Outdoor String Light Pattern Ideas
Turn your dark, unused outdoor spaces into a nighttime oasis with the help of festoon lights and fairy lights! Hanging string lights across the garden, deck or inside of an outdoor structure like a gazebo or pergola is a perfect way to add ambient landscape lighting for every day use, parties and outdoor events.
The Patterns
Square or Grid- Hang string 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.
Zig Zag or "W"- 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.
The Horizon Point- 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- 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.
Lines or Rows - a clean, elegant and popular choice! You may need more hanging points for this design but it'll give you optimal illumination over your space.
One line from point to point - if you want the minimum amount of hanging points this is the design for you! You can also use fence lines and trees for hanging points. Nothing complicated going on here.
Measure Your Space:
The first step to a flawless light design is making sure you know the dimensions of your space.
We recommend drawing a rough sketch of the area where you plan to hang your lights and writing the measurements on your drawing for quick reference later. This sketch will come in handy when you pick your hanging pattern, which we will discuss further in the next section.
To help visualise your pattern and how it may look we recommend using string to make your design come alive! Once happy with the way it looks simply take down the string and measure each length.
Part of what makes outdoor string lights so appealing is the natural curve created by the strings. To make sure you have enough length to account for the swag in your light strings, add 0.5 - 2m of length to your measurements and purchase strings that coincide with those final numbers.
Other Helpful Blogs:How to hang your string lights?
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Which festoon light should I choose?
If you need more help please:
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