What can I hang outdoor lights on?

When it comes to decorating the exterior of your home for holidays or events, outdoor lighting can make a huge impact. String lights and other outdoor lighting fixtures add ambiance, warmth and festive flair to any outdoor space. But when it comes to installation, what exactly can you hang lights on outside?

There are many different options for installing outdoor lighting fixtures and holiday lights outside your home. With a little creativity and knowledge of safe installation methods, you can hang lights on trees, rafters, fences, posts, and many other outdoor surfaces.

Hanging Lights on Trees

One of the most popular places to hang outdoor string lights is in trees. Draping tree branches with twinkling lights creates a magical effect and can make your landscaping look extra special for the holidays or a summer soirée.

Here are some tips for safely and easily hanging lights on trees:

• Use clip-on c-hook style light hangers to attach lights directly to tree branches. These provide a quick and minimally invasive way to hang lights without damaging trees.
• For larger trees, use a telescoping tree hook pole to reach high branches and drape string lights accurately.
• Hang lights vertically rather than wrapping lights around tree trunks to prevent damage.
• Focus lighting on outer branches rather than inner branches near the trunk.
• Keep electrical cords loose to prevent fraying as branches sway.
• Only hang lightweight LED string lights to minimize stress on branches.
• Avoid using staples, nails, or anything that will puncture the bark.

As long as you use the proper materials and installation method, even large trees can serve as stunning backdrops for outdoor lighting displays.

Hanging Lights on Fences

Fences make outstanding surfaces for mounting decorative light strands outside. The linear shape lends itself perfectly to lining paths, accenting architecture, or framing outdoor living spaces with lights. Here are some creative ideas for utilizing fences for outdoor lighting:

• Accent porch railings or deck railings with icicle lights or net lights for an inviting glow.
• Line walkways or driveways with string lights attached to fence posts.
• Use clips to attach globe string lights or cafe lights directly to horizontal fence slats or wire.
• Weave mini lights through chain link fences for a sparkling, seamless effect.
• Attach string lights to fence posts and drape them over gates or openings.
• Run a light strand above a fence line and use plastic zip ties to attach.

For best results, use plastic clips, hooks, or zip ties designed for outdoor use when mounting lights to fences. Position them carefully to avoid snagging or excessive pressure on lights.

Hanging Lights on Gutters

The underside of gutters can also make an excellent mounting area for certain types of outdoor lighting. Here’s how to hang lights on gutters:

• Use clip-on hooks or magnetized clips to attach mini lights, icicle lights or net lights along the underside of the gutter lip.
• Space clips evenly, around 18-24 inches apart.
• Make sure gutters are clear of debris first so lights can hang freely underneath.
• Avoid weighing down gutters excessively with heavy light strands.
• Direct light strands back toward the house rather than straight down for best illumination.
• Take care not to pierce or damage gutters with any sharp hanging hardware.

Proper gutter light installation results in a clean, uniform lighting effect that accentuates roof lines and adds curb appeal to a home’s exterior.

Hanging Lights on Eaves & Rafters

For lighting across an entire exterior wall, the eaves and exposed rafters beneath the edge of the roof make an optimal surface for mounting lights. Here are some tips:

• Measure the length of the eave or rafter line and buy an appropriate light strand to span the entire area.
• Use screw-in hooks attached a few inches down from the edge of the eave to hang lights.
• Space hooks 12-16 inches apart for stability.
• Let lights hang straight down below the level of the eave for maximum visibility.
• Take electrical cord clearance into account if lights will hang close to a doorway.
• Avoid weighing down eaves with excessively long or heavy light strands.

Hanging lights along eaves and rafters can outline an entire structure in lights for stunning 360-degree holiday decor. For homes with high ceilings, this is often the highest point lights can be installed outdoors.

Hanging Lights on Soffits

Another way to outline a home’s architecture with festive lighting is by mounting lights to soffit overhangs. Here are some tips for safely and effectively installing lights on soffits:

• Measure soffit dimensions and get appropriate light strands to fit each area.
• Use plastic soffit clips to discretely attach lights directly to the lip of the soffit overhang.
• Aim for even spacing between clips, about every 16-24 inches.
• Mini lights or icicle lights work best on soffits due to their smaller, lightweight scale.
• Make sure soffit areas are dry before installing lights.
• Avoid weighing down soffits excessively with lighting.

Accenting soffits with lights calls attention to a home’s architecture in a subtle yet striking way. Mini white lights along dark soffits will stand out boldly at night.

Hanging Lights on Pergolas & Arbors

The open framework and overhead structures of pergolas and arbors make them prime candidates for hanging lighting. Here’s how to creatively decorate pergola beams and arbor crossbeams with light strands:

• Measure the length and spacing of overhead beams to determine amount of lighting needed.
• Use S-hooks to hang icicle lights, globe string lights or cafe lights from beams.
• Space hooks every 10-12 inches for stability.
• Aim for draping lights in long, vertical lines spaced evenly across beams.
• Focus lights over seating areas, entries and other key areas instead of entire structures.
• Take wind and weather conditions into account when hanging lights.

Hanging lights from overhead structures can make pergolas and arbors shine. Opt for energy efficient LED lights to minimize operating costs for large outdoor structures.

Hanging Lights on Poles, Posts & Columns

Freestanding structures like poles, posts and columns also lend themselves well to mounted lighting installations. Here are some tips for utilizing them:

• Measure pole, post or column height to determine amount of lighting needed.
• Use detachable pole-mount hooks or clips to install lights.
• Space mounting hooks every 10-12 inches down poles for stability.
• Focus lights toward the top of the structure near light source for optimal glow.
• Drape lights loosely instead of wrapping tightly to allow movement.
• Use mini lights for wreath-like effects encircling thinner poles and posts.

Take Electrical cord clearance into account for lights mounted near doorways or high-traffic areas. The Versatility of poles, posts and columns allows lights to be mounted in many creative ways.

Safety Tips for Hanging Outdoor Lights

When installing outdoor lighting, there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind:

• Use outdoor-rated lights, cords, connectors, clips and hangers.
• Check for overhead electrical wires before using tall ladders or lift equipment.
• Use GFCI outlets or GFCI extension cords for all outdoor electrical.
• Do not overload extension cords or circuits.
• Use fiberglass or wooden ladders and inspect for damage before use.
• Never hang lights while standing on a ladder’s top steps.
• Follow all manufacturer instructions for installation.
• Check local regulations for outdoor lighting requirements.
• Have existing wiring inspected by an electrician before connecting new lights.
• Turn off all lights when leaving home or sleeping to prevent fire hazards.

With the right safety gear and precautions, you can safely illuminate your outdoor spaces with decorative lighting. Take your time when hanging lights and make safety the top priority.

Choosing Outdoor Light Fixtures

Once you know what surfaces you can use for mounting, it’s time to pick the perfect outdoor lighting fixtures for your space. Here are some top options to consider:

String Lights

String lights are available in a huge variety of bulb sizes, shapes, colors and connection styles. Mini lights with small C7, C9 or M5 bulbs are lightweight and versatile. Icicle lights add swirling sparkle. Vintage-style C7 and C9 bulbs on cords up to 25 feet long make big, bold outdoor statements. Choose LED bulbs for efficiency and long life.

Spotlights

Spotlights project directional beams ideal for highlighting architectural details, landscaping elements and safety lighting. Adjustable and wireless solar models provide installation flexibility. LED spotlights are bright and energy efficient.

Floodlights

Floodlights cast wide ambient light over large areas. They work well for illuminating driveways, patios, porches, yards and exterior walls. Choose weatherproof LED floodlights with motion sensors for convenience and security.

Lanterns

Lanterns infuse traditional ambiance into outdoor spaces. They come in assorted shapes from classic globes to sleek pagodas. Gas lanterns produce real flames while LED lanterns save energy. Use them to line pathways, accent entries and decorate porches.

Step Lights

Slim, low-voltage LED step lights discreetly illuminate stairs, pathways, porches and decks. When embedded in the ground or mounted to risers, the soft up-lighting guides visitors while accenting architecture. Choose fixtures rated for wet locations.

Café Lights

Café lights feature long strands of spherical, Edison-style bulbs housed in protection caged frames. These commercial-style lights drape beautifully across pergolas, patios, balconies and other structures. Choose low-voltage LED café lights for energy efficiency.

Post Lights

Post lights top individual fence posts, stairway newels, pathway markers and other standalone poles. Stylish LED post lights with lantern, globe or contemporary forms add both visibility and flair along routes. Opt for photo sensor and solar options for automatic control.

Creative and Unique Hanging Light Ideas

Looking for some novel ideas for where and how to hang outdoor lighting? Here are some creative suggestions:

• Wrap mini lights around outdoor planters and containers.
• Line pathways with lanterns or votive candles in glasses mounted to posts.
• Accent building corners and edges with spotlights.
• Use clip-on hooks to mount café lights beneath eaves.
• Adorn gazebos and pavilions with strings of Edison bulbs.
• Swath fencing with net lights for a sparkling backdrop.
• Use lanterns to mark driveway and walking path entrances.
• Light up pools, spas and water features with LED underwater lights.
• Line stairway balusters with mini lights for magical definition.

Take a look around your property to find novel places to introduce lighting. Get creative with lighting displays to transform your landscape into a festive nighttime oasis.

Conclusion

With the right combination of lighting choices and installation locations, you can design a stunning and unique outdoor lighting display. Carefully hanging lights from trees, structures, fencing and other outdoor surfaces creates an amazing illuminated landscape sure to make any outdoor event feel special. Just be sure to select lighting fixtures that are rated for outdoor use and follow safety precautions when decorating. With a well-lit and welcoming exterior space, you’re sure to enjoy spending more time outdoors and entertaining in style.