String Lighting for a Porch

Fairy Lights

• Fairy lights provide one of the most economical and readily available forms of string lighting for your patio or garden. White Christmas lights provide an elegant year-round touch. String them around trees, along the porch overhang's perimeter or hang several parallel lines above a patio table. Dress up fairy lights by placing them in the center of individually cut egg cartons cut to look like a flower, faux flowers or even fresh, live lily blossoms with the center stamen removed.

Lanterns

• String lanterns come in a wide variety of styles and sizes, from large Chinese paper globes to novelty designs like plastic beer cans. Higher-end lanterns sometimes hang on heavy wires or cable line to provide more light. Look for lights with large bulbs to dress up an outdoor dining area or add splashes of color with colored paper lanterns. Hang the lights underneath a patio umbrella for a makeshift chandelier cluster or hang them at different heights to create depth.

Repurposed String Lighting

• Repurpose string lights into a standing lamp or hanging chandelier. Spray paint a large tree branch or leave it unfinished for a rustic look. Wrap string lights around it and hang the branch upside down over a patio table. Make several chandeliers and line them up along the porch ceiling. Use clumped string lighting inside a refashioned mason jar or cut wine bottle for a patio table lamp.

Safety

• Using string lights requires safety precautions. Use only string lights that are labeled for outdoor use and weatherproof. Make sure no cords are frayed or broken and never plug the lights into damaged sockets. Use as few string lights as possible to get the effect you want. Homes have watt limits of 1,800 to 2,400, depending on their age. Each string bulb counts as 10 watts. Keep cords and lights away from water and make sure they don't heat up or they may start a fire.