Transform Your Backyard into an Idyllic Oasis with These 25 Enchanting Pergola Ideas

Spring has sprung, and it's high time for basking in the glorious sunshine and enjoying the fresh blooms warmer weather has to offer. But as the temperature keeps rising and spring heats up into summer, hours of intense sunshine can certainly limit time spent outdoors.

Enter the pergola, an outdoor structure consisting of pillars supporting crossbeams onto which flowering vines are often trained and which is often used for shading walkways, patios, or seating areas. Not to be confused with an arbor, which is typically smaller and often features an arch, pergolas allow you to enjoy your outdoor living space at your leisure no matter the heat index, especially if you do not have a porch.

We've gathered 20 of our dreamiest, most awe-inspiring pergola ideas, from those overlooking soothing pools to lush gardens, that will inspire you to install one of your own. Whether your landscaping style is more laidback or luxurious, you're sure to fall in love with these stunning backyard pergola ideas to find solace from the sun's rays and encourage outdoor entertaining.