DIY: Pergola Lighting

A pergola is an outdoor structure of columns supporting sturdy cross beams, which may be topped with a roof or latticework to create a covered walkway or protected area over a lawn or open patio. Woody, flowering vines, such as bougainvillea, are often trained to grow up the columns and across the beams or lattice to create a canopy of blossoms and greenery. Beautiful by day, by night pergolas can easily be illuminated with an outdoor hanging fixture, strands of clear mini-lights and uplights to create a magical atmosphere for relaxing or entertaining. With a nearby power source, lighting a pergola is a fun do-it-yourself project with maximal results for minimal effort.

Power source
Outdoor uplights
Outdoor metal filigree hanging fixture
Outdoor mini-light strands
Outdoor rheostats

Instructions

- 1
  Swag strands of outdoor mini-lights from the beams of the pergola or arrange the lights in the greenery covering the top of the structure and connect to power source. Add illuminated lanterns for parties or a rheostat at the power source to raise and lower the brightness of the mini-lights from full light for card playing to a soft glow for relaxing or dining.
- 2
  Install an uplight at the base of each support column to illuminate the structural elements and any overhanging greenery and connect to power source. Bury the electrical cords in the ground or under decking or flagstones. Add a rheostat, if desired, as in Step 1.
- 3
  Install an outdoor metal filigree hanging fixture from a crossbeam over a dining or seating area under the pergola to create patterned light and shadow, connect to power source and conceal wires in the beams or greenery. Add a rheostat, if desired, as in Step 1.

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