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32 Patio String Light Ideas for a Summer-Ready Backyard

A little bit of illumination goes a long way.

Brooklyn Limestone

Coffee on the back patio, afternoons in the garden, barbecues on the weekend… Warmer weather has us all wanting to spend more time outside. And when you do, you'll want your backyard in tip-top shape. These best backyard ideas are a great place to get started. We've got endless ideas for how to spruce up your space, from installing a fire pit to setting up a stock tank pool. If you're looking for a big project to take on, we suggest trying your hand at these garden shed ideas or making your own DIY picnic tables. These projects are sure to add a whole lot of wow-factor to your backyard makeover!

🌻 🌺You love beautiful gardens. So do we. Let's swoon together.

But if you need something a little more low key, simply install some pretty string lights in your backyard to really make it shine. String lights are just one of many best outdoor lighting ideas. We've rounded up tons of our favorite string light ideas in this gallery. Scroll through to find creative ideas, featuring everything from mason jars to twinkle lights. Once you've finished making improvements large and small, it's time to invite your friends and family over to celebrate your beautiful new backyard with these summer BBQ party ideas and outdoor summer games.

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Brighten Up Your Dining Area

Create the perfect outdoor dining space for summer dinner parties with a few strands of string lights. Scatter some lanterns on the table, too, in order to achieve an outdoor candlelight glow.

See more at Lavin Label .

SHOP STRING LIGHTS

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Use A Potted Plant Base

Camouflage the wooden pole that holds up your string lights with a pretty potted plant. The heavy base of the planter helps keep things stable, while your flowers and greenery will add some eye candy to this set up.

See more at SUGAR MAPLE notes .

SHOP PLANTERS

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Lighten Up Your Living Space

Cozy up your backyard with comfy outdoor furniture and strands of string lights hanging from above. This just became your new favorite room in the house.

See more at LivvyLand.

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Gussy Up Your Garden Party

Host your next garden party in style. A few strands of string lights create a tent-like effect above this outdoor dining table setup that's perfect for spring.

See more at Ella Claire.

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Keep The Fire Pit Aglow

We anticipate many summer nights spent around the fire. Make your backyard fire pit the ultimate hangout spot with Adirondack chairs, string lights, and s'mores.

See more at Jenna Sue Design Co .

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Use a Big Tree as a Base

This setup proves you don't need much to light up your backyard. Simply drape string lights from a big tree to the roof of your house and watch your backyard shine.

See more at Ashley Brooke Designs.

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Spruce Up Your Privacy Fence

Create a comfy backyard living space with a plush sofa and pillows, tons of potted plants, and a privacy fence made out of wooden pallets. String lights help change the fence from a boring backdrop to an inspiring installation.

See more at City Farmhouse .

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Add Shine To Your Stock Tank Pool

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Make Your Back Patio Glow

It's always a starry night when you hang string lights above your back patio. You'll want to wind down in this pleasant place every day of the week.

See more at Root + Dwell.

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Double up the Glow

Pairing simple string lights with illuminated jars makes for a breathtaking display. Who wouldn't want to pull up a seat at this outdoor dinner table?!

See more at Home Stories A to Z.

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Keep It Casual

No need to go overboard with the lighting. Just a simple strand draped over the table will look effortless. Plus, it will let your beautiful tablescape take center stage.

See more at Maison de Pax.

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Find a Focal Point

Letting your lights meet at a centered fixture will add symmetry to your space. You could use the pendant for more light or just a decoration.

See more at Zevy Joy.

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Fall in Line

A streamlined strand will keep the area looking nice and clean. Then, you can decorate with all sorts of knick knacks.

See more at Robb Restyle.

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Cut Some Corners

For a covered patio, the easiest way to secure the strands is simply attaching them to each corner of the roof. It makes hanging lights look uniform—not messy.

See more at Inspired by Charm.

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Light Up The Background

String lights don't always have to steal the show. Draping them across some plants or a wall adds a lovely but subtle background touch to your outdoor gathering. Piling them into see-through bucket also makes for a pretty lantern.

See more at Style By Emily Henderson.

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Freestanding String Lights

Don't have an existing structure to hang outdoor string lights from? Cement poles to the bottom of planters anchored at each corner of your patio.

See more at Bless'er House.

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Outdoor Patio String Lights

Cafe-style lights make this bucolic California backyard feel like the charming French countryside.

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Make Your Garden Glow

Pachysandra, english ivy, and other dense, sturdy plants work best for adding lights to your garden landscape, according to this blogger, who used incandescent string lights to give her garden a lovely glow.

Get the tutorial at Dust And Doghair.

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Above a Fire Pit

There's nothing better than sitting around a fire pit with friends and family, drinking, reminiscing, and making s'mores. Only string lights could make this moment even cozier.

See more at Brooklyn Limestone.

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In the Trees

Is there anything more soothing than a hammock gently swinging under string lights? This easy-to-pull-off setup is guaranteed to be your favorite spot to relax.

Get the tutorial at By Stephanie Lynn.

SHOP STRING LIGHTS

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Above a Porch

String lights are an easy, affordable way to turn your porch into an enchanting oasis. Let them drape from the ceiling or a railing, or hang them from a wall.

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On a Garden Pergola

Use three vintage ladders to construct this sweet, mini pergola, a perfect place to hang lights or use as a backdrop for photos.

Get the tutorial at Kojo Designs.

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Light Up Your Trees

Create a romantic spot by twisting a string of white lights around a cluster of trees in your backyard. Not only will this create an enchanting place to sit in the evenings, but it will be charming to look at from inside your home.

See more at Steven Michael Photography.

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Rustic Overhang

Make these DIY string light poles to create a simple overhang for your backyard picnic table.

Get the tutorial at Home Depot.

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Go Overboard

If you're planning to go all out for a special summer party, opt for a more extravagant look by hanging dozens of lights on a patio or porch's ceiling.

See more at 25 Main Street.

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Michelle Profis Digital Director Michelle Profis is the digital director at ThePioneerWoman.com.

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