The Gorgeous String Light Idea That Will Turn Your Patio Into An Enchanting Escape

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String lights are often suspended over a patio in straight lines or tacked around the edges to bathe the area in light. Particularly adventurous souls may even zig-zag them across the space. If you're craving a fresh take on a string-lit patio, why not try pairing string lights with a pendant light as the focal point? Combining lights in this way gives a layered lighting effect that transforms your outdoor patio into an enchanting escape.  

Choosing a bold statement light such as the Homkin Woven Bamboo Rattan Hanging Lamp in black gives you an excuse to break away from straight lines of string lights. Invest in a few hula hoops, spray paint them black, and wrap them in string lights. Suspend them horizontally above the level of the pendant to create a ceiling of glowing circles of light overhead. By positioning them higher, the pendant stays the focus. You can use cable ties to attach the lights to the hoops as they are strong, but easy to remove when you're ready for something new.

Play with the placement of your hoops for some fun effects. Position them in a circle around your pendant to create a ceiling flower. Another option is to use a straight line of hoops and frame the left half of a hoop, switch to the right on the next one, then back to the left. Keep going for a whimsical wavy effect. Depending on your design, pick from the best string lights to brighten up your outdoor space.

Break away from the traditional overhead lighting and fill vertical space with lights. Make a feature of your existing wall lanterns by framing them with string lights and fairy lights. If you don't have any handy curves on your patio, you can use greenhouse hoops like the MAXPACE Fiberglass Greenhouse Support Hoops. Secure the hoops by pushing the ends into the soil along the edges of your patio, or fasten them to porch railings. Wrap string lights around them for a curvy, twinkling border. You can also join more pieces together to create an archway over the patio stairs. 

For cleaner lines, use a square feature pendant over the main seating area. To echo the angular shape of your primary feature, use old rectangular or square picture frames. Remove the backing and work with the frame portion only. Create quaint light fittings by wrapping smaller string lights around the frames and suspend them at different heights around the area. 

You can either hang them as level rectangles or from a corner for an asymmetrical shape. Lit frames add a vertical dimension to your lighting plan that is playful and practical. Take this a step further by tying multiple frames together using crafting twine before attaching the lights. Suspend them from your patio supports to DIY a simple privacy screen for an outdoor patio or balcony that doesn't detract from the beauty of your primary pendant.