Latest news with #outdoorlights
Forbes
3 days ago
- Climate
- Forbes
The Best Outdoor String Lights That Transform Backyards And Patios
As days grow shorter and darker, it's a good idea to invest in outdoor lights. These popular accessories don't require any major installation or rewiring, and they add a lovely decorated feel to any space. The best outdoor string lights offer even more: They're reliably bright and durable enough to withstand the occasional storm without damage. Our top pick for 2025, the Hampton Bay 24-Light 48 Foot Indoor/Outdoor String Light Set, is both stylish and practical, featuring shatterproof bulbs that come with a lifetime warranty. The best outdoor string lights are durable and add ambience to any yard, deck or patio. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: GETTY Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a compact balcony, the right lighting can completely shift the mood. 'Adding outdoor string lights is a complete game-changer,' says interior and exterior designer Jen Sarantakis. 'They immediately transform your outdoor space from boring to brilliant, making it entertaining, welcoming and bright.' Read on for the best outdoor string lights to reinvent your outdoor space and last you for many nights to come. Number of bulbs: 24 | Bulb type: Edison | Cord length: 48 feet | Wattage: 40 lumens | Power source: Electric | Weather-resistant: Yes Pros: Warm light Shatter-resistant Limited lifetime warranty Cons: These stylish string lights feature a classic Edison-bulb design to brighten any yard, deck or patio. The 48-foot strand holds 24 bulbs and can be linked with up to 11 additional strings on a single outlet, making it easy to customize for any outdoor space. The LED bulbs cast a warm white glow—2200K on the Kelvin scale—which Sarantakis recommends for creating an inviting, ambient feel. Made from weather-resistant plastic, the bulbs won't shatter in wind or rain. One drawback: the lights are on the brighter side and lack remote-controlled dimming, so you'll be working with a single brightness setting. Number of bulbs: 12 | Bulb type: LED | Cord length: 27 feet | Wattage: 1 watt | Power source: Solar | Weather-resistant: Yes Pros: Wind and waterproof 2-year warranty Available in three cord lengths Cons: If you like the idea of never swapping batteries or searching for a nearby outlet, a solar-powered set like this is a smart choice. Highly rated for its heavy-duty build, long lifespan and overall reliability, it features a detachable solar panel with a 1,000-charge lifespan—roughly 2.5 years of use. The shatterproof plastic bulbs can handle heat, rain and even winds up to 50 mph. These lights cast a soft 3000K glow and can run for up to six hours on a full charge. They also come with a 2-year limited warranty. The main drawback here is brightness; many owners note that the light output is on the dim side, and can vary depending on how much sun the panel gets. Number of bulbs: 30 | Bulb type: Edison | Cord length: 96 feet | Wattage: 11 | Power source: Solar, electric | Weather-resistant: Yes Pros: Remote controllable Double-insulated protection Solar and USB options Cons: Feedback varies on long-term durability If your outdoor space sees more rain than sun, you'll need string lights that can handle a good soaking. This set is rated IP65 waterproof, meaning it can shrug off water from any direction—just don't toss it in the pool. It's designed to work with both solar power and USB charging, giving you reliable illumination whether the skies are cloudy or clear. A handy remote lets you tweak the brightness, set timers and choose between three modes: steady glow, flashing or a slow 'breathing' effect. Reviewers love the flexibility of having both solar and electric power options, as well as the convenience of remote controls. The one trade-off? The bulbs are spaced farther apart than some might like, so the look may not suit every style. Brightown Decor Number of bulbs: 20 | Bulb type: LED | Cord length: 7 feet | Wattage: 5 | Power source: Battery | Weather-resistant: Yes Pros: Waterproof Cool to the touch Bendable wire Cons: For a daintier look that's great for outdoor dining set-ups and window wrapping, these fairy lights can go from indoors to outdoors seamlessly. Sarantakis personally recommends these lights for being stylish, waterproof and budget-friendly. '[They] can be used in trees and branches to create a romantic, ethereal draping,' she suggests. These string lights are short at just seven feet long, but each purchase comes with a pack of 12 so they can be grouped together or spread out, depending on your design choice. Each set is battery-powered and offers a flexible string that's easy to wrap around structures or reshape to fit your outdoor oasis. The LED bulbs are also long-lasting, designed to withstand up to two years of regular usage. Just keep in mind that battery life varies, and you may have to keep up with replacing them often if you use the lights regularly. Number of bulbs: 80 | Bulb type: LED | Cord length: 33 feet | Wattage: 5 | Power source: Battery | Weather-resistant: Yes Pros: Adjustable settings via remote Timer option Waterproof Cons: There are a few benefits to choosing battery-powered string lights over electric or solar, including increased convenience and flexibility. 'There are no outlets to deal with,' Sarantakis says. '[You can] get creative and add them to enhance any and every area you want to in your backyard—from the back porch, bushes and treehouse, to even the dog house.' This string light set makes creativity effortless, thanks to its battery-powered build, waterproof design and several size options available. The lights can be controlled via the included remote, which allows users to customize brightness settings, built-in timers and lighting modes like twinkle, slow glow and flash. The only downside—which Sarantakis notes is common with most battery-powered models—is it's not as durable as many plug-in models, and batteries need to be changed regularly. Number of bulbs: 12 | Bulb type: LED | Cord length: 24 feet | Wattage: Not listed | Power source: Electric | Weather-resistant: Yes Pros: App-controlled Several color options Shatterproof bulbs Cons: If you're serious about curating the vibes of your outdoor space, a smart set of string lights might be the way to go. This model is Wi-Fi enabled, allowing you to control settings from the accompanying app and even through voice control. The lights come with a whopping 56 color options to toggle between, plus six shades of white light and several combinations. You can also adjust dimming and speed settings to best suit each individual occasion. One set of lights consists of 24 feet and 12 lights, but it's possible to connect multiple strings, adding to up to 96 feet to suit larger outdoor spaces as well. Owners have praised the functionality and customization of these lights, especially in the case of holiday decorating. Just keep in mind that this set doesn't include any on/off switch or remote control, so it's only suited to folks who own and regularly use a smartphone. The home team at Forbes Vetted is committed to scouting out the best products to help you make the most of your outdoor space, from the best outdoor sofas to the best patio umbrellas. Monica Petrucci is the author of this piece and a commerce writer who's extensively covered home topics for Forbes Vetted. She's researched and tested hundreds of products in the home space, from outdoor rugs to flat-top grills. For this article, we tapped the expertise of Jen Sarantakis, founder and interior designer at Jennifer Sarantakis, Inc. She offered insight about how to enhance your outdoor space with string lights, as well as which materials and varieties distinguish the most high-quality options. The Forbes Vetted team is serious about providing the most helpful and relevant information to our readers. We refresh our content regularly; this article was last updated in August 2025. We evaluated dozens of the most highly rated outdoor string lights on the market, making sure to prioritize features that indicate longevity and durability. We made sure to include a diverse range of outdoor string light options, featuring everything from plug-in and solar to battery-powered options to suit all spaces and preferences. We prioritized features outlined by Sarantakis, including shatterproof bulbs, warm white colors that fall between 2200 and 3000 on the Kelvin scale and water-resistant features. We scoured through consumer reviews, taking note of any common praises or complaints of the product and making note of them in our descriptions. We prioritized products with the strongest feedback from owners, only including light sets with a minimum 4-star rating. It's important to take a few key features into consideration when deciding on the best outdoor string lights to best serve your space and lifestyle. Power Source There are three main power sources to choose from when it comes to outdoor string lights: Electric, battery and solar. Traditional electric string lights are the most common and require the least amount of maintenance, but they require maneuvering with outside power outlets. Battery-powered lights solve this issue, offering more freedom when it comes to light placement, but they can be expensive as regular battery replacement is required. Finally, solar-powered lights alleviate both of these issues, merely requiring sunlight exposure for hours of power. However, results can be inconsistent and are highly reliant on weather. Bulb Type Most modern string lights feature LED bulbs, which are a top pick for safety and longevity. From there, you'll have to decide on the style of bulb you're looking for. Small bulbs offer a fairy light vibe, while larger Edison-style or round bulbs deliver a more vintage look. Shoppers should then consider the colors available on the bulb—including their temperature on the Kelvin scale—to determine the look and feel of the lights. Finally, take note of the wattage count and the number of lumens to distinguish brightness (Sarantakis recommends anywhere from 200-400 lumens for design purposes). Weather Resistance Sarantakis emphasizes the importance of shopping for outdoor string lights that specifically emphasize their weather resistance. 'A high-quality set of outdoor lights will be constructed of better and stronger materials,' she says. 'There will be more refinement and details in the design, and will hold up better in inclement weather.' Look for string lights labeled as wind and water resistant as well, as those protective features contribute to their durability. Length/Number Of Bulbs Consider the size of your outdoor space and how you'd like to hang your lights before deciding on the length of a string light set. Sarantakis recommends shopping for anything in the range of 20-80 bulbs in one set, ranging anywhere from 20 to 200 feet, 'depending on the length of your backyard, [and] if you want to do back-and-forth zigzag pattern.' Which Outdoor Lights Last The Longest? Any outdoor string lights with LED bulbs offer the most longevity when it comes to regular usage. Solar powered lights offer additional durability, as they don't rely on batteries or wires that can diminish longevity. How To Choose The Right Outdoor String Lighting? It's important to consider the outdoor area you're looking to use and how often you plan to use the lights before making a decision. This will determine the style, length and power source that best suits your space. What Is The Best Lumens Level For Outdoor String Lights? According to Sarantakis, the ideal lumens range depends on the use case of the lighting. 'For security purposes, the lumens range is 400-800 lumens, and for architectural landscaping purposes and pathway lighting the lumens range should be 200-400,' she says.
CNET
10-07-2025
- Business
- CNET
Prime Day Deal: Wiz Is Offering Up to 71% Off on Color-Changing, Smart Outdoor Lighting
You've probably heard plenty about the Amazon Prime Day sale, but other retailers have sales worth shopping, too. Wiz, for instance, currently has a sale where you can save $5 when you buy two or more outdoor lights, which are already discounted. No coupon is required, but this deal won't last forever. The offer ends July 23 at 11:58 p.m. CT. It includes several outdoor lights, including Wiz's LED color-changing outdoor spotlight extension and a two-pack of LED color-changing outdoor spotlights. These items are also already discounted at 60% and 71%, respectively. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. Wiz's two-pack of outdoor spotlights is $19. The lights have 450 lumens and 16 million color options. Wiz's spotlights can also be set up using Wi-Fi and the Wiz app, which can help you create schedules and easily control your lights. The lights are also water- and weatherproof. The spotlight extension expands on your existing Wiz spotlights and is currently $14. Why this deal matters If you're looking for a way to spruce up your outdoor space, outdoor lights can be an affordable addition that also improves your home's security. With Wiz's deals up to 71% off, it could be a cost-effective way to level up your summer space, especially if you plan to purchase two or more products and snag that extra $5 off.
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Gardeners are adding ‘gorgeous' moon lights slashed to £8 to elevate outdoor spaces – they cost nothing to run
GARDENING fans are racing to snap up discounted outdoor lights, that will transform your garden into a serene haven. With summer in the UK so far shaping up to be a scorcher, many Brits likely have plans to invite friends and family over for BBQs and garden parties in the coming months. 2 2 And what better way to prepare for the arrival of guests that to give your garden a glow up. Budget Garden Transformation Posting in the Creative Gardening Discussion and Tips Facebook group, a public group with 505,000 members, one gardening fan revealed that she elevated her outdoor space with some ethereal moon lights. "Yesterday I received this moon solar light for my mini garden", she said, sharing a picture of the lights, which she had place delicately among her garden bedding. Gardening fans flooded the comments section of the post, to share their love for the lights. "Beautiful lighting", one person beamed. "Wonderful pretty", another said. "I love them. Great night feature." A third person said: "Gorgeous". Shein Moon Lights Shein has currently slashed the price of its moon solar lights from £9 to £7.91, a saving of 12%. The Chinese online retailer is selling the lights in either a small or medium size, with shoppers able to pick from a multi-coloured design, or warm yellow lighting. Cheap and easy ways to transform your garden including painting fences black The stunning lights are solar powered, meaning they don't cost a penny to run. Simply wait until dusk, and the lights will automatically turn on, transforming your home into a peaceful oasis. The lights are also waterproof, so you don't need to bother bringing them back inside if it rains, and are super easy to install, with no need to faff about plugging in wires. More Garden Lights Landing in stores on July 6, Lidl's Livarno Home Solar Light Decorations are sure to fly off middle aisle shelves. A well-kept garden can add anywhere between 5-20% to the value of a property. carried out a study and consulted 36 estate agents, garden designers and property professionals from across the UK. And the experts revealed the garden feature which adds the most value to a property is a shed. Shed - 82% Patio or paving - 76% Secure fencing, walls or gates - 72% Outdoor lighting - 66% Sturdy decking - 62% Water features eg. fountain or pond - 58% Modern garden furniture - 54% Artificial lawn/grass - 40% They come in a variety of styles, where buyers can choose from birds, butterflies, dragonflies, or jars hanging from the ornament. The lights, intended to brighten up gardens, are described as "atmospheric decoration with soft colour-changing light". Rival Aldi has also launched Solar Light Bulbs, which are guaranteed to give your garden a glow up. Not only will they give your fence an instant update, but they'll also come in handy during the evenings. Costing just £3.99 each, the bulb comes with a crocodile clip so it can be hung around the garden. The bulbs come in two different shapes and have 20 firefly LED lights inside to add a whimsical touch.
CNET
26-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
Memorial Day Deals: Light Your Space Up With the Enbrighten Smart Lights at Up to 24% Discount
If you're planning to spend more time outside now that the weather's warming up, adding a little light can go a long way. A good set of smart outdoor lights can instantly boost the vibe of your space, and today's a great time to grab some without paying the full price. Amazon has currently slashed prices on Enbrighten's popular Eternity permanent outdoor lights as part of its Memorial Day deals event, allowing you to save up to 24%. These sleek lights are available in multiple sizes, and the discount is available in both white and black options. However, Memorial Day ends today, so this limited-time deal might not see another sun. Here's a breakdown of the available discounts by color and size options: These Enbrighten smart lights are quite easy to install -- all you need to do is screw in the included mounting brackets (can also use a good-quality tape) and snap the lights onto them. The strands are flexible, so you can customize the layout to fit your space. Once set up, you can control everything through the Enbrighten app. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. You can choose from unlimited solid colors or create endless color combos, depending on what you are feeling. Want a cozy, laid-back vibe? Go for the soft, warm white. Hosting a backyard barbeque party? Bold colors, it is. You can even set up schedules to automate the process. Finally, these outdoor lights are rated IP67, so they can survive all kinds of weather conditions, from rain to dust. Just be sure to grab these fast, as the sale might not last too long. Why this deal matters Smart lights can be expensive, especially if you are looking to cover more area. These Memorial Day deals allow you to upgrade the overall vibe of your place while also saving a ton.
