These lights use energy from the sun to power them, so there’s no need for batteries or electricity. Solar lights are a great option if you’re looking for eco-friendly outdoor lighting.

They’re also very easy to install, as you don’t have to worry about wiring or electricity. Solar lights: Solar lights are a great option if you’re looking for an environmentally-friendly way to light your lanai.Hang them from the eaves of your lanai, drape them across furniture, or even wrap them around trees or poles. String lights are a classic choice for outdoor lighting, and they can be used in a variety of ways. Plus, they add a touch of romance or whimsy to any space.

String lights: String lights are a popular choice for outdoor lanai lighting because they’re relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

Whether you’re looking to create a romantic ambiance or want to add some extra light for safety and security, there are plenty of options available. For example, Fallon advises, “It will look best to leave a bit of slack on the line to create a more fun, casual vibe.When it comes to outdoor lanai lighting, there are a lot of great ideas to choose from. If you want to channel a Parisian café in your outdoor space, hanging your string lights in a way that looks nonchalant - but was actually carefully planned - is key to achieving the desired look. While Edison- and globe-shaped bulbs are certainly the most popular styles of string lights, myriad options from bohemian to industrial to Moroccan-inspired are available. Solar is great for camping, or if there’s no access to electricity.” When considering solar you’ll also want to keep in mind the amount of sunshine your desired location gets throughout the day - if it’s a shady spot, solar lights aren’t a good fit, but if it gets all-day sun, you’re good to go. “And battery options are a great solution if you just want this temporarily for an outdoor dinner party.”Ī post shared by for solar, Fallon says they tend to be better for temporary or season-long use, as “they aren’t as reliable and may dim if it’s a cloudy day or a long event. “Plug-in are typically brighter, but make sure you’re close to a usable power source so that you don’t have an ugly extension cord hanging out,” says Hart.

And they come in multiple power-type formats such as plug-in, solar and battery-operated - each of which have their own pluses and minuses. The longest-lasting, most energy-efficient lights to buy right now (versus old-school incandescent bulbs), LEDs are the only type of light we’ve included on this list because they’re just that good. When it comes to shopping for string lights, you need to first brush up on the category’s ins and outs. “String lights are an easy way to dress up a backyard and really anchor that entertainment zone, like over a dining setup or fire pit,” says Sarah Hart, senior designer at Brayton Interiors. Your CNN account Log in to your CNN accountĪ post shared by Fallon, lead designer at Rumor Designs, says, “String lighting is a great idea because they are easy to install, anyone can do it, and can cover a large expanse of space.” The lights can also subtly define conversation areas within your outdoor space.

Outdoor lanai lights