Lighting for outdoor locations like pergolas, pavilions, and gazebos are often not quite as straightforward as fully enclosed structures. In outdoor spaces, lights need to be able to withstand environments with moisture, and hiding electrical wires is often more difficult than in indoor areas. This is why it’s essential to choose lighting solutions that are not only durable and weather resistant - but also aesthetically pleasing and easy to install.

Why LED Lighting In Your Pergola

Adding LED lighting to your pergola enhances safety, extends your outdoor activities, and increases the beauty of your space. With LED lights, you can enjoy your pergola well into the night, making it an ideal spot for hosting events, playing yard games, grilling, and spending quality time with loved ones, no matter what time it is.

Proper outdoor lighting also increases the security of your yard. A well-lit pergola can deter animals and potential intruders. LED lights also help create a warm and inviting atmosphere - transforming your pergola into the stunning focal point in your yard you’d hoped it would be.

Pergola, Pavilion, Gazebo Ceiling Lighting

Adjustable White and Static White Ultra-Thin Can-Free LED Recessed Lights

Ultra-Thin low-profile lights create a distinctive look that's hard to replicate with other products. Traditional can lights are impractical for pergolas, gazebos, and pavilions due to their complex installation requirements. However, our Adjustable White Ultra-Thin and Static White Ultra-Thin recessed lights can be installed almost anywhere. At less than an inch thick, these fixtures don’t require a can and use a simple, innovative spring clip mechanism for ceiling installation. These lights are easily dimmable and come in a variety of sizes, offering versatility for your installation.

Round Recessed LED Lights

Our round recessed LED lights offer the same can-free design as our ultra-thin fixtures, but with added flexibility in trim color, voltage, and beam angle. Some models feature a gimbal for beam direction adjustment, making them perfect for sloped ceilings. Our 4.2-inch Recessed Light is an excellent choice. Its shallow heat sink design fits seamlessly into most pergola beams, providing a sleek and unobtrusive lighting solution. The 3.5” Recessed lights are also available in color-changing recessed variations for unique theme and scene customization.

Pergola Accent Lighting

Strip Lighting

LED strip lights are ideal for under cabinets, under counters, task, and toe kick lighting in pergolas and pavilions with integrated grills and kitchens, especially when paired with aluminum mounting channels. Perfect for edge glow, and accent lighting, our flexible strip lights are dimmable and available in outdoor/waterproof versions in both single color and color-changing options, multiple brightness levels, and 12VDC or 24VDC. Our top choice for outdoor strip lighting is the W-Series RGBW 4-in-1 Color Changing Flexible LED Strip Light. This versatile option combines RGB and white into a single LED chip, resulting in even lighting and reduced hotspots to help limit the appearance of dots. It's perfect for creating vibrant and customizable lighting effects.

In-Ground Lights

Enhance the ambiance of your space with in-ground lights for additional accent lighting. These can be installed in concrete or soil (direct burial). For in-ground lighting, we recommend our Medium In-Ground/In-Wall LED Light - Ultra Bright. This powerful fixture provides exceptional brightness, making it ideal for accentuating your pergola and surrounding landscape. These lights come with built-in long-life LEDs, eliminating the need to replace bulbs. These fixtures are available in both single color and color changing in-ground varieties.

Types Of Pergola Installations

The two most popular types of pergolas are constructed from either aluminum or wood. Each type has unique installation considerations to consider when selecting your LED lighting products.

For aluminum pergolas, strip lights, recessed lights, and in-ground fixtures are perfect for illumination. Waterproof strip lights are ideal for accent lighting and can be installed on top of the canopy facing down or along the interior sides of the pergola. Recessed lights can be used for general area lighting if the pergola has enclosed beams. In-ground fixtures are excellent for adding ambiance and can be installed in concrete or soil for direct burial.

For wooden pergolas, recessed lighting is not common due to structural limitations, making strip lights the best option for illumination. LED Strip lights can be installed on top of the canopy or along the sides of the pergola structure, providing stunning accent lighting. For a diffused look, strip lights can be installed using aluminum mounting channels along with mounting clips.

By choosing the right lighting fixtures, you can enhance the beauty and functionality of both aluminum and wooden pergolas.

Weather Factors to Consider with Pergola Lighting

Before purchasing LED lighting fixtures for your pergola, it's crucial to select fixtures designed to withstand wet, harsh outdoor conditions. Using waterproof fixtures rated IP68 is essential for ensuring the durability and performance of your lighting system.

When installing recessed lighting fixtures, it's important to protect the backside of the fixture and the external driver from moisture. To achieve this, use waterproof enclosures and sealing techniques to keep moisture and debris out.

For strip lights, choose IP68-rated strip lights to ensure they are protected from moisture and have a long lifespan. Seal any connections between the strip lights and the power source with waterproof end caps, heat shrink tubing, and RTV silicone to prevent moisture intrusion. Additionally, avoid placing strip lights in direct sunlight, as the sun's heat can cause them to overheat.

Final Thoughts

With the perfect LED lighting, you can transform your outdoor space into a safe, functional, and entertaining area. Whether you're aiming to increase the aesthetic appeal, add task lighting, or improve safety, selecting the right lighting solutions is essential. With top product recommendations, such as the W-Series RGB 4-in-1 strip light for vibrant effects, and the medium in-ground ultra-bright light for accentuating landscapes, you can create a beautifully lit outdoor oasis.