This post was updated in June 2022.
The inviting glow of our vintage string lights can make any outdoor gathering all the more magical. And when you leave them up year-round, you’re always ready for a get-together with friends.
As long as you have the right tools on hand, installing string lights can be a very simple project. However, there are a few considerations you’ll want to take into account beforehand.
First, if you’re stringing your lights across the yard, rather than around the perimeter of a porch ceiling, for example, then it’s best to secure your string lights to a tension wire for additional support.
Secondly, make sure you have secure anchor points for your light strands. Your porch roof, a tree or even an umbrella stand can all work as anchors. Our starting point was inside a pergola. From the corner of the roof, we ran a tension wire with the string lights across the yard that attached to a pole firmly planted in the ground (and cleverly camouflaged by shrubbery).
Lastly, measure the distance to see how many strands you’ll need. Please consult your instructions to see how many strands you can safely connect to one another. It’s typically 3 to 4 strands.
Once you’ve got your game plan — and your lights, of course — you’re ready to install. Let’s get started.
Step 1: Â Install the tension wire.
We made a loop on one end of the wire using wire clamps and attached the loop to our anchor point, the pergola roof, using a screw hook. We ran the wire and secured it to the second anchor point, the pole.
Step 2: Secure first end of strand lights to first anchor point.
We ran part of a strand inside the top of the pergola. Depending on the type of lights you have, you may need an eye bolt. We were able to hang our lights from a screw.
Step 3: Hang string lights from wire.
To secure our vintage string lights to the wire, we used cable ties. If you are using more than one strand, connect each end to continue installation to the next anchor point.
Now it’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy the cozy ambiance of your new string lights! You should probably invite a few friends over, too.
Browse our entire outdoor lighting collection and outdoor furniture. Find more outdoor inspiration from these helpful posts below:
- How to Mix and Match Outdoor Furniture
- Backyard Pool Ideas: Best Decorating Tips for a New Pool
- 12 Ways to Make a Big Outdoor Statement
- How to Up Your Outdoor Decorating Game
- 5 Outdoor Decorating Rules to Live By
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Denice Shuty
What is the pole and hardware featured in your photos at top of this article?
Eric Michael Marder
What can you recommend for mounting elevated above deck railing?
Jess
What size wire and clamps did you use??
Coleen
HI, I recently bought two strands of these great Vintage lights for my restaurant. Wanted to see how pretty the bulbs looked before hanging and quite a few of the sockets are not working? Am I doing something wrong ? Has anyone else had this problem or did I get a lemon?
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Coleen,
I am so sorry to hear this! Please send us your contact information so we can fix them. Send your information, and order # if you have it, to socialsupport@ballarddesigns.net.
We definitely want to get you so working lights!
The How to Decorate Team
Cassandra
We are looking at purchasing and installing these lights in our backyard but are unsure how to connect the tension wire to the metal pole. Any recommendations based on the hardware you used in this example?
Chuck
I am going to be running 4 lines of light strings of varying lengths across my screen enclosure above my pool. Each line will be starting from the same corner and will be plugged into an outlet high in the corner. The different line lengths are 27′, 32′, 26′, and 21′. Do you sell these custom lengths or is there a way to shorten the 30′ lengths? I don’t want any over hang of lights.
Thanks
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Chuck,
Unfortunately we do not sell custom links of our Vintage String Lights, and we don’t recommend shortening them.
Sorry!
Don
I am concerned that you have shown plastic zip-ties to connect the string lights to the stranded cable. I know these cable or zip ties will deteriorate and will eventually give way under the sun, especially here in South Texas. I am worried these will break and my lights will fall to the ground after a period of time. Any other ideas for securing the string lights to the cable?
Able
My concern is with the poor way the cable ties are cut/trimmed leaving a sharp plastic edge that can cut into fingers. Cable ties should always be cut/trimmed to the edge.
A good quality cable tie should not deteriorate.
If worried use something like a keyring.
Mike
Can I run the string lights without tension wires? I want to run them from tree to tree, draping them over limbs for support. I estimate the longest span between trees to be about 15-20 feet. Will the weight of the unsupported spans cause a problem with the wiring connections?
Caroline McDonald
Mike,
The weight shouldn’t be a problem, but you will want to secure them to whatever support they’re suspended from.
Best of luck!
Lindy
At the end of the description of the vintage string lights, it states “hardwire.” Is that correct? Do they not simply plug into an outlet?
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Lindy,
They do plug into the outlet, sorry for the confusion!
The How to Decorate Team
Lindy
At the end of the description of the vintage string lights, it states “hard wire.” Is that correct? Do they not simply plug into an outlet?
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Lindy,
We’ll correct that. They do plug into an outlet!
Robert
I am thinking of hanging them in my yard around one trees branches how would I do this?
Robert
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Robert,
It would be best to use a guide wire to connect the tree to your home or somewhere else where you can install an outdoor outlet. Then run the lights down the guide wire to the tree you’d like to hang them from. You can also connect several strings together in case the distance from the outlet to the tree is too far.
We hope that helps!
The How to Decorate Team
Susan
What did you use for your tension line?
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Susan,
I think it was just a piece of cable from the hardware store. Not sure of the weight!
The How to Decorate Team
Andris Ross
We want to use the string lights on a pergiula that is 18 feet by 12 feet. How many strands would you recommend? We plan to hang them around the perimeter and two strands would be plenty for the length but would it be enough light and what about the middle? Do we need to figure out someway to light the middle?
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Andris,
We can definitely make some recommendations for you! Simply complete this form (don’t forget to include photos and measurements!), and our design team will contact you with a plan and next steps!
The How to Decorate Team
fran
On the vintage string lights when one light goes out does the whole sting go out.
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Fran,
No, if one light or bulb goes out, the rest will not go out as well!
The How to Decorate Team
Ray Heter
What is the length from the plug to the first bulb?
Caroline @ How to Decorate
The length from the plug to the first socket is 60 inches or 5 feet!
Debrah Bathurst
love the vintage string lights. I want to put them inside & outside. Is the string 50 foot long with bulbs spacing 3′ apart?
Trying to determine how many I need for 2 indoor ceilings. How do I submit photos. Can’t find directions.
Thank you
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Yes that is correct. The strands are 50 feet long, with 15 bulbs per strand, and almost 3 feet between bulbs.
Debrah Bathurst
How does one submit photos? I don’t find directions.
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Debrah,
We’re always happy to help with your space. Our Design Solutions team does just that! You can send us your questions with photos using this form.
We look forward to hearing from you!
The How to Decorate Team
Nate
Hi-
You mention that the second anchor point you used is a pole – do you have any information on what you used for the pole and how you buried it securely in the ground?. We bought these lights and love how durable they are, but plan to string them a long distance across our yard (approx. 30-40 feet) so we want to make sure whatever we do to anchor the pole is sturdy enough to handle how heavy-duty the lights are.
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Nate,
Unfortunately, I don’t know the dimensions or specs for the pole used, but it was anchored into the ground with cement. I believe it was also fastened at one point to a securely installed fence post!
Best of luck! We’re thrilled to hear you are pleased with our string lights!
The How to Decorate Team
Nancy Clark
I have been looking for where I could purchase the pole to use in hanging the string lights. Can you give me any ideas?
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Nancy,
Unfortunately we don’t have any information about where to purchase the exact poles in this post, but you could try your local hardware store! They will likely have some good suggestions in how to put up a pole for string lights.
Best of Luck,
The How to Decorate Team
Kim
The website description for vintage string lights says the strand length is 50′ L, and the length from socket to first light is 60″. This comment section says the whole strand is 5 feet in Length. What is correct answer? Thank you.
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Kim,
The strands are 50 feet in length!
Chris
How high off the ground should we install the hangers for the tension wire? then how low will each of the strands hang below the wire?
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Chris,
The height for the wires depends entirely on personal preference. We would suggest at least 8 or 9 feet off the ground in case you have tall friends 🙂
Also, as far as the strands hanging down from the wire. You can pull the strands more taut so they don’t hang down as far, but they shouldn’t hang more than a foot below your wire.
Hope that helps,
The How to Decorate Team
Lisa
In the 3 pictures above, where they are under a covered patio, it doesn’t look like there is a tension wire. Do you need the tension wire if you are attaching them under a solid roof? Thank you.
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Lisa,
If you’re stringing the lights from a fixed surface, like the underside of a room, you shouldn’t need a tension wire.
Hope that helps,
The How to Decorate Team
Gene
Would these shades also work with Pendant Kits?
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Gene,
Unfortunately no, the shades designed for the vintage string lights are only compatible with our branded string lights.
claudia
Hi, my question is geared to the direction in which they should hang. We want to use these for our pergola. I have a hard time envisioning things…..so, should the lights be run vertical (along the long upper posts), criss cross forming an x, should they go down a little then back up, should you attach them flush with the pergola beam? What looks best? There has to be a most visually pleasing look or look that is preferred….
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Claudia,
Thanks for your comment. We actually have a design team that can help you with your home. It’s a free service that we offer to all of our customers. Use this form to submit some photos, and our design team will create a design plan for your space. We look forward to helping you!
Happy Decorating,
The How to Decorate Team
Dennis
3 Questions, when plugiing in two strands what is the distance between the last socket of the first strand and the first socket of the 2nd strand? Is it 8′ and if so can it be shortened so the spacing matches the typical 3′ spacing.
In your pictures you show the cord draped what distance or length to you get when doing the drape as you show?
What is your Warranty?
Thanks
Dennis
Susan
Hi. Now that I have received two strings of these outdoor string lights, I see they are very heavy-duty which is fine. And long, which concerns me when the wind blows hard. I bought them for our covered back 25′ deck so they will be under the cover but when it storms will they cause the bulbs to hit and break against the framing or the cover? Do you have suggestions on how to hang from the framing? I saw the photo where you placed it over the screw. Any suggestions on this? Thank you! Susan
dale
do you sell colored bulbs like red,blue,yellow green ,orange and how far apart are the sockets on a 50 ft strand
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Dale,
Thanks for your comment. Unfortunately we do not sell any kind of colored bulbs for string lights. In regards to the length between sockets, from the plug to the first socket is 5 feet, and from there, each socket is 3 feet.
Hope that helps,
The How to Decorate Team
Kate
I’ve hung my globe light strings x3 on my back porch. We tested first strand when we hung it….yet by the time we got all the strands tapped in and hung and plugged them in for our inaugural lighting….None of them turned on. We checked the fuses and they were all blown. There was nothing on the website or in the directions about this….can I get more fuses sent to us? Along with a couple more bulbs….there were a few broken bulbs? I appreciate your time.
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Kate,
We are so sorry about the issue you’ve had with our string lights. I’ve passed along your customer service issue to our team, and they should be getting in touch with you shortly. If you have any other questions, please email socialsupport@ballarddesigns.net. We’re sorry for the inconvenience!
The How to Decorate Team
Cherie
I want to hang the vintage string lights across our patio from the eave of the house to the eave of the garage which is less than 20 feet. I think Two strands would do the job snd still have enough swag to look good (15′ x 14′ space)?Do I need to do additional anchoring? My friend has your string lights and did not do any additional anchoring under the same circumstances. Thanks you.
Eugene Paradiso
Are the vintage lights recommended for seriously cold weather? I live in NE Wisconsin. I would love to use these during the winter holidays. Thanks
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Eugene,
Thanks for your comment. Our Vintage String Lights are all weather, so they should be fine, even through harsh winters!
Hope that helps.
The How to Decorate Team
Millie
What is the wattage of each bulb?
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Millie,
The wattage for the bulbs on our outdoor Vintage String Lights are 11W each. You can purchase just the bulbs here.
Hope that helps,
The How to Decorate Team
ciao
How do you keep squirrels from eating the wires? I’ve had several heavy gauge string lights crash to the ground because of squirrels.
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hello!
Thanks for your comment. We haven’t heard of any issues with squirrels eating the wires. We can’t say for certain that squirrels won’t be able to eat through the cords on our Vintage Strings Lights. Sorry we can’t be more help!
Best of Luck,
The How to Decorate Team
Richard
these are great, however, you should offer an LED bulb with same light spectrum as your low wattage bulb.
Libby
Agreed!
Stacy
I am interested in the nautical shades with the vintage lights. Are the nautical shades $13/shade or $13/per string of lights?
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Stacy!
The Nautical Shades for our Vintage String Lights are sold individually, like our chandelier shades would be. So, it’s $15/shade. Hope that helps!
Happy Decorating,
The How to Decorate Team
Sabine
Since the electrical outlet on my covered porch is at a level you would expect, do you have any clever tips on how to disguise the cord on the way up to my porch ceiling?
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Sabine,
What a tricky situation! We might suggest one of two options. First, you could simply afix the cord to the wall and paint it the same color so it blends in. Or, if your wall isn’t painted (maybe it’s a stone or brick surface), you could consider hanging some sort of outdoor art over the cord to disguise it! Hope that helps!
Best of Luck,
The How to Decorate Team
carla
Is the lightbulb included?
Thanks again!
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Carla,
Yes, lightbulbs are included, but you may want to go ahead and purchase an extra pack of the bulbs to have on hand for backup! Hope that helps.
Best, The How to Decorate Team
carla
Hi!
How many light bulbs per string?
Thanks,
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Carla,
Thanks for your comment. There are 15 light bulbs sockets per strand. Hope that helps!
Best,
The How to Decorate Team
Kathy Horvath
I’m interested in the Nautical Shade for Vintage String Lights. How long is the string from end to end. I do not know how many strings I need to order…. Thank you.
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Kathy,
Thanks for your comment. Our vintage string lights are 60 inches from end-to-end! Hope that helps.
Happy Decorating,
The How to Decorate Team
Charlotte
Caroline, to your reply of Kathy’s question Re: length of wire, 60 inches or 60 feet, from end to end for each Strand of lights? Thank you
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Charlotte,
From end to end, the lights are 50 feet!
ralda singer
Can you use the vintage string lights inside of the home too?
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Yes, absolutely!
Jim
ralda.. BE SURE and read the box.. my string lights say the bulbs can be VERY HOT.. they are not LED.. these are 48 ft/24 lights on a string.. beware of the heat..