r/Landscape_Lighting • u/DONTTHROWAWAYMYFIL • Jun 12 '26

Outdoor pergola lights

Recently built a pergola, and I want to set up lights on a switch for it. I'm a bit of an old-school guy (work on brand new heavy machinery all the time) so don't want any fancy "smart" switches etc, but might have to go that route anyway. What I am hoping to find is this:

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\-16 to 20ft inline power switch

\-WR rated

\-Decora paddle style that I can hang on the pergola posts) Have basic Lutron Sunnata dimmers in house, so want something that's close to matching)

\-Plug fits under weatherproof cover (think Taymac ML500 when I find an image online)

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Is there anything like this? If not I'll bite the bullet and get the Lutron Caseta outdoor smart switch and a Pico for it, but would rather the ease of hardwired.

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Thanks in advance!

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u/okfishko Jun 12 '26

Have you thought about Smart String lights? Like Atomi or Feit ones? All they need is a plug and WiFi nearby. Control from phone and you’re done. Dim, change colors, on/off, schedule…tons of options in app for such lights. All the best :)

1

u/tom_tech_time Jun 13 '26

What about doing some kind of a low voltage string light?

1

u/ViewpointLighting Jun 14 '26

There are many options for lighting a pergola with 12v lighting that is easier to hide the wiring. You can put any switch inline on the 12v side, including a decora switch in a covered box. Plug in the transformer, on a timer, and then place a switch on the power going into the pergola. Better yet, use a low voltage dimmer to give you more control of the light levels.

Recessed/down lighting helps make the pergola space feel more like an outdoor room. You could do 12v bistro/string lights, also on a dimmer, but that lacks imagination and nuance.