If you are hoping to add function and beauty to your backyard, you have come to the right place.
From cozy nooks for reading to expansive outdoor dining areas, these pergola design ideas will give you many different styles and layouts to choose from to match your needs.
1. Modern Pergola
This is not the place for any rough carpentry. For this one, you’ll want to call in the professionals to get those side slats positioned perfectly for privacy.
Everything about this design, from the flawlessly constructed floors and roof to the dramatic lighting and impeccably placed seating, is just so polished.
2. Canopy Shades
You can easily thread a canopy through the beams to get more shade on those super sunny summer days.
I love this idea because you can use different colors and designs to match your personality and whatever mood you’re in!
3. Creative Lamps
Adding dramatic details that act as conversation pieces to your pergola is always a fantastic move.
These vintage lamps will give you the illumination you need while also bringing a seriously cool attraction to your yard or garden.
4. Garden Nook
This pergola is absolutely perfect for smaller backyards. It’s all about putting together what’s important.
You have your seats, a table, and a tiled floor, then add the pergola, some potted plants, and a few climbers. It’s a total showstopper.
5. Blue Oasis
I mean, what’s not to love? You get a lovely blue shade, tons of comfy cushions, and privacy screens on one side.
Plus, there’s still a lot of free-flowing air! This has got to be the coolest spot in the whole yard.
6. Splendid Colours
Colors can instantly turn a small and simple pergola into such a delightful backyard feature.
All you have to do is throw in some pillows and a floor mat in lively colors, and just like that, you have an inviting spot ready to go.
7. Deck Perfection
You can totally transform a boring, ordinary deck into something spectacular! It just takes a basic pergola, lots of those gauzy curtains I love, some shabby chic seating, and a bit of creative lighting. It makes such a huge difference.
8. White Lattice Panels
Timeless pergola designs often include white posts and beams, and I’m so here for it.
This is a classic pergola that becomes totally extraordinary with the addition of lattice privacy panels and a sharp black furniture set.
9. Steel Cool
Modern, cool, industrial. I just love this vibe. This pergola design is definitely for the unapologetic, the open, and the honestly confident. It makes such a statement.
10. Garden Swings
Swings are definitely one of the most popular pergola design ideas out there. Instead of going with benches or sofas, you can up your pergola’s playful quirkiness by installing a couple of swings!
11. Etched Roof Screens
Okay, these etched metal shades can take your pergola from just okay to completely extraordinary. Roofs made of iron or aluminum are durable and light, and they offer so many endless design options. It’s a game-changer.
12. Private Corner
Do you need a little privacy, some comfy cushions, and light fixtures in your garden? You can create the most perfect corner nook with this smart pergola design. I just want to curl up there with a good book.
13. Thatched Roof
How fun is this? You can bring the outback right into your home, even if it’s just for a little while.
For special events, you can dress up your pergola by lining it with straw or similar materials to get that outback vibe.
14. Tropical Lush
In this design, the beams are almost totally obscured by lush climbers, and the privacy screens are actual cascades of plant roots.
Paired with rustic seating, the whole look is raw, sultry, and so warmly welcoming!
15. Old Romantic
This classic pergola design is just so charming. It features white rafters, purlins, and side lattices, complete with a comfortable sofa and a small fountain.
It’s absolutely perfect for relaxing outdoors on warm afternoons.
16. Wisteria Fascination
Climbers and pergolas just come together so dreamily! Wisteria shrubs are amazing for this because they add color, dainty flowers, and a glorious scent to your whole garden.
17. Arched Pergola
This amazing pergola is so creatively designed. It’s unique, just the right size, and incredibly lovely! Seriously, what a stunner.
18. Mariners’ Pergola
A pergola by the sea! I am obsessed. It has a wood deck, bare posts and beams, and knotted rope for the purlins.
And that Moroccan lamp adds such an exotic hint that it will take your imagination straight to the seven seas!
19. Iron and Wicker
Black pergola designs are super popular, and for good reason. The dark color perfectly foils the vibrant surroundings.
Here, the wicker furniture and wrought iron railings add such beautiful details and style.
20. Solar Panel Roof
Okay, using solar panels for your pergola roofing is an extremely sensible idea.
You get to maximize your space, enjoy the shade, and take advantage of green energy from the sun. It’s a total win-win for both you and the environment.
21. Pitched Roof with Flower Creepers
Want some shade but can’t decide if a solid roof will stifle the light on your front patio? A pergola is the perfect answer!
The beams and creepers will provide the shade you want and totally up your curb appeal factor.
22. Grid Roof
Are parallel lines feeling a bit too conventional for you? You have to try this grid roof design. It will instantly create a surprising, unique, and totally outstanding pergola!
23. The Zen
This pergola design adds so much height and depth, which really helps a small yard look bigger. The basic black posts, beams, and purlins perfectly match the wood and stone Zen vibe. It’s so serene.
24. Black and Silver
You can infuse something slick and modern into even a lush garden. The intricate metal shade brings a dose of glamour to the edgy, solid black pergola and silver furniture.
25. Pallet Bed Swing
What could possibly be more comfortable than a daybed in your backyard? A swing pallet bed, obviously!
You can dress it up with a colorful mattress and pillows, which is the perfect way to offset the black posts and beams of the pergola.
26. Outdoor Room
You can easily extend your living area just by building a pergola over your terrace. I think this is such a great idea for creating outdoor kitchens and living rooms. It really defines the space.
27. Living Pergola
Using plants for your pergola roof and side panels is so vibrant, green, and beautiful. A living pergola like this also provides a cooler space with fresher, better air quality. It’s just a win all around.
28. White Stone Pillars
I love this idea for injecting a little Grecian touch into your pergola with these white stone posts.
The dark beams match the furniture beautifully, but honestly, it’s the green, lush creepers that take this pergola to absolute perfection.
29. Modern Minimalist
This minimalist construction offers just the bare essentials, and I’m obsessed. You get seating, shade, a privacy screen, and a seriously eye-catching addition to the garden.
It proves you don’t need a lot to make a big impact.
30. Basic Black Pergola
Do you just need something nice to add to your already amazing front yard?
A basic black pergola will define your property without taking any attention away from your perfectly landscaped and manicured yard.
31. Rustic Stand Alone
This classic pergola design really highlights the warm wood hues of the posts and beams. The retractable shades are great because they make it adaptable to your shade needs.
Just add some comfy cushions, and you have an incredibly comfortable outdoor room.
32. White Elegance
White pergola designs are definitely among the most popular because of their elegance and timeless appeal. This is such a great example of understated beauty.
You have clean lines, lovely screens, and a little touch of color from the wrought iron furniture.
33. Wicker Appeal
This basic white pergola becomes instantly more interesting with the addition of white curtains. Then, adding wicker furniture completely transforms it into something quaint, chic, and totally adorable.
34. Rosy Hideaway
You can capture so many beautiful moments in this all-natural, rosy, and rustic pergola. I know that building and creating this beautiful escape might take time, but the results will absolutely be worth the wait.
35. Cushy Corner Nook
This no-fuss pergola gives you everything you need. It offers shade, comfortable seating, and all the privacy anyone needs when they’re relaxing and enjoying the cool air outdoors.
36. Geometric Screens
If you’re ready to steer away from the usual slats, you should opt for more imaginative geometric screens and a geometric roof for your pergola. It creates such an interesting look.
37. Side Curtains
You can infuse an ethereal charm into your garden pergola just by adding gauzy curtains to one or more sides. And you can use different curtain materials to match your needs.
Go for thicker ones for more privacy, or prints and colors for more vibrancy.
38. Retractable Canvas Shade
Need some shade, but only for a few hours a day? The retractable cloth or canvas shade is the perfect solution for you.
You can bring them out when the sun is shining too much, and then pull them in when you need an unhindered view and space.
39. Wood Pallets and Lights
You don’t have to go grand with a pergola. This small-scale installation is made of re-purposed wood pallets. Just add a string of light bulbs, and you have a perfectly charming garden feature.
I used to make things like this when I was camping, it’s so cozy.
40. Backyard Complete Combo
Why not bring all your garden installations together? The firepit, swing, seats, and patio can all be defined and united under one amazing pergola. It creates such a cohesive look.
41. Garden Gate Pergola
No ordinary gate can even compare to this grey pergola entrance. The carved beams and the extraordinary choice of color just promise that amazing things are ahead!
42. Gardener’s Haven
This pergola is the absolute centerpiece of a beautiful, lush garden. The basic pitched design sets such a serene air, and the shabby-chic bench provides all the invitation you’ll ever need.
43. Pergola and Swing
This dreamy pergola and swing combo is great because it can fit into even the smallest yard. It gives you a frame to showcase lovely climbers and a snug seating area to enjoy the beauty of your surroundings.
44. Roof and Water Feature
Nobody can miss this extravagant pergola! The architecture is just awesome and includes clean lines, an eye-catching roof feature, and a matching water installation. What a design feat!
45. Reader’s Nook
Snuggled into the back corner of your home, a pergola with a comfy seat makes the perfect reader’s hideaway. I would spend all my time here.
46. White and Green Classic
Pergolas are such great yard features and separators. This beautiful white and green pergola is the perfect platform to highlight lovely creepers and frame a quaint seating area.
It also nicely separates the pool area from the rest of the garden.
47. Rounded Pergola
You can dress up a bare corner of your home with a rounded pergola. It’s surprising, elegant, and so eye-catching!
48. Rustic Charm
If you put together the warm wood tones of a pergola and the appeal of wicker, you end up with one charming and inviting garden spot. The textures work so well together.
49. Garden Pod
This corner pergola pod brings the utmost comfort and privacy to your outdoor living options. This quaint little box can easily fit into even the smallest of yards.
50. Patio Delight
For an impressive backdoor space or a grand front entrance, you can build a curved pergola right over a patio. It creates such a statement.
