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String lights are the quickest way to turn a patio into somewhere you want to stay outside. They add a warm, festive glow that suits everything from a quiet evening for two to a full braai with friends.
SHOP STRING LIGHTS
Pick a layout
- Zigzag: Back and forth across a patio or pergola, for the most coverage and a lovely sense of depth.
- Perimeter: Along the eaves, fence or railings, to frame the space like a picture.
- Canopy: From a central pole or tree out to the edges, for a tent of twinkling light overhead.
- Single span: One run between two points, simple and elegant over the dinner table.
- Framework: Wrapped around a gazebo, pergola or umbrella frame, so the structure itself becomes the feature.
Get the length right
Measure before you buy. As a rough guide:
- Small patio (3m by 3m): About 15m of lights.
- Medium patio (3,6m by 3,6m): About 15m to 18m.
- Large patio (6m by 6m): About 30m to 37m. That's a lot of sparkle.
Many string light models can be linked end to end, but the number of strands you can connect varies, so check the packaging for the limit.
Set the scene for dining
Drape string lights over the table from a central point, out to the edges of the dining area. It instantly makes the space more inviting, and adds a romantic, festive feel to dining outdoors, whether it's a quiet dinner for two or a long table full of friends. A warm glow overhead flatters food and faces, and makes everyone want to stay at the table a little longer.
Light up trees and the garden
Wind string lights or fairy lights around trunks and branches for a magical, fairy-tale feel. Check that the tree is sturdy enough, as heavy-duty strings can be too much for slender trees.
READ OUR LANDSCAPE AND TREE LIGHTING ADVICE
Line paths and walkways
Run string lights along a path to guide guests and add a decorative touch. Shepherd's hooks are a great way to do this: push them into the ground along the path and hang the lights between them, so you can choose exactly how high the string lights sit.
READ OUR PATHWAY AND STEP LIGHTING ADVICE
Go solar where there's no power point
Solar string lights are ideal far from an outdoor power point. Put the panel where it gets the most sun, even if that's away from the lights.
READ OUR SOLAR LIGHTS ADVICE
Ready to hang them?
Plan the height, the fixing points and a support wire before you start.
READ OUR INSTALLING STRING LIGHTS ADVICE
