{"title":"LED string lights for patio","description":"\u003cp\u003eStart by counting the layout, not the wattage: measure the length of the pergola or railing, add the returns, then check whether an outlet exists. An outdoor LED string light is then chosen on three points: IP rating, power supply, spacing of the light points.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"quelle-guirlande\"\u003eWhich outdoor LED string lights for a terrace?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA line of light that underlines a railing, a table that stays lit after sunset, foliage that gains depth: that is what a well-placed string light changes. Before looking at the references, go through the criteria in the order they are checked on site: intended use, length of the run, presence of an outlet, IP rating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOutdoor LED string lights: the criteria that matter\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe IP rating first: it conditions everything else. The power supply next, because it decides the possible location. The stated length must cover the run plus the returns and the distance to the power point. Finally the connectors: a protected, raised connection is checked before purchase, not after the first shower. To compare the available families, browse \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/guirlandes-led\"\u003eLED string lights\u003c\/a\u003e and keep in mind that a model without a stated rating is an indoor model.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOutdoor string light or indoor string light: what changes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree real differences: the cable and connectors are protected on an outdoor version, the sheath resists UV instead of hardening in the sun, and the use can be permanent. An indoor string light placed outside works for a few evenings, then the contacts oxidize. The doubt is quickly resolved: if the packaging does not mention outdoor, it stays inside. The decorative \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-lumineuses\"\u003eoutdoor string lights\u003c\/a\u003e and the rest of \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaire\"\u003eour lighting catalogue\u003c\/a\u003e should be read with this filter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"alimentation\"\u003eSolar or mains outdoor LED string lights: which to choose?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe choice is made by the situation, not by the datasheet. Sunny terrace without an outlet: solar. Terrace under an awning with an outlet: mains, for long and regular lighting. Balcony without electricity: rechargeable or battery. Each solution has its compromise, none is better in absolute terms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ccaption\u003eWhich power supply for which terrace\u003c\/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePower supply\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eIdeal for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat to plan\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePoint of vigilance\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMains 220V\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTerrace with outlet, long lighting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProtected outlet and waterproof connection\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCable away from walkways\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLow voltage 24V\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLong run to cover\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTransformer placed in a sheltered spot\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTransformer and string light compatibility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSolar\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVery sunny terrace, no outlet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExposed panel, without cast shadow\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOutput depends on the day's sunshine\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRechargeable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBalcony or terrace without electricity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA trip back inside to recharge\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCheck the IP rating before leaving it outside\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBattery\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDinner, occasional evening\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpare batteries\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOccasional rather than permanent use\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSolar outdoor LED string lights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe panel faces south when possible and stays away from shadows cast by a wall, a parasol or a tall plant. A solar string light creates an ambiance, it does not light a table for reading. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-solaires\"\u003eSolar string lights\u003c\/a\u003e are therefore suitable for outlines, foliage, railings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e220V or 24V LED string lights: safe connection on a terrace\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-220v\"\u003emains-powered string light\u003c\/a\u003e, the outlet must be protected and the connection waterproof, with a cable running along a wall rather than crossing the walkway. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-24v\"\u003eLow-voltage versions\u003c\/a\u003e move the transformer away, to be placed in a sheltered spot, and are suitable for long runs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"ip\"\u003eWhich IP rating for a terrace string light?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo digits, two protections: the first concerns solids and dust, the second water. On a terrace, it is the second that decides. An IP44 withstands splashes, so use under an awning or covered pergola. An IP65 resists water jets and rain, for an open terrace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ccaption\u003eIP44 or IP65 depending on terrace exposure\u003c\/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRating\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat it protects\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eUnder covered pergola\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eOpen terrace\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIP44\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater splashes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eKeep under shelter or bring in during a shower\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIP65\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater jets and dust\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eComfortable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable for exposure to rain\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo rating\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo outdoor protection\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReserve for indoor use\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAvoid\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIP44 LED string lights: what they really withstand\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-ip44\"\u003eIP44 models\u003c\/a\u003e accept water splashes: light watering, cleaning with a damp sponge, fine rain under a shelter. They are not made to stay exposed to driving rain or to be immersed. This is the right rating for a pergola closed on one side or an open veranda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIP65 LED string lights: for an open terrace\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-ip65\"\u003eIP65 string light\u003c\/a\u003e stays in place in the rain and withstands cleaning jets. On a terrace without a roof, by a pool or in a courtyard, this is the rating to aim for. Check that the connectors are supplied with the same rating: a bare connection cancels the cable's protection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"accroche\"\u003eWhere to hang outdoor LED string lights on the terrace?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDraw the layout before fixing. A line starting from a pergola post, running above the table, then going down to a pot or a shrub is enough to structure the space. Three constraints then: no low point where water stagnates, a height above seated heads, a cable kept out of walkways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOutdoor LED string lights for pergola\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe posts and crossbeams carry the layout. A hook or a wide fastener on each support point, a slightly taut line, and the cable never touches the ground. A covered pergola accepts a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-ip44\"\u003estring light for sheltered terrace\u003c\/a\u003e without difficulty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOutdoor LED string lights for balcony\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRailings and rails are the natural supports, with wide fasteners so as not to mark the paint. Keep the cable out of children's reach and keep connectors away from the handrail, which is often wet. A \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-rechargeables\"\u003erechargeable string light\u003c\/a\u003e avoids running an extension cord from the living room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOutdoor LED string lights for tree\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWrap without tightening, from one branch to another, with a flexible tie rather than a thin wire. No tight turns around the trunk: the branch grows. Connectors stay dry, on the wall side. To light a tree other than with an outline, look at \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaire\"\u003eall the pieces in the Designix house\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"pile\"\u003eBattery or rechargeable outdoor LED string lights: for which use?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBattery-powered, the string light can be placed anywhere and turned on for a dinner, without a cable to run: you accept replacing the batteries. Rechargeable, it comes back to recharge inside and avoids that repeated purchase. In both cases, check the IP rating before leaving it outside all evening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eBattery outdoor LED string lights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the solution for the occasion: a meal, an evening, a birthday. No extension cord, no outlet, quick storage after use. Plan spare batteries and bring the model in if rain is forecast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eRechargeable LED string lights: the option without an outlet\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-rechargeables\"\u003eRechargeable string lights\u003c\/a\u003e cover a balcony or a rental terrace without electricity, with a regular habit: bring the set back to the charger. For an overview of other families, return to the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led\"\u003echoice of string lights to place\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"style\"\u003eWhich light and style of string light for a terrace?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWarm white gives a light close to a candle and highlights faces around the table. Guinguette string lights with visible bulbs create a garden ambiance. Above all, count the regularity of the layout and the spacing of the light points: this changes the result much more than a stated wattage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOutdoor LED string lights: warm white or visible bulbs?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAround a table, a warm white around 2700 to 3000 kelvins remains soft and does not dazzle guests. On a pergola or in foliage, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-lumineuses\"\u003estring lights\u003c\/a\u003e with exposed bulbs create the decor. Avoid cool whites above a table: they harden the features.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eMatch the string light to the furniture and plants\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLight wood and green foliage: a dark cable disappears, a green cable blends in. Black metal and graphic furniture: visible bulbs carry the line. For a more installed look, complete with a wall light or a floor lamp from \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaire\"\u003eour lighting selection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"installer\"\u003eHow to install and maintain outdoor LED string lights?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFix with hooks or wide plastic fasteners, without pinching the cable. Keep connectors raised and unplug before any intervention. At the end of the season, bring in battery or rechargeable models, inspect the cable, dust the bulbs before plugging back in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to hang a string light without drilling?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClip hooks on a railing, adhesive fasteners designed for outdoor use on a smooth wall, a tension cable between two pergola posts. The string light remains slightly taut, never rigid: an over-tightened cable stresses the connectors. On a facade, prefer a hook to drilling in a damp area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan outdoor LED string lights stay outside all winter?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes if the IP rating matches the exposure and the connections remain sheltered. An \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-ip65\"\u003eexposed terrace string light\u003c\/a\u003e or a solar model can stay in place. An IP44, a battery or rechargeable version should be brought in during strong wind, heavy rain, and for recharging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eReassurance and ordering\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Designix, payment is secure, delivery is tracked and returns are possible. Customer service answers compatibility questions before ordering. Once your layout is measured and your IP rating chosen, all that remains is to \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-220v\"\u003econnect to an outdoor outlet\u003c\/a\u003e or opt for autonomy, and to \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaire\"\u003elight the terrace differently\u003c\/a\u003e if the ambiance is not enough.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"faq\"\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eSolar outdoor LED string lights: is it bright enough?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA solar string light is primarily used to draw an outline and create an ambiance, not to light a table for reading. Its output depends on the day's sunshine and the panel orientation: without direct sun, the lighting is reduced. For real lighting, prefer mains.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eOutdoor LED string lights: which one withstands rain?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe one whose IP rating is stated and suited to the exposure. An IP44 withstands water splashes under a covered pergola; an IP65 withstands rain and jets, so an open terrace. A model without a stated rating is intended for indoor use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eBattery outdoor LED string lights: how long do they stay lit?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRuntime depends on the number of batteries, their quality and the chosen lighting mode; it is counted in evenings, not weeks. This is why the battery model suits a dinner or an occasional evening, and the rechargeable version a more regular use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eCan outdoor LED string lights stay outside all year?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes if the IP rating matches the exposure and the connectors remain sheltered. A solar or IP65 string light can stay in place; a battery, rechargeable or simply IP44 string light should be brought in during heavy rain, wind, and for recharging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eHow to hang outdoor LED string lights on a pergola without drilling?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse clip hooks, plastic fasteners or a tension cable fixed to the posts, keeping the cable without excessive tension and without pinching it. The goal is a regular layout, away from walkways and corners where water stagnates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eOutdoor LED string lights for tree: how to fix them without damaging branches?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWrap without tightening, moving from one branch to another, with wide fasteners or a flexible tie rather than a thin wire. Avoid wrapping the trunk several times and leave room for the branch to grow, keeping connectors dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eDo you need an outdoor outlet for a terrace string light?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot necessarily: a solar, battery or rechargeable string light works without connection. If you choose mains, you need a protected outlet or a waterproof connection, and a transformer placed in a sheltered spot for low-voltage models.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eOutdoor LED string lights: how to choose the length?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeasure the desired layout, add the returns and the distance to the outlet, then compare with the model's stated length. Better a shorter, well-tensioned layout than a surplus string light coiled in the same place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"CollectionPage\",\"name\":\"Outdoor LED string lights: the guide to choose and install\",\"description\":\"Outdoor LED string lights: choose according to exposure, IP rating, solar or mains power supply, and hanging points on pergola or balcony.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/guirlandes-led-pour-terrasse\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"name\":\"Designix\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\"},\"speakable\":{\"@type\":\"SpeakableSpecification\",\"cssSelector\":[\"h1\",\"h2\"]}},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Lighting\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/luminaire\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"String lights\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/guirlandes\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"Outdoor LED string lights: the guide to choose and install\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/guirlandes-led-pour-terrasse\"}]},{\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Solar outdoor LED string lights: is it bright enough?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A solar string light is primarily used to draw an outline and create an ambiance, not to light a table for reading. 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