One of our favorite ways to use these lights is by running them across a pergola ceiling or between support poles. The final product is reminiscent of hanging wisteria limbs and offers a surprising amount of illumination.

The Holiday Aisle Mini Icicle Light

Check Price
These simple icicle string lights let you illuminate your patio or porch in a variety of ways. Several styles are available to choose from, including a set with multi-colored bulbs.

Each strand measures 8.5 feet long and holds 150 incandescent bulbs in total.

The hanging “icicles” range in length from 3 to 7 bulbs. Up to 3 strands can be connected end-to-end to light a larger space.

9. Jar

For better or worse, Mason jars have an iron grip on the design world. So if you’re creating a farmhouse-inspired porch or patio, then a set of jar string lights should definitely be on your shopping list.

These innovative string lights offer all of the illumination of a standard strand of bulbs but with a one-of-a-kind aesthetic.

Love this trend but want an alternative to hanging string lights? You can also stuff battery-powered fairy lights into jars to use as makeshift lanterns.

Kurt Adler UL 10-Light Clear Mason Jar Light Set

Check Price
These Mason jar string lights would make a unique addition to any outdoor space in need of an extra dash of charm.

Each 11.5-foot strand holds 10 jar-covered bulbs. The jars (which are made of plastic rather than glass) can be removed as needed when changing the bulbs.

Rest assured that these string lights are rated for outdoor use. But they probably won’t suffice as a primary or long-term light source.

Also, since the strands cannot be connected end-to-end, these lights aren’t ideal for large spaces.

10. Battery-Powered

Solar-powered lighting is not the only option when an outlet is out of reach. If you’re okay sacrificing a bit of energy efficiency, battery-powered string lights are a great choice.