25 Pergola Ideas That Will Add Style and Shade to Your Backyard
There's no need to travel beyond your backyard a relaxing outdoor retreat.
Country Living editors select each product featured. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?
If you find yourself yearning for an inviting and cool area in your home's green spaces, we understand your restfulness. Creating an outdoor space that's comfortable and cool can be a bit of a challenge—especially if your yard lacks trees to block out the sun's glaring rays. Thankfully, it's super easy to install a pergola kit that provides shade and style to a variety of spaces around your house. If you're DIY challenged and clumsy around a toolbox, consider hiring a contractor to build the pergola of your dreams! Although pergolas are available in a variety of designs and sizes, they all have one primary purpose–to provide cover from the natural elements.
What Is a Pergola?
Pergolas shade owners from the sun’s harsh ultraviolet rays and enclosed styles can keep you dry during periods of heavy rain showers. Pergola is an Italian word with ancient origins and it's derived from the Latin term “pergola” which references a latticework or trellis structure that supports climbing plants. They are distinguishable from gazebos because of their differing dimensions. A gazebo is a freestanding structure with open sides, a roof, and typically constructed in hexagonal or octagonal shapes. Pergolas are structures that consist of parallel columns that hold up an open roof or grid of beams, rafters, or lattice work. They are typically made of wood (and other materials like vinyl and steel) and can be detached or attached to a home.
DIY Options
Pergolas can be customized to include retractable grommet curtains for privacy, incandescent lighting for nighttime lounging, picturesque box planters or hanging planter filled with fragrant herbs or flowers, and ornate trellises for fast growing vines to climb. We found free plans for building your own pergola, as well as fun decorating ideas for existing patio and porch covers. Just be sure to look into whether or not you'll need a permit for your project before you get started, and consider hiring a professional for tough builds.
Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelancer who produces interior design, travel and lifestyle content. Her work is featured in outlets including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, MyDomaine, The Washington Post and The New York Times. Plus, her personal spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz and more.
Janece Maze is Associate Editor at Country Living, where she covers DIY projects, gardening, and travel. When she’s not in the kitchen creating a new recipe with farm fresh ingredients, you can find her on the road heading to a music festival or browsing a local consignment shop.
26 Best Shade Annuals for Bare Spots in the Garden
The 20 Best Wayfair Way Day Gardening Deals 2024
The Simplest Hummingbird Nectar Recipe
25 Beautiful Raised Garden Bed Ideas