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How to create a D.I.Y. light tunnel and love seat

Garden arches next to each other with fairy lights on them in a backyard, with an umbrella, chair with a cushion on it at the end of the garden arches.

Overview

This festive season, transform your backyard into a magical wonderland with a dreamy light tunnel that leads toward an all-weather love seat. With a few simple steps and some LED lights (which are available throughout the year), you’ll be able to create a showstopper that's perfect for parties, proposals or an enchanting summer sanctuary.

Tools and materials

Tools

Materials

Steps

1Assemble garden arches

Start by creating the frame for your tunnel. Place your 5 x garden arches in a row, evenly spaced with a slight bend in the path; secure using pegs. Place your cantilever umbrella at the end of the path.
person holding onto a panel for a garden arch

2Add lights

Now it’s time to add the lights. Start with the curtain lights, attaching one end to the top corner of the arch’s mesh frame with a cable tie. Run the lights along the top of the mesh, securing the lights with cable ties as you go.

Tip: Unravel each set of lights as you go so that they don’t run the risk of being tangled.

Next, drape your rope lights over the top of the arch. Start in the middle and secure one end, before working your way down the side, securing at even points using cable ties. These can overlap with your curtain lights for an even more dazzling effect!

person placing fairy lights around a garden arch

3Set the scene

Once you've attached all of the lights, it’s time to set the scene for your love seat. Start by threading some nylon line through two sets of sheer curtains. Carefully tie one end of the line to a corner at the back of the umbrella, and then tie the other end to the other back corner so that two curtains hang across the edge. Repeat this process on both sides, so that you have three sides with curtains hanging down.

Bring curtains inside out of the weather when not in use.

outdoor garden arch with fairy lights, bench timber chair with blue and white cushions

4Add a bench seat and cushions

Place your outdoor bench at the back of your new alfresco space and add some pillows for comfort.

Tip: Add a cooler to the side of your bench area to keep refreshments close to hand.

outdoor timber bench with two cushions

5Add more lighting

Illuminate your love seat with even more lighting. For example - attach a festoon chandelier to the middle of your umbrella for a festive feature. You can also even weave some artificial ivy through the umbrella ribs or lay down a cosy rug to create even more atmosphere.

Your light tunnel and love seat are now ready to impress. It’s the perfect place to entertain, or simply snuggle up with a loved one, all summer long.

person holding onto outdoor festoon party lights

6Get your outdoor festive lighting any time of year

Explore our wide range of festive lights.
Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.