Extending summer evenings on the patio, adding a festive touch to a dinner with friends, or simply creating a warm atmosphere on your balcony… Who hasn't dreamt of it? Festoon lights have become the essential decorative accessory for transforming any outdoor space into a welcoming and charming haven.
With an overwhelming number of options on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start. This guide is here to help you see things more clearly. We'll skip the marketing jargon and focus on the technical criteria that truly matter for making the right choice.
Before you commit, let's review three essential points for a smart and long-lasting purchase.
Outdoor string lights must be able to withstand the elements. That's a given. The Ingress Protection (IP) rating is the benchmark indicator. It consists of two digits: the first for protection against solids (dust) and the second against liquids (rain).
For a permanent outdoor installation, a waterproof IP65 rating is practically mandatory. It guarantees complete protection against dust and water jets from all directions. A lower rating, like IP44, protects against splashes but will quickly prove insufficient in a heavy downpour.
The choice of power source will primarily depend on where you plan to install your lights.
Also, consider modularity. A connectable string light allows you to add extensions to cover very long distances. This is a real bonus for spacious patio lighting or for wrapping around the entire garden.
The bistro style is often associated with large, visible round bulbs. While glass bulbs have an incredible charm, they are also notoriously fragile. To avoid disappointment, don't hesitate to choose models with shatterproof bulbs made of plastic (ABS or polycarbonate).
Today, LED string light technology has become the standard, which is excellent news. They are ultra-energy-efficient, have an unparalleled lifespan, and—a crucial safety point—they barely generate any heat.
With these criteria in mind, here are a few models that caught our eye. They cover various uses, from classic garden decoration to more original lighting accents for your interior.
This model ticks all the boxes for authentic festoon lights, with a modern twist. Robust and versatile with its dual power options, it's the perfect solution for reliable outdoor lighting, summer or winter.
For anyone who wants beautiful and durable patio lighting or garden lighting, whether they own or rent. It's also an excellent choice for professionals (cafés, restaurants, event planners) who need a reliable and easily adaptable ambient lighting solution.
Here, we move away from the bistro vibe to a purely decorative and soft accent light. Thanks to its battery power, it can be placed anywhere to create a subdued atmosphere, without the constraint of a socket.
For those looking to add a touch of ambient light to a bedroom or living room, or to decorate a party table indoors. Note: with its IP20 rating, it is strictly for indoor use only.
More than just a light fixture, this is a true piece of wall art. This LED neon sign adds a pop of style and a positive message, perfect for energising any room.
For anyone looking to express their style with an original and modern touch of light. An excellent gift idea for personalising a living room, office, or studio.
Like our suggestions but looking for a different style to dress your walls in light? Rest assured, there's no shortage of options. Neon signs, light-up letters, LED panels… the possibilities for personalising your interior are nearly endless.
Take a look at our full selection in the LED wall decor category.
The trick is simple: measure the length you need to cover and add about 50% to create an attractive draped or zigzag effect. For example, for a 6-metre patio, plan for a 9 to 10-metre string of lights for a balanced look.
Yes, but only if they are specifically designed for permanent outdoor use. The key criterion is a high Ingress Protection rating, IP65 at a minimum. Also, be sure to protect electrical connections (plug, transformer) from moisture and keep them out of reach of children. As a precaution, it's still best to unplug them during prolonged absences or in particularly severe weather (storms, violent thunderstorms, etc.).
It all comes down to the bulb technology. An LED string light uses up to 80% less electricity than an old incandescent model. Its lifespan is 10 to 20 times longer, and—a major safety advantage—it generates almost no heat, making it safe to touch. Today, there's no real debate: LED technology has largely replaced incandescent bulbs in quality models.
From the Joybuy editorial team.