Strings of bulbs: 7 ideas for the garden

A successful party is like a beautiful painting: it needs a frame to enhance it. The must-have for organizing unforgettable parties this year is the Festoon Lights, that are inspired by those with filaments from past eras: they adorn wedding receptions, decorate outdoor restaurants and bars, create an atmosphere, and beautify your terrace or balcony for the summer season.

It's easy to add a special touch with lights strings: draw inspiration from the various setups we suggest.

Types of application of light bulbs strings

First and foremost, keep in mind that they are electrical devices, so hang the lights strings with care, ensuring that the cable is not too tight.

For this reason, we hang the lights string on a steel or nylon cord that supports them. For fastening, we use ties that you can easily find in hardware stores.

The ways you can hang them are varied. Here are some suggestions:

1. V-shaped lights strings to decorate the terrace

Versatile, suitable for any space, and easy to create if you have poles or columns that act as support. Two strings are enough to create an atmosphere around a table set for two; if you need to illuminate a larger area, you can connect multiple strings to a single point and create a starry sky.

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Consider that the pole connecting the light strings carries the weight of both and therefore should be well anchored to the ground so that it can support the excess weight.

2. Strings of bulbs hanging in a zigzag or "W" pattern above the tables

The zigzag pattern is ideal if you want to illuminate and decorate a large space with style. You can achieve it with a single, very long light string or with multiple strings connected at the ends. Give your location a luminous ceiling: create an intimate atmosphere at the table and spread a cozy ambiance.

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3. Parallel lights strings of bulbs hanging from the ceiling.

If your ceiling allows it, you can hang many strings in parallel, keeping a distance of 50 centimeters between each one for a rich effect without overdoing it.

In this way, you highlight a neglected part of your terrace and create a pleasant atmosphere all around. A beautiful view to showcase to your guests is an added value. 😀

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4. Filament LED bulbs arranged in a square shape

Hang the lights strings in a way that they run along the perimeter of the area you want to decorate. They are not only aesthetically pleasing but also very useful as they define the spaces; moreover, they give them shape and highlight them, embellishing them with their form and brightness.

You can hang the lights strings on the garden plants or on posts you have on the terrace. This way, you can outline and illuminate the dance area of your event or the cozy corner you have set up for a romantic evening.

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5. Bulb strings in series

You can also place them in series, on one side of your terrace or gazebo, for an easy and impactful application. This way, you provide an original and luminous backdrop for your outdoor dinner.

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6. Festoon lights and retro LED bulb curtains hung on the gazebo.

If you have a large space to decorate and illuminate, such as a gazebo, and you desire a rich effect, you can combine different types of lights strings: the flush ones with the curtain ones. This way, you will see many bulbs hanging at different heights, seemingly floating in the air, bringing light and magic around the table.

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7. Vintage bulbs suspended along the table

Light strings are both a decoration and a furnishing accessory together. Suspended above the table, at different heights and in various sizes, vintage bulbs break the monotony, bring movement, and enliven the mise en place of your table.

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Festoon Lights: which ones to buy?

Lights strings are not all the same: as with any string lights, it's essential to distinguish between budget series and professional series.

Le catenarie di luci professionali hanno un prezzo più alto ma sono di qualità migliore, resistono meglio alle infiltrazioni d’acqua e durano di più nel tempo.

Moreover, the cable is thicker, the bulbs are made of glass, not plastic, which is why they appear more realistic and impactful.

Furthermore, they are replaceable: if one bulb burns out, you can easily unscrew it and replace it with a new one. You can find replacement sets among the accessories in the product sheet of your lights string.

The professional ones are, therefore, of better quality, but in our opinion, it's not always necessary to resort to them.

They are preferable if you want to set up a public venue like a restaurant, hotel, or bar. You will probably use them for the entire season, preferably for the following one as well. It's best to invest in a practical and well-made decoration.

If you like the effect that only vintage bulbs can create and plan to hang them in the bedroom or garden for a party, you can definitely opt for the more budget-friendly series. If you use them outdoors for a day or a little longer, they will work fine as long as they are protected from the rain.

Both types find their place at a wedding: the professional ones are brighter, but the budget-friendly ones also look great!