35 Pergola Ideas to Completely Transform Your Outdoor Space

Open-air pergola

Pergolas have become a sought-after addition to outdoor living spaces, offering a perfect blend of shade, style and versatility. Whether you're seeking a cozy nook for intimate gatherings or a grand structure to host vibrant celebrations, these creative pergola ideas—these architectural marvels—have the power to transform any deck or patio into a true oasis. 

From rustic charm to modern sophistication, these pergola styles showcase the boundless creativity of designers and homeowners alike. Prepare to be inspired by an array of materials, from classic wood to sleek metal, and discover innovative features—like lighting, heating and retractable roofs—that elevate the outdoor experience. Whether you crave a touch of whimsy with trailing vines or prefer a minimalist aesthetic, this inspiring list promises to ignite your imagination and guide you toward creating the perfect retreat in your own backyard.

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Is It Cheaper to Build or Buy a Pergola?

According to Stacy Elmore, Co-Founder at The Luxury Pergola, "It is usually cheaper to build a pergola—the trick comes down to the materials you choose."

Elmore advises that while many customers can build with different materials and kits, they must consider wind ratings and engineering requirements. For those expecting an ROI if selling their home, Elmore suggests buying a code-compliant pergola kit. While hiring a contractor for installation provides peace of mind, it usually costs more.

Laurel Vernazza, Home Design Expert at The Plan Collection, offers a different perspective. "A pergola kit from a big box store is less expensive but limited in sizes and styles," she says. "If you want something more creative or have a challenging site, a custom-built pergola is the way to go."

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Should You Put a Roof on a Pergola?

Elmore is a proponent of roofed pergolas, stating, "It's a great idea if you want shelter from rain, snow or enhanced shade."

However, she cautions against retrofitting an existing pergola, as "adding a roof dramatically changes the overturn momentum, increasing the risk of toppling in high winds." Her advice? "Get a pergola designed for a roof rather than retrofitting."

Vernazza recommends adjustable or louvered pergola roofs as the ideal design, allowing control over sun exposure and rain coverage.

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What's the Difference Between a Pergola and a Pergoda?

"A pergola typically has a wood criss-cross overhead that provides angled shade but not full coverage," explains Elmore. "It can host vines or greenery." In contrast, she describes a pergoda as "a more modern slatted structure angled around 45 degrees for enhanced shade sans rain protection—used in outdoor restaurant seating areas."

Vernazza notes that free-standing structures with solid wood or metal roofs are sometimes incorrectly called pergolas or gazebos. "In the U.K., this type of structure may be called a pergoda," she adds.

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35 Pergola Ideas

Here are 35 breathtaking pergola designs that will undoubtedly elevate your backyard bliss.

1. Shaded Elegance

"Where the pergola creates an open and airy feel in a lush garden setting, customers can achieve this look by focusing on simplicity and clean lines," Elmore says. "Use white or light-colored pergolas to complement the natural greenery and provide a stark contrast. Enhance the space with minimal but colorful furniture for a pop of vibrancy."

2. Cozy Outdoor Space

"This pergola offers a cozy and enclosed outdoor living space," explains Elmore. "You can replicate this style by choosing a pergola with a darker finish to match the outdoor furniture. Add string lights and soft textiles to boost comfort and create an inviting atmosphere."

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3. Sleek Outdoor Atmosphere

"This pergola uses bold, dark colors to anchor the space," Elmore says. To achieve this same look, she recommends using a monochromatic color palette and incorporating modern furniture with clean lines to create a sleek and contemporary outdoor area.

4. Sleek Style

"This pergola acts as an extension of the home, blending indoor and outdoor living," shares Elmore. "You can achieve this seamless look by using materials and colors that complement the house's exterior and choosing furniture that could easily belong in an indoor setting."

5. All Decked Out

"This pergola is an elegant backdrop to a poolside retreat," explains Elmore. "Customers can create this resort-like ambiance by selecting a pergola with a lighter frame and incorporating lush landscaping around the pool area. Comfortable lounge furniture and subtle lighting will enhance the luxurious feel."

6. Outdoor Entertaining

According to Elmore, "This pergola provides a defined outdoor dining area, customers can replicate this by using a pergola with a solid roof for shade and weather protection. Incorporating a large dining table and comfortable chairs will make the space perfect for entertaining."

7. Bold and Beautiful

"This pergola offers a contrast to the home's siding with its dark, bold color," says Elmore. "Customers looking for this look should choose a color that stands out against their home for a striking effect and furnish with neutral tones to balance the boldness."

8. Perfect Patio

"The use of a pergola to create a sheltered patio space can be achieved by customers through the installation of a pergola directly adjacent to their home," Elmore shares. "This creates an extended living space that feels like a natural extension of the indoor area, especially when furnished with comfortable outdoor sofas and decorative elements like plants and outdoor art."

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9. Custom-Designed Pergola

"This pergola is a custom-designed and built structure, which was included as part of the construction of the house," Vernazza says. "Note how the post for the pergola is also the post for the deck. The home's exterior walls also support the pergola."

10. Eye-Catching Design

According to Vernazza, "This pergola could be custom-built or purchased as a pergola kit since the pergola is free-standing and secured to a flat patio surface."

11. Sleek Steel

Jarrett Adams, the Director of Product & Brand at Fortress Building Products, says: "The team at @stone.ridge.decking installed a custom steel pergola to create a functional outdoor living space that’s perfect for grilling and enjoying a cold beverage. The pergola's sleek steel rafters frame the outdoor area without hindering the stunning view beyond the edge of the deck."

12. Terrific Terrace

Lauren Williams, founder of Lauren Jayne Design, says: "In Scarsdale, we designed a private residence for a family of five where it was important to enjoy the outdoors throughout the seasons. The pergola became an extension of the indoor living areas that flowed into the covered terrace. By considering the various functions and adjacencies, we were able to carve out intimate groupings."

13. Heated Haven

Adams says: "Here, the homeowner installed electric heaters on both ends of her Chicago rooftop steel pergola to direct heat toward the outdoor food prep area for extra warmth on a chilly night. Because the steel pergola’s rafters, purlins and beams are hollow, there is a natural space to hide wires. This made it easy to incorporate space heaters without having to look at unattractive wiring."

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14. Starry Space

Adams says: "Doesn't food taste better under the stars and surrounded by good friends? By creating an outdoor space to enjoy the comforts typically associated with an indoor living or dining room, homeowners can maximize their home’s usable living space."

15. Heavenly Hangout

"A fire-smart option, steel pergolas are noncombustible, which means they are safe to use in outdoor spaces that incorporate a fire pit," Adams explains. "A stray spark will not pose an ignition risk. This, in turn, will help reduce the vulnerability of a home and the homes of surrounding neighbors."

16. Versatile Style

Ashley Smith, President and Managing Director of markilux USA, says this "terrace area [features] markilux’s Pergola Stretch, which allows for flexibility—folding technology allows the pergola to remotely retract for clear views. For this modern look, go for high-quality materials in metals and fabrics and look for a motorized pergola option."

17. Bold, Beautiful Beams

"For cooler nights, infrared heaters can be attached to the crossbars of markilux’s Pergola Stretch," Smith explains. "Look for a pergola that has crossbars and/or beams that allow for attachments, and materials that can withstand the heat."

18. Poolside Perfection

"Poolside at a residence with the Pergola Stretch—pergolas are a perfect solution to protect against the sun," Smith says. "This property features a streamlined color palette of neutrals and dark tones like black. Create and stick to a color palette, and focus on fabrics that can not only give you the look but provide the protection needed."

19. Expansive Elegance

Aaron Brundage, Director of Operations at System Pavers says: "Built to give homeowners more room to entertain, this pergola is fully roofed and has a gas fire pit for an expansive living space that can be enjoyed in nearly any weather."

20. Fun and Functional

"This adjustable louvered pergola elevates the look and functionality of this invitingly modern deck by adding shade and creating a cozy feel," Brundage explains.

21. Stylish Stone

"This freestanding pergola features stone pillar supports that complement the look of the paving stone patio seamlessly," says Brundage.

22. Elevated Outdoor Design

"System Pavers combined multiple pergolas to create a space where sportscaster Joe Davis and his family could get together with friends, grill and play outdoors," Brundage shares.

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23. Relaxing Retreat

According to Brundage, "Recently, System Pavers partnered with Military Makeover with Montel to transform a heroic veteran’s backyard, complete with an attached pergola and paver patio."

24. Dreamy Backyard

"'Sam the Cooking Guy’s' pergola-covered outdoor kitchen creates the perfect space for putting his chef skills to good use, right in his own backyard," Brundage shares.

25. Eye-Catching Angles

"This Texas backyard features a freestanding pergola with [a] gabled roof for privacy and a place to escape blazing summer sun while enjoying quality time outdoors," Brundage says.

26. Inviting Aesthetic

"Create an inviting space for dining under the stars by adding lighting to a freestanding open-air pergola like this," Brundage suggests.

27. Exceptional Additions

"The sturdiness of this professionally-built pergola makes it a great place to hang a porch swing," Brundage explains.

28. Garden Dreams

"System Pavers installed this simple garden pergola as a focal point that invites guests to step through and enjoy the view," Brundage explains.

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29. Lovely Lounge

"This fully roofed pergola is attached to the home to create an extended living space with a lounge-like feel," says Brundage.

30. Arched Ambiance

Jeremy Martin, the CEO at Willow Gates Landscaping, says: "This is a redwood arched pergola with a retractable canopy. This is available as a kit and was shipped from California. We installed footings and ran conduit for lighting prior to installing the patio. Low voltage up/down lights create a warm ambiance by casting light directly on the pavement as well as indirect light reflecting off the overhead structure. The retractable canopy allows for more shade or protection from rain, yet still allow plenty of light when desired."

31. Stunning Style

According to Martin, "Borrowing elements of a pavilion, a growing trend is to attach a roof to the home. This covered deck has a wide reverse gable roof that provides ample space for the client’s young and active family. A kitchen includes a refrigerator and grill, while a fireplace anchors the end of the space. With partial walls on either end of the space, this area can be used through much of the winter. One side is completely open and allows ample light in winter months, yet adequate shade during hot summer months."

32. Warm and Welcoming

"This pergola was constructed from pressure-treated pine and stained with a warm redwood color," Martin explains. "This blended well with the tones of the patio and wall, with a mix of reds, rich browns, and tans. Accents were added to the posts to create a more substantial structure. Custom light mounts allow placement of up/down lights on the corner of the posts. This structure provides some shade, but its main intent is to define the area."

33. Stylish Statement

"This pergola was constructed with oversized solid cedar posts," Martin shares. "The slats provide a great deal of shade, and a retractable canopy allows the client the option for more shade or protection from rain when needed. Up/down lights provide warm ambiance. This pergola also has outlets for any future needs, as well as a switched outlet near the top that allowed the client to add café lights."

34. Appealing Additions

"This customized pavilion has become one of our most well-known projects!" shares Martin. "Lighting is provided by up/down low voltage lanterns, as well as a ceiling fan with a light. The gas fireplace creates instant heat and the perfect gathering spot, with built-in seating on either side. A small kitchen includes sink, grill, and side burner as well as counter seating. Custom touches abound, such as tiered capping. Wood-toned concrete pavers were used for the bench seating, hearth and mantel, and outlining the pavilion area. This pavilion is just a few steps away from the back door, and allows easy use for much of the year."

35. Farmhouse Chic

"We refinished the existing pergola at our Miami Beach project with a fresh coat of wood stain and added electricity for overhead lights and fans," Williams says about this gorgeous setup. "The pergola’s location beneath a mango tree made for a magical setting to host. We added pendants over the dining table to create an inviting glow that can be seen from across the garden. The fans offer a cool breeze on a summer day."

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Sources

• Stacy Elmore, Co-Founder at The Luxury Pergola

• Laurel Vernazza, Home Design Expert at The Plan Collection

• Jarrett Adams, the Director of Product & Brand at Fortress Building Products

• Lauren Williams, founder of Lauren Jayne Design

• Ashley Smith, President and Managing Director of markilux USA

• Aaron Brundage, Director of Operations at System Pavers

• Jeremy Martin, the CEO at Willow Gates Landscaping