Landscaping adds a lot of value. Whether it’s adding greenery to an urban area, enhancing commercial spaces, or simply making the most of a residential space, good landscaping can have a major impact on its surroundings, their appeal, and their value.
Good landscaping goes beyond things like plants and walkways; it also includes shade, area delineating structures, and focal points to rest the eye on. Nothing provides these attributes (along with a lot of style and interest) like a pergola.
Pergola designs are multi-faceted, allowing for a lot of customization that can enhance any area. Whether you’re adding a seating area to a public park or simply looking for some backyard pergola ideas, the possibilities are varied and exciting. The following 30 pergola designs can give you an idea of just how versatile and interesting a pergola can be in any setting:
1. Patio Definition
If you need patio pergola ideas, consider the way that this arched pergola defines and adds structure to this plain brick patio. The arch helps add a little contrast to the clean lines of the patio, while adding detail and calling attention to the area as a whole.
2. Pergola Walkways
Lead people where you want them to go by defining your walkways with pergolas. This sleek, modern pergola design is the perfect complement to the black bannisters, and provides an enclosed feeling that attracts guests.
3. Covered Pergola Ideas
Pergolas are normally left completely open, but can have additional definition added to the canopy for shade if needed. This pergola defines the seating area, and also supplies shade. Just the right amount of light filters through to keep it from getting too dark.
4. Privacy Pergola
Pergolas can be used anywhere, including small spaces. By combining one side of a pergola with the fencing in a small yard or patio, you can add extra dimension to the design along with privacy and a little space savings.
5. House Attachment
Not all pergolas are freestanding; some can attach to homes or buildings to make them an extension of the structure. This is ideal for small patios and other spaces that are attached to the building, and is perfect for helping to create those indoor/outdoor spaces that people enjoy.
6. Outdoor Kitchen Cover
Covered pergolas are an ideal way to add some protection to an outdoor kitchen. The brick columns help create a cohesive look, while the added ceiling fans and overhead lights make this space more functional no matter what time of day or weather.
7. Poolside Pergola
Pergolas can make excellent transitions from buildings to outdoor spaces. They add definition and shade, which can make it easier to move from one space to another. They also help define the entryway for those already outdoors.
8. Covered Deck Pergola
Transform your deck with a pergola. This pergola features a canopy that helps add some shade and protection from the elements. The pergola is built right into the deck railings, so it has a very cohesive look.
9. Small Space Definition
Small spaces are easily lost in larger designs. This is one area where the pergola can really shine. For small areas, the pergola lends substance and creates a focus that helps bring more attention to the space.
10. Bar Area Complement
Outdoor bar areas are another place that pergolas are ideal for. This pergola extends just past the seating area, helping to add more designation to the structure. The columns are shortened in the front to sit on the countertop, adding to the style and interest of the space.
11. Added Shade
This deck pergola uses long pieces of cloth to create some shade. Pergolas are perfect for styles like this, letting you choose whether you want shade or not in a more subtle way than a retractable canopy or that other temporary structures may bring.
12. Vine Growth
Pergolas are ideal for gardens and patios where there’s a lot of greenery surrounding the space. This pergola has hanging plants and trailing vines. As the vines grow, they can be trained to provide shade over the pergola top.
13. Outdoor Game Room
Pergolas add instant focus and attraction to an area. In this case, they define an outdoor chessboard, establishing some boundaries for the area and making it much more visible to anyone who may be nearby.
14. Pergola Pathways
Walkways and paths are necessary for a lot of spaces and types of landscaping. Adding a pergola helps determine the area in three dimensions, rather than just one. This makes it easier for people to find the path they need.
15. Simple Seating Area
Pergolas add a little bit of shade and a lot of style and design enhancement to outdoor seating areas. This simple pergola design helps create a feeling of enclosure for the seating area, but without actual walls.
16. Canopy Idea
Pergolas can have a cover or shade created using a wide variety of materials and techniques. This allows for more customization of the design. This pergola uses striped fabric strips, but by changing the fabric or removing it altogether, you can create a very different look.
17. Mixed Materials
Pergolas don’t need to be created from a single material; they can mix with other materials to create a custom design. This pergola top is blended with a brick wall and brick columns to create a unique seating area.
18. Building Extension
This pergola is nearly as large as the small building it’s attached to. It helps create the illusion of a larger property, as well as a more defined space and a lead-in to the doorways on one end,or the chaise lounges on the other.
19. Deck Division
Pergolas can be used to enhance a section of an area, not just the entire space. This deck has a pergola built into one end, with the other section still open. This can be used to create different seating or eating areas on the deck, without cutting one spot off from the next like a gazebo would.
20. Multi-Purpose Pergola
This unique setup allows the pergola to act as a cover for part of the porch and for the seating area beside it. The cover for the pergola also allows more solar panels to be installed, giving additional purpose to the structure.
21. Patio Enclosure
When you want to add more dimension to an area, but you don’t want to completely screen it or close it in, a pergola is the perfect choice. This pergola helps establish the patio as part of the restaurant, but doesn’t get in the way of the sunlight or fresh air.
22. Shape Dimension
Decks, patios, and other structures don’t need to be rectangular or square; they can be different shapes. Custom pergola designs let you call even more attention to the unique shape of the deck you’re building, so you can make more of it.
23. Pergola Ideas for Small Backyards
Pergolas can be built in any size or configuration, so they can fit into any space. This small yard uses a defined paver-based patio with a pergola over it to set apart the seating area from the rest of the design.
24. Upper Story Pergola
This home has a deck area added above the garage. A pergola is used to help add height and dimension to the deck, as well as offer potential shade and a frame for the entrance.
25. Dog Park Seating
Pergolas can be used anywhere you want to add dimension. This dog park offers visitors a place to sit while their dogs play, and the pergola helps call more attention to it, setting it apart from the playground equipment.
26. Eating Area Shade
Many modern pergola ideas include more than just the structure; they also have shade, lights, fans, and other attributes that make the area more comfortable. This seating area has it all, along with a unique design that features one half-stone column.
27. Hot Tub Shade
Pergolas can be used for shade, but they provide some privacy and protection as well. This hot tub is protected from sunlight and the elements by a covered pergola that features a fence along one side.
28. Garden Centerpiece
In many walking gardens there are areas where a variety of paths converge. Adding a pergola to this space helps create a focal point and a centerpiece to the design. This large pergola is the ideal complement to the garden.
29. Outdoor Living Room
Outdoor living spaces have been increasing in popularity and use for the last several years. Framing one with a pergola helps give it substance and offers shade.
30. Modern Pergola Ideas
Modern pergola designs can be used to add interest, detail, and structure to open areas. These pergolas create a series of archways to walk through, which helps define and express the space.
Update Your Landscaping with Pergolas
Pergolas come in many different forms and configurations, so you’ll have no trouble adding one to your landscaping, no matter what the job or scope. Consider one of these designs or other unique pergolas for your next landscaping project to gain the benefits that only a pergola can bring.