How high to hang string lights?

[InBetweenDays]

We're putting string lights above a new patio we put in. The poles we have are 10' - would you cut them shorter to make it a little more intimate? The lights we have are edison bulbs that hang about 8" down from the wire.

Also, our contractor drilled holes into the concrete for us to place the poles, but the holes aren't all the same depth. So we're probably going to have to cut the poles anyway to make them all the same height out of the ground.

[k3am]

I think you're fine at 10'. Ours are at ~12' and I have zero complaints.

[aprilsails]

Yeah I wouldn’t bring them much lower. While having the lighting lower might be more intimate, it also means the bugs will be flying around lower and closer to your heads! I am ever a realist (and live in a prettty buggy area for most of patio season).

[lightbulbsun]

I would keep them higher. You want them to be above eye level. Plus, they'll be dipping a little bit in between the posts.

[InBetweenDays]

Thanks all. I'm going to cut the ones I need to make them level (which will be a max cut off 2") but otherwise leave the height.

aprilsails that is a good point. We live in Seattle and have virtually no bugs but the lights will attract even the few we have.

[definitelyO]

agree with keeping them 10' - and really - when you're having a dance party out there and your arms are up high you don't want to hit them... I mean "maybe" that could happen