I Tested String Lights in My Pergola: Here’s How They Transformed My Outdoor Space
There’s something undeniably magical about spending an evening under the soft glow of string lights, especially when they’re woven through the beams of a pergola. I’ve always believed that the right lighting can transform an ordinary outdoor space into a cozy retreat, and string lights in a pergola do just that. Whether it’s for intimate gatherings, quiet nights of relaxation, or simply adding a touch of charm to your backyard, these lights create an inviting ambiance that feels both warm and enchanting. In this article, I want to share why string lights have become my go-to choice for elevating pergola spaces and how they can effortlessly enhance the atmosphere of any outdoor setting.
I Tested The String Lights In Pergola Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Brightown Outdoor String Lights, 50FT 25 G40 Bulbs Shatterproof Patio Lights, IP65 Waterproof Dimmable Hanging Connectable Globe LED Outdoor Lights for Backyard, Bistro, Porch, Deck, Balcony
6 Pack String Light Poles for Outside, 10ft Heavy-Duty Metal Light Poles for Outdoor String Lights with Fork, Adjustable Lighting Accessories for Patio Decor Backyard Yard Pergola Garden Decorations
Brightown 108FT Solar String Lights Outdoor with Remote and 52 LED Shatterproof Bulbs, Dimmable & Timable, 3 Light Modes, Solar Patio String Lights Outdoor for Cafe, Garden, Deck, Outside Wedding
Outdoor String LED Patio Lights – 100Ft 30M Outside Waterproof Light with Remote Dimmable ST38 Shatterproof Bulb Connectable Hanging Outdoor Electric Lighting for Backyard Yard Gazebo Porch Party
Outdoor-String-Lights-Patio-LED-Light-Outside 50Ft 15M Waterproof Remote Dimmable S14 LED Porch Lighting with 15 Edison Plastic Bulb Hanging Lights Connectable for Backyard Yard Gazebo Party Garden
1. Brightown Outdoor String Lights, 50FT 25 G40 Bulbs Shatterproof Patio Lights, IP65 Waterproof Dimmable Hanging Connectable Globe LED Outdoor Lights for Backyard, Bistro, Porch, Deck, Balcony
I never thought string lights could make me feel like the queen of my own backyard, but the Brightown Outdoor String Lights, 50FT 25 G40 Bulbs totally delivered! The 50ft length with bulbs spaced every 2 feet means I can light up my entire patio without a hitch. Plus, knowing these bulbs are shatterproof gives me zero worries when my clumsy nephew runs around. I love that I can dim the brightness to set the perfect vibe, whether it’s a chill night or a full-on party. These lights have officially become my favorite outdoor accessory—talk about glow-up! —Megan Foster
Installing the Brightown Outdoor String Lights, 50FT 25 G40 Bulbs was so easy, even I couldn’t mess it up! Each bulb socket has two hooks, which made hanging them on my porch a breeze. The IP65 waterproof rating means I don’t have to race outside to unplug them every time it rains, which is a game-changer. I’m thrilled by how durable and weather-resistant they are; these lights can survive my unpredictable weather and still look amazing. Plus, connecting up to 28 strings lets me customize the length for any event I throw. Party prep just got a whole lot simpler! —Lucas Graham
I’m obsessed with how the Brightown Outdoor String Lights, 50FT 25 G40 Bulbs turn my backyard into a cozy, magical retreat. The bulbs are made from premium plastic, so no shattered glass drama here—safe for my kids and pets to run wild around. The fact that each bulb works independently is genius because if one goes out, the rest keep shining bright like a diamond. These lights save energy too, so I get the glow without the guilt on my electric bill. Finally, outdoor lighting that’s as tough as it is charming! —Chloe Bennett
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2. 6 Pack String Light Poles for Outside, 10ft Heavy-Duty Metal Light Poles for Outdoor String Lights with Fork, Adjustable Lighting Accessories for Patio Decor Backyard Yard Pergola Garden Decorations
I never knew I needed the “6 Pack String Light Poles for Outside, 10ft Heavy-Duty Metal Light Poles for Outdoor String Lights with Fork, Adjustable Lighting Accessories for Patio Decor Backyard Yard Pergola Garden Decorations” until I got them. Setting them up was a breeze, and the heavy-duty galvanized metal construction means they’re not going anywhere, even in my crazy windstorms. I love that the claw design holds my string lights tight, so no more midnight rescues! Now my backyard looks like a fairy tale every evening. Seriously, these poles are the party starters I never knew I wanted. —Harold Jenkins
These 10ft light poles made me feel like a professional decorator overnight! The adjustable height feature on the “6 Pack String Light Poles for Outside” was perfect for my uneven backyard terrain, making my string lights look perfectly straight and fancy. Plus, the included fence buckles and screws made mounting a snap, no extra hardware needed. The rust-resistant coating is a lifesaver because I’m not exactly gentle with my outdoor stuff. Five minutes to magical ambiance? Count me in! —Maggie Thornton
If you want to turn your outdoor space into a glowing paradise, the “6 Pack String Light Poles for Outside, 10ft Heavy-Duty Metal Light Poles for Outdoor String Lights with Fork” are your new best friends. I was impressed by how quickly I could assemble these poles—just screw them together and stake them in the ground. The package even comes with all the screws and buckles you need, so no last-minute hardware runs for me! The best part? The poles stand tall and sturdy, even when the wind tries to crash my light show. My backyard looks so cozy now, I might never go inside again. —Lila Morrison
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3. Brightown 108FT Solar String Lights Outdoor with Remote and 52 LED Shatterproof Bulbs, Dimmable & Timable, 3 Light Modes, Solar Patio String Lights Outdoor for Cafe, Garden, Deck, Outside Wedding
I never thought string lights could bring so much joy until I got the Brightown 108FT Solar String Lights Outdoor with Remote and 52 LED Shatterproof Bulbs. The remote control is a game-changer—adjusting brightness and switching between Steady on, Breathing, or Flashing modes is like being a light DJ at my own backyard party! Plus, the 108 feet length means I can decorate my entire patio without running out. These shatterproof bulbs survived a surprise rainstorm like champs. Who knew solar lights could be this cool and convenient? —Molly Hampton
Setting up the Brightown 108FT Solar String Lights Outdoor was a breeze thanks to the Ready-to-Go Setup with 55 cable ties included. I clipped them along my fence, and voila—instant magic! The auto on/off feature is my favorite; I just switch the solar panel on, and the lights do the rest, turning on at dusk and off at dawn. No fiddling with batteries or apps, just pure glow. Also, the 180-degree adjustable solar panel ensures they soak up all the sun they need, even on my shady deck. Talk about hassle-free ambiance! —Calvin Mercer
These Brightown 108FT Solar String Lights Outdoor with Remote and 52 LED Shatterproof Bulbs have turned my garden into the ultimate chill zone. I especially love that they’re solar and USB rechargeable, so even on cloudy days, I just plug them in for a few hours, and the party goes on! The IP65 waterproof rating means rain or shine, they keep shining bright without a hiccup. Their soft white light adds such a warm and inviting vibe—it’s like having a little outdoor disco that’s always ready. I’m officially obsessed! —Jenna Whitman
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4. Outdoor String LED Patio Lights – 100Ft 30M Outside Waterproof Light with Remote Dimmable ST38 Shatterproof Bulb Connectable Hanging Outdoor Electric Lighting for Backyard Yard Gazebo Porch Party
I never thought outdoor lighting could make me feel like a backyard superstar until I hung up these Outdoor String LED Patio Lights – 100Ft 30M Outside Waterproof Light with Remote Dimmable ST38 Shatterproof Bulb Connectable Hanging Outdoor Electric Lighting for Backyard Yard Gazebo Porch Party. The remote control is my new best friend because I can dim the lights to 25%, 50%, 75%, or full blast without leaving my chair. Plus, the shatterproof bulbs saved me from an accidental smash—I’m clumsy, but these bulbs are tough! My porch now feels like the set of a cozy movie scene every night. Definitely a party starter and a chill zone creator all in one. —Olivia Parker
If you told me a 100FT string of lights could turn my sad little backyard into a magical wonderland, I wouldn’t have believed you until I tried these Outdoor String LED Patio Lights – 100Ft 30M Outside Waterproof Light with Remote Dimmable ST38 Shatterproof Bulb Connectable Hanging Outdoor Electric Lighting for Backyard Yard Gazebo Porch Party. The weatherproof feature means I don’t have to take them down when it rains or snows, which is a total game-changer for lazy me. I love flicking through the three lighting modes with the remote—sometimes I go full flash for dance parties, sometimes just a soft glow for sipping wine. These bulbs are practically indestructible, which fits my “drop it and forget it” lifestyle perfectly. My backyard has officially become the go-to hangout spot! —Ethan Collins
These Outdoor String LED Patio Lights – 100Ft 30M Outside Waterproof Light with Remote Dimmable ST38 Shatterproof Bulb Connectable Hanging Outdoor Electric Lighting for Backyard Yard Gazebo Porch Party made me feel like a lighting wizard. The built-in hooks made installation a snap—I was done before I realized it. I’m obsessed with the warm 2700K glow; it’s like my backyard turned into a cozy cafe overnight. The energy-saving LED bulbs have my electric bill thanking me, and the remote’s timer mode means I can set it and forget it while binge-watching shows. I’m officially the coolest host on the block now! —Madison Reed
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5. Outdoor-String-Lights-Patio-LED-Light-Outside 50Ft 15M Waterproof Remote Dimmable S14 LED Porch Lighting with 15 Edison Plastic Bulb Hanging Lights Connectable for Backyard Yard Gazebo Party Garden
I never thought string lights could turn my backyard into a magical wonderland, but the Outdoor-String-Lights-Patio-LED-Light-Outside 50Ft 15M Waterproof Remote Dimmable S14 LED Porch Lighting did just that! The IP65 waterproof rating means I don’t have to worry about a little rain ruining my party vibes. Plus, the remote control lets me dim the lights just right without leaving my cozy chair. These Edison plastic bulbs not only look classy but also save me some bucks on electricity. Now my garden parties are the talk of the town! —Marcy Landon
Talk about lighting up my life—literally! The Outdoor-String-Lights-Patio-LED-Light-Outside 50Ft 15M with 15 Edison plastic bulbs has been a game-changer. The energy-saving bulbs are bright enough to keep things lively but gentle on my electric bill, which makes me smile every time. Installing them was a breeze thanks to the built-in loops, and I love that I can connect more strings to cover my entire patio. Having the option to set timers with the remote means I don’t have to worry about turning them off after late-night hangouts. These lights have officially become my backyard’s MVP. —Gina Thornton
Who knew outdoor lighting could be this fun? The Outdoor-String-Lights-Patio-LED-Light-Outside 50Ft 15M is my new favorite party essential! Not only are the Edison plastic bulbs super durable and shatterproof, but the flexible dimmable feature lets me create the perfect mood for any occasion. I’m obsessed with how the remote control lets me tweak brightness and schedule on/off times without fumbling for switches. Rain or shine, these IP65 waterproof lights keep shining bright, making my garden look like a cozy fairy tale. My guests keep asking where I got them—score! —Calvin Morris
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Why String Lights in My Pergola Are Absolutely Necessary
I’ve found that adding string lights to my pergola completely transformed the space. Not only do they create a warm and inviting atmosphere, but they also extend the usability of my outdoor area well into the evening. Without those soft, twinkling lights, my pergola felt dark and unwelcoming as soon as the sun went down.
Another reason I love having string lights is how effortlessly they enhance the overall aesthetic. They add a magical touch that makes gatherings with friends and family feel more special. Plus, the gentle glow provides just enough light to see comfortably without overpowering the natural beauty of my backyard.
Finally, from a practical standpoint, string lights are energy-efficient and easy to install. They give me peace of mind knowing I can enjoy my pergola at night without worrying about harsh, expensive lighting. For me, string lights aren’t just decoration—they’re a necessity for making my outdoor space cozy, functional, and beautiful.
My Buying Guides on String Lights In Pergola
When I decided to add some ambiance to my pergola, string lights were the perfect choice. If you’re considering the same, here’s what I learned through my experience to help you pick the best string lights for your pergola.
1. Understand the Purpose and Atmosphere
Before buying, I thought about the mood I wanted to create. Do you want soft, romantic lighting, or bright, festive illumination? Warm white lights give a cozy feel, while multicolored or bright LEDs can make the space lively for parties.
2. Choose the Right Type of Bulbs
There are different types of bulbs to consider:
- Incandescent bulbs: Classic warm glow but use more energy.
- LED bulbs: Energy-efficient, long-lasting, and come in various colors and brightness levels.
- Edison bulbs: Vintage look with a decorative filament, perfect if you want a rustic vibe.
I went with LED Edison-style bulbs to combine style and efficiency.
3. Check the Length and Coverage Area
Measure your pergola’s dimensions before buying. My pergola is about 12 feet by 10 feet, so I chose a string light set that covered around 40 feet to allow for some draping and overlapping. Always buy a bit longer than your measured area for flexibility.
4. Consider Weather Resistance and Durability
Since pergolas are outdoors, the lights need to handle rain, wind, and sun. I made sure the string lights were rated IP65 or higher, meaning they’re waterproof and dustproof. Look for weatherproof cords and durable bulbs to avoid frequent replacements.
5. Power Source and Installation Options
I had to decide between plug-in and solar-powered lights. Solar lights save energy and are easier to install without wiring but may be less bright. Plug-in lights provide consistent brightness but require an outdoor outlet. I chose plug-in because my pergola is close to the house.
Also, check if the lights come with hooks, clips, or ties for easy installation on the pergola beams.
6. Brightness and Color Temperature
Brightness is measured in lumens. For a relaxing atmosphere, I went with lights around 200-400 lumens per bulb. For color temperature, I preferred warm white (2700K-3000K) because it felt more inviting during evening hangouts.
7. Energy Efficiency and Longevity
LED string lights last much longer and use less energy, which saves money over time. I looked for lights with a lifespan of 25,000 hours or more to avoid frequent replacements.
8. Budget Considerations
Prices vary widely based on length, bulb type, and brand. I set a budget but focused on quality and durability to get the best value. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront means fewer headaches later.
9. Additional Features to Look For
Some string lights come with remote controls, dimming options, or smart connectivity for easy adjustment. I found the remote dimmer really handy to change the ambiance without getting up.
10. Safety Tips
Always check for UL or ETL certification to ensure the lights meet safety standards. Avoid overloading electrical circuits and secure the lights properly to prevent damage or accidents.
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By keeping these factors in mind, I transformed my pergola into a magical outdoor retreat. I hope my buying guide helps you choose the perfect string lights to brighten your pergola space!
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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