No Summer Party Is Complete Without String Lights – Shop 16 Designs That Add Style and Ambience

Turns out string lights aren't just for college dorm rooms and Christmas trees after all. These picks will help you patio glow in style on summer nights

an outdoor table setting with string lights
(Image credit: Future)
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Does anything say summer party quite like string lights? As the sun starts to fade, energy too, an afternoon of eating and drinking quietly slips into something calmer when the string lights above start to glow.

They are a key player in a layered, ambient outdoor lighting scheme and can be an affordable one too. And while you can never go wrong with a classic string of festoons, there are many new designs that can double as decor – designs that resemble flowers, seamlessly lighting up your foliage, ones that glow like milky orbs, and rattan and wicker shapes that match your patio furniture.

Most styles from our favorite brands are less than $100, with the majority falling between the $20- $50 range. For those looking to enhance the aesthetic of their outdoor living room without spending a fortune, outdoor string lights are the easiest, most cost-effective way to do so. Ahead, shop 16 outdoor string light options that you'll be happy to hang around your patio all summer long.

The Cut is all about Homes & Gardens helping you invest in pieces that feel current now, but won’t date as trends shift. Finds that elevate a room today and still feel right years from now. Whether it’s a sculptural accent chair or a chic pendant light, our editors will curate an edit that balances style, longevity, and quality. Consider this your shortcut to smart, beautiful shopping.

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Devin Toolen
Devin Toolen
Style Editor

Devin Toolen is a New York-based Style Editor for Homes & Gardens. After achieving her Bachelor’s Degree at Villanova University, Devin moved to Paris, France, to obtain her Master’s Degree at Parsons School of Design. Upon returning to the United States, Devin began working in the media industry with Cosmopolitan Magazine, where she wrote trend-driven fashion stories and assisted on set for many photoshoots, and later Livingetc, where she wrote interior design stories and assisted with the magazine’s social media pages. She has an appreciation for every aspect of personal style – from the clothes we wear to the design of our homes. In her spare time, Devin enjoys embroidery and antique shopping in the city.