![]() We created a warm and inviting ambience in the backyard with these outdoor string lights from Brightown. ![]() From highly weather-resistant outdoor lights to vintage-style Edison bulbs to mystical fairy lights, this list includes a range of options to illuminate most any outdoor space. We didn’t pull any punches, so rest assured, the string lights in this lineup are durable and up to the challenge of lighting up many types of outdoor spaces. We tested a wide variety of string light sets, and the following models all met our high expectations in a range of categories. Plus, some of these top picks come with replacement bulbs. We noted the length of the cord (in case the use of an extension cord was required), the number of bulb sockets, and how easy it was to hang them on a structure. ![]() Then, we tested them again after they dried. For the ones advertised as being waterproof, we left them out in a rainstorm or (for those under the umbrella and covered patio) sprayed them with water. If the string lights were billed as shatterproof, we dropped them on a concrete patio from head height to see if they would crack. We scored them on both their brightness and illumination. After dark, we attempted to read or perform other activities-such as grilling-with just the illumination from the lights. We used a testing rubric that followed strict guidelines, including hanging the lights (some models) and leaving them in place for several days. We wanted to put these outdoor string lights through their paces to ensure their quality before readers purchase them. Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila How We Tested the Best Outdoor String Lights BEST DIMMABLE: Feit Electric Heavy-Duty String Lights.BEST BATTERY-POWERED: OxyLED 2-Pack Battery-Operated LED String Lights.BEST SOLAR: Brightech Ambience Pro Waterproof Solar LED Lights.BEST GLOBE: Brightown Solar LED String Lights.BEST FAIRY: Twinkle Star 300 LED 99 Ft.BEST COLOR-CHANGING: Enbrighten Color-Changing Vintage Cafe Lights.BEST WEATHER-RESISTANT: Lemontec Commercial Grade Outdoor String Lights.BEST OVERALL: Brightown Patio String Lights.To pinpoint which ones light up the night, we selected a variety of the most popular models, testing them in multiple weather conditions, noting their durability, ease of installation, and whether they were made from quality materials.Īhead, learn what to look for when shopping for outdoor string lights, and find out why the following models made the cut in our hands-on testing for some of the best string lights for outdoors. These lights come in a range of styles, bulb types, and colors. However, it can also be the main limitation too.Outdoor string lights can brighten a backyard or a patio space and make warm nights more relaxing and festive. Having wireless lights provides more options for lighting in closets, kitchens, pantries, bathrooms and much more. The best thing about battery powered under cabinet lights are just that, the battery. If you’re looking for battery powered lights, always double check the specifications to determine what the recommended battery size is and if the brand has listed an estimated lifetime. ![]() Some brands like Brilliant Evolution and Luminoodle claim 100 hour and 72 hour life span on batteries and their fixtures. Other factors that impact battery life are the size and type of light fixture as well as the battery. Make sure you are turning them off when not in the room. When the lights are on, they’ll draw power from the batteries. If you have your light(s) on 3 hours per day, they may last about one month or approximately 30 days. However, battery life depends entirely on how often the lights are used. Many battery powered under cabinet lights can last up to 100 hours. That also helps dissipate any heat generated from the light fixture. For installation purposes, you might like them 1 or 2 inches back. Stick lights are ideal against the lip of the upper cabinets. However, you may like them more centered like a puck light would be.Īs the light output or beam spread of a strip light section may be more direct, you’ll want the light more forward for task lighting. I like to place them a few inches back from the front lip of the upper cabinets. Your strip lights will, of course, run from left to right or right to left along a bank of upper cabinets. Regardless of the beam angle, you’ll want to center the puck lights from front to back. If you have a high beam spread you can place your puck lights farther apart from each other. ![]() The larger the beam spread and higher the wattages, the less lights you need under you cabinets.īeam spread can range from 45 degrees to over 100 degrees. Puck lights revolve around beam spread and overall wattage. As you want to maximize the light output, there’s a few tricks to the fixtures placement. ![]()
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