Pergola over garden
19 pergola ideas to enhance your backyard |
Whether to provide shade, zone a garden, or offer privacy, pergola ideas can be a crucial element in your backyard's design.
They can also be used to frame pathways, or create structure. Considering the purpose of the pergola is crucial to the design that you choose. Will it be a focal point, or a transition? Will there be seating under it? Ideally it should create its own statement with lower lying plants on either side.
Directing the eye upwards by providing interest on the vertical plane is also important to include in your backyard landscaping ideas, and pergolas are ideal for training a wide variety of scented, flowering climbing plants and creeping vines over for vertical garden ideas.
Find inspiration and advice for including many different pergola ideas in your backyard and to suit your specific needs.
Pergola ideas to add interest to your yard
'A pergola should be integral to the layout of the garden, instead of an afterthought. Carefully considering views to and from a pergola are key to enabling it to feel connected to the garden,’ explains garden designer Harriet Farlam of Farlam & Chandler .
With many shapes, sizes and styles a pergola can take, keep in mind its chosen purpose. This may be to lead you somewhere, form a focal point, or create a sense of division by adding a layer that isn’t a solid boundary.
Pergolas ideas can work in any size of backyard, from large country plots to boosting smaller patio ideas. Create an impressive focal point and help define an area in your backyard with these ideas.
1. Install a bioclimatic pergola that adapts to the weather
(Image credit: Kate Gould Design / Helen Fickling)
If you are wondering 'how do I add luxury to my backyard?' then a pergola can elevate the space into a stylish and luxurious outdoor living area.
A bioclimatic pergola, which has folding and motorized blades that adapt to the weather conditions, complete with lighting and comfortable furniture, will make an outdoor dining or seating area more usable and more luxurious to a backyard, explains garden designer Kate Gould .
A bespoke design will create a unique space and design statement, and there are many pergola roof ideas to choose from so that you can enjoy this outdoor room year round.
2. Fit a flexible pergola roof for shade when needed
(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)
For the ultimate in flexibility, in some instances you might require pergola shade ideas during the hottest or sunniest part of the day, while at other times prefer light to flood into the patio or seating area, such as in the evening to make the most of the last of the sun's rays.
In this case, a louvered pergola roof, or retractable canopy, offer the flexibility to control the amount of sunshine or shade falling on the area throughout the day and at different times of the year. Working either on motorized or rope pulley systems, there are numerous styles and options available to suit various backyard styles.
As well as providing protection from the sun, pergolas can provide shelter from wind and rain – particularly useful if you live in an area where the weather is a little less predictable.
'We often hear talk of the garden as an "outdoor room" but rooms have ceilings, so creating the sense of a ceiling by having a more complete outline of a room, makes a real difference to the feel of the space. With plant cover and panels or trellises a pergola can also provide shelter from the breeze,' explains designer Barry Chambers .
‘The canopy should be well located with good circulation if it is to be used year round,’ suggests Harriet Farlam.
3. Use a pitched pergola roof for privacy
(Image credit: Farlam & Chandler)
Pergolas can be used in outside areas large or small, including as balcony garden ideas or as roof garden ideas. However, one of the most important roles they can play, particularly in an urban setting, is as one of your garden screening ideas.
A flat pergola roof will work, but a pitched roof can create more height beneath, be less intrusive from below, and will add shapely architecture to your backyard.
'The overhead canopy, whether this is covered in the best flowering climbers or a simple timber slatted surface, can be useful in providing privacy from neighboring properties; particularly in city or town gardens,' explains Harriet Farlam. It can also offer cover from sun, wind or rain if you want to enjoy beautiful scenic views from an elevated spot in a country garden setting
Hanging a string of simple bulb lights from the structure will add light to the space to extend its use into the evening.
4. Frame a view with a pergola
(Image credit: Bowles & Wyer)
Choosing the best place for your pergola can help to draw your eye to specific areas of your garden, yard art ideas, or even frame the view of the surrounding landscape, as with the design above by Bowles & Wyer.
You can also play a clever trick on the eye as a small garden idea and make the space feel larger by designing the pergola so that it gradually gets narrower the further away it goes. This creates a false perspective that makes the garden feels bigger than it really is.
(Image credit: Bowles & Wyer)
Size matters when planning how to design a pergola.
'Make sure it won’t overwhelm the garden but that it will also be large enough to be practical,’ advises garden designer John Wyer of Bowles & Wyer.
Covered in some of the best climbing plants, this wooden pergola creates a shaded and fragrant walkway around the edge of a circular terrace area.
A common mistake is to make a pergola too narrow and too low. ‘The size and dimensions of the uprights and overall frame will need to be considered carefully as the size of these really alter the feel of the pergola,’ explains landscape designer Fi Boyle .
'It needs to be proportionally correct so that it does not over-dominate the space,’ she adds.
6. Pick the perfect position for a pergola
(Image credit: Matt Keightley/ Rosebank Landscaping)
The best place for a pergola will depend on the layout of your backyard and your reasons for including pergola ideas in your garden.
The clean lines of this modern design by Matt Keighley at Rosebank Landscaping perfectly complements the sleek, contemporary design of the garden for this townhouse.
Placement of a pergola is key, 'so that is does not block the flow of a garden,' explains Fi Boyle.
‘Pergolas are often places to retreat to, so site them somewhere you will enjoy sitting and where it will not be detrimental to neighbor’s views,’ adds garden designer Kate Gould.
'Planning areas of shade is an important consideration when designing a sunny garden, and a pergola is the perfect way to create a semi-shaded area which remains in-keeping with the rest of the design,' adds John Wyer.
(Image credit: Future/Mark Bolton)
Pergola ideas can work well as both patio cover ideas in sunny spots, or placed in shady spots, depending what time of day you will use it the most.
‘If you have a south-facing garden, a partially enclosed pergola can create a tranquil retreat and offer respite on a hot summer’s day,’ says garden designer Katrina Kieffer-Wells.
It is important to get the proportions right. ‘Consider what you want to do under the pergola and make sure you have enough space. Measure any furniture for an outdoor seating idea you are planning to place within the structure and ensure that you allow enough room for people to move around comfortably. ’
8. Make an outdoor kitchen area under cover
(Image credit: South Hams Fencing & Landscaping)
Although the dream of cooking outdoors on sunny days is appealing, it’s much more practical and comfortable to use pergola ideas for offering shade in an outdoor kitchen space.
‘If your garden doesn’t have a covered spot that offers protection from the sun, you can create a shaded pergola, or grow wisteria and vines up your pergola to provide beautiful dappled light and relief from the heat,’ says Wayne Cocker, director of South Hams Fencing and Landscaping .
‘Or for more consistent shade, sail type screens can be attached to the underside of the pergola roof,’ adds Fi Boyle.
9. Use a pergola to zone your backyard
(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)
The use of pergola ideas for garden zoning is multifold.
‘Pergolas can be used to transition from a patio area to the lawn,’ suggests garden designer Ali Paterson , providing a view through to the garden beyond.
Placed over a dining area, a pergola can create a feeling of privacy and separation.
As structures, pergolas can create a sense of division but without creating a blunt delineation of the space. 'They can be used together with planting to screen something beyond and bring the eye back into the garden. Or they could be used as a series of arches to frame a path way,' says Fi Boyle.
They can also link the house with the backyard as a garden wall idea. ‘Sometimes a straight wall can look a little severe, but a pergola helps ground the building,’ explains John Wyer.
(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)
Garden designer and consultant Rebecca Smith recommends a pergola that arches over a path through the garden to create a shaded and scented tunnel.
You can create a sense of romance with where you choose to place your pergola ideas, and clothe the structure in fast growing flowering vines or evergreen climbers for an added dimension.
‘In a long garden, a pergola placed at the end of the space can create a destination for different times of day, and can also help screen a garage or garden shed,’ she says.
11. Build a traditional wooden pergola
(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)
Timber is the most commonly used material for pergolas – western red cedar, iroko and oak are all popular choices right now.
Although it is possible to lay a patio yourself, whatever material you choose for your pergola ideas, it’s crucial that your pergola is specified and built by a professional. It will have to withstand the weather and the weight of the plants – so factor professional pergola instillation into your overall patio costs.
When considering what material it will be made of think about how it will be fixed to the ground so that longevity is ensured.
'If you're using timber posts, it is best to use a steel shoe, otherwise the post will tend to rot at soil level. If you're going for the arts and crafts look, try using brick columns with timber beams, although I would suggest running some steel reinforcement up the centre of the brickwork,' suggests John Wyer.
(Image credit: David Loy/ Your Garden Design)
‘Sometimes we use metal or even charred oak if we are going for a slight more contemporary feel,’ says Charlotte Rowe.
Simple steel structures can be very effective, such as this contemporary pergola idea by David Loy of Your Garden Design .
'You can achieve a more modern look with a wooden pergola by squaring up the ends and corner. Or it could be constructed out of metal to give it a clean modern feel,' explains Fi Boyle.
Corten steel will weather to develop a beautiful deep orange rusty patina, or powder coated or paint metal will create a more slick look.
13. Set up a secluded spot for al fresco dining
(Image credit: Farlam & Chandler)
When designing a patio and pergola area for dining, consider building it out from an exterior wall to maximize the feeling of flow.
'Setting the back of a pergola against a hedge or border is a nice way to make the space feel enclosed from the rear and this could be extended part way or all the way down the sides,' suggests Fi Boyle.
‘Cantilevering a pergola over an outdoor kitchen looks lovely, and with supports only on one side allows for freer movement around and underneath it,’ says Kate Gould. This creates more space for a variety of patio furniture ideas under your pergola.
A pergola in a dining area can make a cozy night-time feature with the addition of the right ambient patio lighting ideas and hanging drapes.
‘Hanging a simple pendant from the pergola will bring light to extend the use of the space into the evening,’ suggests Harriet Farlam.
14. Dress a pergola with wisteria
(Image credit: Future / Val Corbett)
Wisterias and pergola ideas are a match made in heaven. The wisteria family has around ten species; favorites are Wisteria sinensis and Wisteria floribunda. They are deciduous, with sweetly-scented flowers in shades of white, purple, blue or pink.
It is easy to learn how to grow wisteria. Wisterias need sufficient sunlight to flower well – not less than six hours a day – and grow best in a south or west-facing position. Once established, wisterias are vigorous, but can take a few years to get going.
'Wisteria is great for pergola ideas, because it is robust, long lived and produces lots of scented blossom,' explains John Wyer.
A pergola has to be sturdy to take the weight of a mature wisteria. The final result is simply beautiful though – a froth of pure white flowers and fern-like foliage that looks stunning in quite dense shade.
15. Indulge in poolside shade with a well-placed pergola
(Image credit: Farlam & Chandler)
Incorporate a pergola into your pool ideas to create the perfect place for poolside lounging. Drape your pergola with grape vines for dappled sunlight and a truly tropical feel.
Alternatively, take inspiration from Mediterranean garden ideas and plant fragrant flowers like jasmine and lavender – as their perfumes are released, they’ll conjure up happy memories of sun-drenched escapes.
'However, it may be a very modern space with a clean minimal feel to it in which case surrounding it by planting may not be so appropriate,' says Fi Boyle. There are many pool shade ideas you can use in your design, from a permanent pergola, to temporary pergola canopies.
16. Make a small garden feel larger with a pergola
(Image credit: Jody Stewart)
'In small backyards, courtyard gardens, or small areas of larger backyards, a pergola makes the space feel much bigger without detracting from the usable area, especially if the pergolas legs, or some of them, are sat on a wall or in containers or a border.' explains Barry Chambers.
A pergola creates more height, which gives the illusion of a bigger space and a subtle extra layer to the outdoor space.
It also 'provides an opportunity for a small border or even containers to make a bigger statement, with climbing plants creeping up over the pergola, adds Barry.
17. Train climbing plants up a pergola
(Image credit: Jo Thompson Garden Design)
In a more traditional setting, adorn a pergola with some of the best flowering climbers for additional screening and a more natural aesthetic.
In this beautiful garden design by Jo Thompson, the traditional wooden pergola creates a slightly separate garden space for a guest room, surrounded by fragrant roses.
'I have planted roses and clematis carefully selected to give color through as much of the season as possible – starting with the early alpinas and ending with the viticellas. A range of roses are used again to give an extension of color for as long as possible – including 'Madame Alfred Carrière', Rosa banksiae var. banksiae and Rosa 'Albertine',' Jo explains.
‘Training wires up the posts can help twining plants establish more quickly. If you're planting in paving, make sure the climbers have plenty of space to root into,’ explains John Wyer.
The supporting wires may need to be considered within the design both on the horizontals and verticals.
For choices in plants, ‘wisteria is robust, long lived and produces scented blossom; Akebia quinata, or chocolate vine, has scented purple flowers and five-part palmate leaves; or try perennials Humulus lupulus ‘Aureus’, golden hop, or flame nasturtium Tropaeolum speciosum,’ suggests John Wyer.
‘In the long term, many climbing plants can get very big,’ adds Barry Chambers. Consider less vigorous varieties so there is less need for pruning in the future. ‘A deciduous plant, such as Jasmine officinale, will also allow a lot more light through in winter, which may be preferable,’ he adds.
18. Add vertical interest with pergola ideas
(Image credit: Fi Boyle Garden Design)
Pergola ideas undeniably bring vertical interest to a garden.
‘The style of the garden will dictate the most appropriate style and whether you want to set it within planting,’ explains Fi Boyle.
‘Often we plant trees around a pergola to help anchor it into the garden. A tall row of pleached trees or a multi-stem tree positioned either side will bring a softness to the structure,’ explains Harriet Farlam. Try surrounding with trees to espalier or trellis ideas to add vertical planting interest.
Take into account, too, the additional space required by surrounding planting. ‘You should anticipate the bulk of mature climbers, whether this be climbing roses or winter jasmine, which might need two to three feet clearance underneath,’ explains Ali Paterson.
19. Instal a swing seat in a pergola
(Image credit: Ali Paterson Garden Design)
In a quiet corner of this bucolic country garden a delightful haven has been created to sit and watch the roses grow with this pergola idea built to accommodate a swing bench – which is particularly suited to a cottage backyard idea.
'The gentle rocking can have a wonderfully calming and peaceful effect, and is popular with all ages, from small children to grannies,' explains the designer Ali Paterson.
'A rambling rose was trained over the top of the pergola to add delicious scent to the area in summer,' Ali adds.
FAQs
How do you style an outdoor pergola?
There are many ways to style an outdoor pergola, depending on the reason why it has been included in your garden design.
If it is intended as an area for relaxing and entertaining, then a mix of comfortable furniture, soft furnishings and accessories and some form of outdoor string lighting can easily transform it into a welcoming and stylish outdoor area.
For a contemporary garden design you can leave the structure of the pergola bare for the clean lines of a more minimalist look, while climbing plants or trailing plants for hanging baskets soften the look of a more traditional structure and garden setting.
Is it cheaper to build a pergola or buy one?
Whether it is cheaper to build a pergola or buy one will depend on the style and size of the pergola and the chosen material, whether you are building a pergola on a deck or as a standalone structure.
'You can find box section prefabricated aluminium and steel structures on the market, although these can be quite expensive,' explains John Wyer.
Simple wooden structures can be more cost effective, although you need to ensure that it will be the correct size and look for your garden.
'Installing pergolas requires some technicalities and it’s important to ensure the structure can withstand high winds amongst other things – I’d recommend getting professional advice on this,' advises John Wyer.
What is the point of having a pergola?
It is important to think what you want your pergola ideas to bring to the use and look of a garden. Is it to be used to create a shady spot for summer lunches or perhaps to screen a terrace from neighbors?
Garden designer Rebecca Smith MSGD advises playing around with bamboo stakes beforehand.
‘Will the pergola block a nice view from an upstairs room or will it help to hide an eyesore? It is much better to play around with the site before committing to the build to ensure the pergola is in the best place,’ she says.
Garden designer Kate Gould highlights further considerations. ‘It is easy to assume that you can do anything you like in your garden, but there are elements that may require planning permission. Pergolas often fall into this category if you live in a conservation area or if your property is listed.'
So make sure you investigate and make enquiries beforehand.
Do pergolas block sun?
A covered pergola is a great way to block the sun. However, they are not built for complete protection from the rain.
There are a variety of ways that a pergola can provide shade. This can be by training climbing plants over it, such as wisteria or evergreen climbers. A slated roof will provide dappled shade, or sail type blind fittings can be added to the roof section to provide more consistent shade. These type of shades can sometimes be attached to runners so that they can be drawn back when the area of the pergola is not in the sun, to allow more light into the area. This is especially useful if it is to be used for dining.
Perfect if you are designing an entertaining garden, pergola ideas can be the perfect opportunity to add structure, interest, support for planting and opportunities for shade and shelter.
25 Stylish Pergola Ideas to Shelter Your Backyard
By
Lisa Hallett Taylor
Lisa Hallett Taylor
Lisa Hallett Taylor is an expert in architecture and landscape design who has written more than 1,000 articles about pool, patio, garden, and home improvement over 12 years. She has a bachelor's degree in Environmental Design and is certified in fine and decorative arts appraisal.
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and
Lacey Ramburger
Lacey Ramburger
Lacey Ramburger is a personality expert specializing in Zodiac, Myers-Briggs, and the Enneagram.
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Updated on 03/21/23
Fact checked by
Sarah Scott
Fact checked by Sarah Scott
Sarah Scott is a fact-checker and researcher who has worked in the custom home building industry in sales, marketing, and design.
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The Spruce / Almar Creative
What used to be called a patio roof is now commonly referred to as a pergola―it provides shelter from the sun, rain, and wind while extending your home's living space. A major architectural structure, pergolas consist of rafters, beams, and posts and can be attached or detached to a house. While opinions vary on what differentiates it from a gazebo, usually a gazebo is freestanding and has a pitched roof, while a pergola's roof is flat. The terms arbor and pergola are often used interchangeably, but an arbor is more of a structure used to support vines or to direct foot traffic within a garden.
Get Inspired by These Pergola Ideas for Your Backyard
If you have a patio or deck, a rooflike structure will extend the amount of time you spend outdoors entertaining guests or relaxing. With the growing popularity of outdoor living spaces, it can increase a home's value.
What Is a Pergola?
A pergola is an outdoor structure consisting of columns that support a roofing grid of beams and rafters. This roofing grid may be left open or covered so as to create an area sheltered from the elements. Pergolas may be freestanding or attached to a house.
DIY Options and Pergola Considerations
Before jumping into a pergola project, consider the following:
- Orientation: North, south, east, or west-facing.
- Materials: These can include hardwood to plywood, metals, prefabricated materials, fabric, and glass.
- Budget: The two most significant expenses will be labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and that's most of us), this is where resourcefulness, smart planning, DIY skills, and creativity come into play.
- Contractor vs. DIY: Who is going to build it? Will it be a do-it-yourself project, or will you hire a contractor? A prefab pergola kit is an alternative.
- Building codes: Also, who is going to design it? Most outdoor structures require the approval of a building inspector or planning commissioner. Your local government officials should have guidelines on setbacks and height restrictions.
- Zoning laws: Do you need to obtain city, county, or regional zoning laws and approvals? Depending on where you live, this process can take a long time, so stay on top of it if you want the project done within the next few months or even years. Committees sometimes meet sporadically, and applications can fall through the cracks.
- Attached or standalone: Do you want the pergola attached to your deck or standing alone in the yard with nothing but landscaping around it?
We've found 25 pergola ideas that represent different styles, sizes, materials, and budgets sure to inspire you.
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01 of 25
Cover It Up
Allie Wilson Home
Pergolas provide plenty of shade, but the location you set it up may require you to purchase some type of cover for the top of the structure. This pergola from Allie Wilson opted for a bamboo screen to prevent any unwanted debris from falling into her backyard paradise.
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02 of 25
Extend Your Porch Space
Home Consultant
Adding a pergola to your deck or patio not only provides some much-needed shade but architectural interest as well. This all-black version matches the wooden porch perfectly and gives the impression of a larger-than-life outdoor area. A simple bench and a hanging swing attached to one of the beams complete the look.
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03 of 25
Opt for Personalized and Private
Kirsten Diane
We love the way this pergola almost feels like a room of its own. While plenty of pergolas typically stick to traditional beams with open space in between and a grid or slat-like top, it's not unheard of to add walls to the structure for some privacy. Additionally, you can also add a set of curtains that can be pulled closed when you need some alone time, or left open when you want to enjoy the beautiful day.
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04 of 25
Use It as the Perfect Garden Entrance
Lady Landscape
Pergolas can often be found in gardens, and it's easy to see why. This stunning setup from Lady Landscape has a sturdy structure surrounded by lush greenery, and it looks right at home. The pergola serves as an entrance that leads you to a simple wooden patio and a few comfortable chairs to enjoy the garden views from.
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05 of 25
Add Decorative Screens for Personality
Lucky Plot 13
Adding covers and screens can give pergolas extra shade, but they can also add a distinct personality. This cozy corner already makes a name for itself with pink and white pillows, bench seating, and plants on either side, yet the leaf print screens really set it apart. While the screens can be mounted to walls, as shown here, they can also be installed at the top of the pergola to give shade and cast gorgeous shadow patterns when the sun hits.
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06 of 25
Make It Freestanding for Outdoor Dining
Home Consultant
This freestanding pergola takes the outdoor dining area to the next level. The grid shape of the wooden pergola imitates a similar pattern as the square tiles throughout the patio, while also creating a distinct, designated space for people to gather.
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07 of 25
Try a Metal Pergola
KG Designs
Wood is far from the only material that can be used to create a gorgeous pergola, as evidenced by this stunning metal design. While usually bit pricier than wood, other options include fiberglass, vinyl, or even galvanized metal like the one shown here. The plus side of metal is having a unique yard feature, as well as an increased likelihood that it will have a long lifespan.
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08 of 25
Embrace White and Wicker
JC Designs
This patio space has a decidedly boho-chic atmosphere thanks to the wicker furniture and lampshades paired with the white pergola and fabrics. The wooden pergola extends out long enough to more than accommodate the seating area and outdoor rug, which can work great for backyards and patio where you only have limited space to work with.
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09 of 25
Use as an Extension to the House
Mindy Gayer Design Co. / Photo by Vanessa Lentine
Designing a pergola that extends from the back exterior wall of the house using the same materials and colors can be a gamechanger. Ideally, a pergola and outdoor space are designed at the same time as the house, and everything relates. This dark wood pergola connects one portion of the house to the other and blends in so well, you almost don't notice until you're closer.
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10 of 25
Use Natural Materials for the Win
Afro Bohemian Living
This outdoor space is perfectly shaded by a pergola made of wood, yet the shade at the top is provided by reed mats that can easily be added or removed for convenience. While pergolas are typically made out of wood (and therefore out of natural materials already), other accents added can make all the difference. The added texture from the mats gives the space a much more relaxed feeling.
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11 of 25
Prepare for Any Weather
Dazey Den
This desert paradise from Dazey Den is an absolute dream. Several areas are dedicated to different activities, and the white pergola with thick curtains made for the outdoors on all sides is the perfect place to retreat to beat the heat. The space is well-versed in plants and trees suitable for the Arizona climate. Cushions and pillows in vibrant reds and oranges help to create a stunning outdoor oasis.
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12 of 25
Create Ambiance via Firepit
Shiplap Shanty/Instagram
Added ambiance is always ideal for a patio or deck setting, and pergolas can provide a great structure to make it happen. This dark wood grid pergola easily holds strings of edition lightbulbs and perfectly shelters a firepit that brings all the charm and comfort you would strive for during a late, chilly evening.
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13 of 25
Allow the Ivory to Grow
Mint Design AU/Instagram
This larger-than-life pergola is made of steel and is already an attention grabber. The structure is detached from the building yet also effortlessly blends into the rest of the scenery. The designers from Mint Design AU describe it best: "The steel pergola itself is a showstopper but add in some Boston Ivy, and it's a living piece of art." By allowing ivy or vines to grow on your pergola, you can give the structure a more natural feel.
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14 of 25
Allow It to Make an Entrance
Home Consultant
Pergolas hold quite a bit of flexibility in where they can be placed. This gorgeous dark wooden piece extends right to the double doors and between the two exterior walls, creating a stunning entrance and an instant transformation.
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15 of 25
Create the Perfect Hideaway
Benedictehn/Instagram
The outdoor area shown here may be an extension of the house but also feels like its own private nook. The pergola stretched across the space allows the small corner to not feel too boxed in, while still providing the perfect hideaway to sit in on the deck.
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16 of 25
Make It Personal
Cotton of Claire/Instagram
Ultimately, your outdoor patio should not only accommodate your needs but also reflect your personality. This large, black pergola with thin slats for the top already sets itself apart, yet the added hanging swing, the hammock, and large piece of art surrounding the space make it feel much more personalized.
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17 of 25
Try a DIY Kit
Fancy Fix Decor/Instagram
While it makes perfect sense to have a professional build a pergola, there are also plenty of DIY kits that are worth looking into. This setup by Nicole from Fancy Fix Decor is already the perfect entertaining space, and she reveals this pergola was actually a kit that came from Costco—proof that DIY can absolutely be the way to go!
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18 of 25
Keep Things Small and Simple
Our Clivden House/Instagram
While pergolas can come in plenty of styles, colors, and styles, it often feels as though pergolas can be towering structures taking up large amounts of space. The reality, though, is that you can custom build a pergola to be any size that you want. This pergola perfectly covers the small deck area built into the ground, giving the space a much more defined presence. The perfect sized pergola is the one that fits your needs.
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19 of 25
Get Colorful
This House We Made/Instagram
While the classic white, black, and wood combo seems to dominate with pergolas, it doesn't mean you should avoid other colors. This lively patio area is proof of that—the lush plants, fire bowl, and paper lanterns make the space feel inviting, but the pop of yellow for the pergola truly makes it shine.
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20 of 25
Light It Up
My Dark Home/Instagram
Transitioning an outdoor deck or patio from day to night requires one key element—plenty of lighting. Pergolas, in particular, are ideally suited to hold plenty of light, especially if you opt for string lights to easily wrap around or hang from the beams. This pergola from My Dark Home truly lights up the night with plenty of string lights, paper lanterns, and candles across the space, ensuring that the evening outdoors doesn't end when the sun goes down.
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21 of 25
Elevate and Decorate
31 The Council House/Instagram
This outdoor seating area started as a totally empty space until Christine from 31 The Council House decided to change that. The constructed deck sits on top of the gravel, and the black pergola built on top draws the eyes upward and gives the impression of a larger space. The sheer curtains, matching patio furniture, dual plants, string lights, and patterned rug are perfect additions.
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22 of 25
Try a Cantilever Pergola
Home on the Grove/Instagram
When Emma of Home on the Grove was trying to figure out what to do with an unused section of her patio space, she had plenty to consider. She decided to create zones, and in this area, she wanted a space that would be great to sit and relax in, yet not entirely block the sun. She went with a cantilever pergola, which is attached to two legs rather than the traditional four, giving a much more open feel.
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23 of 25
Mix Materials
Westgate House/Instagram
Pergolas often tend to match the same material as the surrounding deck or home, but that doesn't always need to be the case. Mixing materials can add dimension and texture to your space in a subtle way. This gorgeous pergola area from Becky of Westgate House is a combination of cedarwood, composite decking, and timber, with lighting installed in the seats and outlets constructed behind the pergola. "We created this area to make use of a random corner of our garden that was a mess and had a rogue hill." She also added, "We wanted a different kind of hang-out space in the garden... one where we could relax in the shade through the day and sit out toasting marshmallows with the kids around the fire on a night."
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24 of 25
Customize for Curb Appeal
Home Consultant
It's no secret that adding a pergola can instantly boost your curb appeal—which is exactly why Julian Porcino of Home Consultant decided to add one to this Spanish-inspired home. Having a pergola custom built can be a bit of an expense, but the possibilities in design and function can be well worth it. Here, a warm wooden version was constructed at an angle to match the design of the home—and naturally, a hanging swing was also a must.
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Go for a Poolside Pergola
Molly Britt Design/Instagram
This large pergola structure truly does make the backyard (and honestly, the house itself) feel incredibly luxurious. The dark wood contrasting against the white home and patio is stunning, and having it positioned near the pool creates a perfect transition from splashing around to sitting back and relaxing later on.
Is it less expensive to buy or build a pergola?
Assuming you have the carpentry or DIY skills, it is less expensive to build a pergola yourself. A small, budget DIY pergola can cost as little as $1,000-2,000 in materials, bearing in mind that the cost will vary depending on the type of materials used and the cost of materials in your area.
How many years do pergolas last?
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.
The Best Pergola Kits to Elevate Your Backyard Experience
WALL GUNS - A PRACTICAL ADDITION TO YOUR GARDEN
The modern wall arbor is an increasingly popular alternative to the parasol. Stylish structures made of durable materials from season to season are in increasing demand among lovers of relaxation in the comfort of their own garden. Is it worth it to equip the backyard area with a gazebo? Which model is especially worth paying attention to? Check out our tips and suggestions!
Wall pergola or garden umbrella?
Which solution is right for your garden primarily depends on the resources, the size of the terrace, the aesthetics of the garden, how often and in what way you use the patio... People looking for reliable, durable equipment that will in immaculate condition to serve residents and guests for many years, the architects especially recommend investing in a terrace canopy.
A high-quality wall pergola, in contrast to a standard umbrella, is able to shade even very large spaces. Modular designs are easily adapted to the size of a particular terrace. A high-quality canopy can not only provide a soothing shade to even the largest set of garden furniture, but it is also an effective barrier to harmful UV radiation and precipitation. By investing in a modern metal gazebo, you get reliable equipment, thanks to which your patio will become a fully functional, comfortable recreation area in any conditions.
MARANZA - wall-mounted and free-standing pergola
Wall-mounted pergolas offered by our designers are significantly different from the classic wooden structures that until recently were placed on our plots. To all aesthetes looking for garden equipment designed in accordance with the latest trends, we present MARANZA, an unusual pergola that will emphasize the modern character of the space.
The MARANZA terrace pergola is made entirely of aluminium, a high-quality metal that combines thinness and lightness with absolute durability. Powder coated aluminum is completely resistant to scratches, corrosion, tarnishing and discoloration. Our pergolas are year-round designs. Exposure to intense UV radiation, extreme temperatures, pollution and water will not affect the condition of MARANZA. In addition, you do not need to worry about the long-term impregnation of the carcass and its protection in the off-season. The terrace building will retain its impeccable shape, despite the lack of any maintenance.
The distinguishing feature of MARANZA is the canopy, which is not made of technical fabric, but of slats, that is, flat, hinged aluminum slats. With an easy-to-use remote control, you can change the angle of the slats, thereby adjusting the amount of beams reaching the terrace. Horizontally arranged slats form a flat, compact cover. The closed canopy is one hundred percent waterproof. The robust construction can withstand loads up to 80 kg/m2, so even snow on the roof will not pose a danger to the gazebo. Each model is equipped with an invisible water drainage system. Sturdy, neatly attached to the base profiles remain completely stable even in very windy weather.
The canopy is complemented by roller blinds. Drawn curtains let the afternoon sun or cool breeze out of the way for family outdoor activities. Elegant, automatically controlled curtains can be installed on all walls or only on selected ones. To meet the needs of our customers, we also offer assembly services. Experienced specialists will mount the structure in the specified place and explain in an accessible way how all the mechanisms work.
Anthracite MARANZA - metal wall pergola
MARANZA wall pergolas are available in two colors: light and dark. Terrace with pergola in anthracite color is a proposal for any trendsetter who loves expressive and unusual solutions. A deep dark color with a metallic structure will create a close-knit duet with minimalist aluminum or dark faux rattan furniture. The covered terrace, fitted with a modular charcoal sofa and coffee table, becomes a luxurious outdoor living area where you can find solace after a hectic, stressful day.
White wall arbor - a subtle accent in the garden
Worried that a sober, dark-colored design will not harmonize with your garden, inspired by gentle English or French style? A much thinner white model will be an excellent alternative to a dark wall gazebo. Delicate white is a universal color. No matter what furniture is in the center of the arrangement and what palette dominates the composition, you can be sure that a simple no-frills gazebo will fit into a carefully organized space.
Wall arbor not only for the garden
The wall pergolas shown in the Garden Space catalog are also used in open public spaces. More and more clients of upscale restaurants, hotels or spas can relax in beautifully laid out seating areas. Pergolas are available in a wide range of sizes, allowing you to shade even very large spaces.
GARDEN PANEL - WHICH MODEL TO CHOOSE?
Wondering what would be the best garden gazebo? Until recently, most gardens had wooden structures installed. Today, with the development of modern production methods and scattered fashions, decorative rustic designs are giving way to minimalist metal structures. Metal arbors are not only more spectacular, but, above all, more durable and functional. What you need to know about metal garden arbors? Which model will meet your expectations? Check out our offers and breathe life into your garden!
Garden gazebo - a recipe for inclement weather
In our latitudes, the weather can be capricious. To be sure, each of us has repeatedly canceled carefully planned garden parties, due to a sudden cold snap, or in a hurry to carry a barbecue under an umbrella when unplanned rain fell from the sky. By investing in a gazebo for the garden, you can become almost completely independent of the changing weather.
The garden arbor must be made of durable materials that will not deteriorate under variable weather conditions. Classic wooden pergolas can swell and crack due to variable air humidity. Keeping a good shape is also not conducive to UV radiation. Each owner who has a wooden gazebo in the garden must carefully impregnate and protect it in the autumn-winter period and regularly renew the color. The designers who create the Zumm brand offer a much more practical solution - a terrace canopy made entirely of metal. Innovative designs maintain their impeccable shape despite contact with variable weather conditions. They do not require maintenance or any maintenance procedures. Each garden gazebo featured on the Garden Space website is a year-round facility. Get to know the MARANZA and PERARA models closer!
MARANZA garden arbor - aesthetics, quality, comfort
The modern MARANZA arbor is made entirely of powder-coated aluminium, an anti-corrosion metal that combines lightness and absolute durability. The basis of the construction are solid profiles, firmly and at the same time discreetly attached to the base. The garden arbor is not destroyed by UV radiation, moisture, extreme temperatures. The strong design is not capable to damage even very strong wind.
The most important part of MARANZA is the adjustable roof, which consists of many slats, ie flat aluminum slats. The mechanism used can be compared to blinds. With a simple and reliable manual system, you can change the angle of the slats, thus controlling the amount of sun that gets under the canopy. Flat lamellas form a compact, waterproof roof with high resistance to heavy loads (up to 80 kg per m2). The covered terrace with MARANZA pergola becomes a fully functional area that you can use even on rainy days.
The advantage of MARANZA is the possibility of expanding it with additional elements. Is your terrace next to the neighbours' property? Is there a busy, noisy street right behind the fence? Roller blinds protect you from the prying eyes of neighbors and passers-by, so you can relax in comfortable, private surroundings and keep cool gusts at bay. Blinds can be installed on any side or/or front walls. They are made of durable, hardly flammable textile, resistant to high temperature, frost, moisture. Blinds open in a three-stage system: 1/3, 2/3 and full closing.
An alternative to roller shutters are openwork walls made of non-adjustable slats. Decorative walls will be a spectacular decoration of the structure and an element that will subtly shade the terrace and protect it from the wind.
Pergola PERARA - a design pearl in your garden
Stylish, minimalistic and functional ... that's the pergola for the garden PERARA! Like MARANZA, PERARA is made entirely of high quality metal. The terrace arbor of this series is an autonomous, separate element. The sturdy construction, equipped with an adjustable roof, will bring a touch of luxury to the exterior. The strict, devoid of unnecessary decorations design will emphasize the modern character of the arrangement and give it expressiveness.
Speaking about the advantages of a pergola with the Zumm brand logo, one cannot fail to mention their installation. Each garden gazebo offered by Garden Space consists of mobile elements that can be easily connected together. To independently put an elegant canopy in front of the house, you do not need to perform expensive and time-consuming work. The build process is amazingly easy! For those who value convenience, we offer assembly services. In this case, our experienced specialists will be engaged in the supply of components, carrying out the necessary measurements, assembling the modules into a single whole and demonstrating the operation of the control mechanism.
Pergola tailored to your garden
Garden pergolas MARANZA and PERARA are available in many different sizes. Each model can be ordered in two universal, noble colors - white and anthracite. Each gazebo can be equipped with garden furniture, equipment and decorations that will give it a unique character. The garden arbors we have designed, installed in front of the house, will extend the garden season by several weeks.