Garden15 Pergola Ideas for a Beautiful Backyard! Learn How to Create One!

15 Pergola Ideas for a Beautiful Backyard! Learn How to Create One!

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:

  1. 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.

Pergola
Pergola design. source: The Spruce

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.

Pergola
pergola ideas. source: The Spruce

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.

Pergola
pergola ideas. source: The Spruce

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.

Pergola
pergola ideas. source: The Spruce

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.

Pergola
pergola style. source: The Spruce

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.

Pergola
pergola ideas. source: The Spruce

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.

Pergola
pergola ideas. source: The Spruce

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.

Pergola
pergola ideas. source: The Spruce

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.

Pergola
pergola ideas. source: The Spruce

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.

Pergola
pergola ideas. source: The Spruce

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.

Pergola
pergola ideas. source: The Spruce

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.

Pergola
pergola ideas. source: The Spruce

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.

Pergola
pergola ideas. source: The Spruce

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.

Pergola
pergola ideas. source: The Spruce

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.

Pergola
pergola design. source: The Spruce

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.

pergola
pergola design. source: The Spruce

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.

Pergola
pergola ideas. source: The Spruce

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.

Pergola
pergola ideas. source: The Spruce

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.

Pergola
pergola ideas. source: The Spruce

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.

Pergola
pergola ideas. source: The Spruce

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?

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