LED Lighting for Pergolas & Your Garden: Examples & Suggestions
Evenings in the garden hit differently when the lights click on. Built-in lighting can transform a standard pergola into an after-dark destination in its own right for long dinners or casual late-night chats with a glass of wine. Once seen as a luxury extra, integrated lighting has quickly become a staple of modern pergola design, with sleek LED strips and statement pendants topping UK garden upgrade lists.
Learn how a pergola with lighting can elevate both function and mood, explore 15 creative pergola with LED lights ideas to suit different garden styles, and get a realistic breakdown of what a fitted system might cost before investing.
Pergola lighting overview
A pergola with built-in lighting has lights fitted neatly into its frame as part of its design. Wiring, fittings and controls are tucked away, weatherproofed and positioned so they feel like part of the architecture rather than an afterthought. The result is a streamlined, modern finish with no messy cables or bulky add-ons that spoil the view.
Unlike temporary fairy lights hastily draped overhead or plug-in lamps that you need to set up, built-in systems are made to handle the ever-changing, year-round British weather, providing reliable performance without constant replacements.
Common built-in lighting styles include:
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LED strips: Slim, energy-efficient lines of light along beams for an even glow.
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Ambient fixtures: Soft, diffused lighting for a relaxed, evening-ready atmosphere.
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Spotlights: Focused beams to highlight plants, furniture or a feature wall.
What are the benefits of a pergola with built-in lighting?
A pergola with built-in lighting is a stylish, low-maintenance upgrade that can make your outdoor space more enjoyable.
Create evenings you want to stay out for
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Transforms a pergola into a destination for dinners, wine nights or solo reading under the stars.
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Encourages year-round garden use, even when the days get shorter.
Lower long-term costs
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Avoid buying separate lighting fixtures or weatherproof cabling.
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LED technology keeps energy use minimal, reducing bills without dimming quality.
Built to battle the British weather
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Specially designed for outdoor use, the fittings stand up to rain, wind and seasonal changes.
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Lasts longer than portable lighting, which often needs regular replacing.
Looks that last
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Clean, streamlined design with no messy wires or plug-in units getting in the way of the aesthetic.
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The lighting is intentionally positioned to complement the structure and highlight key features without glare.
Ready when you are
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Simple to operate with built-in switches or remote systems.
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Always ready to go, with no untangling of cables or finding plug sockets in the dark.
15 examples of garden & pergola lighting
Lighting makes a pergola feel like the heart of the garden once the sun sets. A soft ambience draws friends and family in, while focused beams can turn your pergola into a centre stage for cooking, lazy evenings or showcasing plants. These 15 creative ways to illuminate your pergola will ensure your space glows all year round.
1. Integrated LED strip lighting
PergoSTET Plus 3m x 4m Rectangular Pergola with 3 Drop Sides and LED Lighting in Grey - £3,999.00
Running slim LED strips along beams or framing creates a gentle, even wash of light across your pergola. Discreet during daylight, they transform the structure into a cosy focal point by night. Setting the scene together with a lounge set or outdoor sofa, a pergola with LED lights creates a go-to space for drinks, conversation or quiet time after work, and their low power consumption means hours of ambience without a spike in your power bill.
2. Dimmable LED strips with remote control
PergoSTET Plus 3m x 3m Square Pergola with 3 Drop Sides and LED Lighting with Wood Effect - £3,799
Adjust brightness to match the mood without leaving your seat. A brighter setting helps with board games or preparing food, while a softer glow invites quiet conversation and a slower pace. A coffee table, soft outdoor cushions and a thick outdoor rug under bare feet and slippers complete the living-room feel, but with fresh air overhead.
3. Colour-changing RGB LED strips
PergoSTET Plus 3m x 4m Rectangular Pergola with 3 Drop Sides and LED Lighting in Grey - £3,999.00
For a playful edge, RGB strips cycle through a spectrum of colours to suit the occasion. Calming deep blues and greens work for unwinding after work, while vibrant bright reds or purples can set the tone for celebrations. Finish with an outdoor speaker and relaxed garden sofa set for a natural gathering point for family or friends.
4. Warm white ambient downlights
A warm white glow can make every surface feel more inviting. Downlights placed strategically around the pergola give a flattering light that’s perfect for relaxed evenings. Over a dining table, it makes food look delicious and keeps the mood mellow. Above a lounge area, it’s gentle enough to make people want to stay well past bedtime.
5. Cool white task downlights
PergoSTET Plus 3m x 3m Square Pergola with 3 Drop Sides and LED Lighting in White - £3,599.00
Cooler-toned lighting suits tasks that demand precision. Whether chopping vegetables or playing cards after dark, the crisp brightness keeps visibility high without feeling too stark. In sleek aluminium pergola designs, the crisp light emphasises contemporary lines, with the cool tone adding to the modern aesthetic.
6. Spotlights for outdoor kitchens or BBQ areas
Paulmann - Plug & Shine Outdoor Plantini 2W LED Individual Spotlight in Anthracite - £39.99
Focused spotlights make outdoor cooking effortless after sunset. Angled directly onto prep counters or a grill, they illuminate without spilling too much light into the rest of the pergola. Guests can still enjoy a low-glow elsewhere, so the atmosphere keeps the mood cosy while the cooking space remains practical for al fresco dinners.
7. Corner-mounted integrated uplighters
Placed at each corner, uplighters push light upward to emphasise the height and shape of the pergola. If you have climbing plants, this creates striking silhouettes at night, especially when shadows ripple in the wind. Pair with a couple of deep armchairs and a blanket or two for a tucked-away corner, perfect for evening unwinding.
8. Floor-integrated LED uplights for dramatic effect
Paulmann - Plug & Shine Outdoor 2W LED Recessed Floor Individual Eco Spotlight in Silver - £29.99
Embedding LEDs at ground level delivers plenty of drama. Light travels upward, highlighting posts, decorative panels, or nearby greenery in a way that feels almost theatrical. For an even bolder look, position them near textured surfaces so the shadows become part of the design.
9. Motion-sensor integrated lights for pathways and security
Paulmann - Plug & Shine Outdoor Plate 6.1W LED Single Bollard Warm White Light in Anthracite - £99
For a practical-meets-welcoming touch, motion sensors ensure the space lights up as you arrive, guiding the way and deterring unwanted visitors. Because they activate only when needed, these outdoor lights keep energy use minimal without sacrificing safety or convenience.
10. Solar-powered built-in lighting accents
Paulmann - Outdoor Solveig 4.8W LED Solar Wall Light with Motion Detection in Black - £45
Harnessing the sun’s energy keeps running costs down and avoids complex wiring. Small, built-in solar lights can provide a subtle evening glow, which is a must-have for pergolas that see regular daytime use. Positioning them to soak up maximum daylight ensures they’re ready to shine by night for an eco-friendly way to extend outdoor hours.
11. Recessed beam lighting for a minimalist look
For those who prefer a barely-there look, recessed lights blend into the beams themselves. Illumination seems to glow from within, casting a gentle halo without visible fittings. These minimalist touches suit modern garden aesthetics, where every detail feels intentional.
12. Edge-lit roof panels for modern styling
PergoSTET Plus 3m x 4m Rectangular Pergola with 3 Drop Sides and LED Lighting in Latte - £3,999
Light tracing the roof’s outline creates an architectural frame in the evening and a contemporary aesthetic that gently bathes the seating area below in a consistent, even glow. A natural fit for drinks with friends or quiet solo evenings, match with neutral-toned furniture to keep the focus on the structure itself.
13. Built-in strip lights with weatherproof casings
Integrated strips sealed against the elements offer year-round reliability. Rain, wind or frosty nights won’t interrupt the lighting, so the pergola stays functional whatever the season. Pairing these with dimming options gives complete control over brightness for both lively gatherings and quiet nights.
14. Smart app-controlled lighting systems
Controlling the pergola lights from a phone or tablet makes personalising the space effortless. Brightness, colour and even timers can be set from anywhere, meaning the perfect atmosphere is only a tap away and ready before stepping outside.
For even more pergola lighting ideas, read our guide.
Built-in vs DIY pergola lighting: which is better?
Despite being a little extra work, DIY lighting still appeals to those on a tighter budget or seeking a quick fix. However, thanks to a rise in demand for integrated pergola systems, built-in lighting is now seen as a key feature for modern designs, with many homeowners embracing the idea of pergola lighting for a polished finish with minimal effort.
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Feature |
Built-in lighting |
DIY lighting |
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Visual finish |
Low-profile, polished and free of visible cables |
Can appear cluttered with cables, clips or tape |
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Reliability |
Engineered to endure the elements |
Dependent on installation skills, quality and materials |
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Ease of use |
Ready to use from day one, often with switch or app control |
Requires setup and testing each time |
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Energy use |
Typically uses low-wattage LEDs with smart controls |
Varies; mismatched or older components can cost more to run |
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Cost |
Higher upfront investment, but lower maintenance and running costs over time |
Cheaper initially, but frequent replacements can add up |
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Installation time |
Self installation guides and professionally fitted options require minimal setup time |
Much longer due to sourcing and fitting |
How much does a pergola with built-in lighting cost?
At the most affordable end, a basic, small wooden or aluminium pergola without lights might start around £500-£2,000. Mid-range to high-end options with integrated LEDs and extra features, like electric louvres, colour-changing lights and smart controls can climb to anywhere from £3,000 to £10,000 or more.
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Type |
Price range |
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Standard small wooden or aluminium pergola without lights |
£500–£2,000 |
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Mid-range aluminium pergola with lighting |
£3,000–£6,000 |
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Premium pergola with electric roof & integrated lighting |
From £5,000-£10,000+ |
Factors that influence cost:
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Material and frame design: Aluminium frames with precision engineering typically cost more than basic wooden options but offer better durability.
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Lighting type: Simple fixed LED strips cost less than smart, app-controlled, or dimmable fixtures.
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Installation: Factory-fitted lighting on pergolas reduces hassle and often includes professional installation, while DIY add-ons may require extra labour or electrical work.
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Size and extras: Larger pergolas, motorised roofs, drop-down sides and motion senses can significantly raise the final price.
Although the upfront investment can be significant, built-in lighting often works out cheaper long term by avoiding repeated replacements, extra wiring jobs and the headache of messy cables.
Why choose a Harbour Lifestyle pergola with built-in lighting?
Harbour Lifestyle’s customisable pergolas and PergoSTET range combines contemporary architecture with year-round comfort. Each model arrives with integrated LED lighting ready to use from the moment it’s installed, so your pergola feels as good after sunset as it does in bright daylight. Built for British weather, the aluminium frames feature tilting double-layered louvres that let you switch from open-air sunshine to a watertight roof in seconds, discreet drainage system to manage rainwater, and optional blinds for privacy. Lighting is remote-controlled, with adjustable colours and brightness so you can go from dinner party sparkle to a diffused, relaxed glow at the touch of a button. Customers often talk about the transformational quality of Harbour Lifestyle pergolas. One happy customer shared, “We are delighted with our new pergola. It’s completed our garden project with style – we love how it looks, particularly at night with the vibrant LED lights.”
Ranging from compact 3×3m designs perfect for smaller patios to the expansive PergoSTET Deluxe 3×6m model for grand entertaining spaces, there’s a size and style to suit every garden for year-round outdoor living.
Is built-in pergola lighting worth it?
A pergola with integrated lighting transforms an outdoor structure into a true all-hours living space. Dimmable LEDs, colour options and hidden wiring create a clean, tailored finish that’s hard to match with temporary lights. With the right setup, you can dine, read, cook or relax outside long after the sun dips, without fumbling for extension leads or battling tangled wires. For many homeowners, the ease and weatherproof reliability make it well worth the investment. With Harbour Lifestyle’s pre-lit pergolas, you get award-winning design and robust construction that stands up to the unpredictable British weather, plus lighting that’s built to last.
Explore the full collection today and find the perfect model to light up your garden.
FAQs
How to decorate a pergola with lights
Layering lighting options is one of the easiest ways to bring a pergola to life, adding both atmosphere and practicality. Pendant fixtures or lantern-style fittings work beautifully over seating or dining zones, casting an intimate, ambient glow.
For something more playful, drape fairy lights or lanterns along the beams and let them fall naturally into decorative loops. Varying the colour temperature between warm and cool tones means you can shift the mood effortlessly, moving from the snug feel of autumn nights to the bright, airy atmosphere of spring and summer celebrations. Read our guide ‘How to Decorate a Pergola’ for more inspiration.
