Toss Your Boring String Lights — Use PVC Pipes For This Modern-Style DIY

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String lights are a great way to add some soft lighting to your backyard, but it seems like there are only three designs to choose from. Once you've seen one strand of globe bulbs hanging over a patio, you've practically seen them all. If you're exploring outdoor lighting ideas to brighten up your home, you might want something with as much personality as your garden and furniture. Don't worry — you don't necessarily need to splurge on designer fixtures to get a custom look. A PVC pipe can become a modern hanging lantern that looks like a designer fixture.

To light up your patio with this cute & clever DIY, pair a perforated PVC pipe with a wired deck light at the top, allowing light to shine down through the center and out through the openings. It's perfect for adding a gentle glow without the typical strand of bulbs stretching across the yard. A few at staggered heights would also make an interesting accent if you have trees in your space, especially in a garden with a contemporary style.

To create the light covers, you'll need PVC pipe, a saw, a drill, spray paint suitable for plastic, hanging wire, and some wired deck lights. To hold the light inside the tube, use some double-sided tape and some foam. Just make sure the lights you choose are all rated for outdoor use so you don't get disappointed when the rain rolls through.

The first thing you'll need to do is choose a PVC pipe wide enough for your deck light to fit snugly inside. Cut it to the length you desire and drill scattered holes around the tube, with two opposite holes near the top that will be used for hanging. Get creative — random holes create a speckled effect, while evenly spaced rows give the lantern a more geometric look. You could create a fun intricate design or even change your drill bits and try different sizes for variety.

Before you add the light, clean the outside of the pipe and apply durable outdoor spray paint and a clear finish. Paint it gold or black, or like other character-enhancing DIYs for your patio, you could also use colors already in your space, from your cushions to your favorite planters. The deck light will go up at the top of the pipe near the two opposite holes, pointing into the tube. If you have a little wiggle room, you can use foam to make the light flush against the tube, securing the lights to the inside of the pipe with strong double-sided tape.

You'll need a loop to hold the lights, which you can create by threading the cord through the two opposite holes near the top of the pipe and securely tying its ends together with a wire or twist-tie. Hang that loop from a secured hook on a pergola or tree branch and watch your new lights twinkle. You can adjust the cord length to stagger several lanterns at different heights — play around and find which combo you like.