What's a Pergola?
A pergola is a four-beam structure with end posts that support crossbeams that run along the top of the structure. They filter the sunlight, offering shade while you enjoy being outdoors. Pergolas are built with a variety of materials: aluminum, plastic, cedar, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), steel and more. Whether a stand-alone unit in the garden, on a patio, a feature on a deck or over a walkway, pergolas can be minimalistic or a striking focal point.
Pergolas are popping up all over the place and for good reason. Outdoor living has become increasingly popular as more people create their personal backyard havens.
Styling Your Pergola
Pergolas are versatile and practical, and can blend in with your outdoor surroundings or be a standout feature. You can add to the beauty of a pergola with personal touches.
Simple and Striking
Catherine and Bryan at Beginning in the Middle turned a drab corner of their yard into a suburban oasis. Spreading sand pebbles over weed cover form the base on which the pergola sits. They built a basic pergola with cedar planks and added a full-height wall of slats for extra shade. Concrete block planters, brown and beige wicker patio furniture and a fire pit complete the look.
Photo Credit: Catherine and Bryan Williamson/Beginning in the Middle
Rooftop Patio Makeover
Kim and Scott from Yellow Brick Home transformed a bare rooftop patio into an outdoor dining and entertaining area. An outdoor rug lends a comfortable feeling, while two swings suspended from the pergola crossbeam give the kids a new place to play.
Photo Credit: Kim and Scott/Yellow Brick Home
Hot Tub Haven
Installing a pergola over a hot tub lets you soak in comfort while being partially shaded. The lattice roof still allows natural light to come through. This white pergola is integrated into the white railing and needs little adornment.
Pergola Accessories
Pergolas are flexible structures that can be dressed up or down. Give your pergola a personal touch with add-ons to suit your style.
Canopies and Shading
The light shade provided from a pergola might not always be enough to shield the heat. Some pergolas come equipped with canopies for shading. You’ll welcome that on days when the sun is beating down on you.
Curtains
Curtains can lend an air of elegance to your pergola. They’re practical and stylish, offer privacy and help to block out harsh sunlight. Choose fabrics that are weather-resistant.
Lighting
Outdoor lighting can add another layer of beauty to your outdoor living space. Whether you’re going for festive or romantic, string lights are an attractive way to dress up a pergola. You can run string lights across or through the beams, wrap them around the post or any other way that suits you.
String lights aren’t the only options for outdoor lighting. Pendant lights can offer a sophisticated touch, and you likely won’t need as many as you would with string lights. Just as appealing are outdoor lanterns, which can hang from the pergola beam or placed on the deck or patio floor.
Plants
To be at one with nature, hang potted plants from your pergola beams. Go bold with vibrant flowers or a more subdued look with long-trailing succulents. All it takes are hooks or a plant hanger. For inspiration, read Easy Hanging Baskets.
If you prefer climbing plants, vines are a great way to decorate. They provide lushness, privacy and shade to the pergola. Plants like climbing roses, bougainvillea and wisteria are great choices. When selecting your vine, read the plant tags to determine which plant works best in your Hardiness Zone.
To learn more about plant tags, read How to Read a Plant Tag for Planting Instructions.
For more on vining plants, read Selecting and Growing Vining Plants.
To build your own pergola, read Deck Pergola With Plant Hangers.