Outdoor light fixture for a gazebo


10 ways to add sparkle and glow |

(Image credit: Tetra Images LLC/Alamy Stock Photo)

Gazebos make a great backyard retreat at any time of day but they really come into their own at night when dressed up with lights. Gazebo lighting ideas can create an evening space that's perfect for entertaining, a special dinner or simply a stunning way to show off the backyard at night.

Gazebos look especially welcoming when the lights are switched on at dusk and it's time for them to take center stage in the night-time garden. A well-lit gazebo works as an architectural focal point at night, too. The freestanding, open structure is ideal for outdoor lighting ideas, especially if it features a domed roof that’s supported by pillars or columns as this creates opportunities for a combination of gazebo lighting ideas.

There are also temporary pop-up fabric gazebo structures that provide a useful space for socializing at night, can be positioned wherever you want them and can also be beautifully decorated with lights.  

Gazebo lighting ideas

Which gazebo lighting style will you choose? From sparkling string lights and glowing festoons to vintage style chandeliers and modern built-in LED strip lights there's plenty of choice for your backyard lighting ideas.

1. Use pretty string lights for a magical vibe

(Image credit: Lights4Fun)

If you're hosting a garden party the best place to start with lights is up high. Span strings of sparkling outdoor string lighting ideas above your entertaining space for maximum impact. Choose string lights if you're covering bigger areas as they're lightweight, come in connectable designs and are easy to work with as well as being affordable.

'String lights are such a great way to light up your gazebo,' says Lights4Fun 's creative manager Lucy Kirk. 'To create the ultimate display, use multiple sets of warm white connectable fairy lights so you can swag the fairy lights back and forth underneath the roof of your gazebo for the perfect fairy light canopy. This will create a cozy ambience throughout your space.'

Faux candles in lanterns are directional and superb for creating ambience when dotted around or grouped together in a gazebo for maximum effect. 'By using various lighting options, you create a designer look with romantic overtones while avoiding harsh lighting,' says interior designer Sanel Konyar of Interior Collection .

2. Go Regency-style formal with a chandelier

(Image credit: Hilary Brodey/GettyImages)

Chandeliers aren’t just for the dining room. They can be hung in a variety of outdoor locations to add a touch of luxury when the sun goes down. Make a bold statement and hang a chandelier from the roof of your gazebo, choosing a style of light that best complements the space.

Whether electric or solar-lit, an elegant chandelier over the table is one of those gazebo lighting ideas that help switch up the space for an al fresco dinner. A vintage-style chandelier with teardrop crystals adds glimmer and shine for a more formal vibe that helps to create a sense of occasion.  

A vintage-style chandelier creates an air of elegance for your patio gazebo. If fitting the gazebo with dedicated electricity seems like too much hassle, remove all the wiring and sockets from an old chandelier and turn it into a battery-run chandelier by replacing the lights with faux tealights. Layer up the look with similar candles as part of the tablescaping.

3. Choose festoon lights for an old school feel

(Image credit: IKEA)

Festoon lights have a traditional feel with their big bulbs. The shapely glass globes come in warm whites or multi-colors. It's a look that's big right now, with festoon lights a firm favorite when it comes to garden parties. They are also one of the best gazebo lighting ideas, adding a subtle look that's not too harsh.

'Lights that are too bright for a gazebo can ruin the mood at night-time, which is where festoon lights come into play,' says Sam Richards of Gazeboshop . 'For pop-up gazebos, outdoor festoon lights can be attached along the frame and used to build a warm atmosphere, particularly when partnered with strip lights or lanterns. '

The latest styles of festoon lights combine energy efficient LEDs with more practical translucent plastic cases, designed to perfectly imitate the nostalgic look of the traditional version, while being virtually unbreakable.

4. Turn your gazebo into a backyard focal point

(Image credit: FOTOGRAFIA INC/Getty Images )

As well as lighting ideas for a gazebo within the space itself it's a great idea to light it up so it glows when seen from a distance too. Whether it's a hexagonal timber gazebo or a more stark modern style, it will look enchanting at night with the right lighting and become a real focal point in the backyard. This is a great example of using lighting to illuminate a specific feature.

Think about how best to light the gazebo with a wash of light picking out key elements around it, such as backlighting the planting and gently illuminating the steps. Use mirroring in the foreground to pick out these details then layer up the lighting effect in the gazebo. Letting your lights meet at a centered fixture will add pleasing symmetry to your space too.

(Image credit: SUNS)

Treat the outdoors like the indoors by using a combination of decorative lanterns and free-standing floor lamps to create a blended area that’s perfect for a relaxed atmosphere. Overhanging floor lamps add a real design element. Choose one that's height adjustable and preferably with dual effects so you can choose direct down-light or diffused up-light. 

'Whether you have a permanent or pop-up gazebo, lighting your garden structure will allow you to make the most of your outdoor space at night,' says Reilly Gray of SUNS Lifestyle . 'Just like in your interiors, you will want to create a layered lighting scheme in your outdoor structure as well. This will help create ambience while ensuring there's enough lighting for socializing or relaxing. Freestanding lamps and lanterns that are solar-powered and rechargeable are great as they can be moved around easily, offering a lot more flexibility and the option of directional lighting. '

Lighting styles like this are ideal for a luxe fixed gazebo style for your terrace. Choose a style with flexible shutters in the roof and side screens. That way you can use it year round at night to make the most of your gazebo.

6. Fix up a gazebo cottagecore style

(Image credit: Polly Wreford/Future)

If you love the idea of a nostalgic fairy tale gazebo with vintage style prints and lots of freshly picked flowers you'll be wanting lighting ideas for a gazebo that match this cottagecore aesthetic. Your go-to choice should be paper lanterns to get the look.

Dressing up your gazebo with pretty paper lanterns is one of the easiest ways to create an entertaining space for a summer garden party.

Made of thin paper covering a wire framework, paper lanterns come in a range of designs, colors and sizes. Illuminated from the inside, they provide a soft glow that adds to the magic. It's best to use LED lights or battery powered bulbs with paper lanterns, as they don’t give off heat in the same way that incandescent bulbs do.

7. Try a gazebo with integrated glow

(Image credit: Cuckooland)

If you're looking for a stylish freestanding gazebo for your backyard hosting choose one with remote-controlled LED mood lighting strips around the perimeter of the roof. It's an automatic, hassle-free option that adds instant glow. The LED strips come in multi-colored or white options, and are easily adjusted with a remote control. 

You can also set the lights to automatically change color periodically (great for parties!) or keep them one color. The lights are dimmable according to your desired brightness requirements and can be changed to set the mood for the occasion. Gazebo lighting like this requires an electricity socket for the lights to be activated. 

8. Illuminate a gazebo with hanging lights

(Image credit: Sparkle Lighting)

Outdoor hanging lights including garden lanterns and pendant lights come in a huge range of styles, finishes and colors so can be used in gazebos to create just about any vibe you like. They are great clustered together to form a statement look.

Some styles plug into an electricity supply, but if you’re unable to connect your outdoor lamps to a power source, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Instead, why not pick one of the many battery-powered pendant lamps? Another option is solar garden lighting ideas that automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn as no power source is required.

First and foremost, the gazebo structure you are suspending the lighting from needs to be able to take the weight of the light fitting itself, especially if you're planning a look like this one where you hang multiple lights together. Then all you need to do is determine the best design to accentuate your gazebo's charms.

9. Pick a subtle and sophisticated look

(Image credit: Johner Images/Alamy Stock Photo)

If you're looking to decorate your outdoor dining space for a special al fresco meal often a few strands of string lights is all that's needed to give things a lift. Perhaps a discreet touch of sparkle rather than full-on spotlights is more your thing anyway.

String lights are one of the best lighting ideas for a gazebo if you want to generate a romantic, ethereal atmosphere. These tiny LED lights are best added to the gazebo by wrapping them around the overhead beams. 

'Using string lights is one of the best ways to add a romantic and atmospheric feel to your night-time entertaining,' says interior designer Sanel Konyar. 'Choosing a solar light design makes them practical and economical, especially where electricity sources are limited.' 

(Image credit: Tetra Images LLC/Alamy Stock Photo)

If you really want to elevate your look above every other gazebo on the block make sure you choose lighting ideas that create a real sense of occasion. And if you're going to do it, do it well.

If you're planning to install a chandelier in your gazebo that's wired into an electrical supply make sure you buy one that is suitable. Choose a chandelier made of weather resistant material, and safety approved for outdoor use. 

Your outdoor chandelier should come with a sealed circuit to avoid moisture affecting the fittings. It should have a rubber coated switch and heavy duty cord. Once you've ticked off these you're ready to start hanging your chandelier.

Check the roof of your gazebo will carry the weight. Install a sturdy metal hook into the roof of your gazebo so the chandelier can be hung securely. Make sure each wire  is the same length so the chandelier hangs evenly. For chandeliers hung in the center of gazebos, the lowest point should be about seven feet from the ground to reduce the risk of taller guests bumping their heads!

How do you hang string lights on a gazebo?

'The most difficult part of hanging string lights is ensuring the wire is free of knots and that the lights are spaced evenly,' says Sam Richards of Gazeboshop. Here are his suggestions on the easiest way to hang a string of lights for successful gazebo lighting ideas:

  1. Measure the path the lights will follow along the structure of the gazebo and check you have enough.
  2. Choose a pattern that will mean your lights will be evenly spaced.
  3. Untangle your lights.
  4. Choose your hanging method of choice. You may use a staple gun to hang your lights, hooks or Blu-Tack. If you do choose to staple your lights, ensure the staple does not go through the wire!
  5. Start hanging from the furthest point and work your way in, this way you won't have spare lights left over at the end.
  6. Check your lights are secure and switch on!

How do you use lanterns to light a gazebo?

If you want to find out how to use lanterns to light a gazebo remember this simple fact: you can never have enough! Add them to your dining table, side tables and the floor to layer up a look and create a welcoming mood.

'Lanterns are a great addition to outdoor spaces and in particular for gazebos as they help to define the edges of the space, much as a wall light would do indoors,' says Juliette Thomas of Juliettes Interiors . 'Just because you’re not inside, it doesn’t mean you don’t need to accessorize your space. 

'Cozy it up with lots of lanterns and decorative pieces to create a zoned space that feels both intimate and welcoming. Scatter lanterns around to light up areas such as the entrance to the gazebo, which need to be seen, or group them together to create a focal point.'

Lifestyle journalist Sarah Wilson has been writing about gardens since 2015. She's written for Gardeningetc.com, Livingetc, Homes & Gardens, Easy Gardens and Modern Gardens magazines. Her first job on glossy magazines was at Elle, during which time a visit to the legendary La Colombe d'Or in St-Paul-de-Vence led to an interest in all things gardening. Later as lifestyle editor at Country Homes & Interiors magazine the real pull was the run of captivating country gardens that were featured. 

22 Awesome Gazebo Lighting Ideas for Backyard

Looking for some gazebo lighting ideas as inspiration for your home lighting?

You’ve come to the right place.

The gazebo is a wonderful sanctuary within your garden that can be utilized for a wide range of occasions and even to unwind after a long day at work.

The serene lush surroundings and peaceful environment make the gazebo a great part of your home. That said, it’s important to light up your gazebo in the right style to accentuate its look and beautify it.

The lighting needs to be trendy and must bring out the best in your gazebo.

To help you with it all, we’ve put together a list of the best gazebo lighting ideas for your backyard.

Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

Best Gazebo Lighting Ideas for Your Home

Here are the best gazebo lighting ideas that you can leverage to beautify your home.

1. Sphere Farmhouse Flush Light Fixture – 4 Lights

There’s nothing quite as stunning as a farmhouse-meets-industrial style lighting fixture. And this one blends both the elements seamlessly to give your gazebo the look it deserves.

The globe-shaped semi-flush mount fixture has two metal spheres with a faux wood finish and they’re held by a single sphere with a black metallic finish.

What more?

The four uplighting bulbs can give your gazebo ample ambient light and make it one of the best ideas for your gazebo lighting.

2. Brass Industrial Globe Hallway Flush Mount Ceiling Light

This flush mount gazebo lighting fixture makes for a great centerpiece and is among the best lighting ideas for it.

The bold atom design with the crisscrossing of various spherical metallic rings adds a hint of drama and makes it one of the best ideas for your gazebo.

The golden color ensures that the light emanating from it reflects well all across the gazebo as well.

3. Square Cage Rustic Flush Mount Ceiling Fixture – 2 Light

Fancy something a little more on the rustic side? This wood beaded chandelier with its boho look is the right choice for you.

One of the best lighting ideas for your gazebo, this flush mount fixture features elegantly draped beads that diffuse the light and reflect it with their bright color as well.

It’s the one piece you need to uplift the look of your gazebo in seconds.

4. Bronze Industrial Mason Jar Semi-flush Ceiling Fixture – 5 Lights 

Nothing comes quite close to mason jars when it comes to lighting ideas. These bespoke jars give your gazebo a much-needed farmhouse look and make a rustic statement as well.

Each jar contains a single light bulb and elegantly hangs from the ceiling, giving you powerful ambient lighting.

What makes it one of the best lighting ideas, though, is the fact that you can adjust the height of the cords. However, try not to mount it on a sloped ceiling in your gazebo.

5. Hemp Rope Farmhouse Metal Drum Semi-flush Mount Ceiling Light 

One of the best lighting ideas for your gazebo has to be this rustic-looking semi-flush mount lighting fixture.

With four uplighting bulbs, this fixture is suspended by two curved arms and the drum shade comes with hemp rope wrapping that gives it a farmhouse look.

The metallic elements also bring in the industrial look that blends in seamlessly with the farmhouse look to give you a classy fixture for your gazebo.

6. Wood Finish Black Metal Mesh Semi-flush Mount Ceiling Light 

If you fancy industrial lighting ideas, you’re going to love this light fixture in your gazebo. The drum shade with its grill covers the light bulbs and gives an industrial look to it.

Additionally, the fixture is suspended from the semi-flush mount with two arms with a wood grain finish. The same applies to the bottom accent as well. Finally, the bulb holders, with their black metallic finish serve as the cherry on the icing.

7. White Wood Farmhouse Orb Dining Room Chandelier 

Do you prefer a rustic laid-back vibe for your gazebo? This lighting fixture is one of the best ideas for you then.

Crafted from fine distressed wood and metal, this outdoor chandelier features an open cage shade that’s made with quatrefoil wood frames.

The bulb holders are suspended by a metallic rod and finished in a rusty dark brown shade to give a vintage look. You can easily adjust the hanging height of this chandelier as well.

8. Distressed French-inspired Wooden Chandelier – 9 Lights 

This chandelier is the epitome of luxury and can bring that vibe to your gazebo as well. Featuring nine candelabra-inspired lights, this wooden chandelier, with its textured arms can give ample ambient lighting.

What makes this one of the best lighting ideas is also the fact that it’s corrosion and insect-proof, making it perfect for an outdoor space like the gazebo.

9. Industrial Bronze Mini Bell Glass Kitchen Island Pendant Light 

As the name itself suggests this is a lighting fixture for the outdoors. With its matte black finish and the clear tempered glass panel, it ensures maximum light transmittance.

What makes it even better is the ease with which you can replace the bulb as the bottom of the rectangular shade is open. You can easily adjust the height of these hanging lights in the gazebo as well, making it one of the best lighting ideas for you.

10. Farmhouse Cylinder Shape Hemp Rope Glass Pendant Light

This lighting fixture is suspended by a rope-wrapped cord that gives it a farmhouse look. The elegantly finished clear cylindrical glass shade ensures maximum light transmittance and adds a modern vibe to your gazebo too.

But what makes it one of the best lighting ideas for your home is the dimming function that it offers when paired with a compatible dimmer and dimmable bulbs.

11. Modern Outdoor Pendant Light Fixture for Front Porch 

If you want a vintage-meets-modern look for your gazebo, this pendant light should be your go-to choice for a light fixture. The crisscross accent and the impurity-free seeded glass add drama to your space.

Additionally, the matte black finish of the trapezoidal shade further adds to the beauty of this piece and makes it an ideal addition to your gazebo.

12. Seeded Glass Shade Moravian Star Pendant Light (16 inch) 

A Moravian star can go perfectly well with pretty much any space in your home and that’s why it’s one of the best gazebo lighting ideas.

The 16-inch size makes it perfect for outdoor lighting for your gazebo and adds to its character as well.

What’s more?

The seeded glass further adds to its appeal and gives it a modern touch to make it one of the best lighting ideas for your home.

13. Gold Light Moravian Star Pendant Chandelier with Seeded Glass (13 Inch) 

If you’re interested in a golden glow for your gazebo, look no further than this Moravian star pendant chandelier. Crafted with fine seeded glass and finished exquisitely in a rust-proof gold finish, this is one of the best lighting ideas to watch out for.

It’s the perfect piece to give a boho-chic appearance to your living space as well. Add to that the ease of replacing the bulb with the hinged access door and you’ve got quite the recipe to beautify your gazebo.

14. Distressed Wood Dining Pendant Chandelier – 6 Lights 

If you prefer more vintage lighting ideas for your outdoor space, this distressed wood dining pendant chandelier is the perfect piece for you.

It exudes a simplistic but luxurious vibe with its wavy arms given a wooden finish. Add to that the bulb holders that resemble candle holders of the past with impressions of melted wax and you’ve got quite the lighting fixture to add to the beauty of your gazebo.

15. Farmhouse Wood Pendant Light Distressed Off-White 

This distressed off-white farmhouse wood pendant light comes with a vintage style frame that’s finished with blackish tinges to give the old-world charm to it.

The curvy wooden scrolling arms can go perfectly well with the ambiance and makes this oneof the best lighting ideas for your gazebo.

Finally, it’s the metallic bulb holder and the downlighting bulb that steals the show here and makes it a must-have piece for your gazebo.

16. Distressed Brown Farmhouse Metal Wood Cage Hanging Pendant Light 

This lighting fixture gives you the perfect mix of farmhouse and industrial design with its wooden and metallic elements and is one of the best lighting ideas for your gazebo. The wooden base and top are connected with a metallic cage that surrounds the downlighting bulb.

The bulb itself is plugged into a bulb holder with a golden finish that can further add to the glimmer that comes from this light fixture.

The ease of changing the bulb makes this one of the best gazebo lighting ideas.

17. Farmhouse Semi-flush Mount Ceiling Chandelier

This semi-flush mount lighting fixture is easily one of the best ideas for gazebo lighting with its four uplighting bulbs and farmhouse and industrial elements.

The two wooden rings of this fixture are connected by four metallic rods that curve up further and get connected to the semi-flush mount.

Add to this the uplighting bulbs that are mounted on metallic bulb holders and you’ve already got one of the best lighting ideas for your gazebo right there.

18. Brown Rustic Oak Wood Farmhouse Round-shaped Ceiling Light 

This flush ceiling mount light fixture is one of the best lighting ideas for your gazebo and is finished in a trapezoid drum shade and comes with a distressed brown finish.

The wire cage shade with its semigloss black finish combines with the wooden finish to give you the old-world charm.

The three bulbs can be placed horizontally in the lighting fixture and this ensures that the light can be diffused well throughout the gazebo and that’s why it’s one of the best lighting ideas for it.

19. Wooden Farmhouse Flush Mount Ceiling Fixture – 2 Lights 

If you wish to add a lighting fixture with a minimalistic design to your gazebo, this is likely one of  the best lighting ideas for you. It’s a simple flush mount ceiling fixture with two bulbs facing opposite directions to give the best lighting in your gazebo.

Additionally, it’s made with two wooden rings that are held by 3 metallic clamps that are given a black finish. These metallic clamps are connected to the flush mount that’s finished in black too.

It’s especially one of the best lighting ideas for your gazebo if it has a lower height.

20. Farmhouse Walnut Wood Industrial Pendant Light 

One of the best lighting ideas for your gazebo, this light walnut wood frame pendant light has two rotatable circles—one wooden and the other metallic. This gives you the industrial-meets-farmhouse feel.

The single downlighting bulb is also perfect for delivering powerful light to your table in the gazebo. Add to that the adjustable chain height and you’ve got a great combo for your gazebo. This chain can be used to really focus the lighting on your table or diffuse it throughout the gazebo.

21. Farmhouse 6 Lights Black Wagon Wheel Pendant Light

This farmhouse chandelier is one of the best lighting ideas for your gazebo and is bound to become the centerpiece of attraction when installed.

The six uplighting bulbs with glass shades add to the drama and the circular arrangement of these lights makes the light an absolute stunner.

What’s more?

The mix of the wooden and metallic elements, especially the three metallic arms, makes this a striking lighting fixture that is ideal for a gazebo.

22. Industrial Wood Grain Metal Drum Shade Semi-flush Ceiling Light 

This drum shade semi-flush mount ceiling light is one of the best lighting ideas for your gazebo if you want to give it a regal feel. The finely finished wood and black metallic frame combine to create a stunning piece that will serve as the center of your gazebo.

The three light bulbs are arranged horizontally and face three directions at 120-degrees each. This, in turn, helps you diffuse lighting throughout the gazebo well and that’s why it’s one of the best lighting ideas for it.

FAQ

1. How do you light a gazebo?

Here are a variety of lighting ideas for your gazebo:

2. What lights can I put in my gazebo?

You can put the following types of lights in your gazebo:

3. How do you light the inside of a gazebo?

You can light the inside of a gazebo by using a variety of lighting fixtures. You can either use individual light fixtures or a combination of them based on the size of your gazebo.

4. What are the best gazebo lights?

The best gazebo lighting ideas are:

5. How do you make a pop-up gazebo look nice?

Here are some ways through which you can make the pop-up gazebo look nice:

6. How do you decorate a gazebo for Christmas?

You can implement festive holiday decor with these ideas:

Final Thoughts

The gazebo is a great area where you can unwind and relax and that’s why it’s essential to create a great atmosphere there. This is where lighting ideas can help you.

Choose from any of these lighting fixtures based on your taste and needs and take the first step in beautifying your gazebo.

And if you’re looking for more options, don’t forget to check out Claxy for our exclusive lighting fixture collection for your home and office.

Place of installation: Gazebo; Type: Street lamps

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Lighting in the gazebo: diagrams, photos, installation

Contents

Making lighting in the gazebo with your own hands is actually quite simple, it is much more difficult to choose the right lamps and connect everything together. It is about the difficult moments that we will talk about in this article, you will learn how to think over the scheme and find the best lighting option for yourself.

Ways to install lamps in the gazebo

The layout of the installation will depend on what kind of lighting you choose for yourself. We cannot recommend a specific option, because here it is worth taking into account many factors. In order not to make a mistake, read the article: how to organize lighting in the country.

Installation of spotlights

They are installed around the entire perimeter of the ceiling. It is necessary to maintain a distance of one meter between each other, if the ceiling is too small, it can be reduced.

Benefits:

  1. Easy to install.
  2. Create good light.
  3. Save electricity.
  4. Do not take up much space.

We recommend using LED spotlights in such a scheme, they have excellent characteristics.

Concealed ceiling suspension

The method can be called modern in lighting a summerhouse, you can read more about installation in the article on how to install an LED strip on the ceiling. Such a backlight will create a cozy atmosphere, the light will not hit your eyes, look at the lighting in the gazebo photo.

There is also a significant disadvantage - the light will not be too bright, so reading a book or doing smaller works will not work. But, if you add one lamp in the middle of the ceiling, then you will correct the situation.

 Sconce for gazebo 

They are mounted on the sides, creating beautiful light and a romantic atmosphere. You can experiment a little, for this it is enough to use shades of different colors. The backlight in this case will be unusual and colorful.

If you want to make the lighting in the gazebo without wires, then you can buy a sconce with built-in batteries. Of course, the method is not the best, but if you rarely come to your dacha, then it can be called good. After all, they can be easily removed and reinstalled.

Chandelier in the gazebo

If you prefer more simple ways, then the most ordinary chandelier will fit easily. Just do not forget about the distance to the floor, and the installation location is strictly in the middle of the gazebo.

Summer gazebo lighting options

You must clearly understand that you need to cover deliberately. If you like to just sit in a gazebo in a romantic setting - make dim lighting, if you are going to do small work, then the light should be bright. Do not forget that you can combine everything with each other. For example, you can create general lighting in the form of a chandelier and additional LED.

Local lighting in the gazebo

In this case, the light falls only on a certain area, to create such lighting, you can use small chandeliers or ordinary light bulbs. Remember, the switch must turn on all the lights individually. If you want to create romance - turn on one, full light - turn on everything.

Decorative

It does not carry a specific meaning, it only adds beauty to the gazebo in the dark. To make such lighting in the gazebo, you can use the following fixtures:

  1. LED strips.

    Learn more