When your outdoor space feels comfortable, functional, and stylish, you’re bound to spend more time enjoying the fresh air. There are countless ways to create a dreamy backyard design with a pergola – whether you prefer a rustic, vine-covered wooden pergola or a simple structure combined with modern garden furniture. Use the garden feature to shade an outdoor dining table, set up a cozy conversation nook, or protect a walkway. From small gardens to expansive patio designs, we’ve rounded up enchanting pergola ideas to elevate your outdoor space and prepare it for outdoor entertaining.
“Apart from its practicality, a pergola also offers a certain level of charm and attainable luxury,” says Kendra Poppy, trend expert at Yardzen – an online landscape designer. “Pergolas have been around for a while and we don’t think they’ll go away anytime soon. Although it’s a simple structure, it can make your garden feel more like a destination – a place you want to stay for a while.”
As you browse these images for inspiration, you’ll find that there are many options – from modern fiberglass pergolas to traditional wood, metal, and more affordable vinyl options. Poppy’s Advice: “Before you decide on a pergola, consider your budget, style preferences and maintenance requirements (wood requires more). Luckily we have easy DIY ideas (think small wooden structures) as well as luxurious add-ons with shade sails, pull-out screens and beautiful outdoor lighting. Start scrolling to find a favorite!