How to Decorate a Pergola with Lights: Comprehensive Guide

How to Decorate a Pergola with Lights?

Looking to create your dream outdoor space? Enjoy throwing parties and hosting events? Want a space that’s usable year-round no matter the weather or time? Installing a pergola is the perfect solution.

But for the space to turn into a proper living area, it needs lighting. Choosing the right lighting for your pergola can be difficult. Outdoor lighting differs from indoor light design, and many homeowners don’t know how to approach it. This guide will teach you everything you need to know from why pergola lighting matters to practical pergola lighting ideas you can implement right away!

4 Things to Consider Before Choosing Lighting for Your Pergola

Though it is easy to browse a list of “the best pergola lighting ideas” for your home, those won’t necessarily be suitable for your property. Each home is different, each outdoor space is unique. Instead of applying a lighting idea one-to-one, you should understand what your space needs and how you can approach it. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

  • The purpose of the pergola

What are you using the pergola for? Is it for outdoor gatherings in the evening? To spend time with your family? To relax and read books at night? The lighting options you pick should reflect the purpose of the pergola. If you are aiming to create an outdoor space for regular gatherings, you need bright lights. For reading, you need gentler light sources.

  • The size and location of the pergola 

Your lighting setup needs to be appropriate for the size and location of the space. If the space is large, you need more pergola lights to cover the entire area. If it is small, a couple of small LED strips might do the job.

Similarly, the location of the space is important. If it is facing a garden, for example, there are clever lighting designs you can use to accentuate the beauty of your garden and make it a permanent and attractive feature of the space.

Always consider the size and location of the area before you buy pergola lighting!

  • The aesthetics of the property

Do you have a modern or period home? What are the colours of the walls? How is your outdoor space designed? Lighting is meant to complement your property, so it is vital you understand and carefully consider its aesthetics before you commit to pergola lighting ideas. Colourful lighting might look good on a period home, but you won’t necessarily obtain the same results with a modern building.

  • Energy efficiency

Lights consume energy, and if you are looking to keep your energy bills to a minimum and reduce the environmental impact of your home, you need to be careful about the types of lights you install. LED bulbs, for example, provide excellent outdoor lighting while keeping energy consumption to a minimum. Traditional light bulbs, however, consume substantially more energy!

4 Practical Pergola Lighting Ideas You Can Implement

  • Colourful Curtain Lights 

Colourful curtain lights are vibrant, affordable, and easy to install. They illuminate the entire space and work perfectly with ornaments and baubles. It is one of the most popular approaches to lighting for outdoor spaces, especially in traditional homes.

  • Soft-glow LED Beams 

Stationary or overhead beams are a modern and attractive lighting option. They give the space a gentle, romantic ambience that’s perfect for households looking to turn their pergola space into a personal, intimate area.

  • Fairy Lights 

Fairy lights are complementary lights that are installed alongside more traditional bulbs. They augment the pergola’s structure, especially at night!

  • Eastern Paper Lanterns

Hanging lanterns, fire pits, and other unconventional lighting ideas are also worth considering. They make the space look warm and unique!

Pergola Lighting Ideas FAQ

How Do I Make My Pergola Look Pretty?

Pergolas are extremely flexible structures that you can adorn in a variety of ways. Adding colourful lighting makes your outdoor living space brighter and livelier, adding baubles and decorations is a great option to leave an impression on your guests, and a variety of outdoor furniture and structures can be used to fill out and design the space under the pergola! You have limitless options!

How Do You Hang String Lights on A Pergola Without Nails?

String lights can look really beautiful when adorning a pergola. However, hanging them up with nails can damage the structure of the pergola and reduce the aesthetic appeal of the setup. Thankfully, there are solutions. Adhesives, zip ties, and hooks can all be used to hang and fasten string lights to a pergola.