A pergola is a famous backyard option that elevates an outdoor space while giving some cover from the elements. Installing a pergola on a patio or deck can help to highlight an outdoor living room, kitchen, dining area, or other backyard space.
What is a pergola?
A pergola is an outdoor design with columns supporting open beams and rafters roofing grid which creates partial shelter from various elements. There are many types of pergolas whether freestanding or attached.
What are the advantages of a pergola?
Adding a pergola structure can make your backyard look more functional and visually warming. While a pergola doesn’t completely provide cover from rain and sun, it provides partial cover that makes it easier for you to use your patio or deck.
Having a beautiful outdoor setup can motivate you to spend enough time outdoors relaxing and hosting gatherings. While people are acknowledging the popularity of outdoor living spaces, installing a pergola can increase the beauty of your home and also increase the quality of life.
If you’re thinking of installing one, you can either hire a professional to build a custom pergola in a range of different designs and finishes or you can DIY from scratch or by using a prefab kit that will complement the architecture of your home, according to your price points.
We present some of these pergola ideas in different sizes, materials, and budgets so that you can choose one for yourself.
Also, Read Patio Roof Ideas To For Your Property! Know the Types and Find Out Which One Fits!
Some easy pergola ideas
We bring you some elegant pergola ideas as per your taste and budget:
-
Extend your porch space
You can add a pergola to your deck or patio to provide some shade for your backyard while fulfilling your architectural interest at the same time. Match a black pergola and decking for a cohesive feel. You can complete the look with a simple bench and a hanging swing attached to one of the beams.
2. Hang some curtains
If you’re someone who loves privacy, add walls to your pergola. You can hang curtains that you can pull close when you desire even more privacy. Another good thing is that the curtains also bring in extra texture that creates a cozy atmosphere to fully relax in.
3. Create a garden entrance
This is for garden lovers. Use a modern pergola-style arbor to create a stunning garden gate look in a lushly landscaped backyard. Adding asymmetrical paintings will give this outdoor space an effortless feel.
4. Add a DIY pergola canopy
You can easily add some extra shade with a DIY retractable pergola canopy. You can add a neutral fabric pergola cover to help provide shade and protect this outdoor seating decorated in gray and blush zones.
5. Define outdoor dining space
A pergola can define an outdoor dining area. Place a dining table and chairs beneath a wooden pergola that imitates a similar pattern as the square pavers throughout the patio. Additionally, it also creates a unique, designated space for family and friends to gather.
6. Try a metal pergola
You can also build your pergola out of metal, just like the galvanized metal used in this backyard design. While metal is slightly pricier, its plus size is that it will give your yard a unique feature. Another pro is that the metal pergola will have a long lifespan.
7. Try white and whicker
Try pairing wicker furniture and lampshades with a white pergola and textiles that will give your backdrop an earthy and lively atmosphere. This patio in the given photo features a wooden pergola that accommodates the seating area and the outdoor rug, a great design for backyards and patios with limited space.
8. Make it blend in
Another great idea is that you can design a pergola that extends from the back exterior wall of the house. Here, you have to know the trick which is to use the materials and colors to make everything come together. This dark wood pergola from Mindy Gayer Design and Co. connects one part of the house to the other while blending seamlessly with the architecture.
9. Hang pergola drapes
Pergola with a desert touch! Hang thick curtains made from outdoor fabric to allow shade to fall around a pergola seating area. The photo below shows the desert paradise from Dazey Den where curtains are used to decide the outdoor space into zones.
10. Utilize natural materials
Adding natural elements and materials is a fantastic way to celebrate the great outdoor life. This design from Afro Bohemian Living is nicely shaded by a pergola made of wood. However, the reed mats on top provide shade and can be added or removed at your convenience.
11. Cover with greenery
You can plant vines or ivy to give your pergola a more natural and vibrant feel. This steel pergola from Mint Design AU is decorated with Boston Ivy.
12. Have a fire pit
You can create a cozy ambiance with a pergola. That is one of the best structures you can include to elevate your pergola’s look. In the picture, you can see this dark wood grid pergola from Shiplap Shanty decorated with Edison bulb string lights and has a fire pit area in the middle.
13. Create a beautiful entrance
Create an alteration between your back doors and the deck with a simple pergola. This design from The Home Consultant used a darker wood stain to define the entrance from the light wood decking and door trim.
14. Create the perfect hideaway
Combine a pergola with a banquette to make an outdoor nook. In this photo, you can see this space from Benedictehn that includes L-shaped seating and partial wood slat walls to create a sense of coziness and privacy.
15. Personalize it with a decor of your choice
You can channel your personality with a choice of personalized decor. This spacious, black pergola from Cotton of Claire features a hanging chair and a matching hammock for an airy feeling. Decorate it with a large piece of art giving it a personal touch.
16. A DIY kit would be wonderful
Try a DIY pergola kit to make your little background home a reality. While it is great to have a pergola built by a professional, you can create a partial cover for your detached backyard entertaining space.
17. Keeping it small and simple
If you love things simple and you have the square footage, then this small pergola from Our Cliveden House is just large enough to cover the small DIY deck area built into the ground. It helps your space look more defined.
18. Play with colors
Get colorful to bring an extra vibrancy to your outdoor oasis. This decorated pergola with green plants, a tabletop fire bowl, and paper lanterns from This House We Made make the space feel welcoming. Additionally, the pop of yellow on the pergola truly makes it shine.
19. Light it up
You can transition an outdoor space from day to night with enough lighting. This cute pergola design from My Dark Home truly lights up the night with pretty string lights, paper lanterns, and candles, making your evening even better.
20. Mix materials
You can mix different materials to add dimension and texture to your comfortable space. While pergolas normally match the same material as the surrounding home, mixed materials can elevate your design for sure.
FAQs
Q: Is it less expensive to build or buy a pergola?
A: Assuming you have carpentry or DIY skills, it is less expensive to build a pergola yourself. The cost of a DIY pergola can run as little as $1,000-2,000 in materials. Bear in mind that the cost will vary depending on the type of materials used and the price of materials in your area.
Q: How many years do pergolas last?
A: A wooden pergola has a lifespan of approximately five years. Annual cleaning, staining, and sealing can improve its chances of survival by an additional 10 to 12 years.
Q: Should you add a roof to your pergola?
A: Several benefits come with adding a roof to your pergola. For example, a roof provides extra protection from the elements, lowers upkeep, adds dimension, and gives more privacy.
Also, Read Mango Wood – What is it and what are the benefits of Mango wood furniture?