The maximum drop length is 65 inches. The dangling strands vary in length for a softer appearance overall.

This particular set features mini incandescent bulbs that are rated for 3,000 hours.

12. Rope

Rope lights, made of clear plastic tubing lined with small LED bulbs, make great alternatives to string lights. Outdoor-safe rope lights come in many different colors (some even change color using a remote or app!).

With rope lights, you can replicate the look of outdoor string lights without the hassle of detangling or replacing spent bulbs. Still, rope lights don’t provide the same aesthetic as regular string lights — at least not in the daytime.

Instead of draping these lights across your pergola or porch ceiling, try wrapping them around a tree trunk or mounting them to a roof eave. Or use a piece of toile to disguise the plastic tubing for a fairy light-inspired look.

LE LED 33ft Rope Lights

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This outdoor-safe LED rope light is a versatile alternative to classic string bulbs.

It can be hung across a patio, laid along a walkway, or wrapped around nearby trees to give your backyard a unique glow. Made of commercial-grade PVC that won’t overheat, this rope light is also safe to use around water sources (the power source itself should always be kept dry).

This rope light boasts 32.8 feet of illuminated LEDs plus a 6.6-foot power cord that can be plugged into any standard outlet. You can connect up to 3 rope lights together.

13. Shaded

Exposed bulbs aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. But shaded string lights let you enjoy the convenience of this lighting solution with a classier aesthetic.

Shaded string lights look their best hanging overhead in a casual dining or entertaining area. You can also drape these lights along a fence for a bit of perimeter lighting that’s less harsh than bare bulbs.