Edison bulbs are designed to look like Thomas Edison’s original invention. These traditional incandescent bulbs feature a warm, glowing appearance, thanks to their visible internal filaments. The oval-like shape and ambient, warm glow can give an outdoor space a vintage look. Modern LED Edison-style bulbs feature this classic light bulb look but with an energy-saving LED design. Outdoor string lights typically come in lengths of 10, 25, 35, 50, and 100 feet. Consider the size of the outdoor space and the lighting layout when choosing the ideal wire length. These solar-powered string lights are advertised as needing 6 hours of direct sunlight to power the bulbs for 6 hours of illumination, but in our experience, they emitted light for at least 10 hours on a single solar charge. String lights come with a wide variety of bulb types and shapes, but LED bulbs, seen in the Hampton Bay string lights, are the most common. These bulbs offer the longest lifespan and best energy savings of any bulb type. However, you’ll still need to decide if you want a bright, vintage light from an Edison-style light bulb or the softer glow of string lights with a globe bulb. For extra durability, some string light bulbs are made of plastic, while others are made of glass and may require a little more cautious care.

Whatever look you’re going for, we have hanging garden lights in styles to suit your needs. For that nostalgic feel, see our gorgeous festoon lights collection to coordinate a style that is unwaveringly popular at events and garden parties. Large bulbs are more striking and offer a bolder look. Their larger size can provide more direct illumination. They are generally brighter and are well suited for larger spaces that need more lighting. Large decorative bulbs, like globe bulbs and Edison bulbs, can make a style statement. The solar panel can be installed just about anywhere using the included stake or clip, as long as it receives direct light during the day. The solar string lights come with commercial-grade WeatherTite technology, meaning they can withstand rain, snow, heat, and winds up to 50 miles per hour. The first thing you will need to consider when purchasing string lights is the power source. If you have an outdoor electrical outlet that won’t present a tripping hazard for wires, then you can do regular electric string lights. However, if there is no outlet or if it’s placed awkwardly, then you will want to consider purchasing string lights that are solar or battery-operated," according to Amber Freda, a custom landscape and garden designer in NYC.

We’re proud to have started as a small, family business. Even though we’ve grown, we’ve not lost the customer commitment that’s at the heart of what we do. Most Edison-style string light bulbs are an S14 bulb size, which is a medium-size, oval-shaped bulb that’s 32 millimeters (just over 1.25 inches) in diameter. Brightness and Color Temperature For a classic cafe or bistro lighting look, choose a strand of globe string lights. These outdoor string lights from Brightown not only look stylish but are also a durable and energy-saving option.

Dimming options: Whether for a romantic outdoor dinner or patio drinks with friends, dimming the lights can add to a cozy ambience. Some outdoor string lights include built-in dimmers, while others are dimmer compatible and can be attached to external dimming devices. Keep in mind that bulb size can affect installation. String lights with small bulbs are generally lightweight and easier to maneuver. They may be easier to install than string lights with larger, heavier, and bulkier bulbs. The Feit lights survived both the rainstorm and our drop test and kept working. In addition to evaluating this string of light for this lineup, we chose this particular model for more extensive testing, and it can be read on our Feit Individual String Light Review. Globe bulbs are typically for decorative purposes. These spherical bulbs come in a range of sizes and are commonly seen in hanging pendants, modern chandeliers, and outdoor string lights. Their classic style is timeless and suits a range of outdoor decor setups, from angular modern seating areas to cozy bohemian patios. Globe bulbs can add a touch of glamour and charm to an outdoor space. These lights come in a range of styles, bulb types, and colors. To pinpoint which ones light up the night, we selected a variety of the most popular models, testing them in multiple weather conditions, noting their durability, ease of installation, and whether they were made from quality materials.Garden string lights are the versatile choice when it comes to outdoor lighting. At Lights4fun, we have a huge range to choose from to help transform your garden space, however big or small. Lighting color temperature is measured using the Kelvin (K) temperature scale. This scale measures how warm or cool the light appears. Lower numbers on the Kelvin scale look warmer, and higher numbers look cooler. The strands are available in three lengths—12, 24, and 48 feet—and strung with LED bulbs, which use less electricity than standard bulbs and last a lifetime. They're also impact-resistant, and UL listedfor permanent outdoor installation, so there's no need to take them down in the winter. You can link up to 750 feet of these lights to one outlet, giving you enough length to decorate a large outdoor space.

Most home lighting falls between 2,000K and 6,000K. Bulbs around 2,700K have a cozy, warm white color with a yellow hue, while bulbs over 5,000K offer stark, crisp lighting with a blue hue. Warm lighting makes a space look more cozy and inviting, while cool lighting can often appear harsh, especially at night. For this reason, warmer bulbs are generally preferred for ambient outdoor lighting. Wire Length The 50-foot strand features 50 plastic LED string lights to provide a shatterproof and low-cost outdoor lighting option. Each bulb uses only 1 watt of energy for beautiful outdoor lighting without a huge electric bill. Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists. Meet the Tester Lantern bulbs usually feature standard outdoor string lights covered with a lantern made of paper, plastic, nylon, or tarpaulin (a durable and waterproof material that resembles canvas). Lanterns come in different colors, patterns, and shapes. These fun patio light options can help create a themed or festive atmosphere. Battery-operated lights are another option that doesn’t need an outdoor outlet. Instead, these light strands usually run on two to six batteries. Since they don’t require an outlet, they are a versatile choice for creative outdoor lighting.

Each G40 bulb provides 40 lumens of light with a 2,200K color temperature for a warm wash of light. Users can connect up to seven of these waterproof strands to create a range of pretty outdoor lighting layouts, ideal for outdoor events or entertaining at home. Lemontec Commercial Grade Outdoor String Lights offer fifteen 11-watt incandescent bulbs and are one of the best options in the lineup for those seeking a brighter set of outdoor string lights. Plus, additional sets can be connected for even more illumination. Q. Can string lights be left outdoors? On top of the endless customization options these lights have, the bulbs are also water-, sun-, snow-, and shatter-proof, so they can withstand outdoor elements all year round. The 48-foot option comes with 15 dimmable LED bulbs, but there's also a 96-foot option for larger areas. We love this option because the lights easily change with each holiday and occasion and you can control your lights from anywhere with just your phone. Just note that the adapter isn't weatherproof like the rest of the lights, so be sure to keep that covered and protected. The heavy-duty rubber cord is substantial yet flexible enough to wind around narrow railings or tree branches. Lemontec’s 11-watt incandescent bulbs provided bright light that illuminated the garage front and concrete driveway long after it was completely dark. Solar garden lights are a great option for low-maintenance lighting without the need for power. Choose our solar string garden lights or string LED lights for a warm, summer evening glow on adorned fences, trees or patios.