Gazebo Lighting Ideas: Five Innovative Ways to Brighten your Backyard Gazebo

April 6, 2023 Shed Blog

In the summertime, the beautiful gazebo in your backyard may be the ideal hangout spot for you and your family. Unfortunately, when it gets dark outside, the gazebo may not be as comfortable a place anymore to finish your late-night conversations. Deciding on the proper lighting for your gazebo can sometimes be a hard decision. Let’s discover some ways to brighten your favorite backyard gazebo and “enlighten” you with some of the best gazebo lighting ideas.

Gazebo Lighting Ideas: String Lights

One popular way to light an outdoor structure like a gazebo is to hang string lights from the rafters or the perimeter of the roof. String lights add a cozy atmosphere and look beautiful in the dark.

Pros of Using String Lights

Create a warm and inviting ambiance
LED String Lights are more energy efficient than traditional incandescent lightbulbs
Attractive and flexible to install

Cons of Using String Lights

Not as weather resistant, especially in harsh weather conditions
May require more maintenance like bulb replacement and regular cleaning
Installation may be time-consuming and tedious to ensure lights are hung properly and don’t fall

Steps to Install String Lights in your Gazebo

Measure the length and width of your gazebo to determine how many string lights you will need.
Buy some durable string lights that are suitable for the outdoors and can withstand different weather conditions. ( Consider using LED string lights)
Determine where you want to hang your lights (around the perimeter, along the beams, etc.)
Secure the lights with nails, hooks, or some kind of attachment, and check to make sure they are secure.
Test the lights to ensure they are all working well.

Gazebo Lighting Ideas: Spotlights

Another one of the best gazebo lighting ideas is spotlights. If your gazebo is the pride and joy of your backyard, consider making it a focal point by setting up spotlights to shine on your gazebo. Spotlights may create some great lighting for your gazebo, but be sure to determine exactly where you want them first!

Pros of Using Spotlights

Increased visibility for your gazebo
Spotlight lighting can improve the security of your backyard and deter intruders
Durable and low maintenance, built for outdoor weather, and not requiring a lot of maintenance

Cons of Using Spotlights

Expensive upfront, especially if installation requires an electrician
Potential glare from spotlights can be frustrating but avoidable with lower-watt bulbs
Bright lights can be a nuisance to the neighbors and may scare off wildlife

Steps to Install Spotlights (May Require Electrical Help)

Determine the exact location for your spotlights.
Gather all necessary tools, drills, screws, wiring, and fixtures.
Install the wiring: If your gazebo does not have wiring, you will need to run wiring from your home’s electrical panel to the gazebo. ( It might be a good idea to hire an electrician to do the electrical work)
Use the manual’s instructions if you need to, and mount the spotlight fixtures.
Connect the wiring from the fixtures to the wiring in your gazebo.
Test the spotlights and ensure they are working properly.
Secure the wiring and remove all hazardous materials.

Did you know that Timberline Barns offers gazebos with an electrical package to save you the electrical hassle when installing lights?

See Timberline Gazebos

Gazebo Lighting Ideas: Candles

One of the more primitive gazebo lighting ideas is the use of candles. Whether you decide to use battery-operated candles or real candles with wicks, they will add a cozy and romantic atmosphere to your gazebo. There are many kinds of beautiful candles available, and if you are not comfortable with using real candles ( as they can be a fire hazard), there are other types of candles, like LED candles, that will add the same ambiance. Let’s look at the pros and cons.

Pros of Using Candles

Portable and easy to move from place to place
Scented candles can add a nice aromatic touch to your gazebo
Adds a Minimalistic and elegant look to your gazebo

Cons of Using Candles

Real candles can cause a fire hazard, especially when placed close to decor or not set properly
Limited life and duration (batteries die and candles run out of wax)
Candles generally create poor lighting

Steps to Light your Gazebo with Candles

Find some candles that you like. (check out your options well)
Find a safe and effective place to put them in your gazebo.
Maintain them well, trim the wick, change the batteries, etc.

Gazebo Lighting Ideas: Lanterns

If you are looking for more gazebo lighting ideas with a warm, cozy vibe, lanterns are another lighting option. Like candles, there are many, many different kinds of lanterns available. From globe lanterns to antique lanterns, there are many different styles you may choose from. Unlike a lot of candles, lanterns can generally be hung somewhere in your gazebo, from hooks in the corners, for example. Do a bit of research to find just the right fit of the lantern for your gazebo.

Pros of Using Lanterns

Lanterns are very versatile and come in a wide range of options to fit your needs
Easy to use and require minimal setup
Generally durable and made from strong materials to withstand the outdoors

Cons of Using Lanterns

Tends to be more expensive than using string lights or candles
Require some maintenance and upkeep after set up
Can be a fire hazard if used with real candles

Steps to Light your Gazebo with Lanterns

Find the lanterns best for your gazebo.
Install hooks or find somewhere durable to hang them.
Regularly check their oil levels, candles, batteries, etc.

Gazebo Lighting Ideas: Solar-Powered Lights

Probably one of the most eco-friendly gazebo lighting ideas is to use solar lights. Solar lights come in many forms, string lights, lanterns, solar lamps etc. Because of that, the style of light you choose is virtually endless. Solar lights are powered by the sun, meaning they come with a unique list of pros and cons.

Pros of using Solar Lights

Eco-friendly and don’t require the use of electricity
No ongoing costs after the initial purchase
Easy to install and low maintenance

Cons of Using Solar Lights

Dependent on sunlight to get enough charge ( not a good idea for dark places)
Can be vulnerable to harsh weather conditions or animals
Initial cost tends to be more expensive

Steps to Light your Gazebo with Solar Lights

Determine the kind of lighting you need and find the right solar lights for those needs.
Follow the manual’s directions to install your lights.
Charge your lights in a sunny area, and test them to see if they work properly.
Once your lights are charged and installed, adjust them to the position you want.
Maintain your lights and solar panels, keeping them free from dirt and other things that can keep them from charging properly.

Gazebo Lighting Ideas: Chandeliers

One of the most beautiful gazebo lighting ideas is using a chandelier. Chandeliers are lovely ornamental lights that add a classy touch to any space. There are many types of chandeliers for your gazebo, like minimalistic modern chandeliers, antler chandeliers, and rustic chandeliers. Whatever kind of vibe you are going for in your gazebo, there is a chandelier style to fit it.

Pros of Using Chandeliers

Outdoor chandeliers come in a variety of styles and add an elegant look to your gazebo
Generally provide adequate lighting for your gazebo
Chandeliers are usually low maintenance and only require bulb changing and routine cleaning

Cons of Using Chandeliers

Chandeliers require electrical wiring, and installation can be a bit complicated
Chandeliers can attract insects like flies and moths
They can be more fragile and not as weather resistant

Steps to Light your Gazebo with Chandeliers

Decide on the right chandelier/s for your gazebo.
Find a spot in your gazebo to hang your chandelier somewhere close to an outlet or wiring.
Measure the space to ensure your chandelier will fit properly.
Install the chandelier according to the manual’s instructions. (mounting the chandelier and wiring it)
Test the chandelier by turning on the power to ensure its working properly.

Find your Dream Gazebo with Timberline Barns

gazebo lighting ideas gazebos from timberline

The list of gazebo lighting ideas may be virtually endless in reality, but the truth is, the lighting in your gazebo is only as beautiful as the gazebo itself. Timberline Barns offers a large variety of wooden and vinyl gazebos for your outdoor area. We offer many different design options for your gazebo like the following: