A Guide to Placing String Lights in Your Back Garden

If your garden is looking a bit on the plain side, some outdoor lighting can really elevate the space.

String lights are the perfect option to add some ambience and elegance to your garden. These versatile lights can be hung and placed in various ways, allowing you to get creative.

Today, Light Supplier will discuss some placement ideas for your string lights. These are bound to add a touch of magic to your greenery.

Why Choose String Lights for Your Garden?

String lights are a popular choice for many decorative displays due to their soft lighting and dainty appearance.

This is perfect for creating a cosy area to relax with friends and family, providing safety and an inviting atmosphere. These lights are available in a range of shapes, colours, and designs, proving to be a versatile choice.

Planning Your Lighting Layout

Examine your garden for dark spots or areas that could benefit from a lighting feature, such as pathways or seating areas.

If you plan to use electric string lights, you will need access to outdoor outlets. If necessary, use waterproof power strips and extension cords.

Solar-powered string lights are a good option for your garden's more isolated spots. They charge throughout the day and turn on when the sun goes down, perfect for saving energy.

When hanging your strip lights, use hooks, nails, or specially designed clips. For bushes or trees, secure your string lights in place with zip ties for a more secure installment.

Types of String Lights

Fairy lights: These feature small bulbs and come in a variety of quirky shapes and colours. They’re flexible and perfect for lighting smaller spaces.
Globe lights: These feature larger, rounder bulbs, ideal for statement lighting.
Edison bulbs: These string lights are ideal for adding a vintage touch to your garden. Edison bulbs are more robust for outdoor installations.
LED string lights: LED string lights are more efficient and durable than traditional bulbs. They can be installed in most areas of the garden.
Rope lights: These lights feature a flexible tube design, providing durability and weather resistance.

Creative Ideas for String Light Placement

1. Pergolas and Gazebos

If you have a pergola or gazebo in your back garden, then string lights can be draped along the beams or draped from the ceiling for a whimsical effect.

Opt for fairy lights for a subtle, inviting glow, or invest in some festoon lights for a vintage feel. String lights are best paired with climbing plants or lanterns around your pergola.

2. Fences and walls

Fences and walls are the easiest places to add string lights.

These can be draped along nails in your wall or fence, adding a subtle glow for nighttime gatherings. This provides the perfect backdrop for long summer nights, providing a cosy feel.

This is especially ideal for seating or dining areas.

3. Pathways

Have you dreamed of having your catwalk moment with an illuminated pathway? If so, string lights can bring this dream to life.

Drape your string lights along the edge of your path, keeping them in place with adhesive tape or shepherd's hooks. This not only adds an element of safety and visibility during the night, but it also adds a unique feature to your garden.

4. Garden beds

Bring your flowerbeds to life with some draping string lights.

These look stunning when draped around the edge of garden beds or borders, highlighting the textures and colours of your plants. String lights create a cascading glow in your garden beds, adding a magical element to your garden.

5. Outdoor furniture

Whether it’s a dining set, lounge chairs, or a cosy corner with outdoor sofas, string lights can be strategically hung above or around your seating areas to create a welcoming atmosphere.

For a dramatic effect, cluster multiple string lights together or create a canopy effect overhead. For an even cosier vibe, pair these with tabletop lanterns or LED candles.

6. Trees and shrubbery

Wrapping string lights around tree trunks or weaving them through branches adds a touch of enchantment to your garden, particularly if you have mature trees.

The key is to avoid overcrowding; less is more to maintain a sophisticated look. Warm white lighting produces a mellow, ambient glow that is ideal for entertaining in the evening or just lounging in your garden after dark.