Whether you're hosting a weekend braai, toasting marshmallows with the kids, or creating the perfect backdrop for a sundowner with mates, there's something magical about outdoor string lights. They bring a little extra sparkle to your garden, balcony, or stoep — instantly making your outdoor area feel warm, welcoming, and well-loved.
Over the past 16 years at Future Light, we’ve helped light up many South African spaces — from compact Cape Town courtyards to big Joburg gardens. One trend we’ve seen grow fast is the love for versatile, easy-to-use string lights that can be installed without needing to rewire your whole home. In fact, our customers often come back to tell us how these simple lights transformed their outdoor spaces into stylish hangouts.
Key Takeaways
- Outdoor string lights bring instant atmosphere to gardens, patios, and balconies
- They’re versatile, stylish, and suitable for year-round use behind load-shedding solutions
- Install using hooks, zip ties, or pergolas — no electrician needed!
- LED options offer lower electricity usage and safer outdoor operation
- Available in solar, battery operated, and plug-in styles from our Solar Lights collection
- Boost the charm and functionality of your outdoor living spaces
Why Outdoor String Lights Are a Game-Changer
A Simple Way to Elevate Your Space
Adding outdoor string lights is one of the quickest ways to elevate any outdoor space. Whether you're giving your garden a glow-up or simply want to give your braai area a modern touch, these lights can do wonders with minimal effort. It's less about doing a full-on reno and more about smart, stylish touches that stretch your budget and impact.
Instant Ambiance with Minimal Effort
String lights are all about vibe. You can zigzag them between trees, drape them over a fence, or clip them along a balcony railing. Suddenly, you’ve got a cosy ambiance that makes people want to stay longer and relax. We’ve even had customers use them as semi-permanent décor for rooftop date nights or birthday parties — they’re that flexible.
Every Season, Any Occasion
In South Africa, we’re lucky to have mostly outdoor-friendly weather for most of the year. That means your string lights can stay up in summer and winter, adding cheer and charm through every season. With options like waterproof LED bulbs and solar-powered designs from our solar range, you’re sorted even through rainy season in Durban or breezy nights in the Cape.
String lights are one of the easiest ways to transform your outdoor space with minimal fuss and maximum glow.
Choosing the Right Style of String Lights
Café-Style Bulbs (also called Festoon Lights)
If you've ever sat at a vibey Joburg café under hanging filament bulbs and thought “I want this at home,” then festoon lights are your best bet. They come with globe-style bulbs evenly spaced on a string. Most versions allow for upward or downward hanging installation and are made weather-resistant for outdoor use.
Fairy Lights for That Magical Feel
Think twinkle, sparkle, and softness. Fairy lights work exceptionally well in gardens or wrapped around tiny trees or railings. You can find battery-powered and even USB-rechargeable options in our Rechargeable Lights range — brilliant if you want to avoid having cables everywhere or if you're dealing with limited power outlets.
Solar-Powered for Loadshedding Convenience
Let’s be real — with loadshedding still part of our daily reality, solar-powered string lights are a smart and independent solution. With a compact panel and long run-time batteries, they soak up daytime sun and light up at night without touching your electricity bill. Have a look through our full Solar Garden Lights range for beautiful designs to suit every setup.
Match the string light style with your outdoor vibe — solar for ease, fairy for flair, or festoon for full-on mood lighting.
Installation Tips for Outdoor String Lights
Measure Before You Buy
It might sound basic, but many people forget to measure the space they're wanting to string lights across. Before heading to checkout, get that tape out and measure the total run — including any zigzags or curves. A gentle tip: add 20% to your measurement in case you want a looser drape.
Using Hooks, Zip Ties or Wire
Outdoor string lights don't necessarily need a full structure to hang — you can use screw-in wall hooks, cable clips, or even sturdy zip ties. If you're stringing across big areas (like from one tree to another), consider using outdoor wire as support to stop the line from sagging. We often recommend using products from the Multiplugs & Adaptors range if power relocation is needed.
Working with No Power Source
If your patio or deck doesn’t have a plug point nearby, you’re not stuck. Look into our Rechargeable Lighting range or go full off-the-grid with solar string lights. And yes — some come with USB ports and motion detection features!
Measure twice, clip once — and you’ll have perfectly placed lights that hold up in any season.
Energy Efficiency of LED String Lights
Why LED Wins (Every Time)
Traditional incandescent bulbs might look classic, but they burn hot and die young. Modern LED string lights stay cool, use up to 80% less energy, and outlast older types by years. Plus, they come in warm white, cool white, and even RGB colour options through our LED Strip Lights collection.
Built for South African Climate
LEDs are generally more resistant to humidity and temperature swings. From humid Durban evenings to chilly Highveld nights, quality LED products are designed to handle it all. Look for IP44 or greater for water resistance on outdoor fittings.
Longer Life = Less Waste
Sustainability kicks in, too. LED bulbs last tens of thousands of hours, which means fewer replacements, less packaging, and happier pocketbooks. Check out our latest LED options in the LED Bulbs section.
LED string lights aren’t just prettier — they’re smarter, safer, and easier on the power bill.
Wrap up naturally, referencing the collection, highlighting a featured product like the hero item, and inviting readers to learn more in our related blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave outdoor string lights up all year round?
Yes, especially if you choose waterproof, IP44+ rated LED lights designed for outdoor conditions.
Do solar-powered string lights work well during winter?
Yes, but ensure they get adequate sun exposure. Opt for models with quality panels and long-lasting batteries.
Can I use multiplug adaptors outside?
Only if rated for outdoor use. Always protect exposed plugs and check our multiplugs collection for indoor-friendly options.
What’s the safest way to hang string lights?
Use insulated hooks or outdoor-grade wire. Avoid sharp bends and tensioned cords.
Are LED string lights really more energy-efficient?
Absolutely — up to 80% less energy vs. traditional filament bulbs. They also emit less heat.
Can I plug string lights into a rechargeable power bank?
Yes, using USB-compatible or low-voltage string light options found in the Power Banks collection.
Do string lights attract bugs?
Warm white LEDs attract fewer insects than bright white or traditional halogen bulbs.
Do you have battery-operated options?
Yes! Explore our battery and USB-rechargeable varieties in the Rechargeable Lights range — ideal for load shedding or outdoor setups.
