17 Brilliant Ideas to Illuminate Your Pergola

When determining the primary function of a pergola, individuals often concentrate on furnishing essentials, including dining sets, outdoor seating, and couches, or grills and fire pits. Often, lighting decisions are postponed until after the furniture is selected, necessitating a seamless match with the rest of the décor. Whether you seek something minimalistic, sophisticated, or distinctively unique, the subsequent lighting suggestions will complement any design.

1. Cascading Icicle Lights

Canopy of Icicle Lights

This stunning canopy is crafted with numerous strands of icicle lights densely hung overhead and intertwined around the pillars, illuminating the entire area.

2. Twisted String Lights

Wrapped String Lights

These lights coiled around the overhead and support beams are bright enough to entertain by without spoiling the evening ambiance.

3. Mason Jar Illumination

Mason Jar Lights

With some ingenuity, these mason jars transform into charming pendant lights, ideal for a rustic outdoor setting.

4. Globe Lights

Globe String Lights

The distinctive appearance of globe lights strung overhead blends seamlessly with any vintage-themed dining area.

5. Suspended Lanterns

Hanging Lanterns

Complementing the string lights are wire lanterns of various sizes, each housing safe, flameless candles.

6. Burlap Drum Lights

Hanging Drum Lights

Although not intended for permanent outdoor use, these attractive burlap drum lights add a chic touch to any outdoor event.

These drum lights are available in three hues—black, green, and indigo—to match any pergola’s color scheme.

7. Border Lights

Perimeter Lights

These small spotlights encircling the pergola illuminate the seating area beneath and the surrounding space, creating a larger enjoyable area post-sunset.

8. Pergola Chandeliers

Pergola Chandelier

Introduce a touch of sophistication to an outdoor dining space with ornate hanging chandeliers.

Pergola Chandelier

This bespoke chandelier adorned with greenery utilizes candles for a gentler light, harmonized with the flames of the outdoor fireplace.

9. Curtain Light Installation

Resembling icicle lights in appearance,

curtain lights

are long enough to drape a large opening, spanning from the beams above to the railing below, enveloping the area in light.

Curtain Lighting

Using larger

globes

instead of mini lights, these curtain strings offer a more upscale atmosphere for outdoor gatherings.

10. Coach Lamps

Coach Lights

A single coach light on each support beam lends a touch of vintage charm to a contemporary-styled pergola.

11. Solar Patio Lamps

Solar Outdoor Lamp

This elegant solar lamp on a table eliminates the need for outdoor outlets and extension cords, and even reduces electricity costs.

12. Holispheres

Holispheres

Holispheres enhance the ambiance of any outdoor setting.

Select various sizes

to suspend in your pergola.

13. Paper Lantern Lighting

Effortlessly achieve a casual elegance with a collection of paper lanterns nestled among white and purple hanging flowers.

14. Pendant Light Fixtures

For a contemporary vibe, suspend a few simple pendant lights from the overhead beams, illuminating both cooking and dining areas below.

15. Droplet Café Lights

Drop Café Lights

Clear café lights

offer a tranquil setting for those looking to unwind after a hectic day.

16. Suspended Candles

A pergola illuminated by several dozen candles placed in clear glass vases hanging from above will shimmer like the night sky.

17. Landscape Accent Lighting

Landscape Up Lighting

An innovative way to light up a pergola is to position the lights a bit away from it, instead highlighting the trees and foliage around it, for a more subtle ambiance that accentuates nature’s beauty.

With so many lighting options available, any style can be illuminated flawlessly, from contemporary to rustic, simple to elegant. Whether string lights, chandeliers, or candles, these choices will add the perfect finishing touches to your pergola, dazzling your guests or simply creating a serene space to unwind in the backyard after a long day.