Outdoor spaces instantly become more inviting after dark with the right lighting. String lights and lanterns both bring their own charm, but how do you pick the best for your backyard, patio, or balcony? I’ve spent many evenings testing setups and helping friends spruce up their spaces. Here, I lay out everything you need to know about string lights and lanterns: their uses, pros, cons, and how they compare for different outdoor zones.
All-in-One Product Rundown: String Lights vs. Lanterns
String lights and lanterns cover outdoor lighting needs but do it their own way. Here’s a handy guide to what you get with each.
String Lights: Features and Styles
- They come in a variety of shapes: globes, vintage Edison bulbs, fairy twinkles, rope designs, and more.
- Work indoors and outdoors, usually weather-resistant if you choose trusted brands.
- Can be solar, battery, or plug-in operated. Many now feature energy-saving LED bulbs.
- Simple to string along pergolas, fences, tree branches, balconies, and above seating or dining areas.
- Perfect for creating broad glowing zones or highlighting spaces with a subtle sparkle.
Lanterns: Styles and Uses
- Accent lighting with a cozy effect—especially great on tables, porches, and garden paths.
- Available as tabletop, hanging, standing, or wall-mounted designs.
- Options include battery-powered, solar-powered, or real candle models (for a classic vibe).
- Many lanterns double as decorative pieces even when not lit, with vintage metal, colorful glass, or rustic wood finishes.
- Super portable, easy to move and rearrange—no untangling or mounting required.
Both string lights and lanterns are widely available online and in stores, with countless colors, shapes, and designs to match modern, farmhouse, or traditional outdoor looks.
Pros and Cons: What Works for Every Space
String Lights
Pros:
- Add sparkle and give wide light coverage for gatherings and daily use.
- Super versatile, easy to adapt one string in many spots.
- Multiple powering options to fit your needs (solar is great for low energy bills).
- Often include dimmers or remotes to adjust brightness and atmosphere.
Cons:
- Need stable anchor points, so you’ll need a bit of planning ahead.
- Can look messy if not hung straight or spaced neatly.
- Wires sometimes tangle or snag on windy nights.
Lanterns
Pros:
- Portable—simple to move exactly where you need them.
- Add warmth to any table, corner, pathway, or entryway.
- Stay decorative, even when turned off.
- Great for apartment patios or spots where hanging lights isn’t an option.
Cons:
- Cover a smaller area—best for atmosphere, not big visibility.
- Battery and solar models require periodic recharging or new batteries.
- Real candle versions need candle replacements regularly.
How to Pick: A Quick Guide for Your Outdoor Lighting
Here’s my go-to cheat sheet gained from helping friends redo their spaces:
- Assess Your Space: Measure your area and pay attention to potential anchor points if string lights are your pick.
- Focus on Activities: For dinners and parties, string lights light up the area well. For quiet reading or lounging, lanterns set a calming mood.
- Mix Them Up: Many people use both! Hang string lights above the patio and place lanterns on tables and along paths.
- Choose Power Sources: If outlets are scarce, solar and battery lights make it easy to bring light to hard-to-reach spots.
Key Considerations: Durability, Style, and Budget
Getting outdoor lights that handle storms or winter freezes matters a lot. Look for strong weather ratings, durable construction, and easy replacement options. I’ve hung cheap lights that fizzled after the first rain—a mistake you can dodge by checking those weatherproof specs.
Budget is another factor. Budget-friendly string lights and lanterns can be found nearly everywhere, but investing a bit more for LED bulbs or sturdy housings pays off. High-quality lights mean fewer replacements over time.
Trending Styles
- Vintage Edison bulb string lights (warm, retro glow)
- Mini fairy lights (delicate sparkle, perfect for trees or shrubs)
- Moroccan or metal lanterns (decorate even when off and cast cool shadows when on)
- Modern solar lanterns (sleek designs for patios or pathways)
Where String Lights and Lanterns Shine Outdoors
Placement makes all the difference in your lighting game. I have string lights above on the roof line at the camper and twin lanterns on the shepherd's hooks at the entrance to my lower deck. The string lights give out a broad light, and the lanterns light up the steps.
String Lights Are Ideal For:
- Pergolas, gazebos, or covered porches for overhead glow
- Fences, tree lines, or roof edges to highlight and shape your yard
- Balconies or apartment patios—perfect for wrapping railings
- Above outdoor dining or lounge sets for full area lighting
Lanterns Fit Best For:
- Patio tables, coffee tables, and side tables
- Garden beds, steps, or walkways to help prevent nighttime stumbles
- Corners of decks, porch steps, or a backyard bar for subtle highlights
- Screened porches or small nooks that need just the right cozy touch
Putting both to use gives your outdoor space a boost. I enjoy layering a soft string light glow in the background and focusing lanterns on tables or along steps. This setup brings more depth to a space without adding a clutter of fixtures.
How to Keep Your Lights in Top Shape
Keeping your collection looking sharp isn’t tough, but it always helps to take a little extra care each season. Here’s what I’ve picked up after years of hanging and redoing setups:
String Lights:
- Take down or cover in bad weather to extend their life.
- Unplug before cleaning. Use a damp cloth for a quick wipe over bulbs and cords.
- Spot check connections, bulbs, and wires for damage—swap any bad bulbs right away so the whole line keeps sparkling.
Lanterns:
- Dust and wipe glass and frames every week for the cleanest shine.
- Freshen up batteries or solar parts before big gatherings to avoid last-minute surprises.
- For battery lanterns, store them indoors over winter to maximize their lifespan.
- For candle lanterns, trim wicks and change candles if soot builds up on the inside.
Outdoor Lighting FAQs
Here are some popular questions folks often ask me about outdoor lights:
Q: Can string lights and lanterns work together in one space?
A: Absolutely! Mixing the two boosts your space’s character. String lights create an overall mood while lanterns focus on accent lighting for tables or paths.
Q: Do solar lights last the full night?
A: Most solar lights shine for 6–10 hours on a good charge, but sunlight levels and brand quality affect this. Cloudy days mean a weaker charge, though top picks will usually last the length of a typical evening get-together.
Q: How tricky is it to hang outdoor string lights?
A: Once your anchors are ready (like hooks, poles, or sturdy trees), setup is a breeze. Using tension wire kits or cable ties helps avoid sagging. Map out your design first for a neatly finished look.
Q: Is it safe to use real flame lanterns on decks and patios?
A: LED or flameless models are safest where kids or pets play. For real candles, just keep lanterns away from anything flammable and never leave burning flames unattended.
Q: What lasts longer: string lights or lanterns?
A: Both options can last for years with regular cleaning and proper storage. LED string lights tend to outlast solar or battery lanterns, but their lifespan depends mostly on product quality and how you look after them.
The Perks of Outdoor Lighting
Lighting changes the feel of your outdoor area, making it welcoming after sunset. String lights are excellent for easygoing parties or get-togethers, spreading soft light across your space. Lanterns bring that extra bit of personality to tables, cozy spaces, and garden areas. On top of that, lighting helps make steps and walkways safer by preventing trips in the dark.
Even a small lighting addition can make your backyard feel like a new retreat—a place to relax or socialize without a pricey overhaul. If you love swapping out themes for holidays or special events, both string lights and lanterns are simple to update with new bulbs or colors to match your mood.
My RealWorld Advice on Making Outdoor Lighting Work for You
No outdoor area looks the same at night as it does in the day, and that’s part of the magic. For fun summer gatherings or festive nights, string lights are an unbeatable pick. For chill dinners, late conversations, or letting out a deep breath at the end of a long day, lanterns flip the mood just right. I recommend starting small—try a single string or a few lanterns—and see what clicks for your setup.
Because outdoor lighting styles are so flexible, you can experiment with arrangements, swap in different types, or match your setup to every season. Test out combos until you find one that makes you smile—you may be amazed at the change just a few lights make!
Want to crank up your outdoor space from ordinary to awesome once the sun goes down? I suggest checking out Walmart’s lineup of outdoor string lights and lanterns. With options for every taste and budget, you’ll surely track down the right fit. Shop now at Walmart.com and brighten up your evenings!
Have you tried string lights, lanterns, or both? I want to hear your best tips or see photos in the comments—let’s inspire each other with smart ways to create that perfect outdoor glow!