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A covered pergola allows you to spend more time outside during the day, and in the evening. However many people don’t consider how to light their deck or pergola, however spending some time considering lighting options will ensure you create an area that you and your family will enjoy using all year around.
There are many options to light up a deck or pergola, some of the most popular include string lights, LED lights, lanterns, step lights, festoon lights, lamps, and many more.
In this article, we will discuss the 5 of the most common ways to light up your deck or pergola to create a welcoming outdoor entertaining area which compliments your garden.
Ways to Light up Your Deck or Pergola
Below you’ll find five modern types of lights you can use to illuminate your pergola.
- Umbrella Lights
Recently people have starting installing large colorful umbrella roofs instead of traditional wooden cross beams. These flexible canvas roofs allow you to use lower cost & lower voltage string lights to decorate the umbrella roof. These create a unique look, are simple to install and provide a festive feel all year around!
If you are installing a new deck and wondering which style roof to go for, we recommend considering a canvas umbrella roof. The small lights you will install on the umbrella will illuminate the space at night, whilst the umbrella will provide you, and your family, with shade in the daytime.
LED string lights are also in fashion. You can use plenty of them to give your pergola a modern look.
- Make a Statement with a Lamp
People tend to forget that you can light up your outer sitting space the same way you would light up the inside of your house. We are talking about installing a lamp as a statement light on your deck.
It is not very common, but more and more people are getting into the contemporary look of a lamp or lamp-like lighting source for the deck. You can install a statement floor lamp on the side that will arch toward the middle of the deck and illuminate the sitting space.
It will look like your indoor space. And a benefit of this way of lighting is you will not lack enough light when you sit on the deck with a group of friends. The statement floor lamp will bathe you with light, creating a friendly ambiance.
- Festoon Lights
If a single light source is not your thing and you want multiple sources, then festoon lights might be the thing you’re looking for. Festoon lights are usually low-voltage, and are supplied with a plug so you can install them by yourself, without needing to spend money on an electrician. Solar festoon lights are also available which harness the suns energy to charge an integrated battery which powers your new lights throughout the evening, and night.
Festoon lights will give a carefree, laid-back, and festive vibe to your sitting space. Don’t underestimate these lights by thinking they are old-fashioned. They are very much in fashion and would make your pergola look fresh and cozy.
You can go for bigger-size bulbs to give it an industrial look too.
- Step Lights
The primary reason for lighting is to make your pergola a safe space, right? Lights will help you walk on uneven surfaces, stairs, and layers. So if you have a tiered deck or steps, you can and should definitely get your self step lights. It is one of the most commonly used deck lights.
Get step lights not only for safety but also for a sleek and clean look. It doesn’t matter how many layers your deck has; every inch will be illuminated thanks to step lights. You won’t have to worry about tripping over something anymore, and they come in a variety of styles including eyelid and recessed so you’ll be sure to find something which looks great on your deck.
- Lanterns
If you find comfort in simplicity, then lanterns might be the right lighting for your pergola. If a single lantern is not bright enough for you, you can add mirrors to reflect the light and make the area brighter.
For more brightness, you can add string lights with your lantern or hurricane candles. Simply put the string lights on the cross beam or rods of the pergola, and the lantern will do just fine, even if you have a bigger space to illuminate.
Safety Measure For Pergola Lighting
Setting up lights for the pergola is not a big deal. Most setups we mentioned in this article are easy, and you can do these set up all by yourself. That being said, you can’t ignore that there are some dangers to it, and if you are unsure always consult an electrician before you start. To avoid any potential danger while you do your light setup, follow these safety measures mentioned below:
- Avoid Overlapping Fixtures
You might think overlapping or joining lighting fixtures will increase the brightness, however you must check the label and manufactures ratings carefully. The label will inform you of the maximum amount of wattage the equipment can take safely. If you go over that, your fixture will be prone to overheat and damage.
- Use Outdoor Rated Equipment
All of the light fitting including the bulb, cords, and fixtures have to be outdoor rated, often indicated by an IP65 marking. Because even though your pergola may have a roof, it still is an “outdoor” structure, and light fittings could be exposed to moisture or even rain during a heavy storm.
- Proper Cord Management
You can’t just leave cords or cables running loose over your deck as they can create a dangerous trip hazard, especially for children. Always keep cords away from the walkway and doors, and consider cable ties and cable management systems to improve safety.
Conclusion
Hopefully by now you’ve got some ideas and inspiration to help you create the right mood and illumination for your deck or pergola. We’ve tried to include a range of options from simple string lights you can install yourself, to more contemporary mood lighting using lamps and even practical step lights to keep you and your family safe when using your deck and outdoor areas.
Use this article as a starting place, and get creative! There are so many ways to create a bright, light and welcoming pergola or deck, and we’d love to see what you can come up with!