Trellis Lighting Ideas

Spotlight

• For a wall-mounted trellis, a spotlight is a good way to illuminate flowering vines that are growing on the structure after dark. You can position the light low on the ground directly in front of the trellis, so that the light shines up over it and highlights the vines' leaves and flowers. If you have several trellises that line a wall, you may need two or three spotlights to light the entire area. For a fun look, opt for colored lenses for your spotlights instead of traditional white. Blue or green spotlights produce an attractive look when used to uplight trellises with climbing vines, but you can change the color of the lenses seasonally as well.

String Lights

• Inexpensive string lights like those used to decorate for the holidays are ideal for lighting both vertical and horizontal trellises. You can weave the lights through the slats of the trellis so that the individual bulbs lie against the vines' leaves. As with spotlights, you aren’t confined to white string lights to decorate your trellis. You can choose from blue, green, pink, red, orange and purple lights to create a look that complements the rest of your landscape. String lights are a particularly effective option for adding ambience to a deck or patio that is covered by a horizontal trellis. The lights provide a soft glow from above and accent the greenery to create an attractive dining area. However, be aware that you might need to run an extension cord to your trellis when using string lights, if there is no outlet nearby. Choose a cord whose color matches the surrounding area so you can hide it more easily.

Lanterns

• If you are hosting an evening party, you can light your overhead trellis with decorative lanterns for a festive look. Paper lanterns are available in a variety of colors, patterns, shapes and sizes, so you can mix and match different types to create a whimsical look for your trellis-covered patio or deck. You can use a string of connected lanterns, and hang them from the edge of your trellis; or go with individual lanterns that you can tie to the slats of the trellis in random areas for a fun look.

Votives

• For an elegant look on a special occasion, light your overhead trellis with individual votive candles. Candlelight provides a soft, attractive glow that is ideal for an intimate dinner or gathering. Choose votive candles in colors that complement the rest of your patio, and place them in small glass jars. Wrap wire around the lips of the jars so that you can hang them from the slats of the trellis. Light the candles, and attach the jars to the trellis for a soft, sophisticated look.