13 Stylish Pergola Ideas to Elevate Your Backyard
Give your space the cozy upgrade it deserves.
A well-designed outdoor space can make you want to spend more time soaking up the fresh air, and a pergola is an easy way to add both function and style to your backyard. Whether you love the look of a rustic wood structure covered in climbing vines or prefer a streamlined pergola paired with modern outdoor furniture, there are plenty of ways to make the feature your own.
"Aside from their practicality, there’s also a certain amount of charm and achievable luxury you immediately get with a pergola," says Kendra Poppy, trends expert at Yardzen, an online landscape designer. "Pergolas are having a moment, and we don’t think they’ll go away anytime soon. Though it’s a simple structure, it can make your backyard feel like more of a destination." To help inspire your own space, our list contains everything from straightforward DIY projects to elevated designs. Read on to find a pergola that's right for your backyard.
Infuse Greenery
Allow climbing and creeping plants to take over your pergola, as landscape architect Janice Parker does in this inviting space. A few of our favorites: ivy, honeysuckle and climbing roses.
Extend Your Living Space
Add a pergola to the front yard or backyard to create the illusion of a larger living space. "One of our favorite ways to incorporate a pergola is to convert a back patio or front entrance into a porch by adding a pergola overhead," says Poppy.
Add Curtains for Privacy
Elevate your pergola with curtains, whether you buy a set or make them yourself. They look great, but they can also help protect you from harsh sunlight, cold winds or rainy weather.
Hang String Lights
Create a dreamy backyard setup with string lights, just as landscape designer Kate Anne does here. The glow lets you enjoy the space at night and creates the perfect ambiance.
Create Backyard Zones
Design a backyard with separate zones, like a dining area, lounging space, and small gardens. "Pergolas create a distinct outdoor room, and at the same time, their open structure allows for connection to the rest of the yard," says Poppy.
Relax With Lounge Chairs
Create your own backyard cabana with a poolside pergola that provides plenty of shade when you need it. Use UV-blocking curtains for further sun protection!
Craft a Cozy Corner
If you've got a corner of your backyard that isn't living up to its potential, consider adding a pergola, along with pavers and comfortable outdoor seating. Here, Tilly Design surrounds the wooden pergola with grass and greenery, making it feel like its own cozy corner.
Choose Natural Stone Flooring
Turn to natural materials like stone and wood to make your outdoor design feel comfortable and relaxed. To keep it casual, the white pergola blends seamlessly with nature.
Add a Roof
While some pergolas are retractable, you can add roofing material to make the structure more permanent. Interior designer Jessica Risko Smith elevates the space with wicker seating, blue cushions, and white round tables.
Protect a Pathway
Use a pergola to shade a walkway, which may even help surrounding plants that can't tolerate full sun. Take a cue from landscape architect Janice Parker and choose a curved design for a more distinctive look.
Choose a Deck Pergola
Protect a beautiful patio design with a wood-slat pergola, then add shades or a retractable screen on the side for extra privacy. Important to note: Don't leave paper lanterns up outdoors for an extended time, especially if it may rain.
Hang Planters
Display your favorite plants and flowers from the roof of your pergola. Just hang them high enough so you can still walk underneath.
Illuminate a Rustic Space With Lanterns
With almost an English cottage aesthetic, this charming backyard pergola is surrounded by a metal dining set, white stone pebbles and lantern-style lighting.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) leads Good Housekeeping’s gift guide strategy. She writes and edits commerce content, where she analyzes lifestyle trends, shopping data, and works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute to recommend top-tested products. Previously, she was the associate lifestyle editor for GH and wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, BobVila.com, and Unique Homes Magazine. When she’s not tracking down buzzy products, you can find her walking her dog, Skye, around Jersey City.
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