Ho to repurpose utility lamps for gazebo lighting?

I think they look cool like that! (gives me some ideas cause I have a bunch of these!) When they are hung up you probably wont see the sides anyhow, and when lit, it will be night time! I say leave 'em as is and go for it!

Hi Jan,

I would make holes in them to let the light through. One way to punch holes is to fill the vessel with ice then freeze it and use a hammer and nail. You could do that that with this as long as you laid a large plastic bag against the inside. Another way to do it is to use a drill with a bit for metal. You can make random holes or create a design and punch holes around the edges. See the link below for one that came from Etsy. As long as the fixture itself is working that should be all you need to do. If you want to change the color or design, you could do that too. You could tape diagonal, vertical, horizontal or even multiple lines over a base cover and paint the rest a different color. I hope these ideas inspire you to create something you will love. Wishing you the best.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/794040978032384918/

The first and most obvious question is: do you have electric service to the gazebo? I think if you want to make a chandelier you need to have more than 1 of those fixtures. If not, use it above the entry to light the steps and keep looking for something much larger and/or more pieces to become your chandelier.

I think it looks fabulous just as it is and I would not punch holes in it. You could paint the inside a different color (fyi - it's said that light blue helps repel bugs) both to stand out and to reflect more light.

Right now I am working on repurposing many items into solar lights. You could remove the electric cord after checking to see if there is a solar light with a stem that fits through the hole. If not, then you need to decide if you can shave down some of the solar light plastic rather than mess with drilling a larger hole. If out in the elements, be sure it's primed (separately works best!) with Rustoleum for exterior on metal and then painted. You don't want to lose it to rust!

If you are planning on using anything other than solar lamps in the fixture, don't do it. Even if the gazebo has a great roof and good drip boards, it is still a damp location per the National Electrical Code and the fixtures are not rated for that exposure. If a fire were to happen and the insurance company discovered the installation - no coverage.

sorry, didn't see 1st ?? and noticed you have only 2....

could do same with 1 board , lamp on each end and attach ti gazebo in middle..

take 1x4 wood peices and form a 6 spoke star.drill a hole in center for 1 and drill a hole at each end for 6 more . [equal distance apart] for the cord to slip thru . may need to be made bigger for plug or just big enough for cord... attach all together with liquid nails and or screws ...run cord on top of board and attach w/pipe thingy that looks like a "C" with wings....run all the cords together thru a copper tube and and hang from a hook in ceiling ....will look rustic and it can be removed if concerened about weather . and returned when needed....sounds like a fun DIY !!!!!

Does your gazebo have a solid roof or one that lets water thru? Do you already have electricity out there or will you need to run it? I live in Oregon and have my light set up so I can take it inside when the weather turns rainy (that is about half of the year or a little more. Just be safe water and electricity don't work well together. I found a solar light works much better for my gazebo and safer too.