Where to Buy Outdoor Patio String Lights for Your Backyard

Discover the best places to buy outdoor patio string lights at major retailers like Amazon, Home Depot, and Wayfair, offering a wide selection of weather-resistant, energy-efficient options to instantly elevate your backyard ambiance. For unique, designer styles and smart lighting features, explore specialty stores such as Lumens and 1000Bulbs, where quality meets innovation. Compare prices, warranties, and customer reviews to find the perfect fit for your space and budget.

Key Takeaways

• Shop online retailers: Amazon and Wayfair offer wide selections and fast delivery.
• Visit home improvement stores: Lowe’s and Home Depot provide expert advice and in-person demos.
• Check specialty lighting shops: Local stores often carry unique, high-quality designs.
• Compare prices and reviews: Use Google Shopping to find the best deals and ratings.
• Look for weatherproof ratings: Ensure lights are UL-listed or IP65-rated for outdoor safety.
• Buy in bundles: Save money by purchasing lights with matching accessories.

Why Outdoor Patio String Lights Are a Must-Have for Your Backyard

There’s something magical about stepping into your backyard at night, the soft glow of string lights twinkling above, casting a warm, inviting ambiance. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, enjoying a quiet evening with a book, or just unwinding after a long day, outdoor patio string lights can transform your space into a cozy retreat. But with so many options out there, where do you even start looking? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed—trust me, I’ve been there. From online marketplaces to local hardware stores, the choices seem endless. But don’t worry, I’ve done the legwork for you.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best places to buy outdoor patio string lights, what to look for when choosing them, and how to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck. We’ll cover everything from budget-friendly picks to premium options, so you can find the perfect fit for your space and style. Let’s dive in and turn your backyard into the oasis you’ve always dreamed of.

Top Online Retailers for Outdoor Patio String Lights

Amazon: The One-Stop Shop for Everything

When it comes to variety, convenience, and competitive pricing, Amazon is hard to beat. You’ll find everything from basic LED string lights to smart, app-controlled models. The key here is to read reviews—seriously, don’t skip this step. Look for lights with at least 4.5 stars and check what real users say about durability, brightness, and weather resistance. For example, the Brightech Ambience Pro is a popular pick for its shatterproof bulbs and 20,000-hour lifespan. Pro tip: Filter by “Amazon’s Choice” or “Highly Rated” to narrow down the options quickly.

One downside? The sheer volume of choices can make it tough to decide. Stick to brands with solid reputations, and always check if the lights are rated for outdoor use. Look for terms like “weatherproof” or “IP65” (which means they can handle rain and dust). And if you’re on a tight budget, Amazon often has flash deals or discounts on older models that still perform great.

Wayfair: Stylish Options for Every Aesthetic

If you’re looking for lights that double as decor, Wayfair is your go-to. Their curated collections cater to specific styles—think boho, modern, or farmhouse chic. I love their AllModern line for sleek, minimalist designs, like the Edison-style bulbs that give off a vintage vibe. Wayfair also offers free shipping on many items, which is a nice perk.

One thing to note: Wayfair’s prices can be higher than other retailers, so it’s worth comparing with Amazon or Walmart. But if you’re after a unique look or want to match your existing outdoor furniture, the extra cost might be worth it. Their customer service is also top-notch, so if a light set arrives damaged, they’ll usually replace it without hassle.

Home Depot & Lowe’s: Trusted for Quality and Durability

For those who prefer shopping in-store or want to see the lights in person, Home Depot and Lowe’s are excellent choices. They carry reliable brands like Feit Electric and Sunforce, which are built to last. I recently picked up a 50-foot strand of Feit’s LED string lights, and they’ve held up perfectly through rain and wind. The staff can also help you choose the right type—like whether you need plug-in or solar-powered lights.

The downside? Their online selection isn’t as vast as Amazon’s, but you can order online and pick up in-store, which is great if you need lights fast. Both stores also run frequent sales, especially during spring and summer, so keep an eye out for discounts.

Specialty Lighting Stores for Unique and High-End Options

1000Bulbs: The Expert’s Choice

If you’re a lighting nerd (like me), 1000Bulbs is a goldmine. They specialize in commercial-grade and hard-to-find lights, including heavy-duty commercial string lights with thick, weather-resistant cords. Their Commercial Grade LED String Lights are a favorite among event planners and restaurant patios. They’re pricier than average, but they’re built to last decades.

What sets 1000Bulbs apart is their detailed product specs. You’ll find info on lumens, color temperature, and even voltage drop over long distances—stuff most retailers don’t bother with. If you’re planning a large installation or need lights for a commercial space, this is where you’ll find the best technical support.

YLighting: For the Design-Obsessed

YLighting focuses on high-end, designer lighting. Think of it as the “designer handbag” of the lighting world. Their Philips Hue Outdoor String Lights are a splurge, but they’re app-controlled, dimmable, and can change colors. Perfect if you want to create different moods for parties or quiet nights.

The downside? These lights are expensive, and the selection is smaller. But if you’re willing to invest in premium quality and cutting-edge tech, YLighting delivers. They also offer free design consultations, which is handy if you’re unsure how to integrate lights into your space.

Budget-Friendly Options That Don’t Sacrifice Quality

Walmart & Target: Affordable and Reliable

Don’t overlook big-box stores for budget-friendly options. Walmart’s Mainstays line and Target’s Project 62 collection offer decent-quality string lights at half the price of premium brands. I’ve used Mainstays’ 48-foot LED lights for two years, and they still work great—just avoid leaving them up in extreme weather.

Target’s Project 62 lights are more stylish, with options like copper wire and globe bulbs. They’re not as durable as high-end models, but for seasonal use or small patios, they’re a steal. Both stores have easy return policies, so if you’re not happy, you can swap them out hassle-free.

Dollar Stores and Discount Retailers

Yes, really. Dollar Tree and Five Below sometimes stock basic string lights for as little as $5. I’ve seen 20-foot LED strands at Dollar Tree—they’re not fancy, but they do the job for temporary setups. Just keep expectations low: these are usually meant for indoor use or mild weather, and the cords can be thin.

The key is to treat them as disposable. If you’re on a tight budget or need lights for a one-time event, they’re worth a shot. But for long-term outdoor use, invest in something sturdier.

Solar-Powered and Eco-Friendly String Lights

Where to Buy Solar String Lights

If you want to cut down on energy costs (and your carbon footprint), solar-powered string lights are a great choice. Brands like LITOM and URPOWER are popular on Amazon and Home Depot. LITOM’s 200-LED solar lights are a favorite for their 12-hour runtime after a full day of sun.

Solar lights work best in sunny climates. If you live somewhere cloudy, look for models with larger solar panels or backup USB charging. I’ve had luck with URPOWER’s dual-charging lights—they switch to USB if the sun’s not cooperating.

Eco-Friendly Materials and Packaging

For the eco-conscious, check out brands like Brightech, which uses recyclable materials and energy-efficient LEDs. They also partner with nonprofits to plant a tree for every purchase. Another option is Smart Solar, which focuses on sustainable manufacturing.

Pro tip: Look for lights with replaceable bulbs or modular designs. This way, if one part breaks, you don’t have to toss the whole set. It’s better for the planet—and your wallet.

Data: Comparison of Popular Outdoor String Light Brands

Brand	Price Range (50-ft)	Power Source	Weather Resistance	Best For
Brightech	$40–$70	Plug-in/Solar	IP65	Long-term outdoor use
Feit Electric	$25–$60	Plug-in	IP65	Durability & reliability
Philips Hue	$100–$200	Plug-in	IP65	Smart home integration
LITOM (Solar)	$30–$50	Solar	IP65	Energy efficiency
Mainstays	$10–$25	Plug-in	IP44	Budget-friendly

Final Thoughts: Finding the Perfect Lights for Your Patio

Choosing where to buy outdoor patio string lights doesn’t have to be stressful. Start by asking yourself a few key questions: What’s your budget? How long do you want the lights to last? Do you need smart features or solar power? Once you’ve nailed down your priorities, the right retailer will become clear.

For most people, Amazon and Home Depot offer the best balance of variety, quality, and price. If you’re after style, Wayfair and YLighting are worth the splurge. And if you’re eco-minded, solar lights from LITOM or Brightech are a smart choice. Remember, the best lights aren’t always the most expensive—they’re the ones that fit your space and lifestyle.

So go ahead, start shopping, and get ready to enjoy your backyard under the glow of twinkling lights. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy high-quality outdoor patio string lights?

You can find top-rated outdoor patio string lights at major retailers like Amazon, Home Depot, and Wayfair. These stores offer a wide range of weather-resistant options with customer reviews to guide your choice.

What are the best places to buy affordable patio string lights?

Budget-friendly outdoor patio string lights are available at Walmart, Target, and IKEA, with prices starting under $20. For even lower prices, check seasonal sales or discount sites like Overstock.

Where to buy outdoor patio string lights with smart features?

Smart patio string lights (with app/Wi-Fi/color control) are sold at Best Buy, The Home Depot, and specialty stores like Lumens. Brands like Philips Hue and GE offer voice-controlled options.

Can I find unique or designer patio string lights locally?

Yes! Visit local garden centers, lighting showrooms, or boutique home stores for handcrafted or designer options. Etsy and Houzz also feature artisanal brands with unique styles.

Which stores sell commercial-grade outdoor string lights for patios?

For heavy-duty lighting, check restaurant supply stores, commercial lighting suppliers, or online retailers like Commercial Lighting Supply. These offer industrial-strength strands for permanent installations.

Where to buy solar-powered patio string lights?

Eco-friendly solar patio lights are available at REI, Lowe’s, and Amazon (search “solar outdoor patio string lights”). They’re ideal for off-grid areas and require no electrical setup.