Illuminated pergolas and gazebos: 11 ideas to make evenings spent in the garden magical
The mild temperatures, the scents in the garden, the desire to be outdoors: if you have a pergola or a gazebo (aka pavilions, cabanas or rotundas) to spend warm spring/summer evenings in the garden, you are truly lucky. But what about the lighting you need after the sun sets?
There are various types of lights that you can use for your gazebo, so lets take a look at some of these:
1. Strings of lights
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Always a classic: strings of outdoor, exposed light bulbs, as shown here. They can be strung up across the entire ceiling of the gazebo, making it look like it's covered in "stars"!
If the gazebo is not too large, these strings of bulbs also work just strung up around the perimeter of the roof.
2. Floor lamps
These days, there are load of products you can buy to furnish your gazebo. And if your gazebo is rain-proof, then you can also think about using floor lamps for illumination (obviously made with materials that are capable of withstanding the elements).
3. LED rods
Are you looking for modern, bright lighting? Then LED rods mounted along the edges of the gazebo's canopy could be for you: if there is a dining area - or even a kitchenette - the rods will provide all the light necessary to enjoy using these spaces.
4. Rustic chandeliers
A similar case to using floor lamps: if you can even use chandeliers for lighting outside - and especially if they are made of natural materials - you may as well take advantage of this opportunity.
5. Vintage chandeliers
Are you looking for an even more rustic-chic effect? Why not add a touch of glamor by using a chandeliers that look like they were made for an elegant living room? Just hang them up, plug in the power cable, and you're done.
6. Mix of lights
It is not out of place indoors to provide different light sources, each with different intensities and diffusion characteristics (ie. soft, warm, low lighting etc). And the same thing can be replicated outside by, for example, combining chandeliers (as the main lighting source), with surrounding decorative lights, as shown here.
7. Exotic lanterns
Chinese paper lanterns in the garden - always a winning idea! Sheltered under the canopy of a gazebo, there will be little chance of them getting damaged. And the fabric versions work well too!
8. DIY lanterns
If you want a temporary solution for some specific event, then gather up some jars, bottles or other glass containers. Then, you can put tealights or strings of battery-operated lights inside these transparent containers. If you have more time available, you can put a light bulb in each container and hang them up independently wherever you please.
9. DIY chandelier
You can also use DIY projects to make outdoor chandeliers. In addition to using glass containers (like jars), you can cobble together "old-timesy" lanterns which can be suspended from a rustic-looking ladder.
10. Camping lanterns
Whether modern or vintage models, a clutch of camping lanterns dangling over the dining table or in the relaxation area of a gazebo is always stunning!
11. A central brazier
You can increase the amount of light and make the atmosphere feel even warmer (literally and figuratively) if you place a brazier/firepit in the center of the area covered by the gazebo. It will be like gathering in front of the fireplace in winter!
Ready to make your outdoor evenings magical?
