some wine, to get an empty bottle!
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What Are Tiki Torches?
Measuring about five feet in height, outdoor tiki torches are decorative poles topped with a fuel reservoir and wick. The stem of a tiki torch is hollow and can be sunk into the earth or put in a pot for more temporary use. The fuel reservoir itself is typically either a metal or plastic container that holds lamp oil, paraffin oil or citronella oil, housed in a woven holder. The bottle’s lid, which is equipped with a metal top and an attached cap, holds a bound cord wick which hangs down into the tiki fuel. To extinguish the torch, the metal cap is placed over the burning wick. Usually, the cap stays closed over the wick when the torch is not being used in order to protect it from dampness.
Why Choose Tiki Torches
Tiki torches should feature somewhere in your patio lighting plans. They can be placed anywhere as they do not need any electric power source, they can be moved around easily, they produce natural rather than artificial light and give that tropical island or party feel to your outdoors. You don’t even need a garden to use them as you can just anchor them in deep plant pots and place them around your patio or deck.
Disadvantages Of Tiki Torches
The main disadvantages of tiki torches arise from them using real flames. Obviously this can be dangerous if safety precautions are not followed.
Tiki Torch Safety
- Ensure your tiki torches are fixed well into the ground so that they cannot topple over. Push them firmly into soft earth and use large rocks to keep them secure.
- Keep the wick trimmed so that there is less opportunity for any spilled fuel to catch fire.
- Only fill the fuel container to about two thirds of its capacity, again to reduce the potential problem of spilled fuel.
- Do not place tiki torches near to anything flammable, including trees with overhanging branches, bushes, people, kids or pets. Keep them a safe distance from the area you plan to be using.
- Ensure you have a working fire extinguisher to hand. Accidents do happen so it never hurts to be prepared.
Which Tiki Torch Fuel To Choose
Your choice of fuel will to some extent be determined either by where your tiki torch will be situated, the type of torch, what is available to you and what your intended use for the torch is.
Paraffin oil/kerosene – is an odorless, smokeless oil so will allow your tiki torches to provide light without interfering with yours or your guests enjoyment.
Citronella – is used when you want to repel any unwanted bugs which is quite often, making it the most popular fuel. Even if not used for lighting, tiki torches with Citronella are often found being utilized just for this purpose. It does have a mild lemony smell though.
Gas – gas powered tiki torches can be found but the fact that they need to be connected to a tank makes them less than ideal. They do have the advantage of being able to burn more or less continuously, but do require more maintenance to keep clean.
Solar power – in recent years, modern tiki torches have evolved, using solar energy rather than an open flame. These more eco-friendly, convenient torches use a solar panel that converts sunlight into energy, thereby charging the batteries and producing light. Because there is no fire, solar tiki torches can be placed anywhere in the yard and withstand a windy evening. However, solar-powered tiki lights tend to emit a dimmer light than that of their traditional counterparts.
Tiki Torches Buying Guide
There a plusses and minuses associated with each of the different types of tiki torch but here are a few things to consider before purchase:
Material – Bamboo and cane, while inexpensive, tend not to last as long as their sturdier metal counterparts. Aluminum, on the other hand, is prone to rusting over time. Copper weathers well, changing its patina over the years, and becoming uniquely antique in appearance.
Price – Tiki torches vary in price depending upon the style and material used in their construction. Bamboo models are typically inexpensive, starting at under $5 while more expensive models, like aluminum or copper, can cost up to $40.
Design – This will generally be dependent upon your personal taste and what other lighting or furniture you already have on your patio. Don’t forget to consider table top versions as well as the tall stake variety.
Features – Most tiki torches come with snuffer caps, but consider other features that may be on offer such as adjustable heights, extra anchoring prongs for stability etc.
Fuel – Ensure you can use your preferred fuel in the torch that you choose.
Number – How many do you need? Make sure you know where you are going to place them before you buy them and then buy them all in one go as you may not be able to get matching ones later on.
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Tiki torches add a warm weather atmosphere to the outdoors. You can consider them for an early evening beach wedding, to illuminate your garden’s entry ways or pathways or as party props for a jungle theme or oceanside luau. They are the perfect way to set the mood and tone, while providing ambient lighting at the same time. As the tiki torch flames dance and flicker in the warm, evening breeze, you can almost hear the gentle sounds of waves lapping the beach. If you’re one of the fortunate few that live in the tropics, then this scenario is probably second nature to you. For the rest of us, however, we have to live through our imaginations, with our backyard tiki torches.