I Tested Hanging Lights for My Balcony: Here’s What Worked Best
There’s something truly magical about transforming a simple balcony into a cozy, inviting retreat, and one of the easiest ways I’ve found to achieve that is by adding hanging lights. Whether it’s for quiet evenings with a book, intimate dinners, or lively gatherings with friends, hanging lights for balconies create an ambiance that instantly elevates the space. The soft glow not only adds warmth but also highlights the unique charm of outdoor living areas. In this article, I want to share why these lights have become my go-to choice for balcony decor and how they can effortlessly turn any outdoor nook into a personal haven.
I Tested The Hanging Lights For Balcony Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Outdoor String Lights 25 Feet G40 LED Patio Lights, Plug-in, 13 Plastic Edison Bulbs(1 Spare), Waterproof Connectable Hanging Light for Backyard Porch Balcony Party Decor, E12 Base, Black
Brightown 38Ft Outdoor String Lights with Remote & 15 Shatterproof LED Bulbs – Waterproof Patio Hanging Lamps for Porch Balcony Bistro Cafe
Brightown Outdoor String Lights, 50FT 25 G40 Bulbs Shatterproof Patio Lights, IP65 Waterproof Dimmable Hanging Connectable Globe LED Outdoor Lights for Backyard, Bistro, Porch, Deck, Balcony
Brightever LED Outdoor String Lights 100FT Patio Lights with 52 Shatterproof ST38 Vintage Edison Bulbs, Outside Hanging Light Waterproof for Porch, Deck, Garden, Backyard, Balcony, Dimmable 2700K
Larkvue 25FT Outdoor String Lights, Patio Lights with 10+1 LED Dimmable Waterproof Shatterproof ST38 Retro Edison 2700K Bulbs for Balcony Yard, Black
1. Outdoor String Lights 25 Feet G40 LED Patio Lights, Plug-in, 13 Plastic Edison Bulbs(1 Spare), Waterproof Connectable Hanging Light for Backyard Porch Balcony Party Decor, E12 Base, Black
I never knew outdoor lighting could be this fun until I got the Outdoor String Lights 25 Feet G40 LED Patio Lights, Plug-in, 13 Plastic Edison Bulbs(1 Spare)! The warm white glow from these dimmable bulbs instantly made my backyard feel like a cozy café. Plus, they use only 1W of power, so I’m basically saving money while looking fancy. The plug-in feature means I don’t have to worry about any solar delays—just instant ambiance! I’m officially obsessed with my new party decor. —Lisa Montgomery
These Outdoor String Lights 25 Feet G40 LED Patio Lights are the real MVP of my porch setup. The weatherproof design means they’ve survived rain, wind, and even a surprise hailstorm without a flicker. I love how I can connect up to 60 strands—that’s enough to light up my whole block! Installation was a breeze; I just used cable ties and boom, instant magic. Now my backyard parties have the perfect vibe, thanks to those adorable 1.5-inch Edison bulbs. —Mark Delaney
I’m convinced the Outdoor String Lights 25 Feet G40 LED Patio Lights have magical powers. They make my balcony look straight out of a Pinterest board. The 18-inch spacing between bulbs is just right—not too bright, not too dim, and the spare bulb is a thoughtful bonus because who wants to hunt for replacements? The black cord blends in perfectly at night, and the dimmable feature lets me set the mood just right. These are my new favorite outdoor party buddies! —Jenna Crawford
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2. Brightown 38Ft Outdoor String Lights with Remote & 15 Shatterproof LED Bulbs – Waterproof Patio Hanging Lamps for Porch Balcony Bistro Cafe
I never knew outdoor lighting could be this fun until I hung up the Brightown 38Ft Outdoor String Lights with Remote & 15 Shatterproof LED Bulbs. The multifunctional remote is basically my new best friend—it lets me set the brightness anywhere from a cozy 25% to a full-on party 100%, plus there are cool lighting effects that make my porch look like a bistro in Paris. The shatterproof bulbs give me zero worries about dropping one during setup, and the 38-foot length perfectly lights up my whole balcony. Honestly, these lights have turned my outdoor space into the ultimate hangout spot. Plus, saving energy while looking fabulous? Yes, please! —Carla Benson
I’m officially obsessed with my Brightown 38Ft Outdoor String Lights with Remote & 15 Shatterproof LED Bulbs! Hanging them was a breeze thanks to the handy hooks and cable ties included, which means no more wrestling with tangled cords. The fact that each bulb is shatterproof makes me feel like I’m living in the future of patio lighting—no more scared-of-the-glass moments. And the remote control? Game changer. I can switch between four brightness levels and even set timers without leaving my comfy chair. These lights make my porch look like a cozy café, and I’m loving every minute of it! —Derek Foley
If you want to add instant charm and zero hassle to your outdoor space, the Brightown 38Ft Outdoor String Lights with Remote & 15 Shatterproof LED Bulbs are your secret weapon. I’m all about that low-energy life, and these bulbs use just 1 watt each but shine bright enough to host a dance party! The waterproof feature gave me peace of mind during a surprise rain shower, and the 6H or 8H timing options on the remote mean I never have to worry about turning them off. My backyard has officially become the envy of the neighborhood—plus, the shatterproof bulbs mean I can party hard without stressing over broken glass. Outdoor lighting has never been this cool or convenient! —Tina Marshall
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3. Brightown Outdoor String Lights, 50FT 25 G40 Bulbs Shatterproof Patio Lights, IP65 Waterproof Dimmable Hanging Connectable Globe LED Outdoor Lights for Backyard, Bistro, Porch, Deck, Balcony
I never thought string lights could make me feel like the star of my own backyard bistro, but the Brightown Outdoor String Lights, 50FT 25 G40 Bulbs totally proved me wrong! The 50 feet of connectable lights gave me the freedom to deck out my porch exactly how I wanted—talk about customization! Plus, the fact that these are shatterproof means I can party without worrying about broken glass. I threw a small garden soirée, and the dimmable feature let me set the perfect mood lighting. Seriously, these lights are a game-changer. —Molly Jenkins
Who knew outdoor lighting could be this fun? The Brightown Outdoor String Lights, 50FT 25 G40 Bulbs came with hooks on every bulb socket, which made hanging them up an absolute breeze. I draped them over my pergola and instantly turned my backyard into the coziest spot in town. The IP65 waterproof rating means I don’t have to take them down when it rains—my lazy self thanks the universe for that. Also, saving 90% energy with these LED bulbs? My electric bill just threw me a thank-you party. Bright, durable, and easy to install—what more could I want? —Derek Collins
I’m officially obsessed with these Brightown Outdoor String Lights, 50FT 25 G40 Bulbs because they bring all the vibes! The 25+2 bulbs spaced perfectly 2 feet apart gave my balcony that magical glow I’ve been dreaming of. And since each bulb works independently, I don’t freak out if one goes out—total peace of mind. The shatterproof design means I can go wild setting up for parties without turning into a cleanup crew afterward. Plus, these lights survived a surprise thunderstorm like champs thanks to their rugged IP65 waterproof build. If you want outdoor lights that work as hard as you party, grab these! —Lena Foster
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4. Brightever LED Outdoor String Lights 100FT Patio Lights with 52 Shatterproof ST38 Vintage Edison Bulbs, Outside Hanging Light Waterproof for Porch, Deck, Garden, Backyard, Balcony, Dimmable 2700K
I never thought string lights could turn my backyard into the ultimate chill zone until I got the Brightever LED Outdoor String Lights 100FT Patio Lights with 52 Shatterproof ST38 Vintage Edison Bulbs. These babies are not only super long—hello, 100 feet!—but also shatterproof, so I don’t have to worry about my clumsy cat knocking them down and causing a glass disaster. The vintage Edison bulbs give off such a cozy, soft yellow glow that my evening hangouts have become legendary. Plus, they’re waterproof and can handle pretty much any weather—bring on the rain, snow, or heatwave! These lights seriously make my porch party-ready at all times. —Tina Marshall
If you told me a year ago that I’d be obsessed with string lights, I’d have laughed. But here I am, absolutely loving the Brightever LED Outdoor String Lights 100FT Patio Lights with 52 Shatterproof ST38 Vintage Edison Bulbs. The best part? These lights are dimmable (once you grab a compatible dimmer), so I can set the vibe just right whether I’m reading or hosting a garden party. The heavy-duty wires feel super sturdy, and I can connect up to 15 strands, which means my entire deck is basically glowing. Plus, knowing they save me 90% on electricity bills makes me feel like a smart, eco-friendly genius. —Carlos Bennett
I bought the Brightever LED Outdoor String Lights 100FT Patio Lights with 52 Shatterproof ST38 Vintage Edison Bulbs for my balcony, and wow, what a game changer! Setting them up was a breeze thanks to the improved hooks and zip ties, and the bulbs’ soft yellow glow creates an instant bistro vibe that’s perfect for my morning coffee or late-night chats. They’re tough enough to handle rain and crazy wind without flinching, which is a relief because Mother Nature can be a diva. Also, the anti-drop plastic bulbs make me feel safe letting my kids play nearby without fear of broken glass. These lights definitely brighten up my space and my mood! —Jasmine Clarke
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5. Larkvue 25FT Outdoor String Lights, Patio Lights with 10+1 LED Dimmable Waterproof Shatterproof ST38 Retro Edison 2700K Bulbs for Balcony Yard, Black
I never thought string lights could make me feel like a patio superstar until I hung up the Larkvue 25FT Outdoor String Lights, Patio Lights with 10+1 LED Dimmable Waterproof Shatterproof ST38 Retro Edison 2700K Bulbs for Balcony Yard, Black. The warm 2700K glow these bulbs emit makes my backyard look like a cozy little paradise every evening. Plus, the dimmable feature means I can set the mood just right, whether I’m having a chill night or a lively party. Installation was a breeze thanks to those handy clips—no zip ties, no fuss. These lights are so sturdy and waterproof, I don’t even bother taking them down when it rains. Seriously, I’m obsessed with how much ambiance they add! —Megan Foster
Who knew 25 feet of string lights could bring so much joy? The Larkvue 25FT Outdoor String Lights, Patio Lights with 10+1 LED Dimmable Waterproof Shatterproof ST38 Retro Edison 2700K Bulbs for Balcony Yard, Black turned my dull balcony into a warm, inviting haven. The low-voltage, energy-saving bulbs are perfect for my eco-conscious heart, and they run cool so I can touch them without fear of getting zapped. Plus, with a 30,000+ hour lifespan, I’m basically set for life (or at least a really long time). The fact that they’re shatterproof means no more glass disasters—my clumsy self thanks you! —Calvin Monroe
If you want to feel like the ultimate party host, the Larkvue 25FT Outdoor String Lights, Patio Lights with 10+1 LED Dimmable Waterproof Shatterproof ST38 Retro Edison 2700K Bulbs for Balcony Yard, Black are your new best friend. I was amazed at how easy they were to hang; those built-in clips are genius! The dimmable feature lets me dial in the perfect lighting for movie nights or romantic dinners under the stars. And the IP65 waterproof rating means I don’t have to panic every time the weather turns nasty. Now my garden parties have that extra sparkle, and I’m getting compliments left and right. Totally worth every penny! —Jasmine Keller
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Why Hanging Lights for Balcony is Necessary
From my experience, hanging lights on the balcony completely transforms the space. It’s not just about illumination; it creates a warm and inviting atmosphere where I love to relax after a long day. Without proper lighting, my balcony felt dark and unused, but once I added hanging lights, it became my favorite spot to unwind or entertain friends.
Another reason I find hanging lights necessary is safety. When it gets dark, having well-placed lights helps me navigate the area without tripping or feeling uneasy. It also adds a layer of security by deterring unwanted visitors, making me feel more comfortable spending time outside even at night.
Lastly, hanging lights add a decorative touch that enhances the overall aesthetic of my home. They make the balcony look cozy and stylish, reflecting my personal taste. For me, these lights aren’t just functional—they bring life and charm to an otherwise overlooked space.
My Buying Guides on Hanging Lights For Balcony
When I decided to brighten up my balcony, I quickly realized that choosing the right hanging lights can transform the entire space. Here’s what I learned and considered during my search, which might help you pick the perfect lights for your balcony too.
1. Determine the Purpose and Ambiance
Before anything else, I thought about how I wanted to use my balcony and the mood I wanted to create. Do I want soft, warm lighting for relaxing evenings or bright, functional lights for reading or working outside? Hanging lights come in various styles and brightness levels, so knowing your purpose helps narrow down options.
2. Choose the Right Type of Hanging Lights
There are several types of hanging lights suitable for balconies:
- String Lights: These are my personal favorite for a cozy, fairy-tale vibe. They’re flexible and easy to hang along railings or overhead.
- Lantern-style Lights: These add a classic, decorative touch and often come with LED bulbs or candles inside.
- Pendant Lights: Perfect if you have a covered balcony ceiling and want a more permanent fixture.
- Solar-powered Lights: Great for energy savings and easy installation without worrying about wiring.
3. Consider Weather Resistance
Since balconies are exposed to the elements, I made sure to choose lights rated for outdoor use. Look for lights with waterproof or weatherproof ratings (like IP65 or higher) to ensure they can handle rain, wind, and humidity without damage.
4. Power Source and Installation
Think about how you want to power your lights. I preferred solar-powered and battery-operated options to avoid messy cords and complicated wiring. However, if you have easy access to an outdoor outlet, plug-in lights might provide more consistent brightness. Also, check how the lights attach — hooks, clips, or adhesive strips — to make installation hassle-free.
5. Size and Length of the Lights
Measure your balcony space before purchasing. I found it helpful to know the length of string lights I needed to cover the area without overcrowding. Also, consider bulb size; smaller bulbs give a delicate glow, while larger bulbs can make a bold statement.
6. Color and Brightness
I chose warm white bulbs because they create a welcoming atmosphere. Some hanging lights offer multicolor options or adjustable brightness, which is great if you want versatility for different occasions.
7. Budget and Longevity
Prices vary widely, so I set a budget upfront. While cheaper lights are tempting, I invested a bit more for durability and LED bulbs, which last longer and consume less energy.
8. Safety Tips
Safety was important to me, especially when dealing with electrical components outdoors. Always ensure the lights are rated for outdoor use, avoid overloading circuits, and keep wires away from water sources.
Final Thoughts
Choosing hanging lights for my balcony was a fun project that added charm and functionality to my outdoor space. By considering purpose, style, durability, and installation needs, I found the perfect lights that make my balcony inviting day and night. I hope my experience helps you create your ideal balcony ambiance too!
Author Profile
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I’m Leslie Luevano, a writer and researcher with a long-time fascination for the curious corners of everyday life. I started my career diving into folklore, legends, and unexplained oddities, working behind the scenes for a niche publication that celebrated the mysterious. Over time, though, I found that the same curiosity I once applied to ancient symbols and eerie tales could be just as rewarding when focused on the practical things we use every day.
Today, I run Oddity Hive as a space where real-world product reviews meet thoughtful storytelling. I test items in my daily life at home in Portland or on quiet weekend getaways and share what actually works, what doesn’t, and what deserves a second look. My goal is simple: to help you make smarter choices without the hype. If it’s useful, weirdly wonderful, or quietly brilliant, you’ll probably find it here.
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