I recently moved into a new apartment with this tiny little patio space out back. It's cute, but at night it's just kinda dark and depressing, you know? I was thinking about maybe hanging up some of those outdoor string lights to make it feel more inviting. But I'm not sure what type or style would be best—like should I go with those bigger bulbs that have a vintage vibe, or the smaller fairy-type ones that look sorta magical? Also, I'm a bit worried about how weatherproof they really are...it rains quite a bit here.
Has anyone tried setting these up outside before? Did you have any issues with them shorting out or rusting over time? And um, how did you hang them securely without damaging walls or railings (my landlord is pretty picky)? Any tips or recommendations would be awesome.
I've used both types, and honestly, the vintage-style bulbs really nailed that cozy vibe for me. They're usually pretty weather-resistant (just double-check they're rated for outdoor use). I had mine up through some heavy rains—no shorts or rust issues. For hanging, I used removable adhesive hooks designed for outdoor use; they held up great and didn't leave marks behind... landlord never noticed a thing.
Vintage bulbs definitely have that warm, inviting glow—I totally get why you'd go for those. When we first moved into our place, I tried solar-powered string lights thinking they'd be easier (no outlets needed), but honestly, they were kinda dim and inconsistent. Ended up switching to plug-in vintage bulbs too, and it's been way better. Curious though, has anyone tried mixing different lighting types? Like maybe lanterns or candles alongside the bulbs... does it look cozy or just cluttered?
I've mixed lanterns with vintage bulbs before, and it actually worked pretty well—gave the patio some depth without feeling cluttered. But candles outdoors... aren't they a hassle with wind and bugs? Curious if citronella candles actually help or just smell weird.
