Pergola Lighting Ideas: How to Decorate with Lights

Pergolas have become an extremely popular home and patio feature over the last several years. They’re aesthetically pleasing, provide shade by breaking up the powerful rays, and they can function as the primary gathering space or focal point of the patio area. Whether it’s free standing or attached to the home, there are several choices that need to be made to utilize a pergola fully.

First, the furniture and accessories that will be situated under the pergola should be decided on before all else. Picking out the perfect pieces of patio furniture is a big task and can be the deciding factor in how much use the patio will receive because if it’s not loved, it won’t be enjoyed. Function, comfort, and style are the big three components to consider.

Once the seating, tables, and accessories have been decided on, the pergola lighting should be handled to help tie the whole design scheme together. Not taking advantage of the perfect structure for unique lighting is a waste of design space and more importantly, function. Pergola lights can be elegant and fancy and simple and fun as well; it really depends on the mood and design goals of the patio space. Here are some of the latest trending pergola lighting ideas that can hopefully spark some creativity for that lightless pergola.

Decorating a Pergola with Lights

Sparkling Icicles

Christmas lights can be an excellent way to incorporate lights for the pergola. One of the hottest trends right now is using the icicle Christmas lights to trace the beams either across the pergola or around the perimeter. Depending on how much light is wanted, these twinkling lights that will create a stunning canopy overhead.

All Wrapped Up

If the icicle lights don’t seem to be the right style, try using regular string Christmas lights and wrapping them around the support posts, the cross beams, and anywhere else that is deemed necessary. This will give a more defined look to fit in with a cleaner design scheme.

Hanging Mason Jars

Recycled glass has been a hot item for various DIY projects and design elements for a while now. There are kits available that provide all the pieces necessary to create mason jar lights that can hang from the beams of the pergola. This rustic, subtle touch can really add a unique design element.

Edison String Lights

If the desired look requires the soft, ambient glow of dimmer lights to create the atmosphere, then Edison lights are the way to go. Produced to resemble the look and soft glow of a traditional incandescent light bulb, these bulbs can come in strung options that can be hung around or across the pergola.

Marset - Santorini LightsLanterns or Globe Lights

Whether old school candle-lit ormodern electric ones, lanterns are another classy, subtle choice for a pergola with lights. Creating an arrangement of assorted lantern sizes and shapes can be a fun challenge to undertake. If a simpler design is desired, check out the Bover Elipse light.

Chandelier

Perhaps the most elegant option in the bunch is to find a perfect chandelier. This would be a great option if the pergola is going to house a dinner or eating table. But there is not a single thing wrong with getting a great sectional to be positioned around the chandelier focal point.

Falling Lights

Taking curtain lights and attaching them, so the strands fall to the floor from around the perimeter can give a perfect illusion and feel of glowing curtains. This is a great option for even for special events.

These are just a handful of creative lighting ideas that can be done to really give that pergola the design elements it deserves. To truly enjoy an outdoor patio, the style and function must all meet what is desired.

At Clima, we are proud to offer the largest selections of indoor and outdoor furniture and accessories from the world’s most famous designers and manufacturers. Take a look at some of the lighting options we carry, and you’ll be sure to find something you’ll love.