Transformed garden seating area with £8 B&M outdoor solar lights after DIY lampshade makeover
Transform your summerhouse or pergola into a magical outdoor haven with these easy-to-follow steps for creating your own outdoor hanging solar lights. Lisa Fazzani, a seasoned interiors writer with over 25 years of experience, demonstrates a budget-friendly and visually appealing DIY approach.
Materials Needed: 1. A woven lampshade, preferably natural material 2. Solar hanging light bulbs 3. Natural-coloured rope 4. Cup hooks 5. Elastic bands (optional) 6. Scissors and bradawl
Step 1: Gather Materials Begin by collecting your materials. Lisa Fazzani opted for a natural-coloured polypropylene rope from B&Q, cup hooks from B&Q, and woven light shades from B&M.
Step 2: Prepare the Woven Shade If your woven shade is designed for indoor use, consider weatherproofing it before moving it outdoors. Spray it with a clear weatherproofing spray to protect it from moisture and rain.
Step 3: Attach the Hanging System Using the bradawl, create small holes at strategic points on the top rim of the woven shade. Thread the rope through these holes, creating loops or a net to support and hang the shade. Secure the rope loops as needed during assembly using elastic bands.
Step 4: Fix the Solar Light Bulb Hang the solar bulb inside or within the woven shade. Ensure the solar panel on the bulb is placed where it will receive adequate sunlight during the day to charge. Lisa Fazzani removed the white plastic reducer ring inside the shade to make her solar bulb fit snugly.
Step 5: Install the Hanging Light Screw cup hooks into the overhead structure of your summerhouse or pergola. Hang the rope-supported woven shade with the solar bulb attached on the cup hooks.
Step 6: Enjoy the Lighting The solar bulb will charge in daylight and provide a cozy, twinkling ambient light by night, ideal for outdoor spaces. Lisa Fazzani hung the solar hanging lights at staggered heights and with different-sized lengths of rope for each, creating a visually appealing display.
This DIY strategy combines the natural textured look of woven shades with eco-friendly solar illumination, perfect for summer outdoor decor. If exposed directly to weather, consider using plastic shades or waterproofing treatments.
For a rustic touch, wrapping wire loops around candle holders or glass jars and inserting solar lights can create portable hanging lights too.
Lisa Fazzani's outdoor hanging lights look great during the day and twinkle fabulously in the evening, adding a touch of charm to her summerhouse.
Incorporating these lighting ideas, Lisa Fazzani renovates her summerhouse's lifestyle, blending indoor-living and outdoor-living elements with her DIY outdoor hanging solar lights. This visually appealing and budget-friendly project enhances the home-and-garden ambiance, making her summerhouse a captivating haven for relaxing and entertaining during summer nights.
