Better Homes Gardens 22ft Outdoor LED Cafe String Lights Review

The Better Homes & Gardens 22ft Outdoor LED Cafe String Lights deliver exceptional brightness and durability, making them a top choice for transforming patios, decks, or backyards into inviting evening retreats. With energy-efficient LEDs, weather-resistant construction, and a warm 2700K glow, these lights offer both style and long-term reliability—all at a budget-friendly price.

Key Takeaways

• Energy-efficient LEDs: Save on electricity with long-lasting, low-power bulbs.
• Weather-resistant design: Durable for year-round outdoor use in any climate.
• Easy installation: Hang quickly with built-in hooks and flexible wiring.
• Warm ambiance: Soft white glow enhances patios, gardens, or events effortlessly.
• 22ft coverage: Ideal for small to medium spaces with even light distribution.

First Impressions: Setting the Mood with Better Homes & Gardens

Picture this: a warm summer evening, the sun dipping below the horizon, and your backyard glowing softly under the gentle light of string lights. It’s the kind of ambiance that turns a regular night into a memory—whether you’re sharing stories with friends, enjoying a quiet dinner al fresco, or just unwinding with a book. That’s exactly the magic I hoped for when I unboxed the Better Homes & Gardens 22ft Outdoor LED Cafe String Lights. Right from the start, these lights looked promising. The packaging was simple but secure, and the lights themselves had a clean, modern design. I’ll admit, I’m a bit of a skeptic when it comes to “mood lighting”—I’ve had my fair share of cheap string lights that flickered out after one season—but these felt different. The LED bulbs were evenly spaced, the cord was sturdy, and the Edison-style design gave them a timeless, cozy vibe.

What really hooked me, though, was how easy they were to set up. No complicated instructions, no tangled mess—just a straightforward plug-and-play system. I hung them across my patio in about 10 minutes, and instantly, the space felt more inviting. But looks and ease of setup are just the beginning. Over the next few weeks, I put these lights through their paces, testing everything from durability to brightness, and I’m here to share the honest truth. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor decorator or a first-time string light buyer, this review will help you decide if these lights are worth the investment for your own backyard oasis.

Design and Build Quality: Where Aesthetics Meet Durability

Bulb Design and Spacing

The first thing you’ll notice about these Better Homes & Gardens 22ft Outdoor LED Cafe String Lights is the bulb design. They feature classic Edison-style bulbs with a warm, soft glow—not the harsh, clinical light you sometimes get with cheaper LEDs. The bulbs are made of shatterproof plastic, which is a huge plus if you’ve got kids, pets, or a clumsy friend (we’ve all been there). They’re also spaced about 12 inches apart, which feels just right for even coverage without looking overcrowded. I’ve seen some string lights with bulbs too close together, creating a “disco effect,” but these strike the perfect balance.

One small quirk: the bulbs are permanently attached to the cord, so if one burns out, you can’t replace it individually. That’s a trade-off for the shatterproof design, but it’s worth noting. On the flip side, the cord itself feels thick and weather-resistant, with a nice rubberized coating that doesn’t kink easily. I’ve left these lights out in light rain, and they’ve held up just fine—no fraying or water damage so far.

Plug and Connectivity

The plug is a standard 3-prong grounded design, which is a relief if you’re like me and hate dealing with flimsy, non-standard plugs. It’s also got a built-in fuse, which is a nice safety touch. One thing I loved is that the plug has a small LED indicator that lights up when it’s receiving power—super helpful for troubleshooting if you ever have issues.

Now, here’s where things get interesting: these lights are connectable. You can daisy-chain up to 40 strands (that’s 880 feet of lights!) if you want to cover a huge area. I tested this with two strands, and the connection was seamless—no voltage drop or flickering. Just make sure you don’t exceed the 40-strand limit, or you’ll risk overloading the circuit. A pro tip: if you’re planning a big setup, invest in a heavy-duty extension cord to handle the load.

Color Temperature and Brightness

The lights emit a warm white glow (about 2700K), which is perfect for outdoor spaces. It’s bright enough to illuminate a dining area or pathway but not so bright that it feels like a parking lot. I’ve used them for backyard dinners, and the light is just right—cozy without being dim. If you’re looking for something cooler (like daylight white), these might not be for you, but for most outdoor settings, the warmth is a win.

Performance and Functionality: How Do They Hold Up?

Weather Resistance

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: can these lights handle the elements? The manufacturer claims they’re weatherproof, and in my experience, that’s mostly true. I’ve had them up through light rain, wind, and even a few chilly fall nights (down to about 40°F), and they’ve performed flawlessly. The rubberized cord and sealed bulbs do a great job of keeping moisture out.

That said, I wouldn’t leave them out during a thunderstorm or heavy snowfall. The lights are rated for “outdoor use,” but that doesn’t mean they’re indestructible. I’d recommend taking them down if you’re expecting severe weather—better safe than sorry. Also, while the cord is weather-resistant, the plug isn’t fully waterproof, so keep it under cover or use a weatherproof outlet box.

Energy Efficiency and Longevity

LEDs are already energy-efficient, but these take it a step further. They use just 0.8 watts per bulb, which means a 22ft strand (with 15 bulbs) draws only about 12 watts total. For comparison, a single incandescent bulb can use 60 watts. Over a summer of nightly use (about 4 hours a night), these lights cost me less than $2 in electricity—pocket change, really.

The manufacturer claims a lifespan of 25,000 hours, which translates to roughly 6 years of nightly use. I haven’t had them long enough to test that, but LEDs typically last longer than incandescent bulbs, and the build quality here feels solid. No flickering, no dimming—just consistent performance.

Ease of Use and Flexibility

One of the best things about these lights is how easy they are to use. No special tools or skills needed—just hang them with hooks, clips, or even zip ties (though I’d recommend using the included mounting hooks for a cleaner look). The 22ft length is versatile: it’s long enough to span a patio or pergola but short enough to avoid tangling. I’ve used them in a few different setups—wrapped around a tree, strung along a fence, even draped over a pergola—and they’ve worked great in every scenario.

A small gripe: the lights don’t have a timer or remote control. You’ll need to plug them into a smart plug or timer outlet if you want automated on/off functionality. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it would’ve been a nice bonus. On the other hand, the simple design means there’s less to go wrong—no finicky electronics to worry about.

Installation and Setup: A Breeze for Beginners

Tools and Accessories

When it comes to installing these Better Homes & Gardens 22ft Outdoor LED Cafe String Lights, less is more. The package includes everything you need: the light strand, mounting hooks, and even a few zip ties for securing the cord. No need for fancy tools or a DIY degree—just a ladder (if you’re hanging them high) and a few minutes of your time.

Here’s my go-to setup process:

• Step 1: Measure your space to ensure the 22ft length works. If you need more coverage, plan for multiple strands (remember the 40-strand limit).
• Step 2: Use the included hooks or clips to mark where you want the bulbs. I like spacing hooks about 12–18 inches apart for a balanced look.
• Step 3: Hang the lights, starting from one end. The bulbs have small loops on the base, so they slide onto hooks easily.
• Step 4: Secure the cord with zip ties or clips to prevent sagging. Pro tip: leave a little slack between hooks so the cord can expand in heat without pulling.
• Step 5: Plug them in and test! If you’re daisy-chaining strands, connect them first, then plug in the end.

Creative Installation Ideas

These lights aren’t just for patios. Here are a few creative ways I’ve used them:

• Over a dining table: String them above a bistro set for a restaurant-style vibe.
• Along a fence or railing: Creates a cozy, enclosed feel for small spaces.
• Wrapped around a tree: Gives your yard a whimsical, fairy-light look (just avoid wrapping too tightly to protect the bark).
• On a pergola or awning: Perfect for outdoor entertaining spaces.

One thing to watch out for: if you’re hanging them over a pool or hot tub, keep the lights at least 5 feet away from the water. Safety first!

Comparing to Competitors: How Do They Stack Up?

Price vs. Quality

At around $30–$40 (depending on where you buy), these lights are priced competitively. They’re not the cheapest option on the market, but they’re far from the most expensive. For comparison, a similar 22ft LED strand from a big-box store might cost $25, but the bulbs are often smaller and less durable. I’ve tried cheaper lights before, and they usually fail within a year—either from water damage, bulb burnout, or cord fraying. The Better Homes & Gardens lights feel like a step up in quality, and the price reflects that.

Here’s a quick data table comparing these lights to two popular competitors:

Feature	Better Homes & Gardens 22ft	Competitor A (22ft)	Competitor B (22ft)
Bulb Type	Edison-style LED	Mini LED	Edison-style LED
Bulb Spacing	12 inches	10 inches	14 inches
Weather Resistance	Weatherproof cord, sealed bulbs	Weatherproof cord only	Weatherproof cord, sealed bulbs
Connectable	Yes (up to 40 strands)	Yes (up to 25 strands)	No
Energy Use	12 watts	15 watts	10 watts
Price	$35	$25	$45

Unique Selling Points

What sets these lights apart? A few key things:

• Edison-style bulbs: The warm, vintage look is hard to beat for outdoor ambiance.
• High connectability: 40 strands is more than most competitors, making them ideal for large spaces.
• No-fuss design: No remote, no app—just plug and play. Less to break, more to love.

One downside compared to pricier options: no dimming or color-changing features. If you want mood lighting with multiple settings, you’ll need to look elsewhere. But for classic, reliable outdoor lighting, these hit the sweet spot.

Final Verdict: Are They Worth the Hype?

The Good

After weeks of testing, here’s what I love about the Better Homes & Gardens 22ft Outdoor LED Cafe String Lights:

• Beautiful, warm glow: Perfect for creating a cozy outdoor atmosphere.
• Durable build: Shatterproof bulbs, weather-resistant cord, and solid connections.
• Easy to install: No tools, no hassle—just hang and plug in.
• Energy-efficient: Cheap to run, with long LED lifespan.
• Great value: Quality that justifies the price.

The Not-So-Good

No product is perfect, and these lights have a few minor drawbacks:

• No individual bulb replacement: If one goes out, the whole strand needs replacing.
• No built-in timer: You’ll need a smart plug for automation.
• Not fully storm-proof: Best to take them down in severe weather.

Who Should Buy Them?

These lights are ideal if you:

• Want classic, warm outdoor lighting for patios, decks, or gardens.
• Need durable, weather-resistant lights that can handle occasional rain.
• Prefer plug-and-play simplicity over high-tech features.
• Have a medium to large outdoor space and plan to connect multiple strands.

They’re not the best choice if you:

• Want color-changing or dimming options.
• Need heavy-duty storm-proofing (e.g., for year-round use in harsh climates).
• Are on a tight budget and can’t justify the $35 price tag.

In short, the Better Homes & Gardens 22ft Outdoor LED Cafe String Lights deliver on their promise: beautiful, reliable, and easy-to-use outdoor lighting. They’ve transformed my backyard into a welcoming space for gatherings, quiet nights, and everything in between. If you’re looking to elevate your outdoor ambiance without breaking the bank or spending hours on setup, these lights are a solid choice. Just remember to take them down in extreme weather, and consider a smart plug for automation. With a little care, they’ll keep your outdoor space glowing for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Better Homes & Gardens 22ft Outdoor LED Cafe String Lights weatherproof?

Yes, these lights are designed with durable, weather-resistant materials, making them suitable for year-round outdoor use in rain or shine. Their IP65 rating ensures protection against dust and water jets.

Do these LED cafe string lights come with a warranty?

The Better Homes & Gardens 22ft Outdoor LED Cafe String Lights include a limited 1-year manufacturer’s warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.

Can the lights be connected end-to-end for longer coverage?

Yes, these Better Homes & Gardens 22ft Outdoor LED Cafe String Lights feature end-to-end connectors, allowing you to link multiple strands (up to 5) for extended illumination.

Are the bulbs replaceable on these LED string lights?

The integrated LED bulbs are not replaceable, but they are long-lasting (up to 25,000 hours) and energy-efficient, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.

Do these lights work with a timer or remote control?

These lights are compatible with standard timers (sold separately) for automated scheduling, but they do not include a remote control or built-in timer function.

What kind of ambiance do these cafe string lights provide?

The warm white LEDs (2700K) create a cozy, inviting glow perfect for patios, pergolas, or backyard gatherings, enhancing your outdoor space with soft, ambient lighting.