If you’re like most people, you’ll be spending a lot of time in your backyard this summer. Given the new “normal” of our world, staying home is the best option to avoid crowds and gatherings.

Now is the perfect time to design your backyard oasis with these tips.

Start with comfortable seating

A patio set doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Whether you’re looking to make a purchase or use what you already own, make sure the cushions are plush and comfortable. Most of all, they must be weatherproof to withstand the elements such as rain and wind. Along with seating, you might consider a hammock where summer days can be spent lounging.

25FT Solar Powered String Lights Outdoor

Decorate with string lights

Using string lights can enhance any backyard space. They’re inexpensive and a project you can easily do yourself. Place string lights along your fence, or wrap them around trees if you have them. Even better, solar options are efficient, cost effective and aren’t limited to only being placed near electric outlets.

String lights are a great way to add ambiance and character to your outdoor space. If you’re in the market for lights the choices are vast—there are weatherproof outdoor string lights in nearly every color and style. No outlet? Choose solar- or battery-powered instead. Hate the harsh blue glow of white lights? Opt for incandescent instead. No matter what style you choose, outdoor string lights are sure to add that soft, warm glow to your space.

Tips to choose patio string light

Water Resistant and Wet Rated

Because your outdoor string lights will be exposed to the elements, it’s important to shop for a product that is hardy and tested in conditions like rain and heavy wind. The last thing you want is to have to take your string lights down every time your area faces inclement weather.

When choosing a string light for your backyard, ensure that first of all, the manufacturer or seller lists the product as suitable for outdoor use. Using an indoor light outdoors creates a potential fire hazard. Second, check that the product is both water-resistant (or waterproof) and wet rated. Wet-rated lights are designed for direct exposure to water and have waterproof seals to protect their inner parts from getting wet and compromising safety.

Bulb Size and Style

When it comes to string light styles, classic glass globe lights are the most popular. 

• G30: The smallest of the bulb sizes at 30mm (1.25 inches) in diameter
• G40: Medium, measuring 40mm (1.5 inches) in diameter
• G50: The largest of the bulb sizes, coming in at 50mm (2 inches) in diameter

Besides globe string lights, you also can find the following styles:

• Edison: The “Edison” bulb—light bulbs designed to look like Thomas Edison’s original invention—has a warm, glowing appearance thanks to their internal filaments. These bulbs give your outdoor space a vintage look.
• Lantern: Typically a regular globe outdoor string light that you can cover with a paper lantern (or often, tarpaulin, which is a durable, waterproof canvas-like material) for a soft and festive look.
• Fairy: Want to make your backyard look like a magical kingdom in the evenings? Fairy lights give the appearance of thousands of fireflies gathering together. You can create the effect by draping strands of lights over tree branches, in bushes, or on a fence.
• Rope: Rope lights are essentially mini lights covered in a plastic jacket to protect them from the elements. You can hang rope lights from the fence or illuminate a garden space.

Get the Right Wire Length

For a small patio, there’s no need for a 100-foot strand of lights, and you might come up short when you’re trying to string a 10-foot strand between trees. Though it depends on the manufacturer, outdoor string lights typically come in wire lengths of 10, 25, 35, 50, and 100 feet.

A small space typically needs no more than 50 feet of wire, and a backyard patio or deck calls for a strand between 50 and 100 feet. For really large areas or to illuminate a large event, you’ll need at least 100 feet.

Energy-Saving Measures

Of course, adding an extra light source ultimately increases your electricity bill. Luckily, plenty of products out there boast energy-saving measures to minimize the impact on your energy bill and the environment. When shopping for outdoor string lights, consider one of the following options:

• LED bulbs use much less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs and don’t get as hot when they burn. Because they are cooler to the touch when in use, you can often find LED bulbs made of plastic—meaning they won’t shatter if dropped.
• Solar-powered lights don’t add to your energy bill and—bonus—they don’t require an outlet to work, making them perfect for apartment patios or houses that don’t have ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets. Simply place the included solar panel in a spot that gets a lot of sunlight and the bulbs will light up at night

Color

When looking for string lights, you should also consider what color lights you want. There’s always the classic white or yellow glow, but if you’re looking for something a little more fun, some string lights come in all colors of the rainbow. Some even have customizable light shows you can control via an app.

Lighting effects

You don’t have to settle for a steady glow when it comes to outdoor lighting. Many string lights can be used with a dimmer, or include a remote control that allows you to control various lighting effects. Some strings lights are capable of strobing or flashing effects, and others can twinkle or fade in and out.

Ready to Choose the right Patio Lights for your backyard?