There is almost no place and no occasion that cannot be improved with ambient string lighting. Most places and occasions become that much more special because of the lighting. The trick is to make the moment special without anyone really realizing that the lights are creating half of the magic.
The trend toward decorating outdoor spaces with string lighting is still going strong. I see them everywhere: restaurant patios, backyards, summer music venues. The use of string lights has moved indoors as well, and lately, they’re being used in some really creative ways like hanging vertically on a wall to add whimsy to a child’s room or perk up a dull corner. I’ve even seen them draped over bar carts and along vertical mirrors to give everyday items a festive touch.
Some of my favorite uses for string lights are in tablescapes. Using string lights to dress up an overhead chandelier while making a centerpiece that incorporates them as well, perhaps by filling empty wine bottles or vases, are simple ways to make an ordinary room extraordinary.
I’ll admit that I’m a bit of a romantic at heart, and nothing delights me more than ambient lighting at an outdoor dinner party or a wedding. But all those lights make me wonder about energy efficiency and my wallet! Luckily, there are LED and solar-powered options on the market as well. Regardless of your taste or budget, there is an option for just about every use you can think of. Here are some that I hope you’ll enjoy.
Solar String Lights
Solar string lights are eco-friendly solutions for patio lighting after dark.
Solar Lantern String Lights
Be the envy of your neighbors with these beautiful outdoor solar string lights. The solar panel that charges these twinklers is placed in another area, so even shady areas can be it up!
Find it on Wayfair
Solar Globe String Lights
Throw the classiest backyard soiree your friends will see all year with these solar-powered globe fairy lights. Your party can go on all night because these lights stay on for over eight hours.
Find it on Amazon
Multi-colored Solar Outdoor String Lights
Think colored lights are only relevant at Christmas time? Not anymore! Brighten up your outdoor spaces all year with solar-powered lights just screaming for you to throw a barbeque!
Find it on Amazon
Moroccan Solar Lights
Sometimes we want something just a bit different from the norm. These solar-powered pendant lights offer a unique blend of rustic craftsmanship and outdoor elegance.
Get it from Lightkraft on Etsy
Solar-powered Blossom String Lights
For the flower child in all of us, these delicate string lights made to look like flower blossoms are powered by the sun.
Get it from ChristianHatsandMore on Etsy
Solar-powered Star String Lights
Star gazing takes on a whole new meaning when they’re literally filling your backyard.
Find it at Amazon
Solar-powered Lanterns
These lantern balls make party decorating effortless and dress up a space in no time.
Find it at Amazon
White Lantern Solar String Lights
If you’re looking for something with a clean, beachy vibe, these white lantern string lights should do the trick. Leave them out all day to soak up the rays, and by nightfall, you’ll feel like you’re at the ocean.
Find it at Bambeco
Lantern Shaped Solar Powered String Lights
A photo posted by AlFuttaimACE (@alfuttaimace) on
You can feel like you’ve traveled to an exotic location without leaving home. These solar-powered Moroccan themed string lights are sure to transform your outdoor space, taking you on a backyard adventure.
LED String Lights
LED string lights provide hours of illumination at low costs, since they use so little energy.
LED Copper Wire String Lights
Use copper wire string lights and get creative! Easily bend the wire to accommodate any space or shape, and bring ambiance to patios, landscaping, home decor and more. As a bonus, these string lights are waterproof to help resist rain and snow.
Find it at Amazon
LED Sea Glass String Lights
These hand-crafted multi-colored beauties look great day and night. While sparkling in the sunshine, they’re recharging so they will continue to dazzle once evening comes.
Find it at Bambeco
White-diamond LED String Lights
Why just wear diamonds when you can be surrounded by them? These LED string lights are the perfect way to add class and elegance to any outdoor space.
Find it at Bambeco
LED Curtain Fairy String Lights
This is probably the pinnacle of enchanting as it relates to creating a dream fairy-like atmosphere. Not just for little girls, fairy curtains of light are sure to bring out the dreamer in all of us.
Find it at Amazon
Hanging String Lights
It may not be magic, but it sure will feel like it. Imagine standing underneath these lights and try not to feel like you’ve been transported to some transcendent place.
Decorative String Lights
Make everyday items extraordinary by adding string lights to elevate their charm.
Colored Globe String Lights
Take something classic and give it a twist. These colored Edison bulbs give any space a little extra something.
Find it at Wayfair
Programmable LED String Lights
Not just for techy folks, these programmable LED lights are fun for everyone. By the touch of your smartphone, adjust things like color and timing. The possibilities are endless!
Find it at Amazon
Battery-operated String Lights
Sometimes we just can’t be bothered by things like finding outlets. Use these battery operated LED lights to make virtually any setting perfect.
Get it from GlitterAndMasonJars on Etsy
LED String Lights with Wooden Clips
These LED lights have been popping up on Pinterest boards everywhere and with good reason. Transform a room in no time using a few wooden clips and your favorite photos.
Get it from LittleInsta on Etsy
Edison String Lights
Edison light bulbs create a distinct design. If you love these, you’ll find more on our Edison bulbs inspiration page.
Old-fashioned Edison Bulb String Lights
Fun fact. Edison’s protege invented the first string lights. It’s a good thing, too. It’s completely changed the way we celebrate all year long.
Find it at Amazon
Edison bulb wedding String Lights
If you’re looking to class it WAY up, these Edison bulb string lights will get you there. Perfect for weddings, but equally as perfect for a garden party. Quite frankly, you may just want to class up a Wednesday.
Get it from EddieandSons on Etsy
LED Globe String Lights
You can never go wrong with classic globe lighting like this. Think bistro. Think Italy. Think long summer nights!
Find it at Wayfair
Antique Edison Vintage String Lights
Classic is sometimes just perfect. These heavy-duty lights can be used inside or out. Decorate your home or business with an original.
Get it from HangoutLighting on Etsy
Vintage String Lights with Dimmer Wire
These Edison bulbs are just a bit smaller than the classic size, perfect for a feminine touch. The dimmer wire allows you to adjust the ambiance as the mood calls for.
Get it from bowpie on Etsy
Novelty String Lights
From fun to funky, novelty strings can light up any room or outdoor space.
Peeps String Lights
We were desperately searching for some chicken lights for the homestead — and this is the closest we got. Even if you’re not a fan of eating them, no one can resist how adorable Peeps are!
Find it at eBay
Pizza String Lights
I don’t care who you are, you love pizza. Celebrate your love for a cheesy slice by hanging them anywhere you need a touch of whimsy.
Find it at Lights & Decor
Ice Cream String Lights
While we’re talking about food, I see no reason to leave out ice cream.
Find it at Lights & Decor
Stormtrooper String Lights
It’s a shame to think that any Star Wars fan should have to live without Stormtrooper string lights. They don’t. They’re here. Bring them out at the holidays and never take them down.
Find it at ThinkGeek
Superman String Lights
These superman string lights are pretty much the greatest thing ever. I’m having a harder time finding the ones that feature Clark Kent.
Find it at Lightbulbs.com
Hypnolight String Lights
You know you’re looking at some incredible lighting when someone had to write code to make it work. And how does 16 million different colors sound to you? Mind officially blown.
Find it at ThinkGeek
Macrame Hanging Lanterns
Looking for something with a crafty feel? Check out these macrame string lights made of untreated cotton twine.
Get it from RetoDecor on Etsy
Carved Wood String Lights
Fans of something a little more natural, these are for you. Bring the delicate beauty of carved wood to your surroundings with these string lights offering something delightfully different and perfectly lovely.
Find it at World Market
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