Hampton Bay 10 Light Plastic Mason Jar Patio String Lights Review

The Hampton Bay 10-Light Plastic Mason Jar Patio String Lights deliver charming, weather-resistant illumination perfect for outdoor entertaining. With durable plastic jars that mimic the classic mason look and warm LED bulbs, these lights offer energy-efficient, long-lasting ambiance without the fragility of glass—ideal for patios, porches, or garden spaces.

Key Takeaways

• Energy-efficient LEDs: Save power without sacrificing brightness.
• Durable plastic jars: Shatterproof and weather-resistant for long-term use.
• Easy installation: Hang quickly with built-in hooks or clips.
• Warm ambiance: Creates inviting outdoor spaces with soft glow.
• 10-light coverage: Ideal for small to medium-sized patios.
• Low maintenance: Wipe clean and store seasonally for longevity.

Why Mason Jar String Lights Are the Perfect Touch for Your Outdoor Space

There’s something magical about string lights. Whether it’s a cozy backyard gathering, a quiet evening on the porch, or a festive holiday party, the soft glow of fairy lights instantly transforms an ordinary space into something warm and inviting. I’ve tried my fair share of outdoor lighting—LED strips, solar lanterns, even vintage Edison bulbs—but nothing quite compares to the charm of Hampton Bay 10 Light Plastic Mason Jar Patio String Lights.

When I first unboxed these lights, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Mason jar lights often sound rustic, maybe even fragile. But after using them for several months across different seasons and events, I can confidently say they’ve become a staple in my outdoor setup. They’re not just decorative—they’re practical, durable, and surprisingly versatile. Whether you’re lighting up a balcony, a garden, a pergola, or a wedding reception, these string lights bring a touch of whimsy without sacrificing function. In this review, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned: from setup and durability to real-life performance and styling tips. No hype—just honest, hands-on experience.

Design and Build Quality: Lightweight, Durable, and Rustic-Chic

First Impressions: What You See Is What You Get

Right out of the box, the Hampton Bay 10 Light Plastic Mason Jar Patio String Lights feel lightweight—almost too lightweight, I thought at first. The jars are made of shatter-resistant plastic, not glass, which was a bit of a surprise. But after a few windy nights and accidental bumps (thanks, overenthusiastic dog), I’m glad they’re plastic. They’re clearly built for real-world use, not just Instagram-worthy photos.

The design mimics classic mason jars with embossed text and a ribbed texture. Each jar is about 2.75 inches tall and 2 inches wide—small enough to look delicate, but large enough to house a warm LED bulb. The lids are white plastic with a small hole for the wire, giving them a clean, cohesive look. The wire itself is 18-gauge, black, and weather-resistant, with a standard 2-prong plug. The total length from plug to the last jar is about 13 feet, with 10 bulbs spaced roughly 10 inches apart.

Weather Resistance: Built for the Outdoors

One of my biggest concerns before buying was whether these lights could handle rain, wind, and temperature swings. I live in a region with humid summers, sudden downpours, and occasional winter frosts. So far, they’ve held up beautifully.

The plastic jars are sealed well at the top, and the LED bulbs are fully encased, so no water seepage. I’ve left them up through two summer thunderstorms and a light snowfall, and they’ve kept glowing. The manufacturer claims they’re rated for indoor and outdoor use, and I can confirm they’re safe for covered patios, pergolas, and even open decks—just don’t submerge them.

That said, I wouldn’t recommend hanging them in an area with constant exposure to direct rain or snow. A covered space is ideal. Also, avoid storing them in freezing temperatures for long periods—plastic can become brittle in extreme cold, though I haven’t had an issue yet.

Aesthetic Appeal: Rustic Meets Modern

Let’s talk style. These lights strike a perfect balance between rustic charm and modern simplicity. The warm white LEDs (2700K) emit a soft, golden glow—not too bright, not too dim. It’s the kind of light that makes you want to linger outside with a glass of wine and good conversation.

The jars add visual interest without overwhelming the space. I’ve seen similar lights with glass jars, but they’re heavier, more fragile, and often more expensive. The plastic here is a smart compromise. They look authentic from a few feet away, and up close, the texture and color are convincing enough for most settings.

Pro tip: For a more vintage look, you can remove the white plastic lids and replace them with actual metal mason jar lids (available at craft stores). I tried this for a fall party, and the effect was stunning—just be careful not to damage the wire when removing the original lid.

Installation and Setup: Simple, Flexible, and Beginner-Friendly

Unboxing and First Steps

Setting up the Hampton Bay 10 Light Plastic Mason Jar Patio String Lights is as easy as it gets. There are no tools required, no complicated instructions. Just unroll the string, plug it in, and hang.

The lights come with built-in hanging hooks on each jar—small plastic loops on the top. You can use these to clip onto nails, screws, zip ties, or even small carabiners. I used clear adhesive hooks on my pergola beams and zip ties on a garden fence. Both worked great.

One thing to note: the first jar is about 3 feet from the plug, so you’ll need an outlet nearby. There’s no extension cord built-in, so if your power source is far away, you’ll need a separate outdoor-rated extension cord (which I recommend anyway for safety).

Hanging Tips for Different Spaces

• Patio or Deck: Use screw-in hooks or adhesive hooks along the perimeter. For a zigzag pattern, alternate heights slightly to create visual depth.
• Garden or Fence: Attach with zip ties or garden wire. I spaced mine about 12 inches apart for a balanced look. Avoid tight bends—keep the wire loose to prevent stress on the connections.
• Pergola or Gazebo: Hang in parallel rows or a crisscross pattern. I used two strings, one on each side of the pergola, for even illumination.
• Indoor Use (e.g., bedroom, sunroom): These work beautifully indoors too! I used them in my sunroom for a cozy reading nook. Just make sure the outlet is accessible and the wire isn’t a tripping hazard.

Power and Safety Considerations

The lights run on standard 120V household current. They’re not dimmable, and there’s no remote or smart features—just a simple on/off via the plug. That’s fine for most people, but if you want to control them with a timer or voice assistant, you’ll need a smart plug.

For outdoor use, always plug into a GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlet. This is crucial for safety, especially in wet conditions. I use a smart plug with a built-in timer, so the lights turn on at sunset and off at 11 PM. It’s convenient and saves energy.

One small gripe: the plug is bulky and doesn’t swivel. If your outlet is in a tight space, it can be awkward to plug in. I solved this by using a 90-degree plug adapter.

Lighting Performance: Warm, Even, and Inviting

Brightness and Color Temperature

The Hampton Bay 10 Light Plastic Mason Jar Patio String Lights use warm white LEDs (2700K), which is the sweet spot for outdoor ambiance. They’re not task lights—don’t expect to read a book under them—but they’re perfect for mood lighting.

Each LED outputs about 12 lumens, so the total is roughly 120 lumens for the whole string. That might sound low, but because the light is diffused through the plastic jars, it spreads softly and evenly. There are no harsh spots or dark gaps between bulbs.

I’ve compared them to other string lights (like clear LED bulbs or solar fairy lights), and these create a much cozier atmosphere. They’re bright enough to see where you’re walking at night, but not so bright that they feel like a stadium.

Beam Spread and Coverage

The jars act like mini lampshades, scattering the light in a 120-degree arc. This creates a gentle pool of light under each jar, with some overlap between bulbs. At 10-inch spacing, the coverage is continuous—no dark zones.

For a 10-foot stretch, you get a warm, inviting glow that’s ideal for dining tables, conversation areas, or pathways. If you need more coverage, you can daisy-chain multiple strings (up to 3, according to the manufacturer). I used two strings side by side for a wider area, and it worked perfectly.

Energy Efficiency and Lifespan

These lights are energy-efficient. Each LED draws about 0.6 watts, so the whole string uses only 6 watts—less than a single incandescent bulb. At 6 hours per night, that’s about 0.036 kWh per day, or roughly $0.004 daily (based on $0.12/kWh).

The manufacturer claims a lifespan of 25,000 hours. That’s about 8 years if you use them 8 hours a night. In my experience, LEDs last longer when used in cooler, dry environments, so keeping them under cover helps.

One thing I love: there are no bulbs to replace. The LEDs are integrated, so you never have to hunt for replacements. When they eventually fail (hopefully years from now), you’ll just replace the whole string.

Durability and Real-World Use: Tested Across Seasons

Wind and Weather Resistance

I’ve had these lights up for 8 months, including a windy spring and a rainy summer. They’ve survived gusts up to 30 mph without any issues. The plastic jars are light, so they swing a bit in strong wind, but they don’t break or come loose.

The wire is sturdy, but not indestructible. I accidentally caught it with a rake once, and the outer insulation got a small nick. I sealed it with electrical tape, and it’s been fine. Just avoid sharp edges or heavy objects.

One tip: if you live in a very windy area, use additional support—like a thin guide wire—to reduce stress on the connections.

UV and Fading Resistance

The plastic jars are UV-stabilized, which means they won’t yellow or crack from sun exposure. After months of afternoon sun, mine still look as white as the day I bought them. The wire also shows no signs of brittleness.

That said, prolonged direct sunlight can still degrade materials over time. I keep mine under a pergola, so they get dappled light, not full sun. If you’re hanging them in an open area, consider rotating their position or covering them during peak sun hours.

Pet and Child Safety

As a dog owner, I’m always cautious about outdoor lights. The plastic jars are shatterproof, and the LEDs don’t get hot, so there’s no risk of burns. My dog has nudged them with his nose, and they just swing harmlessly.

For homes with small children, these are much safer than glass jar lights. The wire is low-voltage (120V, but with low current), so it’s not a major shock hazard, but still keep it out of reach of curious hands.

Value for Money: Are They Worth the Price?

Price Comparison and Alternatives

The Hampton Bay 10 Light Plastic Mason Jar Patio String Lights typically retail for $25–$35, depending on sales and retailer. That’s mid-range for patio string lights. Here’s how they stack up:

Feature	Hampton Bay Mason Jar Lights	Generic LED String Lights (Clear)	Solar Mason Jar Lights	Glass Mason Jar Lights
Price	$25–$35	$15–$25	$20–$30	$40–$60
Durability	High (plastic, weather-resistant)	Medium (fragile bulbs)	Low (solar panel degradation)	Low (glass breaks easily)
Light Quality	Warm, diffused	Bright, harsh	Dim, inconsistent	Warm, but fragile
Installation	Easy (hooks included)	Easy	Easy (no plug)	Difficult (heavy, fragile)
Best For	Outdoor ambiance, durability	Indoor or temporary use	Off-grid, low-light areas	Decorative, indoor use

Compared to cheaper LED strings, these win on durability and aesthetics. Compared to solar lights, they’re brighter and more reliable (no charging issues). Compared to glass jar lights, they’re safer and more affordable.

When They Make Sense (and When They Don’t)

These lights are ideal if:

• You want a rustic, charming look for your patio or garden.
• You need lights that can handle real outdoor conditions.
• You prefer plug-in over solar (for consistent brightness).
• You have kids or pets and want a safe, shatterproof option.

They might not be the best choice if:

• You need super-bright lighting (e.g., for a workspace).
• You want smart features (dimming, color change, app control).
• You’re on a tight budget and only need temporary lights.

For most homeowners and renters, the Hampton Bay lights strike a great balance. They’re not the cheapest, but they’re far from the most expensive—and the quality shows.

Final Thoughts: A Cozy, Reliable Addition to Any Outdoor Space

After months of use, I can say the Hampton Bay 10 Light Plastic Mason Jar Patio String Lights are one of my favorite outdoor upgrades. They’re not perfect—no product is—but they deliver where it counts: durability, charm, and ease of use.

They’ve survived storms, wind, and my clumsy gardening habits. They’ve set the mood for countless dinners, parties, and quiet nights. And they’ve held up to daily wear without fading or failing. For under $35, that’s a win in my book.

If you’re looking to add warmth and personality to your patio, balcony, or garden, I highly recommend giving these a try. They’re simple, effective, and full of character. Just plug them in, hang them up, and let the magic happen. Your outdoor space—and your guests—will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Hampton Bay 10 Light Plastic Mason Jar Patio String Lights weatherproof?

Yes, these lights are designed for outdoor use with a weather-resistant construction, making them ideal for patios, decks, or gardens. The plastic mason jars and UL-listed cord ensure durability in light rain or humidity.

How long is the cord on the Hampton Bay mason jar string lights?

The total length of the Hampton Bay 10 Light Plastic Mason Jar Patio String Lights is approximately 10 feet, with 12-inch spacing between each jar. This provides ample coverage for small to medium-sized outdoor spaces.

Can the bulbs in these Hampton Bay string lights be replaced?

No, the bulbs are permanently sealed inside the plastic mason jars for safety and weather resistance. If a bulb fails, the entire unit should be replaced, but the LED bulbs are rated for long-term use.

Do the Hampton Bay 10 Light Plastic Mason Jar Patio String Lights come with a warranty?

Yes, Hampton Bay typically includes a 2-year limited warranty with these string lights, covering defects in materials or workmanship. Check the packaging or manufacturer’s website for specific terms.

Are these string lights solar-powered or plug-in?

The Hampton Bay 10 Light Plastic Mason Jar Patio String Lights are plug-in and require a standard outdoor-rated electrical outlet. They include a 24-inch lead wire for easy connection.

Can I connect multiple Hampton Bay mason jar string lights together?

Yes, these lights feature an end-to-end connector, allowing you to link multiple sets (up to 3 amps total) for extended coverage. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe connections.