Add beauty and function inspired by one of our pergola ideas.
What Is a Pergola?
Some pergolas are freestanding and some areattached to a house or garage.
Credit: Blaine Moats
Get Decked Out
A pergola can transform a basic wooden deck into a stunning outdoor space.
It extends the roof outward to stretch the shade under the eaves.
Integrate the structure into yourhomes exteriorusing similar materials andcolorsfound elsewhere.
Credit: Edmund Barr
Introduce Plants and Greenery
Accessorize a pergola to make an already charming spot even more inviting.
Line the pergolas perimeter with containers planted with bright blooms.
Combine a Pergola and Trellis
Combine a pergola withtrellis screensto transform your deck into a private retreat.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
The white trellis is a crisp contrast to the the brick walls.
Luckily, pergola ideas can be flexible and tweaked to best suit your space and needs.
A paneled back wall painted sage green with a small oval window affords privacy.
Credit: Eric Roth
Emphasize Decorative Details
Some pergola ideas are both decorative and functional.
The pergola also draws attention to the second-story balcony.
Its placement can help delineate various zones for activities you do in your outdoor space.
Credit: Werner Straube Photography
Pick a Materials Palette for Your Outdoor Space
Pergolas add additional structure and scale.
Here, the massive beams of this pergola fit in with the substantial stucco fireplace.
Adirondack chairs painted in an earthy green color contrast with the traditional columns.
Credit: Emily Followill
All the green in the plantings and chairs keeps the pergola feeling cool even on the warmest days.
Here, the style and color of the twin pergolas over thepoolandoutdoor kitchentie with the homes architecture.
Closer spacing of the roof boards means this pergola offers more of a shield from the sun.
Credit: Joseph Keller
Choosing similarly-toned wood furnishings keeps the area looking cohesive.
These curtains have tiebacks to keep them open.
Use fabric designed for outdoor use to avoid color fading or weather damage.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
Here, shingles cover the top of the pergola, offering complete shade beneath the narrow porch structure.
In addition, colors used on the pergolas supports pick up on details in the homeswindow trim.
Include an Arched Arbor
This charming structure mixes trellis,arbor, and pergola ideas into one.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
Narrow seating nooks offer restful spots or can be used to add potted plants to the design.
Here, a wooden pergola with a peaked roof and arch details shades a charming garden bench.
A fewcolorful planted containershelp to soften and disguise the structures base.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
The brick fireplace makes this covered space a place to enjoy even in chilly weather.
you could customize the structure with various materials, finishes, shapes, and other choices.
Using a pergola in this way is a simple way to break up a large outdoor space.
Credit: Edmund Barr
Space Things Out
Theres no set width for the ceiling elements inpergola designs.
Landscaping can often help determine the final detailing.
Here, full-grownshade treesoffer shelter from the sun, so the pergola roof beams can be spaced further apart.
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
The extra-long overhang of the beams along with the wide openings for make a real design statement.
The curved backs of the chairs repeat the arch on the overhang, adding to the peaceful atmosphere.
Here, a tall structureoffers a waypoint on a pathbetween thefront yardand the backyard.
Credit: Bob Stefko
Vines that wind up the pergola repeat in the trellis accents hung on the homes exterior wall.
A pergola doesnt have to always be used for functionadding one for purely decorative reasons also works.
This small pergola design adds a decorative element to a corner of a deck.
Credit: Emily Followill
Another contrast happens in the pairing of the modern slat-front outdoor cabinets with the oversize vintage hanging lamps.
Credit: Tria Giovan
Credit: Rob Cardillo
Credit: Bob Stefko
Credit: Bob Stefko
Credit: Luca Trovato
Credit: Mary Carolyn Pindar
Credit: Ed Gohlich
Credit: Mike Jensen
Credit:David Tsay; Interior design: Allito Spaces
