Landscape Design
16 Pergolas With Standout Style
Latticework, twining vines, louvered tops and other design details elevate this popular feature of outdoor living
Pergolas can be beautiful and hardworking outdoor focal points. Whether your goal is shade, privacy or style — or all three — there are a variety of materials and practical and decorative details to consider for personalization. To get the ideas flowing, see how pros created 16 pergolas that elevate outdoor living.
2. Modern English
With its steel frame and bold cement floor tiles by Clé, this small pergola area is the perfect spot to relax, read and enjoy a breezy afternoon in Santa Monica, California. Landscape designer Catherine Bosler of Bosler Earth Design topped the structure with rustic logs, planted vines to twine up the sides and installed a wood screen along the back for a romantic English garden feel. Twisted jasmine (Jasminum tortuosum, USDA zones 9 to 11; find your zone) and a Japanese maple (Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’, zones 5 to 8) frame the space.
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With its steel frame and bold cement floor tiles by Clé, this small pergola area is the perfect spot to relax, read and enjoy a breezy afternoon in Santa Monica, California. Landscape designer Catherine Bosler of Bosler Earth Design topped the structure with rustic logs, planted vines to twine up the sides and installed a wood screen along the back for a romantic English garden feel. Twisted jasmine (Jasminum tortuosum, USDA zones 9 to 11; find your zone) and a Japanese maple (Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’, zones 5 to 8) frame the space.
Read more about this yard
Shop for patio furniture on Houzz
3. Doubling Up
Ashley Stevens and Jonathan Stevens of Evoke designed and built two steel shade structures with fabric canopies overlooking the backyard of this Denver home. The pergola awnings are made from a durable fabric that blocks the sun’s rays and withstands rain and wind. “They feel really airy and cozy when you’re underneath either of them,” Ashley says. “You have to take them off in the winter, because you don’t want snow sitting on top of them, and then put them back on in the spring.”
The 12-by-19-foot pergola on the left covers the dining area. The 19-by-21-foot pergola on the other side of the patio shades an outdoor lounge. Six-inch-thick pieces of buffed sandstone serve as stepping stones to connect the two spaces.
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What to Know About Adding a Pergola
Ashley Stevens and Jonathan Stevens of Evoke designed and built two steel shade structures with fabric canopies overlooking the backyard of this Denver home. The pergola awnings are made from a durable fabric that blocks the sun’s rays and withstands rain and wind. “They feel really airy and cozy when you’re underneath either of them,” Ashley says. “You have to take them off in the winter, because you don’t want snow sitting on top of them, and then put them back on in the spring.”
The 12-by-19-foot pergola on the left covers the dining area. The 19-by-21-foot pergola on the other side of the patio shades an outdoor lounge. Six-inch-thick pieces of buffed sandstone serve as stepping stones to connect the two spaces.
Read more about this project
What to Know About Adding a Pergola
4. Fireplace Nook
A steel-and-wood pergola shades a lounge area in front of an outdoor fireplace at this Newport Beach, California, home by Garden Studio, Brandon Architects, Brooke Wagner and Patterson Custom Homes.
The custom shade structure visually separates the outdoor seating area from the dining zone and fire pit without interrupting the flow between the spaces. A ‘Joseph’s Coat’ climbing rose (Rosa ‘Joseph’s Coat’, zones 5 to 9) winds up the pergola posts, adding beautiful color, texture and fragrance.
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10 Ways to Refresh Your Patio
A steel-and-wood pergola shades a lounge area in front of an outdoor fireplace at this Newport Beach, California, home by Garden Studio, Brandon Architects, Brooke Wagner and Patterson Custom Homes.
The custom shade structure visually separates the outdoor seating area from the dining zone and fire pit without interrupting the flow between the spaces. A ‘Joseph’s Coat’ climbing rose (Rosa ‘Joseph’s Coat’, zones 5 to 9) winds up the pergola posts, adding beautiful color, texture and fragrance.
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10 Ways to Refresh Your Patio
5. Lattice Look
A custom western red cedar pergola spanning a composite deck is the go-to spot in this Hertfordshire, England, backyard. “We opted for western red cedar for its ability to cope well with the elements and also for its beautiful rust tones,” says designer Henry Scott of Pehrsson Scott. The lattice-style detail on the top and side of the pergola gives it a more contemporary look that contrasts with the soft plantings and provides privacy from surrounding homes without blocking too much sun.
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A custom western red cedar pergola spanning a composite deck is the go-to spot in this Hertfordshire, England, backyard. “We opted for western red cedar for its ability to cope well with the elements and also for its beautiful rust tones,” says designer Henry Scott of Pehrsson Scott. The lattice-style detail on the top and side of the pergola gives it a more contemporary look that contrasts with the soft plantings and provides privacy from surrounding homes without blocking too much sun.
Read more about this yard
6. Entertainment Center
A sturdy pergola defines a couple’s outdoor cooking and lounge space by Partridge Fine Landscapes in Ontario, Canada. The entertaining hub features an extensive outdoor kitchen, bar, seating area and outdoor fireplace. Motorized aluminum louvers overhead allow the homeowners to close the roof and continue the party in inclement weather. Local stone makes up the fireplace and kitchen, tying the space in with the rest of the landscape.
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New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
A sturdy pergola defines a couple’s outdoor cooking and lounge space by Partridge Fine Landscapes in Ontario, Canada. The entertaining hub features an extensive outdoor kitchen, bar, seating area and outdoor fireplace. Motorized aluminum louvers overhead allow the homeowners to close the roof and continue the party in inclement weather. Local stone makes up the fireplace and kitchen, tying the space in with the rest of the landscape.
Read more about this project
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
7. Angled Approach
A triangular-shaped aluminum pergola, custom-built by Skyline Sunrooms and Patio Covers, turns a once-underused poolside yard in San Diego into the perfect spot for enjoying sunset views. Fixed slats overhead provide shade without closing off the space. Melissa Prevost of M Prevost Design worked with Green Room Design Build to rebuild a deteriorating deck that mirrors the pergola’s shape, creating room for a dining and lounge area and improving connection with the home.
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A triangular-shaped aluminum pergola, custom-built by Skyline Sunrooms and Patio Covers, turns a once-underused poolside yard in San Diego into the perfect spot for enjoying sunset views. Fixed slats overhead provide shade without closing off the space. Melissa Prevost of M Prevost Design worked with Green Room Design Build to rebuild a deteriorating deck that mirrors the pergola’s shape, creating room for a dining and lounge area and improving connection with the home.
Read more about this project
8. Desert Rustic
Landscape designer Kathryn Prideaux of Prideaux Design drew from Arizona’s historic Sonoran Desert-inspired architecture when creating this pergola in Tucson. She combined a pre-rusted, sealed-steel frame with a latilla roof — slats made from peeled branches — adding to the yard’s rustic, organic feel. The pergola extends from a backyard grilling station and dining area over part of the narrow pool built by Azure Gallery, shading the water from the hot desert sun.
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While It’s Still Hot Outside, Design a Landscape for Cooling
Landscape designer Kathryn Prideaux of Prideaux Design drew from Arizona’s historic Sonoran Desert-inspired architecture when creating this pergola in Tucson. She combined a pre-rusted, sealed-steel frame with a latilla roof — slats made from peeled branches — adding to the yard’s rustic, organic feel. The pergola extends from a backyard grilling station and dining area over part of the narrow pool built by Azure Gallery, shading the water from the hot desert sun.
Read more about this project
While It’s Still Hot Outside, Design a Landscape for Cooling
9. Rooftop Retreat
A custom steel pergola defines the dining area on this Chicago rooftop. Dual Concept Design, which the homeowner found on Houzz, worked with Chicago Roof Deck & Garden to anchor the pergola to the building with a cantilevered crossbeam, rather than blocking the space with a heavy post. The resulting structure adds shade and architectural interest to the flat expanse without creating visual clutter. “We didn’t want a giant post in the middle that would support the pergola,” designer Paulina Cervantes says. “It created an interesting architectural moment that’s very fitting with the architecture of Chicago.”
The designers also added string lights, LED sconces and planters designed by Kemora Landscapes.
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A custom steel pergola defines the dining area on this Chicago rooftop. Dual Concept Design, which the homeowner found on Houzz, worked with Chicago Roof Deck & Garden to anchor the pergola to the building with a cantilevered crossbeam, rather than blocking the space with a heavy post. The resulting structure adds shade and architectural interest to the flat expanse without creating visual clutter. “We didn’t want a giant post in the middle that would support the pergola,” designer Paulina Cervantes says. “It created an interesting architectural moment that’s very fitting with the architecture of Chicago.”
The designers also added string lights, LED sconces and planters designed by Kemora Landscapes.
Read more about this project
10. Coastal Classic
Architect Caitlin Struble of Winslow Design paired the elegance of neoclassical style with the low-maintenance durability of PVC to design this pergola in Abington, Massachusetts. Spaced slats overhead help block the summer sun without enclosing the space. The cable railing system provides an open bird’s-eye view of the yard and pool below. Neutral furnishings selected by Tracy Parkinson of Nest + Co. and an oversize rattan pendant light add a subtle Shabby Chic vibe.
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Architect Caitlin Struble of Winslow Design paired the elegance of neoclassical style with the low-maintenance durability of PVC to design this pergola in Abington, Massachusetts. Spaced slats overhead help block the summer sun without enclosing the space. The cable railing system provides an open bird’s-eye view of the yard and pool below. Neutral furnishings selected by Tracy Parkinson of Nest + Co. and an oversize rattan pendant light add a subtle Shabby Chic vibe.
Read more about this project
11. Garden Destination
A clear cedar pergola visually widens this narrow backyard in Brooklyn, New York, and draws people into the garden. Harper Design Build and landscape architecture firm Rader + Crews kept the design open and airy while providing light shade and privacy. A ceiling fan adds a cooling breeze that deters mosquitos. “They are terrible fliers, so disturbing the air with a fan keeps them away so that the owners can enjoy the garden in the evenings,” landscape architect Amy Crews says.
Clematis vines planted at the posts will grow up the sides and bring greenery to the pergola. The homeowners have also added sheer sunscreens to the top for more shade and privacy.
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How to Provide Shade in a Small Yard
A clear cedar pergola visually widens this narrow backyard in Brooklyn, New York, and draws people into the garden. Harper Design Build and landscape architecture firm Rader + Crews kept the design open and airy while providing light shade and privacy. A ceiling fan adds a cooling breeze that deters mosquitos. “They are terrible fliers, so disturbing the air with a fan keeps them away so that the owners can enjoy the garden in the evenings,” landscape architect Amy Crews says.
Clematis vines planted at the posts will grow up the sides and bring greenery to the pergola. The homeowners have also added sheer sunscreens to the top for more shade and privacy.
Read more about this project
How to Provide Shade in a Small Yard
12. Elegant Elevation
With its clean lines, this custom powder-coated steel pergola sets the stage for elegant outdoor dining and entertaining at a San Mateo, California, home. Tierra Madre Fine Gardens placed the pergola over a raised slate patio, creating a focal point and some separation from the rest of the yard. A low-voltage chandelier over the dining table elevates the space even more. The metal screen partially covering the structure adds shade on hot summer days.
Read more about this project
With its clean lines, this custom powder-coated steel pergola sets the stage for elegant outdoor dining and entertaining at a San Mateo, California, home. Tierra Madre Fine Gardens placed the pergola over a raised slate patio, creating a focal point and some separation from the rest of the yard. A low-voltage chandelier over the dining table elevates the space even more. The metal screen partially covering the structure adds shade on hot summer days.
Read more about this project
13. Traditional Transition
A pergola was high on the wish list when a Cedarburg, Wisconsin, family asked designer Jim Drzewiecki of Ginkgo Leaf Studio for a family-friendly setup in their blank-slate backyard. After sharing ideas with the clients on Houzz, Drzewiecki created a pergola that complements the home’s proportions and matches its traditional style.
He divided the structure into three bays beneath the support columns. The first, on the left of the photo, offers easy access to the pool from the patio doors. The middle bay is home to the dining area, while the third bay allows the homeowners to extend their dining area seating or add additional furniture for lounging. Drzewiecki also kept the patio floor flush with the doors for a smooth transition from house to yard.
Read more about this project
A pergola was high on the wish list when a Cedarburg, Wisconsin, family asked designer Jim Drzewiecki of Ginkgo Leaf Studio for a family-friendly setup in their blank-slate backyard. After sharing ideas with the clients on Houzz, Drzewiecki created a pergola that complements the home’s proportions and matches its traditional style.
He divided the structure into three bays beneath the support columns. The first, on the left of the photo, offers easy access to the pool from the patio doors. The middle bay is home to the dining area, while the third bay allows the homeowners to extend their dining area seating or add additional furniture for lounging. Drzewiecki also kept the patio floor flush with the doors for a smooth transition from house to yard.
Read more about this project
14. Made for Shade
A large wood pergola provides shade for the dining and lounge area of this San Clemente, California, home. Designer Sacha McCrae of Living Gardens Landscape Design kept the structure light and airy by painting it white. Wicker globe lights add a warming glow at night. McCrae, whom the homeowners found on Houzz, added more interest to the space with a stone fireplace and natural stone pavers.
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12 Outdoor Areas Designed for Fun and Play
A large wood pergola provides shade for the dining and lounge area of this San Clemente, California, home. Designer Sacha McCrae of Living Gardens Landscape Design kept the structure light and airy by painting it white. Wicker globe lights add a warming glow at night. McCrae, whom the homeowners found on Houzz, added more interest to the space with a stone fireplace and natural stone pavers.
Read more about this project
12 Outdoor Areas Designed for Fun and Play
15. Year-Round Retreat
A powder-coated metal pergola at this Bow Mar, Colorado, home renovated by KGA Studio Architects, Elevate by Design and Kaleidoscope Design allows the family to enjoy being outside in almost any weather. The designers added louvered slats to the pergola’s roof so it can be opened or closed as the weather demands. They also included mounted heaters, ceiling fans, integrated lighting and internal drains to encourage year-round use.
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A powder-coated metal pergola at this Bow Mar, Colorado, home renovated by KGA Studio Architects, Elevate by Design and Kaleidoscope Design allows the family to enjoy being outside in almost any weather. The designers added louvered slats to the pergola’s roof so it can be opened or closed as the weather demands. They also included mounted heaters, ceiling fans, integrated lighting and internal drains to encourage year-round use.
Read more about this project
16. Hot Tub Defined
Landscape designer Simon Orchard transformed an unused paved area in the backyard of this home in Hampshire, England, into the perfect relaxation spot with a hot tub. He added a decorative pergola, painted anthracite gray, and string lights to highlight the addition.
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Landscape designer Simon Orchard transformed an unused paved area in the backyard of this home in Hampshire, England, into the perfect relaxation spot with a hot tub. He added a decorative pergola, painted anthracite gray, and string lights to highlight the addition.
Read more about this project
More on Houzz
Read more landscape design stories
Get landscape design ideas
Find a landscape designer or architect
Shop for outdoor products
Landscape architect Micah Rogers of Boyce Design + Build paired a painted aluminum frame with cedar slats to give this pergola in Atlanta modern minimalist style. He continued the slats down the home’s stucco wall, creating a stunning architectural detail.
The pergola measures 14 by 16 feet and spans the deck’s outdoor dining area. Rogers attached the structure to the house, which allowed him to keep one corner free of a support post and open to the rest of the deck. The post is in a less visible spot along the same side of the pergola. String lights add a festive atmosphere at night, and steel-and-cedar railings open up views to the surrounding trees.
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