How Should I Hang My String Lights?
Q: WHAT’S THE BEST LAYOUT FOR MY STRING LIGHTS?
A: What does your space look like? This is a matter of letting your space do most of the decision making. Think about where potential hanging points are and what areas you want to focus on. String lights are fantastic for zoning areas. Like moths to a flame, we all follow the light!
Identify the most accessible power source and work from there. Your basic bistro lights generally allow you to connect up to 15 strings of lights together giving you about 150m to work with. How great is that?!
Identify the most accessible locations to hang your lights from. If you plan to attach them to your house look at your roofline and gutters for solid attachment areas. If you have trees or a fence you plan to string your lights from, identify the best branches or posts to do this from. If you have a wide open space this may call for setting up posts which can also be in the form of planter posts.
The V Pattern (lower right) - A versatile option for any space. The V pattern is fairly easy to achieve and does not require equal string lengths on both sides to look good. Keep in mind that the pinnacle point of the V, where each side connects bears the weight of the entire light string and should be anchored sufficiently to support the additional pressure.
Zig Zag (lower middle) - Zig Zag patterns are a fun choice when you want to add full coverage illumination across your space but desire a more interesting light design. This can be achieved with one long light string or through the use of multiple strings connected end to end.
X Pattern (lower left) - X marks the spot! This design works especially well in wide spaces or areas that are square shaped. If you have multiple light strings, hang several X's in a row to create a diamond pattern. The result is a light display that appears intricate but is actually incredibly easy to achieve!
Square or Grid (top middle) - Hang patio lights in straight lines across the length and width of your space to create a grid, or keep it simple by outlining just the perimeter of your space in a square shape.
The Horizon Point (top left) - Similar to the V in that the light strings all anchor to one central point and fan out, however, this design requires more hanging locations opposite of the central horizon point. This technique for hanging patio lights is typically used in professional installations for events and restaurant patio seating. However, with some planning, the horizon point can be easily achieved in residential outdoor spaces as well!
Tent or Maypole Design (top right) - The tent or maypole design features multiple light strings anchored in a spoke and wheel arrangement from one central point. This point, typically either a pole or beam needs to be sturdy enough to support the weight of multiple light strings and may require professional installation.
**The above will also help you work out how many sets you need!
Q: IS THERE A TRICK TO HANGING THESE?
A: There is if you are hanging glass bulb festoon lights. In order to prevent your strings from tangling or your bulbs from breaking you will want to remove all of the bulbs from the string before installing your festoon cable. This allows you to hang up the multiple stings in whatever pattern you choose without a tangled mess. Once you are done you can screw all the bulbs back in without any hassle.
Q: WHAT DO I SECURE THE LIGHTS WITH?
A: Take your pick! We have customers use everything from the screw in hooks, to cable ties, to s and cup hooks, gutter hooks, 3m command hooks, nails or simply wraping around objects like pergolas, trees and balustrades. Options are endless and not complicated!
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