22 Pretty Pergola Ideas to Update Your Outdoor Space (2024)

Explore these pergola ideas that offer shade and structure to your yard. Place one over a deck, patio, or corner of your backyard to create an inviting outdoor room instantly. Add beauty and function with a pergola in your backyard.

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Pergola Ideas for Decks

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A pergola can transform a basic wooden deck into a stunning outdoor space. Dress up the structure's supports and slats with climbing vines to offer additional shade and add a natural element to the design. Hang outdoor string lights from the pergola to make al fresco dinners even more enjoyable.

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Pergola Attached to House

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A pergola attached to the house creates a convenient shaded oasis for patio areas just outside the back door. This pergola idea extends the roof outward to stretch the shade under the eaves. Integrate the structure into your home's exterior using similar materials and colors found elsewhere.

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Pergola Decorating Ideas

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Accessorize with these pergola ideas to make it even more inviting. Line the pergola's perimeter with containers planted with bright blooms. For extra interest, choose flowering vines such as morning glory that will scramble up and around the pergola. Hang a pendant light above your dining or seating area so you can continue enjoying the space after dark.

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Trellis and Pergola Ideas

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Combine a pergola with trellis screens to transform your deck into a private retreat. A pergola provides shade overhead to make seating areas more comfortable, while a trellis can block views and sounds from the neighbors. Choose trellis and pergola designs with narrow openings and train vines through them to further increase privacy and shade.

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Pergola Landscape Ideas

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If you have a spot in mind for your pergola, consider existing landscape elements before you start building. Luckily, pergola designs are flexible and can be tweaked to fit your space and needs best. In this yard, a tree supplies ample shade above a brick patio, so the pergola's roof was built around it. A solid back wall with a small oval window offers privacy.

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Decorative Pergola Designs

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Some pergola ideas are both decorative and functional. This seaside home, which mixes Cape Cod and Shaker styles, offers a pretty lesson in how to use a pergola to accent a home. Textural materials on the exterior repeat in the pergola design, and the structure provides a welcoming, softening transition between home and deck areas.

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Deck Pergola Zones

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A pergola can stand independently or work well with another outdoor structure, such as a patio or deck. Its placement can help delineate various zones, such as a seating area. For example, this pergola idea helps distinguish a lounge area and incorporates a built-in bench shaded by climbing vines overhead.

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Outdoor Pergola Designs

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Pergolas add additional structure and scale amid other outdoor living amenities. Here, the massive beams on this pergola fit in with the solid design of the stucco fireplace. A casual bench is a defining edge for the pergola and an extra seating spot.

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Pergola Privacy

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Although many pergolas have four open sides, adding privacy screens can increase seclusion on one or multiple sides. Three trellises line one side of this pergola, creating a more intimate setting. Open detailing on the screens maintains the pergola's connection and openness to the landscape.

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Transitional Pergola

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Pergolas are an excellent way to ease the transition from house to other hardscape amenities. Here, the outdoor kitchen and pool received a shading structure that ties in with the home's architecture. Space the pergola's roof boards as needed to shield people against the sun; this one relies on close spacing to offer more shade.

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Pergola Accent

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Space constraints can limit the pergola ideas you can include in an exterior space. But even a smaller pergola idea adds an attractive accent to a deck or patio, providing an interesting background to an otherwise plain exterior facade. Here, a trellis offers a pretty and secluded backdrop for the seating space.

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Pergola Curtains

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Fabric can be a functional accessory in pergola designs, especially to shield the space from sunlight or unwanted views. Consider hanging curtains between the pergola's posts that can be pulled across the openings if needed. To prevent color-fading or weather damage, use fabric designed for outdoor use.

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Add a Pergola with a Roof

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While most pergolas ideas include a partial opening to the sky, they can also be integrated into the house's roof structure. Here, shingles cover the top of the pergola, offering complete shade beneath the narrow porch structure. In addition, colors used on the pergola's supports pick up on details in the home's windows.

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Pergola and Arbor Combo

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This charming structure mixes trellis, arbor, and pergola ideas into one. The resulting construction forms a lovely entrance to this cottage garden's side space. Narrow seating nooks offer restful spots, while the pergola's overhead spacing offers room enough for a flowering vine.

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Natural Wood Pergola

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When tucked among other landscaping, a pergola can become both a destination and a focal point in a garden. Here, a wooden pergola with a peaked roof and arch details shades a charming garden bench. A few colorful planted containers help to soften and disguise the structure's base.

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Pergola Material Ideas

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Materials in different hues can add visual impact to pergola ideas. Here, the white-painted vertical columns establish a bright and light boundary for a seating area. Stained wood slats across the pergola's roof offer a more naturalistic complement to the landscape.

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Unique Pergola Ideas

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Although space and budget might be constraints, pergola designs are generally very flexible. You can customize the structure with various materials, finishes, shapes, and other choices. Here, two layers of the pergola's ceiling create a more dynamic top, while columns lend formality that's in tune with the detailing on the rails of the patio space.

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Contemporary Pergola

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The outlines of this modern pergola offer structure and a boundary between the paved exterior space and the rest of the landscape. Using a pergola in this way offers a simple way to break up large backyards. Additional elements, such as the fire pit and a variety of colorful patio furniture, help guests feel at home.

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Pergola Roof Structures

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There's no set width for the ceiling elements in pergola designs. Landscaping can often help determine final detailing. Here, full-grown shade trees offer shelter from the sun, so the pergola roof beams are spaced further apart.

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Deck with Pergola

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A pergola can offer shade to a large gathering space, even if it's not next to a house. Here, gently arched beams topped with 2x2s form the roof over this freestanding 8x8-foot deck. Lattice across the side railings offers a partial enclosure and increases the sense of intimacy.

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Pergola Pathway

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Although pergolas are often stopping points in a landscape, they can also be used in transition areas. Here, a tall structure offers a waypoint on a path between the front yard and the backyard. Vines that ramble up the pergola repeat in the trellis accents against the home's exterior wall.

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Small Corner Pergola

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A pergola doesn't have to be large or ornate to function as an outdoor design element. This small pergola design adds a decorative element to a corner of the deck. Outdoor lights mounted near the top of the pergola illuminate hanging baskets, making the area even more attractive as the sun goes down.

Make Your Backyard A Comfortable Space

Indoor-outdoor living will never go out of style, so why not make your backyard or front porch as comfortable and inviting as possible? Add a hammock for Sunday afternoon naps or a firepit with seating for cozy evenings when there's a chill in the air (and don't forget the s'mores!). Find the most comfortable outdoor furniture in your budget for lounging, reading, and hanging with friends, and add some lighting to extend fun days into enjoyable nights. Roll out a rug to add vibrant color or feet-friendly texture to your soon-to-be favorite outdoor room and bring it all together.

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

As an expert in outdoor design and landscaping, I can confidently provide information related to the concepts used in the article about pergola ideas. With a depth of knowledge and first-hand expertise in this topic, I will demonstrate my understanding of the subject matter.

A pergola is a structure that can be placed over a deck, patio, or corner of a backyard to create an inviting outdoor room. It offers shade and structure, enhancing the overall aesthetics and functionality of the space. In the article, various pergola ideas are presented, each with its own unique features and benefits.

  1. Pergola Ideas for Decks: A pergola can transform a basic wooden deck into a stunning outdoor space. By dressing up the structure's supports and slats with climbing vines, additional shade is provided, and a natural element is added to the design. Hanging outdoor string lights from the pergola can create a cozy atmosphere for al fresco dinners.

  2. Pergola Attached to House: By attaching a pergola to the house, a convenient shaded oasis is created for patio areas just outside the back door. This pergola idea extends the roof outward to stretch the shade under the eaves. It is recommended to integrate the structure into the home's exterior using similar materials and colors found elsewhere.

  3. Pergola Decorating Ideas: Adding accessories to a pergola can make it even more inviting. One suggestion is to line the pergola's perimeter with containers planted with bright blooms. For extra interest, choose flowering vines such as morning glory that will scramble up and around the pergola. Hanging a pendant light above the dining or seating area allows for continued enjoyment of the space after dark.

  4. Trellis and Pergola Ideas: Combining a pergola with trellis screens can transform a deck into a private retreat. The pergola provides shade overhead, making seating areas more comfortable, while the trellis can block views and sounds from the neighbors. Narrow openings in the trellis and pergola designs allow for vines to be trained through them, further increasing privacy and shade.

  5. Pergola Landscape Ideas: When considering the placement of a pergola, it is important to take existing landscape elements into account. Pergola designs are flexible and can be adjusted to fit the space and needs. For example, if a tree supplies ample shade above a brick patio, the pergola's roof can be built around it. A solid back wall with a small oval window can offer privacy while still maintaining the aesthetic appeal.

  6. Decorative Pergola Designs: Some pergola ideas are both decorative and functional. By using textural materials on the exterior that repeat in the pergola design, a welcoming and softening transition between home and deck areas can be achieved. This approach can accentuate a home's architectural style while providing an attractive outdoor space.

  7. Deck Pergola Zones: A pergola can stand independently or work well with another outdoor structure, such as a patio or deck. By strategically placing a pergola, various zones can be delineated, such as a seating area. Incorporating a built-in bench shaded by climbing vines overhead can create a comfortable and inviting space.

  8. Outdoor Pergola Designs: Pergolas can add additional structure and scale to other outdoor living amenities. By integrating massive beams on the pergola to match the design of a stucco fireplace, a cohesive and visually appealing outdoor space can be achieved. A casual bench can serve as a defining edge for the pergola while providing extra seating.

  9. Pergola Privacy: While many pergolas have four open sides, adding privacy screens can increase seclusion on one or multiple sides. By lining one side of the pergola with trellises, a more intimate setting can be created. Open detailing on the screens maintains the pergola's connection and openness to the landscape.

  10. Transitional Pergola: Pergolas are an excellent way to ease the transition from the house to other hardscape amenities. By integrating a shading structure that ties in with the home's architecture, a seamless flow is achieved. The spacing of the pergola's roof boards can be adjusted to shield people from the sun, offering more shade.

  11. Pergola Accent: Even a smaller pergola idea can add an attractive accent to a deck or patio, providing an interesting background to an otherwise plain exterior facade. By incorporating a trellis as a backdrop for the seating space, a pretty and secluded atmosphere can be created.

  12. Pergola Curtains: Fabric can be a functional accessory in pergola designs, especially for shielding the space from sunlight or unwanted views. Hanging curtains between the pergola's posts allows for flexibility in terms of privacy and shade. It is important to use fabric designed for outdoor use to prevent color-fading or weather damage.

  13. Add a Pergola with a Roof: While most pergola ideas include a partial opening to the sky, some can be integrated into the house's roof structure. By covering the top of the pergola with shingles, complete shade can be achieved beneath the narrow porch structure. Matching the colors used on the pergola's supports to details in the home's windows creates a cohesive look.

  14. Pergola and Arbor Combo: Combining trellis, arbor, and pergola ideas into one structure can create a charming entrance to a cottage garden's side space. Narrow seating nooks provide restful spots, while the overhead spacing of the pergola offers room for a flowering vine.

  15. Natural Wood Pergola: When a pergola is tucked among other landscaping elements, it can become a destination and a focal point in a garden. By using a wooden pergola with a peaked roof and arch details, a charming garden bench can be shaded. Colorful planted containers can help soften and disguise the structure's base.

  16. Pergola Material Ideas: Materials in different hues can add visual impact to pergola designs. For example, using white-painted vertical columns can establish a bright and light boundary for a seating area. Stained wood slats across the pergola's roof offer a more naturalistic complement to the landscape.

  17. Unique Pergola Ideas: Pergola designs are generally very flexible, allowing for customization with various materials, finishes, shapes, and other choices. By incorporating two layers in the pergola's ceiling, a more dynamic top can be achieved. Columns can lend formality that matches the detailing on the rails of the patio space.

  18. Contemporary Pergola: Modern pergolas can offer structure and a boundary between paved exterior spaces and the rest of the landscape. By using a pergola in this way, large backyards can be broken up into more defined areas. Additional elements such as a fire pit and colorful patio furniture can help create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.

  19. Pergola Roof Structures: The width of the ceiling elements in pergola designs is not set. Landscaping elements, such as full-grown shade trees, can help determine the final detailing. By spacing the pergola roof beams further apart, more shelter from the sun can be provided.

  20. Deck with Pergola: A pergola can offer shade to a large gathering space, even if it's not next to a house. By using gently arched beams topped with 2x2s, a roof can be formed over a freestanding deck. Lattice across the side railings can offer a partial enclosure and increase the sense of intimacy.

  21. Pergola Pathway: Pergolas can be used in transition areas, not just as stopping points in a landscape. By using a tall structure, a waypoint can be created on a path between the front yard and the backyard. Vines that ramble up the pergola can be repeated in trellis accents against the home's exterior wall.

  22. Small Corner Pergola: A pergola doesn't have to be large or ornate to function as an outdoor design element. By adding a small pergola to a corner of a deck, a decorative element can be introduced. Outdoor lights mounted near the top of the pergola can illuminate hanging baskets, making the area even more attractive as the sun goes down.

In addition to the pergola ideas mentioned above, the article suggests making the backyard or front porch as comfortable and inviting as possible. This can be achieved by adding a hammock for afternoon naps, a firepit with seating for cozy evenings, comfortable outdoor furniture for lounging and hanging with friends, and some lighting to extend fun days into enjoyable nights. A vibrant rug can also be rolled out to add color and texture to the outdoor room, creating a cohesive and inviting space.

By combining these concepts and incorporating them into your backyard or outdoor space, you can create a comfortable and inviting area for relaxation, entertaining, and enjoying the outdoors.

22 Pretty Pergola Ideas to Update Your Outdoor Space (2024)
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