Traditionally, pergolas have been constructed by perching beams atop of columns and evenly spacing rafters and stringers to top off the design. The beams and rafters often feature a decorative end design. As contemporary design trends have gained popularity, pergolas have risen to meet a new standard of modern structures with sleek lines and nontraditional composition. These structures are not only functional, but also striking in their appearance as they serve their purpose in a variety of spaces.
Modern Pergola Design Ideas
These 15 contemporary pergolas will provide lots of inspiration to enhance a modern aesthetic.
1. Clean lines
This modern aluminum pergola kit created an outdoor living area for an apartment community where residents can enjoy a fire, watch tv, or sit and chat, enjoying the added breeze from the ceiling fan. Finished with a woodgrain look, this pergola merges the traditional look of wood with the strength, durability, and low-maintenance appeal of an aluminum structure. Foregoing decorative ends in favor of sleek lines and a pitched design gives this pergola kit a modern look, inviting residents to take advantage of its shade.
2. Creative spacing
With many pergolas adhering to even spacing of rafters and stringers, this modern aluminum pergola adds an element of architectural interest to this university common area by grouping the rafters and stringers together with a large amount of space between each group.
3. Long and narrow
Modern metal pergola kits make a powerful statement, and this aluminum pergola is no exception. Its custom dimensions and unique airfoil rafters make it the perfect place to utilize hammocks. Residents in this apartment community can benefit from the gentle sway of the hammocks as they delight in the shade produced by this contemporary pergola design.
4. Super simple yet highly effective
Modern metal pergola kits really mean that the design is only limited by your imagination. In this aluminum pergola design, rafters and stringers are eliminated and a tensioned shade sail is added to create a beautiful outdoor living space.
5. Custom touches
Doing away with the standard composition of beams, rafters, and stringers, this contemporary pergola is an impressive addition to the hospital building to which it is attached. Today’s hospitals place an emphasis on creating spaces that are comfortable and welcoming and this pergola achieves both by creating shade and a pleasing place to sit.
6. Think outside the box
To achieve a modern pergola design, thinking outside the box can go a long way. Which is ironic, considering this stunning pergola makes use of squares to achieve its unique look.
7. Muted colors
One of the hallmarks of modern design is the use of muted colors to create a serene environment in which to relax and unwind. This pergola kit incorporates the grey finish of the deck, chairs, and accents into its beams and rafters. White tapered columns create the appearance of additional height, and the design is completed by accent lights strung from the rafters.
8. Square ends
Veering from traditional decorative edges, this low-maintenance fiberglass pergola utilizes square ends that add a modern touch to the design and create shade for pool-goers waiting to enter the bathhouses. With its unique design, it perfectly complements the existing buildings and is strong enough to stand the test of time.
9. Wider spacing
Stringers that run perpendicular to the rafters are typically spaced close together to create a shaded area under the pergola. This modern pergola kit utilizes a beautiful fabric canopy to create shade, which allows for a unique wider spacing of the stringers. Choosing chairs that match the canopy’s design brings a cohesion to the space and completes the contemporary feel.
10. Modern curves
In a truly one-of-a-kind design, this modern pergola design mirrors the circular edge of the patio and even includes 8 fully-retractable canopies. The design even mimics the sun-shaped inlay on the building creating incredible cohesion in the design.
11. Make a strong statement with bold columns
The contrast of the dark columns with the bright white pergola roof makes this pergola stand out in its urban environment. The chosen colors create a bold architectural statement and invite residents of the living community to enjoy this outdoor space.
12. Bold color
While many modern designs make use of muted colors to achieve a tranquil atmosphere, some designs go the opposite way and include a pop of color to add interest and excitement, which is exactly what this bright red modern Trex Pergola Element does for this brewery’s outdoor patio.
13. An industrial edge
The unique L-shaped columns that support this industrial style pergola draw an appealing contrast with the more traditional brick building and stone firepit and wall. Creating shade for the outdoor seating area, this modern pergola design features airfoil rafters for an added architectural detail.
14. Design the shade
A far cry from beams and rafters, this aluminum pergola’s modern design starts at the bottom with its integrated raised platform, travels up streamlined columns, and culminates with a patterned architectural canopy that casts interesting shade markings. A stark white finish enhances its modern appearance.
15. Angle the ends
Rather than featuring traditional decorative scrolled ends, this modern pergola kit utilizes a strong angle on the beams and a blunt edge on the rafters, creating a striking flow to the design that perfectly complements the strong lines of the building.
A pergola will add a new dimension to any space, and pergola kits from Structureworks are available in a variety of materials and colors to help you create your one-of-a-kind modern design.