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28 Pergola Ideas to Upgrade Your Backyard

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Lisa Hallett Taylor
photo of writer Lisa Hallett Taylor
Lisa Hallett Taylor
Lisa Hallett Taylor is an expert in architecture and landscape design who has written more than 1,000 articles about pool, patio, garden, and home improvement over 12 years. She has a bachelor's degree in Environmental Design and is certified in fine and decorative arts appraisal.
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Lacey Ramburger
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Lacey Ramburger

Lacey Ramburger is a personality expert specializing in Zodiac, Myers-Briggs, and the Enneagram.

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Updated on 05/06/24
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Sarah Scott
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Fact checked by Sarah Scott
Sarah Scott is a fact-checker and researcher who has worked in the custom home building industry in sales, marketing, and design.
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Pergolas are a popular backyard feature that help to structure an outdoor space while providing partial cover from the elements. Installing a pergola on a patio or deck can help to define an outdoor living room, dining area, kitchen or other backyard space.

pergola ideas

The Spruce / Almar Creative

What Is a Pergola?

A pergola is an outdoor structure consisting of columns that support an open roofing grid of beams and rafters. This roofing grid creates partial shelter from the elements. Pergolas may be freestanding or attached to a house.

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What Are the Advantages of a Pergola?

Adding a pergola structure can help to make your backyard more functional and visually appealing. While a pergola doesn't provide total cover from the elements, it can add partial cover that makes it easier to use your patio or deck.

Having clearly defined outdoor zones can encourage you to spend more time outdoors entertaining guests or relaxing. With the growing popularity of outdoor living spaces, the addition of a pergola can enhance your quality of life and may increase the value of your home.

You can build a DIY pergola from scratch or by using a prefab kit as well as hiring a professional to build a custom pergola in a range of finishes and styles that will complement the architecture of your home, making this addition accessible at a range of price points.

Check out these pergola ideas in varying styles, sizes, materials, and budgets for inspiration.

  • 01 of 28

    Extend Your Porch Space

    pergola deck ideas

    The Home Consultant

    Adding a pergola to your deck or patio provides partial shade for your yard while adding architectural interest. The Home Consultant matched a black pergola and decking for a cohesive feel. A simple bench and a hanging swing attached to one of the beams complete the look.

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  • 02 of 28

    Hang Some Curtains

    pergola with curtains ideas

    @kirsten.diane / Instagram

    While plenty of pergolas typically stick to traditional beams with open space in between and a grid or slat-like top, it's not unheard of to add walls to the structure for some privacy. Kirsten Diane hung curtains that can be pulled closed when desired for additional privacy.

    Pergola vs. Gazebo vs. Arbor

    A gazebo is freestanding and has a solid pitched roof, while a pergola's roof is flat and partially open. The terms arbor and pergola are often used interchangeably, but an arbor is more of a structure used to support vines or to direct foot traffic within a garden.

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  • 03 of 28

    Create a Garden Entrance

    pergola with plants ideas

    @ladylandscape / Instagram

    Use a modern pergola-style arbor to create a garden gate in a lushly landscaped backyard. Lady Landscape used asymmetrical plantings to give this outdoor space an effortless feel.

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  • 04 of 28

    Add a DIY Pergola Canopy

    pergola cover ideas

    @luckyplot13 / Instagram

    Create additional shade with a DIY retractable pergola canopy. Lucky Plot 13 added a neutral fabric pergola cover to help shade and protect this outdoor seating area decorated in gray and blush zones.

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  • 05 of 28

    Define Outdoor Dining Space

    outdoor dining area pergola ideas

    The Home Consultant

    Define an outdoor dining area with a pergola. The Home Consultant placed a dining table and chairs beneath a wooden pergola imitates a similar pattern as the square pavers throughout the patio, while also creating a distinct, designated space for people to gather.

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  • 06 of 28

    Try a Metal Pergola

    galvanized metal pergola ideas

    KG Designs

    Wood is far from the only material that can be used to build a pergola. While usually bit pricier than wood, other options include fiberglass, vinyl, or even galvanized metal like this backyard pergola from KG Designs. The plus side of metal is having a unique yard feature, as well as an increased likelihood that it will have a long lifespan.

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  • 07 of 28

    Embrace White and Wicker

    boho-style pergola ideas

    @jcdesign1.1 / Instagram

    This patio space from JC Design has a decidedly boho-style atmosphere thanks to the wicker furniture and lampshades paired with the white pergola and fabrics. The wooden pergola extends out long enough to more than accommodate the seating area and outdoor rug, which can work great for backyards and patio with limited space.

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  • 08 of 28

    Make It Blend In

    backyard patio pergola ideas

    Mindy Gayer Design Co. / Photo by Vanessa Lentine

    Designing a pergola that extends from the back exterior wall of the house using the same materials and colors can be a game-changer. This dark wood pergola from Mindy Gayer Design Co. connects one portion of the house to the other and blends in seamlessly with the architecture.

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  • 09 of 28

    Hang Pergola Drapes

    outdoor space with pergola and curtains

    Dazey Den

    This desert paradise from Dazey Den is divided into zones. Thick curtains made from outdoor fabric provide shade around a pergola seating area, and can be tied back when the sun isn't blazing.

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  • 10 of 28

    Use Natural Materials

    outdoor pergola with reed mats for shade

    @afrobohemianliving / Instagram

    While pergolas are typically made out of wood (and therefore out of natural materials already), other accents added can make all the difference. This outdoor space from Afro Bohemian Living is perfectly shaded by a pergola made of wood, yet the shade at the top is provided by reed mats that can easily be added or removed for convenience.

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  • 11 of 28

    Cover With Greenery

    steel pergola with ivy ideas

    @mintdesignau / Instagram

    Plant ivy or vines to give your pergola a more natural feel. This steel pergola from Mint Design AU is softened with Boston Ivy.

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  • 12 of 28

    Include a Fire Pit

    pergola with fire pit ideas

    @shiplapshanty / Instagram

    Added ambiance is always ideal for a patio or deck setting, and pergolas can provide a great structure to make it happen. This dark wood grid pergola from Shiplap Shanty is decorated with Edison bulb string lights and shelters a fire pit area.

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  • 13 of 28

    Create an Entrance

    back door pergola deck ideas

    The Home Consultant

    Create a transition between your back doors and the deck with a pergola. The Home Consultant used a darker wood stain to define the entrance from the light wood decking and door trim.

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  • 14 of 28

    Build the Perfect Hideaway

    pergola with seating ideas

    @benedictehn /Instagram

    Combine a pergola with a banquette to create an outdoor nook. This space from Benedictehn includes L-shaped seating and partial wood slat walls to create a sense of coziness and privacy.

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  • 15 of 28

    Personalize With Decor

    pergola with hanging chairs

    @cottonofclaire / Instagram

    Ultimately, your outdoor patio should not only accommodate your needs but also reflect your personality. This large, black pergola from Cotton of Claire has a hanging chair and matching hammock for a breezy boho-style feel, and is decorated with a large piece of art for a personal touch.

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  • 16 of 28

    Try a DIY Kit

    diy pergola kit ideas

    @fancyfixdecor /Instagram

    While it makes perfect sense to have a professional build a pergola, Fancy Fix Decor chose a DIY pergola kit to build a partial cover for this detached backyard entertaining space.

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  • 17 of 28

    Keep Things Small and Simple

    small wooden pergola ideas

    @ourclivedenhouse /Instagram

    The perfect sized pergola is the one that fits your needs. This small pergola from Our Cliveden House is just big enough to cover the small DIY deck area built into the ground, giving the space a much more defined presence.

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  • 18 of 28

    Get Colorful

    colorful pergola ideas

    @thishousewemade / Instagram

    While the classic white, black, and wood combo seems to dominate with pergolas, it doesn't mean you should avoid other colors. This House We Made decorated this backyard pergola with lush plants, a tabletop fire bowl, and paper lanterns to make the space feel inviting, but the pop of yellow on the pergola truly makes it shine.

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  • 19 of 28

    Light It Up

    pergola lighting ideas

    @mydarkhome / Instagram

    Transitioning an outdoor space from day to night requires adequate lighting. This pergola from My Dark Home truly lights up the night with string lights, paper lanterns, and candles, ensuring that the evening outdoors doesn't end when the sun goes down.

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  • 20 of 28

    Elevate and Decorate

    freestanding pergola ideas

    @31_thecouncilhouse / Instagram

    This outdoor seating area started as a totally empty space until Christine from 31 The Council House decided to change that. The constructed deck sits on top of the gravel, and the black pergola built on top draws the eyes upward and gives the impression of a larger space. The sheer curtains, matching patio furniture, plants, string lights, and patterned rug are perfect additions.

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  • 21 of 28

    Try a Cantilevered Pergola

    half pergola ideas

    @homeonthegrove / Instagram

    When Emma of Home on the Grove was trying to figure out what to do with an unused section of her patio space, she decided to create a space that would be great to sit and relax in, yet not entirely block the sun. She installed a cantilevered half pergola—which is attached to two legs rather than the traditional four—giving the space a more open feel.

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  • 22 of 28

    Mix Materials

    pergola with wood walls, greenery, and hanging swing

    @westgate_house / Instagram

    Pergolas often tend to match the same material as the surrounding deck or home, but mixing materials can add dimension and texture to your space. Westgate House combined cedarwood, composite decking, and timber, with lighting installed in the seats and outlets constructed behind the pergola.

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  • 23 of 28

    Boost Curb Appeal

    front porch pergola ideas

    The Home Consultant

    It's no secret that adding a pergola can instantly boost your curb appeal—which is exactly why The Home Consultant decided to add one to this Spanish-style home. A warm wooden pergola was constructed at an angle to match the design of the home and finished with a hanging swing.

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  • 24 of 28

    Shade Your Pool Deck

    pool deck pergola ideas

    @mollybrittdesign / Instagram

    Add partial shade to a pool deck with a pergola. This large pergola from Molly Britt Design helps to shelter the outdoor kitchen, with a dark stained wood finish that complements the style of the home.

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  • 25 of 28

    Add Additional Shade Cover

    black wood shade pergola

    @allie_wilson_home / Instagram

    Pergolas provide partial shade, but you can layer it with a screen to make it more opaque. Allie Wilson Home added for a bamboo screen to prevent any unwanted debris from falling into the outdoor seating area.

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  • 26 of 28

    Channel Midcentury Style

    midcentury modern pergola ideas

    A Beautiful Mess

    Complement the style of a midcentury modern home by adding a pergola with clean lines. A Beautiful Mess painted this DIY pergola white for a clean finish that allows the pastel rainbow striped patio to be the focal point.

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  • 27 of 28

    Stain It Dark

    modern black pergola ideas

    Design by Calimia Home / Photo by Jeanne Canto

    Give your pergola a modern feel with a dark brown or black stain. Calimia Home matched the pergola finish with the fencing for a streamlined look.

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  • 28 of 28

    Hang Pendant Lights

    pergola pendant lighting ideas

    Laquita Tate Interior Styling and Design

    A pergola can provide the structure to hang pendant lighting that will structure the space by day and provide ambient light in the evenings. Laquita Tate Interior Styling and Design defined the living and dining areas under this large backyard pergola with woven pendants for a boho-style feel.

DIY Options and Pergola Considerations

Before jumping into a pergola project, consider the following:

  • Orientation: North, south, east, or west-facing.
  • Materials: These can include hardwood to plywood, metals, prefabricated materials, fabric, and glass.
  • Budget: The two most significant expenses will be labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and that's most of us), this is where resourcefulness, smart planning, DIY skills, and creativity come into play.
  • Contractor vs. DIY: Who is going to build it? Will it be a do-it-yourself project, or will you hire a contractor? A prefab pergola kit is an alternative.
  • Building codes: Also, who is going to design it? Most outdoor structures require the approval of a building inspector or planning commissioner. Your local government officials should have guidelines on setbacks and height restrictions.
  • Zoning laws: Do you need to obtain city, county, or regional zoning laws and approvals? Depending on where you live, this process can take a long time, so stay on top of it if you want the project done within the next few months or even years. Committees sometimes meet sporadically, and applications can fall through the cracks. 
  • Attached or standalone: Do you want the pergola attached to your deck or standing alone in the yard with nothing but landscaping around it?

Is it less expensive to buy or build a pergola? 

Assuming you have the carpentry or DIY skills, it is less expensive to build a pergola yourself. The cost of a DIY pergola can run as little as $1,000-2,000 in materials. Bear in mind that the cost will vary depending on the type of materials used and the price of materials in your area.

How many years do pergolas last?

A wooden pergola has a lifespan of approximately five years. Annual cleaning, staining, and sealing can improve its chances of survival by an additional 10 to 12 years.