4 September 2023
Outdoor string lights aren't just for Christmas any more – they're perfect for year-round decoration! Whether you hang them in the front or back garden, outdoor string lights can make any space look magical. Here are our best tips on how to transform your outdoor space with smart light.
Three ways to hang outdoor string lights
Festavia string lights come in three sizes: 8 metres (26.2 feet) with 100 lights, 20 metres (65.6 feet) with 250 lights and 40 metres (131.2 feet) with 500 lights. This means that you can decorate any space, big or small, with outdoor string lights.
Hang outdoor string lights on trees
Hanging outdoor string lights on trees can add a colourful backdrop to your space without overwhelming it. It's particularly effective in larger outdoor spaces where the trees are a bit further away from your seating area.
To create a unique effect, only wrap the outdoor string lights around the tops or even just the bottoms of the trees. Because Festavia comes in a long, 40-metre (131.2-foot) length, you have plenty of lights for even large trees. If you don’t have trees, any large bushes or other foliage will work.
Wrap outdoor string lights around poles
Instead of hanging outdoor string lights horizontally, wrap them around vertical poles near your seating area. Festavia string lights were designed to look especially beautiful when placed on Christmas trees, so you’ll get the same effect when wrapping them around any vertical object.
Make sure that you follow the same steps as when putting Festavia string lights on a Christmas tree.
![Outside of modern home with string lights set to red, white and blue on a patio Outside of modern home with string lights set to red, white and blue on a patio](https://www.philips-hue.com/en-nz/explore-hue/blog/outdoor-string-lights/_jcr_content/root/responsivegrid/section_component_17317441/responsivegrid/image_component.signifyimg.82.1280.jpeg/1693476482370.jpeg 1280w, https://www.philips-hue.com/en-nz/explore-hue/blog/outdoor-string-lights/_jcr_content/root/responsivegrid/section_component_17317441/responsivegrid/image_component.signifyimg.82.769.jpeg/1693476482370.jpeg 769w, https://www.philips-hue.com/en-nz/explore-hue/blog/outdoor-string-lights/_jcr_content/root/responsivegrid/section_component_17317441/responsivegrid/image_component.signifyimg.82.601.jpeg/1693476482370.jpeg 601w, https://www.philips-hue.com/en-nz/explore-hue/blog/outdoor-string-lights/_jcr_content/root/responsivegrid/section_component_17317441/responsivegrid/image_component.signifyimg.82.522.jpeg/1693476482370.jpeg 522w, https://www.philips-hue.com/en-nz/explore-hue/blog/outdoor-string-lights/_jcr_content/root/responsivegrid/section_component_17317441/responsivegrid/image_component.signifyimg.82.301.jpeg/1693476482370.jpeg 301w)
Drape along the eaves of the roof
If you have a covered seating area in your front or back garden, you can hang Festavia along the eaves of the roof. There are two ways to hang them this way: you can install hooks along the beams or roof, or you can wrap them around the support structure.
When using hooks, make sure that you account for any slack in the outdoor string lights. Letting them hang down a bit can add a romantic feel, but note that you'll need to measure for the extra length required.
How to hide outdoor string light cables
Once installed, string lights can transform your outdoor space with light – but you may want to camouflage their cables so they don't detract from your overall aesthetic.
Tuck them away: Running the cables along siding? Tuck them behind one of the slats. Easy!
Use zip ties: Zip tie the cables along the underside of a railing or behind a pole to secure them in place – just be sure to place the zip ties where they're not too noticeable.
Total garden beautification with outdoor lights
Festavia string lights are just like any Philips Hue product, so they work alongside all your other smart lights. This means that you can control your outdoor string lights in tandem with other outdoor lights – and create an outdoor space that works in harmony!
Philips Hue outdoor lights come in all shapes and sizes, so you can personalise your lighting. Whether you add path lights, spotlights or wall lights, you can coordinate the look and then set a scene across the whole space.
The Philips Hue app also features special recommended scenes for outdoor lights that offer highly saturated colours and bright light so you can get the perfect amount of colour and brightness for the space.
*Sign up and save 15%. You’ll receive your code within 5 hours after your subscription. This promotion is not valid on email addresses that are already enrolled in the Philips Hue newsletter. Read the Terms & Conditions for this promotion.
*When a bulb displays "Up to" a certain number of lumens in its specifications, it displays the maximum lumen output of the bulb. It shows how bright the bulb can get at 2700 K (White bulbs) or 4000 K (White ambiance or White and colour ambiance bulbs). Learn more about brightness.