Bistro string lights (sometimes called café lights) are one of the easiest ways to make a backyard feel like somewhere you want to spend your evenings. The trick is picking the right layout for your space. Here are six that work well.
Lights run back and forth between the house and posts or a fence. This covers the most area and gives you even light over a seating or dining space.
Lights follow the edge of a patio, deck or fence line. It's a clean, simple look that frames the space without hanging over it.
If you have a pergola, lights can run along the beams or crisscross underneath them for a cozy, enclosed feel.
Strands run from one center point, like a tree or a tall post, out to the edges. It works great over a round table or fire pit.
A few straight runs over a grill or outdoor bar add useful light where you're cooking, and warm light where people gather.
No walls or trees nearby? Posts can be added so lights stretch across open areas like a pool deck or lawn.
We install year-round bistro and patio lighting across Granite Bay, Roseville, Folsom and the greater Sacramento area. Patio installs start at $799, lights, dimmer and timer included, and are done in one day. Get a free layout and quote →
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