6 Must-Try DIY Outdoor Lighting Ideas for Your Trellis

A trellis is already a great way to elevate your outdoor space, but add some DIY lighting, and suddenly, it’s not just a garden feature—it’s your new favorite hangout spot.

Trellises add structure, character, and a natural touch to any backyard. But once daylight fades, they can easily blend into the background, missing out on their chance to shine—literally. With the right outdoor lighting, you can highlight their charm, enhance your space, and make your evenings outside even more enjoyable.

And here’s the good news: you don’t need a big budget or advanced wiring skills to make it happen. With a little creativity and a few simple materials, you can turn your trellis into a beautifully lit focal point that transforms the entire feel of your yard.

This article walks you through six DIY lighting ideas that are easy to pull off and completely customizable. No matter your style, there’s an option here to brighten up your outdoor space in a way that feels just right.

1. Bottle Lanterns

Turning old glass or plastic bottles into lanterns is a simple way to add a unique touch to your trellis. With a string of battery-powered fairy lights inside, those empty bottles go from ordinary leftovers to eye-catching decor. Hung at different heights, they can instantly make your outdoor space feel more inviting.

This DIY lighting idea is a great mix of creativity and sustainability. It’s an easy way to introduce outdoor lighting while giving new life to materials you might otherwise toss. Plus, the gentle illumination from the fairy lights keeps the area well-lit in the evening, striking the perfect balance between bright and relaxing.

A trellis is an ideal spot for these bottle lanterns. Its sturdy framework provides plenty of places to hang them, whether from beams, lattice panels, or even intertwined vines. The result is a lighting display that feels just right for quiet nights outside or casual gatherings with friends.

How to Make Bottle Lanterns

Collect clear plastic or glass bottles in different shapes and sizes for variety.
Clean the bottles thoroughly, removing any labels or leftover residue.
Place battery-powered fairy lights inside each bottle, keeping the battery pack accessible for easy replacement.
Use twine, wire, or small hooks to hang the bottles at varying heights on your trellis.
Switch on the lights and enjoy how these repurposed lanterns bring new life to your outdoor space.

2. Paper Lanterns

Making your own paper lanterns is a fun, budget-friendly project that can add a personal touch to your trellis. With just a bit of recycled or inexpensive paper, some wire for structure, and battery-powered LED lights, you can craft delicate lanterns that look beautiful swaying in the breeze.

Beyond their decorative appeal, these lanterns let you customize your outdoor lighting in a way that suits your style. You can mix and match different paper textures, colors, or prints to complement your space, or keep them simple for a classic touch. Since they use LED lights, they’re safe, long-lasting, and ideal for adding a warm glow to your outdoor space.

The open framework of a trellis provides the perfect structure to display these lightweight lanterns. Whether clustered in one spot or spread out along the beams, these DIY lanterns can add movement and interest to your garden. And because they’re so simple to make, you can easily switch them out with new designs whenever you want a fresh look.

How to Make Paper Lanterns

Gather recycled or inexpensive craft paper and thin wire for shaping the frames.
Bend the wire into small lantern shapes, adjusting the size to fit your space.
Secure the paper around the frames, leaving an opening to insert the lights.
Place a battery-powered LED light inside each lantern, making sure it stays in place.
Use string, twine, or small hooks to hang them at different heights along your trellis.

3. Tea Tin Lights

Another creative way to brighten up your trellis is by transforming old tea tins into lanterns. With a few well-placed holes punched into the metal and battery-powered LED lights inside, these once-forgotten containers can be turned into eye-catching accents.

Repurposing tea tins is a great way to bring a little DIY flair to your lighting. The sturdy metal holds its shape well, while the holes allow you to experiment with different patterns, from simple dots to intricate designs.

Hanging these lanterns on a trellis gives them a natural stage to shine. They can be hooked onto beams, tied with twine, or grouped together for a more dramatic look. And since tea tins come in all sorts of colors and styles, you can mix and match them to create a display that feels uniquely yours.

How to Make Tea Tin Lanterns

Gather empty tea tins in various sizes and designs.
Clean them thoroughly, removing any labels or leftover residue.
Use a hammer and nail or a drill to punch decorative holes into the sides.
Place battery-powered LED or fairy lights inside each tin.
Attach twine, wire, or small hooks to hang them at different heights on your trellis.

4. Garland with Lights

Draping a garland over your trellis instantly adds color and texture, but weaving fairy lights through it brings an extra touch of warmth. Whether you go for lush greenery, delicate floral vines, or a festive seasonal theme, the added lights create a balanced mix of decoration and gentle illumination. This simple combination keeps your trellis looking great during the day while giving it a cozy, glowing presence in the evening.

This idea works well for anyone looking for a polished setup without a complicated installation. The garland helps conceal the wires, keeping the lights visible while maintaining a clean, seamless appearance. With battery-powered fairy lights being lightweight and flexible, they wrap around the garland with ease, blending right into the design.

Adding this to a trellis makes it stand out as more than just a garden structure. The lights follow the curves and lines of the garland, giving it a soft outline that brings attention to the space long after sunset. And with so many styles of garlands available, you can change the look throughout the year to match different seasons or celebrations.

How to Make a Light-Wrapped Garland for Your Trellis

Pick a store-bought garland that fits your outdoor style.
Choose battery-powered fairy lights in a warm or cool tone, depending on the mood you want to create.
Weave the lights through the garland, ensuring they’re evenly spaced.
Secure the garland to the trellis using zip ties, floral wire, or small hooks.
Position the battery pack in a hidden yet accessible spot for easy operation.
Switch on the lights and enjoy the soft illumination woven into your greenery.

5. Hanging Light Orbs

If you’re looking to add something eye-catching to your trellis, consider hanging light orbs wrapped in fairy lights. Using wicker, wire, or inexpensive decorative spheres, you can create lightweight orbs that bring a touch of creativity to your outdoor space. Hung at different heights, they add movement and make your trellis stand out both during the day and at night.

The open framework of a trellis makes it a great spot for displaying these glowing orbs. With battery-powered fairy lights, there’s no need to worry about plugging anything in—just hang them up and enjoy the soft illumination.

Arranging a few orbs across the trellis instantly makes the space feel more dynamic. Whether you prefer a neat, symmetrical display or a more whimsical arrangement, these bright spheres can elevate the look of your garden, especially at night. And because they’re lightweight, you can switch them around or update your setup whenever you want a fresh look.

How to Create Hanging Light Orbs

Gather wicker, wire, or pre-made decorative spheres in different sizes.
Choose battery-powered fairy lights in a color and brightness that suits your space.
Wrap the lights around each orb, securing them gently to maintain their shape.
Use strong fishing line, twine, or small hooks to suspend them at various heights.
Place the battery pack in a discreet yet accessible location.
Turn on the lights and enjoy the new addition to your outdoor lighting setup.

6. Mason Jar Lights

Ever looked at a mason jar and thought it could do more than just hold pantry staples? With a handful of battery-powered LED lights or fairy lights, these everyday glass containers can become eye-catching lanterns that can brighten up your trellis.

Beyond their simple look, mason jar lanterns offer a practical and budget-friendly outdoor lighting solution. The glass helps spread the light evenly, giving your trellis a soft and pleasant ambiance in the evenings. Plus, they can be easily customized—paint them, frost the glass, or wrap them in twine for a personalized touch.

Standard fixtures might do the job, but DIY lanterns let you get creative while making use of materials you may already have. Whether repurposing old jars or picking up new ones, the final result blends function with decoration. Placed thoughtfully, they can enhance your outdoor setup and make nighttime gatherings even more enjoyable.

How to Make Mason Jar Lights

Gather mason jars, battery-powered LED lights or fairy lights, and some twine or wire for hanging.
Clean and dry the jars to maximize the light output.
Arrange the lights inside each jar, making sure they distribute evenly.
Secure twine or wire around the jar’s neck to create a sturdy hanging loop.
Hang them from your trellis at varying heights for a more dynamic look.

Let Your Trellis Shine with DIY Creativity

Your trellis isn’t just a structure—it’s an opportunity to get creative with lighting. A few well-placed touches can turn it into a standout feature that adds warmth and personality to your outdoor space. And the best part? You don’t need fancy fixtures or a complicated setup to make it happen.

With simple materials and a bit of imagination, you can turn an ordinary trellis into a beautifully lit backdrop for evenings outside. Whether you want subtle accents or something that makes a statement, DIY lighting lets you shape the look and feel of your space. So gather your supplies, start experimenting, and watch your outdoor lighting ideas come to life.