If you own an outdoor gazebo, then you probably already realize how useful the structure can be, not only for daytime use, but also when the sun goes down. Gazebos provide the perfect spot for entertaining, dining and relaxing, and can be used almost like an outdoor room due to their protective overhead covering. One way to really get the most use out of your outdoor gazebo is with the installation of gazebo lights. By adding a few well placed lights, you can create any mood you want – whether you are looking for a festive party atmosphere or an intimate setting just for two.
When it comes to choosing and installing gazebo lights, you have a number of different options available – and the good news is that installation is relatively simple so you can cross this DIY project quickly off your to-do list. In this article, we’ll run down a few different styles of gazebo lighting and we’ll explain the basics of installing each type of lighting style.
Solar Gazebo Lights
Many styles of lights for gazebos use solar power. This is good for a couple of reasons. For one, you don’t have to worry about running up your electric bill whenever you turn on the lights or finding an electrical outlet to plug your gazebo light into. Another great feature of solar gazebo lighting? They’re a breeze to install! Just place the lights wherever you want them and make sure the solar panel is pointed towards the sun. It really is that simple.
Battery Operated Gazebo Lights
Another easy way to install lights in and around your gazebo is by using battery powered gazebo lighting. Like their solar counterparts, you simply need to place the lights where they need to go and flip the switch to turn them on. The only trouble with these lights is that you may have to change the battery fairly often.
Electrical Powered Gazebo Lights
Of course, you can always plug your outdoor gazebo lighting into an electrical outlet. If you plan to keep the lights up permanently, it is best to run an electrical line and install an outlet near your gazebo so the lights can easily be plugged in right at the source. If you don’t already have power running to the location of your gazebo, then handling the electrical work is best left to a professional, unless you have some experience with electrical work. If you are only using these lights on occasion, such as for a party or an intimate dinner, you can always run an extension cord and use that to plug in the gazebo lights, but just be careful that the cords do not become a tripping hazard and that they are intended for outdoor use.
Styles of Outdoor Gazebo Lights
Aside from the different ways you can power your gazebo lights, you also have a number of different decorative options as well. These include:
- Gazebo string lights – Probably the most popular style of gazebo lighting is string lights. These lights can easily be wound around the posts of the gazebo or can be draped along the top edge of the gazebo canopy. They can be clear white lights, colored lights, globe lights, or can even have festive motif light covers, such as those with a tropical or Mexican theme.
- Gazebo lantern lighting – Another option is to hang a few decorative lantern lights along the top edges of your gazebo. These can be individual lantern lights, or they can be a string of lanterns. This type of gazebo hanging light can be delicate and romantic, or it can be bold and festive. Whichever way you choose to go, gazebo lantern lights can really set the mood for your outdoor area.
- Gazebo chandeliers – Yes, you really can hang a chandelier from inside your gazebo, and doing so truly makes a grand and elegant statement! Don’t go with anything too fragile in case it blows in the wind, but you can find small outdoor chandeliers that will work perfectly as an outdoor gazebo light.
- Landscape spot lights – This last type of gazebo lighting is not intended to be hung directly from the gazebo itself, but is rather intended to be positioned in the landscaping around the gazebo area. By placing spot lights nearby and pointing them up at the gazebo, you can add interesting lighting effects to your entertaining space and can really make your gazebo the central focus of your backyard.
There are many options when it comes to choosing and installing outdoor gazebo lights. And the best thing about these outdoor lights is that you can’t go wrong, no matter what type of lights you choose! Most DIY gazebo light installation projects will only take you minutes to complete, which is an added bonus. That means you can spend the rest of the afternoon sipping an ice cold lemonade and waiting for the sun to go down so you can admire your new gazebo with lights!
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