I couldn’t leave well enough alone.
Soon after I posted about the budget makeover on our patio area, I bit the bullet and invested in some patio lights.
(Ryan disagrees with the term “invested.” He believes that should be reserved for financial things like stocks. I believe that sometimes, lights are an investment worth making.)
We’ll just have to agree to disagree.
They are an investment because these lights are not cheap. They are more expensive than just about any patio lights you’ll find at the big box store. But I’ve had those patio lights and they simply don’t hold up over time. And I knew that with the extreme winds and weather we have in the country, the inexpensive lights wouldn’t fair well.
So, I took the advice of one of my very favorite bloggers (Thrifty Decor Chick) when she recommended the Feit brand string lights. She can do no wrong in my book, so while I don’t have a Costco nearby, I turned to Amazon and ordered two boxes. (That’s an affiliate link, which means if you also want to invest in the lights, I get a few pennies to rub together.)
The price fluctuates (I paid a little less than they are listed for right now). But while they appear to be pricy, each strand is 48 feet – much longer than the 10- or 20-foot strands I see at the big box stores. And the lights themselves are great quality. I love that they are on a heavy duty cord and even would allow you to hang the lights individually or use a wire to keep them secure. Plus, the bulbs are removable and replaceable.
I took some photos before it got dark so you could see how they look.
And then I tested my sanity to try to take photos of the patio at night. You get the idea, right?
It’s truly magical. You’ll just have to trust me or come visit.
On the nights that bugs leave me alone, you can find me right in the middle chair. It’s pretty rad – nothing but toads and birds and lightning bugs. And me, reading “Girl on a Train.” And, of course, wine. Never forget the wine.
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Christine says
We have the same lights, got ours at Costco and the hubby hooked them up to a dimmer and I love how they look on our patio.
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
I’ve been looking for lights for our patio! These are fantastic. Now I want to curl up with a book and some wine!
Gretchen says
don’t worry; I NEVER forget the wine ;). those look great! someday we’ll get around to doing something with our porch, and it will definitely involve lights like those!
Amber @ Wills Casa says
How about I trust you AND come over!! It looks incredible! Totally an investment. Kim wins this one. I was just looking at outdoor lighting the other day at Target. I think this is a waaaaay better option!
Vanessa says
You are so right, just last night I was talking about getting some nice patio lights and I used the term investment. Gotta talk myself into spending that money though.
Lisa H. says
Very cute! I think these lights fit the relaxed atmosphere of your patio area perfectly. Sadly, I’ve decided it is just too hot in the summer here (Phoenix) for me to “invest” in anything for our patio. If I wan’t to hang outside during the few months we have temperate weather, I just drag a camping chair out there. I love your space!
Trina @ Let's Just Build a House blog says
Yipes, I sort of gasped when I clicked and saw the price. those ARE an investment. But, you get what you pay for!
cassie @ primitive & proper says
i am a huge fan of fun outdoor lighting- love these! they are the perfect touch! glad you didn’t leave it alone.